Set just outside the small village of San Lawrenz, in a quiet area away from the main roads, the hotel's location is perfectly peaceful. Nothing on Gozo - an island measuring just 8.5 by 4.5 miles - is very far away. You're just a six-minute drive from the nearest beach (up until 2017, when it collapsed, you would have had incredible views of the natural arch, the Azure Window) and a ten-minute drive from the capital, Victoria. Souvenir hunters should make a beeline for the Ta'Dbiegi Crafts Village, a three-minute walk away, where local artisans sell traditional products from hand-made lace to pottery. Dwejra Bay, with its dramatic coastal backdrop, is perfect for swimming.
By plane: flights to Malta from London take 3 hours 15 mins; flights from Manchester take 3 hours 35 mins. It's a 50-minute drive from the airport to Cirkewwa, from where the ferry crossing to Gozo takes 25 minutes. Free parking on-site. Book flights to Malta.
The exterior impresses, as due to its heritage-style design, the hotel gives the impression of being a lot older than it is (in fact, it originally opened in 1999). With so many rooms, however, it can feel like a bit like a mission to get to your own, passing through various rather bland corridors and stairwells. Overall, however, it is largely pleasant and agreeable.
If you don't plan to leave the hotel much, you will find plenty to do. There is a fitness centre and tennis court, a spa and Ayurvedic centre and a choice of swimming pools, including outdoors. Restaurants include the main L'Ortolan, al fresco Trattoria San Lawrenz and Il-Baldakkin Lounge, and grill and fish restaurant, Gazebo. You can also relax with a drink at the Pool Bar.
- Two restaurants
- Bar
- Swimming pools
- Shuttle service
- Gym
- Spa
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Our standard room could have benefited from an upgrade on the design front, as it lacked somewhat in personality, with rather basic furniture and few decorative touches. The bathroom had both a bath and walk-in shower, with dark marble flooring and walls. There was, however, a balcony offering an attractive view over the outdoor pool and gardens.
Room types: Standard Room, Deluxe Room, Grand Deluxe Room, Suites, 1-3 Bedroom Apartments
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, tea and coffee facilities, desk, TV, free Wi-Fi
Of the three larger restaurants, L'Ortolan specialises in Maltese and Mediterranean dishes - expect local ingredients to include rabbit, octopus and aubergine - while Trattoria San Lawrenz focuses on Italian and Il-Baldakkin Lounge on lighter dishes like soups, salads and sandwiches. Gazebo only opens seasonally, for grilled meat and fish, and the Pool Bar serves snacks and drinks.
L'Ortolan: international and European-influenced flavours, buffet and à la carte breakfasts. Open daily for breakfast and Fri-Mon for dinner.
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