Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay

The Corinthia Hotel St. Georges Bay is a huge waterside resort with plenty of space for lounging or socializing, and none of the typical early-morning battle for prime lounge chair space. Although the sandy public beach is a five-minute walk from the property, there are gorgeous sea views from each of the four swimming pools, and the Lido -- the hotel’s bayside club -- offers spectacular swimming and water sports off a rocky outcropping.

The lobby and indoor common spaces are vast, with neoclassic touches such as columns adding refinement, but overall the look falls a touch short for an advertised five-star property. Although the resort is family-friendly, it lacks the boisterous entertainment programming day and night typically found at other properties. Rather, it's a quiet, restful spot, with plenty of options for athletes, dive enthusiasts, and avid sun worshippers. 

The Corinthia Hotel St. Georges Bay is located on the bay, and has a private stepped cement platform area fronting the water as well as a water sports center. The hotel is in a secluded, relaxing area of Malta, but close to the nightlife district and area hot spots. A free shuttle ferries guests around the area all day long. There is a public (sand and shingle) beach within a five-minute walk --  and Paceville, Malta’s chaotic nightlife district is a 10-minute walk away. The airport takes around 15 minutes to reach by car.  

Rooms at the Corinthia Hotel St. Georges Bay are large and spotlessly clean, with picture windows and large furnished balconies, most with beautiful sea views. The decor is a tad generic -- it's upscale but lacks charm or stand-out design elements. The dark furniture is attractive but the wall-to-wall carpet doesn’t exactly scream “beach resort.” Bathrooms are clean but small, with shower/tub combos and plenty of counter space, but the tile and design are a little old-fashioned. Light sleepers should note that rooms facing the hotel’s bar can be noisy until the wee hours.

The Corinthia Hotel St. Georges Bay offers a wide variety of dining options, including the fine dining Caviar & Bull, which serves modern Maltese cuisine and molecular cocktails. On the other end of the spectrum, Henry J. Bean’s is a casual, fun, all-American tavern, with a rustic, country vibe in which a mechanical bull would not be out of place. Buddhamann serves Asian fusion cuisine, and other hotel options include classic Mediterranean and a light menu served poolside. The Pearl Lounge specializes in champagne cocktails and Bellinis, in a space that combines Art Deco style with modern touches, such as Lucite cocktail tables. The common thread among all the restaurants, bars, and sundecks is their gorgeous bay view. 

Swimmers can choose between one indoor pool (in the spa) or three large outdoor pools -- one of which is for adult only. There's also a kids' pool, but the hotel lacks a playground or kids' club. There's also bay swimming off the hotel's private cement seafront area, which also features a sandy beach volleyball court and a water sports center from which guests can borrow or rent canoes, snorkel equipment, jet skis, and paddle boats. The Starfish Diving School offers dives for first-timers or boat excursions for more advanced divers; certification is available. 

The Apollo Day Spa has a menu of beauty services --such as hair styling -- along with treatments that range from Ayurveda to reflexology. The spa also has an indoor pool, a big sauna, and a peaceful hot tub. The fitness center is large, bright, and well-equipped with cardio machines, tons of free weights and physio balls, a heavy bag, and personal trainers. However, it costs extra to access. Finally, guests who crave privacy or have business to accomplish can take advantage of the Executive Club, with its private breakfast, free snacks and drinks, balcony, and computer stations. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but on-site parking costs extra.