By Albert Fenech
The renowned and highly influential US journal/gazette “The Wall Street Journal” has just listed the five top areas throughout the world to visit during 2025, and Malta is one of those areas.
This is in great contrast to the nitwit and greedy Director, Scott Ridley, who produced the film “Gladiator” in Malta after snapping up almost 40 million euros of Malta Government and community funds and then declaring that “Malta is not a country worth visiting”
Writing online, The Wall Street Journal based its choice on the satisfaction of all, including those who love to relax, those seeking adventure and those who wish to discover and experience new cultures.
Malta was described as having a fascinating story and thus has featured as a background setting for the production of main Hollywood cinema productions and televised films.
At the latest count there are just over 300 accommodation places in Malta including a number of Five Star hotels, a substantial number of Four Star and less and a number of Guest Houses.
This is one accommodation establishment for every square kilometre of land in Malta and Gozo and I hazard to assume this is the highest proliferation throughout the world!
So, planning a trip to Malta whether on holiday or for business and money no problem? These are the top Five Star hotels in Malta and Gozo:
Hotel Phoenicia – Floriana

Corinthia Palace Hotel – Attard
Kempinski Hotel – San Lawrenz, Gozo
Radisson Blu Resort – St. Julian’s
The Westin Dragonara Resort – Dragonara
InterContinental Malta – St George’s Bay

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa – St Julian’s
Prices depend on the season of course, January (winter) being the cheapest but steadily rising to top prices in summer/autumn. Prices naturally depend on whether single or twin, just lodging, including bed and breakfast or full board. The current room rate solely is approximately one hundred euro on twin basis but may exceed 250 euro in the height of summer.
The Hotel Phoenicia
This was the brainchild of the influential Strickland family in the late 1930s. Designed by the Scottish architect William Binnie it officially opened its doors on 3rd November 1947, its construction having been interrupted by WWII. From the start it was a great attraction to the rich and famous, the most being Princess Elizabeth and Philip the Duke of Edinburgh who frequently dined and danced there when they resided in Malta for two years and later visits by the late Queen Elizabeth II. From the 1950s onward it became the hotel for all British European Airways (BEA) crews providing a London-Malta aerial artery.
A Five Star hotel, it is conveniently situated within walking distance of the capital Valletta, has splendid gardens, a tennis court. Tunnels which extend below Valletta and can be explored and a luxurious swimming pool.
INFO@PHOENICIAMALTA.COM

The Corinthia Palace Hotel
Inaugurated in 1968 by the late HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, the Corinthia Palace has remained an iconic boutique operation with 152 rooms located adjacent to the Presidential Palace and San Anton Botanical Gardens. The bespoke property started out as a fine-dining restaurant in a century-old country villa, opened in 1962 by the Corinthia’s founder and Chairman, Alfred Pisani and his family. The hotel was constructed in the villa’s extensive gardens some years later. Today it remains the grande dame of Malta’s hotel industry, with dining, meetings, gym, pool and spa complementing its luxury accommodation.
ihi@corinthia.com


Kempinski Hotel – Gozo
Last year, Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz in Gozo celebrated 20 years of delivering enticing and meaningful experiences to its guests! An exclusive Kempinski Soirée took place on 30 June 2024 following a series of festivities.
The hotel was officially inaugurated on 29 June 1999 with the name of San Lawrenz Leisure Resort, but two years later joined Europe’s oldest luxury hotels Kempinski group.
One great attribute is peace and quiet. San Lawrenz is a small and sleepy village. One drawback is that on the outer edge of the village is a very busy road which leads to the Dwejra Inland Sea and Fungus Rock probably the greatest attractions in Malta and Gozo.
Info.sanlawrenz@kempinski.com


Radisson Blu Resort
A stunning seaside retreat awaits guests at the Radisson Blu Resort in St. Julian’s. Nestled along the sparkling Mediterranean coastline, this resort offers a tranquil escape with uninterrupted sea views. From its shimmering waterfront to Malta’s sister island, Gozo, every moment is framed by natural beauty. The stylish rooms and suites feature a private balcony or terrace, allowing one to take in the breathtaking vistas. There are four distinct dining outlets.
This resort boasts two outdoor pool decks, an indoor pool, a gym, and two tennis courts. Unwind at the boutique spa and wellness centre or dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean with lessons from an on-site diving school. For meetings and events, the versatile event spaces can cater for every need. With five flexible meeting rooms, spacious indoor and outdoor venues, and stunning views, it provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay.
reservations.stjulians@rdbmalta.com


The Westin Dragonara Resort
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in St Julian’s, The Westin Dragonara Resort offers two private beaches, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, one of which is heated, and three restaurants. Reception is open 24 hours a day. The spacious, air-conditioned accommodation features a terrace with views of the sea. Each room comes with a mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, and LCD TV with satellite channels.
Some suites offer a spa bath, and some rooms include access to the Executive Club Lounge. Free WiFi is available in the lobby and in the restaurant. Guests can relax in the hot tub, enjoy a massage, or sit out on the Bayview sun terrace, equipped with free sun beds and parasols. The gym is complete with modern machineries and weights. The resort is a 5-minute walk from St Julian’s Bus Terminus and 800 metres from St Julian’s Bay. Free parking is available on site.
westindragonara@booking.com


InterContinental Malta
InterContinental Hotel Malta proudly opened its doors to the public on 18th January 2003. Throughout the years the hotel has worked on its vision of becoming the Mediterranean’s leading hotel of distinction, while continuing to define new luxury on the Maltese Islands.
This desire for excellence has led to a number of features including the exceptional comforts of Club InterContinental Lounge, the elegance of Highline Suites and a grand Conference Centre.
InterContinental Hotel is a non-smoking hotel, including guest rooms.
Malta@ihg.com



Malta Marriott Resort & Spa
Situated in an ideal location in Balluta, Sliema which is one of Malta’s most-visited and most sought haunts, the resort serves as a sought-after recreational hub for swimming, diving, and water sports. A charming piazza, encircled by cafes and restaurants, adds to the allure. The skyline is graced by the neo-gothic Carmelite Parish Church and the breathtaking Art Nouveau Balluta Buildings.
Tel: +356-2311-2109
Albert Fenech
salina46af@gmail.com