As a tiny group of islands in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a water-lover’s wonderland, where some people’s idea of a good soak is in the crystalline seawater itself, admiring the underwater marine life through the lens of goggles and with a snorkel. For others, a relaxing dunk means indulging in the creature comforts of luxury travel; they head straight to the Malta spas.

Relaxing by the side of any body of water is an essential part of the vacation unwind. Whether it’s a pool naturally carved into a limestone rock inlet by the Mediterranean sea or manmade creation of indulgence and pleasure, whether you want to plunge or splurge on an island like Malta, Malta has picturesque pleasures aplenty.

At the Water’s Edge

The main island of Malta has world-class bays and beaches on all sides. A combination of sun-bleached limestone rock formations and the clear, deep turquoise waters leaves visitors rubbing their sunglass lenses in disbelief. Legendary coastlines such as the Blue Grotto and the fringe of Malta’s sister island of Gozo are the stuff of island vacation fantasy. The underwater landscape is just as mesmerizing.

The sand, sun and sea of Malta attract droves of tourists to the most popular spots on the island. Is there anything left for those seeking the quiet pleasures of a sea swim without a thick crowd of sunbathers to trip over? Yes there is. Avoid the masses at a secret little bay known as St. Peter’s Pool, then treat yourself to the privacy and deep relaxation of luxury spa treatment.

St. Peters Pool: A Natural Haven for Swimming and Diving

St. Peter’s Pool is situated on the southern coast of Malta at the tip of Delimara Point, which overlooks Marsaxlokk Bay. It is surrounded by some of the more traditional island scenes: harbours for fishing boats, small villages, limestone quarries and local markets that are off the trampled mass-tourism path. On this southern side of the island, the water is some of the clearest and most beautiful that one can see on the Maltese Islands.

St. Peter’s Pool is a rocky inlet that almost looks like a swimming pool carved naturally into the rocks. It is popular amongst locals from nearby villages; however, it is rarely ever crowded since it is somewhat hidden and not easy to reach. Day-trippers need to be willing to do some travelling and walking to get to this stunning spot. The walk is part of the pleasure, giving way to coastal views all along the way.

The reward is a perfect postcard moment. From the pool’s edge, there is a drop of several metres into the water. The daring just jump in and enjoy. For the more inhibited, there is a lower entry point from which it’s easy to float out with a snorkel and stare into a subaquatic dreamscape.

Luxury Spa Treatment

After this off-the-beaten-track day trip, some pampering and relaxation might be in order. One advantage of Malta’s mass-tourism infrastructure is the upscale treatment facilities in spas and resorts at all the most popular areas of the island.

The city of Sliema is the place to splurge in Malta spas. It is home to some of the most exclusive shopping districts, and the hotels in Sliema are some of the most modern in Malta, specialising in world-class wellness centres and spas. One of the newest additions is the five-star Fortina Hotel and Spa Resort. Between four different spa locations, they have a menu of over 400 different spa indulgences, making it a premier facility.

For a more local experience, Le Meridien Hotel has its own wellness centre, the Lotus Spa Myoka, where personalised treatments pamper the body and mind. A highlight of the Lotus Spa Myoka is the indoor heated pool in a beautifully landscaped atmosphere. To catch the rays of Mediterranean sunshine, you can also wander out to La Bajja outdoor pool.

Thinking of going to Malta? Contact EC Meetings, the whl.travel local connection in Malta. As a small destination-management company working on the ground in Malta, the EC MEetings enthusiastic team of travel experts knows more about the distinctive accommodations and tours on the islands than almost anybody. Check out their selection of Malta hotels and Malta tours.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 at 10:00 am and is filed under the following categories: