Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa

The Maritim Antonini Hotel & Spa's facade is simple, modern, and straightforward, with balconies hanging over the sidewalks and marble pillars lining the entryway. Inside is where it really picks up: the striking marble lobby is accented by a black and gold statement wall behind reception and a peek into a seating area with vibrant red sofas. There are plenty of places for guests to relax throughout the hotel, including the gorgeous landscaped gardens with cabana-style seating, green hedges, palm trees, and tropical foliage that are secluded and peaceful. A rooftop terrace with a pool and stunning vistas of the surrounding area is another pleasant spot. The resort has a laid-back and romantic atmosphere, with couples nuzzling in the pools and on woven sofas. Families with children are also drawn here by the several indoor and outdoor pools with terraces that stay busy, but are never too crowded, throughout the day.

Set on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Parish Church of Mellieha, the hotel is surrounded by Mellieha’s historic sights, like the Parish Church (a five-minute walk from the property) and plenty of restaurants. The hillside location means travelers should expect uphill climbs, unless they drive or take a cab to and from certain sections of town. Malta’s largest beach, Ghadira Bay, takes about 10 minutes to reach from the Adenau bus stop, which is just around the corner from the hotel (ambitious guests can make the trip in 30 minutes on foot, but it will be hilly on the return). Mellieha lacks the nightlife of more touristy Malta locations and restaurants typically close early in the evenings. For a livelier atmosphere, St. Julian’s and Paceville are about an hour away by bus, or 30 minutes by car or taxi. Valletta, Malta's capital and home of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, is one hour and 30 minutes away by bus, or 45 minutes by car. Ferries to Gozo and Comino Islands depart from the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, which is a 15-minute bus ride, or 10-minute drive, from the hotel, while Malta International Airport takes about 40 minutes to reach by car.

Guest rooms are spread between two buildings, with the quieter Wing A accessible via a tunnel. Rooms are spacious, starting at 269 square feet (25 square meters), and thanks to 2016 renovations, they're airy and elegant. Champagne and cream tones, plus plump white duvets, make for a sophisticated, serene stay, enhanced by whitewashed contemporary furniture. Framed wall art is generic, but adds a pop of color. All rooms have air-conditioning, desks, minibars, beach towels, electric kettles alongside tea and coffee, safes, and flat-screen TVs, while irons and slippers are available upon request. With the exception of Standard Rooms, all rooms also have furnished balconies overlooking the gardens, the street, Mellieha town, and/or the Mediterranean. Attractive marble bathrooms have large wood vanities and raised sinks, shower/tub combos or stand-up showers, outdated hairdryers, and toiletries. Suites and upgraded rooms have more stylish furnishings, bathrobes and slippers, and sofa beds in generous sitting or living/dining areas. Family Superior Suites offer two bathrooms and two balconies. The stylishly designed two-bedroom Penthouse Suite has light-wood laminate floors, dark-gray textiles, a terrace hot tub, and two bathrooms, while the La Salita Suite also has a kitchen, two bathrooms, a private pool, rooftop terrace with Mediterranean views. While most rooms are quiet here, some street-facing rooms do pick up a bit of exterior noise. 

Families and couples are drawn to this resort for many reasons, including the three indoor and outdoor pools that were renovated in 2016. The rooftop pool has a bar and terrace that overlook the Parish Church and Mediterranean Sea, while the second pool bar is beside the garden pool, which features a covered shallow section. The attractive Le Spa provides upscale pampering, a freshwater hot tub, ice grotto, and sauna and steam rooms, as well as a modern fitness center with wood laminate floors (free for guests), a wide selection of equipment, personal trainers, and a studio hosting yoga and Pilates.For on-site dining, meal plans are available, and guests have a choice between the elegant Les Jardins Restaurant that serves the resort's buffet meals -- including the excellent included breakfast -- and features live cooking stations, and Al Ponte Restaurant & Pizzeria, which is popular with tourists and visitors from across the village. Both were renovated in 2016 with beige-centered themes that are lovely, if not particularly atmospheric. A frequented Asian restaurant sits on the roof, and the resort also has a deal for discounts at the adjacent Arches Wine Bar & Restaurant, a more formal setting with stylish decor and an international menu. Apart from the pool bars, there are also 120 Bar, which feels like an English pub with live sports on multiple flat-screen TVs, and Le Mirage Bar in the lobby, which offers cocktails and live music.There are a computer corner in the lobby, free and reliable Wi-Fi throughout, and meeting and event space for up to 200 guests. The hotel offers a free beach shuttle with limited service in the summers, and transfer to the cruise terminals, ferries, and the airport can all be arranged for a fee. Babysitting and laundry services are both also available. Secure underground parking is on-site, but many travelers have complained of a too-tight space that makes maneuvering cars difficult.