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Malta:

Malta enjoys the warmest weather on average in the whole of Europe, making it the perfect place for a last-minute getaway this summer.

Its dramatic history includes being ruled by Romans, Moors, the French and the British, meaning that English is widely spoken and its cities are full of amazing cultural treasures – from ancient temples to the stunning Renaissance buildings in the capital, Valletta.

Not to mention its beautiful beaches, like the stunning Blue Lagoon, which is home to dolphins and sea lions. A trip to Malta combines the best of ancient Europe with the kind of paradise island scenery that you’d normally have to take a long-haul flight to experience. To get you in the mood for a Maltese holiday, we’ve picked out some of the best hotels, from luxurious five-star resorts to atmospheric boutique B&Bs

Ursulino Valletta, Valletta

This modern boutique B&B is right by some of Valletta’s most popular attractions, including the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Manoel Theatre, and features a beautiful roof terrace where you can eat breakfast while gazing out across the dreamy blue sea.

Original artworks from Ursulino Valletta’s private collection hang on the walls, and the gorgeous contemporary suites come with a plush living area and mezzanine sleeping quarters.

Casa Rocca Piccola B&B, Valletta

Fancy staying in a real Renaissance palazzo in the historic centre of Valletta? Then look no further than this romantic B&B inside the ancestral home of the 9th Marquis de Piro and his family.

The five bedrooms at Casa Rocca Piccola B&B are packed with period features, antique curios and beautiful ornate furnishings, plus there’s a gorgeous terraced garden for enjoying breakfast in the fresh air.

Part of the building is also a popular museum, where you can learn about Malta’s history through the lives of the palace’s aristocratic owners.

AX The Palace, Sliema

Located in stylish Sliema, a buzzing, affluent town on Malta’s north-east coast, AX The Palace is kitted out with contemporary rooms, a rooftop spa and infinity pool, as well as a choice of five places to eat and drink.

Dine on east Asian-inspired dishes with views out across Sliema’s harbour in the ninth-floor TemptAsian, or head up to the roof for cocktails and pizza at one of Malta’s coolest night-time venues. Rooms here range from light and modern Comfort Rooms overlooking the hotel atrium, through to Designer Suites, each themed around one of the five senses.

The Phoenicia Malta, Valletta

One of Malta’s grandest and most famous hotels, The Phoenicia was a favourite of the Queen when the British ruled over Malta in the early 20th Century, and has kept plenty of its effortless Art-Deco style.

Set just outside Valletta’s city walls, the luxury Malta hotel boasts an infinity pool overlooking the harbour, a lovely sun terrace and an indoor pool and spa. Elegant marble interiors and wooden ceiling fans keep the hotel cool during the summer months, and the main restaurant serves inventive seasonal dishes, with much of the produce grown on-site in the kitchen garden.

My Travel House, Rabat

Perfectly situated for soaking up the rhythms of village life in sleepy Rabat, now a suburb of Mdina, this beautiful stone townhouse is a great place for exploring Malta’s historic north. Discover Roman villas and ancient catacombs nearby, or head to a nearby café to enjoy the buzz of local life.

My Travel House has simple, comfortable rooms – one with a balcony overlooking Rabat’s ancient pedestrianised streets – as well as a roof terrace where guests can relax over breakfast in the sun.

Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour Hotel, Senglea

Perched opposite Valletta the Cugó Gran Macina is one of Malta’s most prestigious hotels.

Its exterior fortress walls give way to an ultra-modern look inside, and the facilities are second to none, with a stylish pool and deck overlooking Valletta’s iconic harbour, and an elegant bar and restaurant where the award-winning kitchen team conjure up sophisticated takes on traditional Maltese cuisine.

Spotted in goodhousekeeping

Best hotels and luxury travel in Malta