Malta, the scarcely explored Southern European Island situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea has the potential to be the new haven for lovers in the search for peace, solitude, relaxation, as well as a hidden jewel for tourists and thrill seekers.
The scenic beauty and breathtaking architecture of the churches and palaces in Valletta makes the capital city a must-visit. The political, cultural and historical hub of the island, Valletta, boasts to some of the best sights and treats in southern Europe.
Here lies an island steeped in culture, where street events are staged against the capital city’s magnificent baroque architecture, theatre and music adorns the city’s nightlife, and its narrow side streets come packed with tiny shops selling antiques, maps, books, clothing, fashion items and jewellery to delight the shopper.

PLACES TO VISIT

St Johns Co Cathedral and Cathedral Museum
This church was built in the 1500’s. Although the exterior is very plain looking and ‘military-like’ from the outside, the church interior is a Baroque Work of Art. The priceless works of art within the Cathedral are Carvaggio’s Beheading of St John and the St Jerome.
 

Upper and Lower Baracca Gardens
These gardens occupy the elevated space on the ramparts of St. Peter and St, Paul Bastion. The Garden was laid down in the mid 17th century to provide a peaceful retreat for the past time and relaxation of the Knights.

Mdina - The Silent City
Once Malta’s first capital city during the time of the knights of Malta, and also a colonial settlement of Imperial Rome. Its mix of Medieval and Baroque architecture makes it one of the most enchanting places on the island.

Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
The foremost Fishing village and one of the most picturesque localities on the island. The small fishing craft known as the Luzzu and the Kajjik, painted in vivid colours of red, yellow, green and blue float gracefully on the calm waters of the bay. There is a fish market in the morning where the fisherman’s wives sell the catch of the day to the locals and tourists.

WHERE TO STAY
While there is plenty of affordable accommodation in Malta, it’s really best appreciated as a getaway, and a bit of lavish pampering certainly won’t go amiss.
This is precisely why the Fortina Spa Resort invites you to Malta, to simply indulge and retreat yourself into a romantic cocoon at the 17 storey, five-star luxury hotel. With magnificent sea views overlooking Valletta’s harbour’s imposing yet magical bastion walls, this medieval sanctuary is home to six award-winning restaurants and one of the world’s grandest spas, offering over 200 treatments inspired from all corners of the globe.
The spa is divided into four sections: Thalasso Therapy Spa, Spa Sante, Belle Epoque and Hypogeum. At this super-sized, supersonic spa, guests are simply spoilt for choice. You can take a dip in the vast pool, stretch at a palates or yoga class, but if chilling is your thing, book some time in for some serious spa relaxation. The treatment menu is vast with therapies inspired from the Caribbean, Far East and Europe.
Spa Sante is the section geared towards those wishing to detox and de-stress and let’s face it, that’s most of us. Frazzled urbanites can unwind in one of the 12 de-stressing extravaganzas that last between two to three hours. Those struggling to choose between the infinite array of treatments and therapies will find the spa experts and therapists are on hand to prescribe the sort of health and beauty solutions for your entire specific needs.
Alternative treatments included in the spa range from traditional ones like facials, massages, and beauty treatments like muds, scrubs, wraps, baths, and even treatments performed by their Cosmetic Dermatologist, Skin Surgeon to meet the individual needs of all ages, skin-tones, to achieve maximum and long lasting results.

Therapeutic Spa Bedrooms
Romance and pampering are Fortina’s dual priorities for their guests so they have designed the world’s first spa bedrooms. Those looking for a romantic retreat will be spoilt for choice between the various complementary treatments or essential oils. Whether they decide to indulge in some naked clay application, a frolic in the shower which becomes a steam chamber at the flick of a switch or dim the twinkling lights and descend into spa bath designed for two sharing, the spa bedroom is designed to boost intimacy and romance.
Romance is even guaranteed for lovers once they venture outside spa bedrooms. They’re all equipped with a private balcony and a hot tub and some even have private swimming pools for romantic swims in the moonlight. After a stay in one of the spa bedrooms, couples can rest assured that they will be looking good, in tip-top condition and feeling great.
And with four swimming pools and six delectable restaurants, don’t forget – there’s a beautiful island waiting for you beyond the walls of the resort!

• For further information about The Fortina Spa Resort, log onto www.hotelfortina.com