As the Summer month’s slowly creep up on us you had better start thinking of getting those 2017 holidays booked up as soon as possible. Here at #TeamCoco we’re all for the cheap and cheerful city breaks especially when it includes a bit of sun, good food and idyllic luxury hotels. Malta, the unlikely destination which according to National Geographic and Bloomberg has been named one of the Best Places to Visit in 2017.

Our Lifestyle Writer, Helena,visited the city of St Julian’s on the tiny island. Slowly rising more and more as a millennial must-travel destination this year you would be surprised at exactly what Malta has to offer, and with the temperatures beginning to heat up there’s no better time to visit. Malta is rich in history and culture and the ideal place to explore, do some activities or just relax and enjoy the numerous amazing restaurants and bars on offer.

How to get there:

Malta couldn’t be easier to get to, the national airline Air Malta operates flights to and from all the major airports in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Other low-cost airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair also fly to and from Malta in just 3 hours. St Julian’s is only around 20 minutes from the airport.

What to do:

Spend the day sun lounging at St. Georges Bay, the beach here is quite small but centrally located, surrounded by shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Take a day trip to Gozo – A 20 minute bus from St Julian’s and then hop on the ferry www.gozochannel.com, visit the stunning Azure window, historic churches and temples and beautiful beaches, perfect for scuba diving.

Paceville is the spot for the night-owls and party animals, heavily populated with nightclubs, bars, strip clubs, pubs and restaurants, and is the most important nightlife hub on the island. Don’t expect places to close early either, not even on a week day!

Take a ferry to Comino. The Blue Lagoon Bay between Comino and Cominotto Island has crystal clear blue water and caves, one of the best beaches on the island. Such a beautiful spot to spend a lazy sunny afternoon.

Annie Mac Lost and Found Festival takes place on the Island from 13-16 April at St Pauls Bay, with a wide selection of DJ’s and everything from all night raves, castle parties and boat parties for 3 days, why not see Malta and squeeze in a festival at the same time. Get all the info here.

Where to stay:

Hugo’s Boutique Hotel

The latest chic addition to the St Julian’s area, which just opened in the Summer of 2016. The hotel towers above the celebrated entertainment district of Paceville with an enormous H which is extremely hard to miss, and nightlife right on your doorstep. This can be both a blessing and curse. It is probably the most modern and shiny building in the area which seems to be surrounded by many other under-construction sites preparing for the busy Summer months in Malta, Hugo’s Boutique Hotel stands out in it’s own way, and not just the exterior but additionally once you enter.

The individually designed rooms all have absolute stand-out décor with an extravagant feel. The rooms are extremely high-tech with everything controlled by your very own easy-to-use personal in-room tablet (provided on check-in) which enables you to effortlessly control everything from music to lighting, and even drawing the curtains, which means you actually don’t have to get up at all. This tablet also acts as a digital concierge and allows you to order room service at ease, book a tour, browse the internet and much more.

The Jacuzzi suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and sea-views is highly recommended. The Signature Suites also include a private terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi, seating area and round bed which moves.

This Summer the rooftop infinity pool and bar will be ready for full use, with Malta reaching temperatures of 27 degrees in the Summer, and just one minute walk to the beach it’s the ideal destination and hotel for your 2017 trip. This stylish hotel definitely sets itself apart from the rest. Small and sophisticated catering to everything you may require.

Double rooms start from £70 per night.

www.hugoshotels.com/hotels/hugos-boutique-hotel

Where to eat:

If you’re craving some Pan Asian/Dim Sum Bacco Sticks & Sum by Hugo’s is the place to be. I’ve heard there aren’t many dim sum spots in Malta and this is the first in St Julian’s and it is absolutely perfect. Located centrally on the steps of Paceville, ideal for a chilled out dinner and a few cocktails before your night out. With more than 20 varieties of steamed, grilled and deep-fried dumplings, there’s a wide selection on the menu to choose from. The restaurant presents a modern design with high stools, a fully-stocked cocktail bar and deep house playing in the background, you may even spot Hugo himself manning the DJ booth. Besides the dim sum and skewers, Bacco also serves soup, the most delicious rice and noodle dishes as well as some bigger dishes such as Cantonese roasted duck and roasted pork belly.

Malta has such close relations to Italy with their traditional dishes having a strong Sicilian influence. Hugo’s Pizza and Pasta, the brand new pizza and pasta spot in St. Julian’s is no disappointment and a must-visit. Many of the dishes have a fusion twist – with unusual ingredients like candied walnuts, yellow curry, coconut milk, ginger and oyster mushrooms. However, there are also the more traditional and extravagant favourites, like truffle cream, bacon roulades, Mozzarella fior di latte, and top quality Parmesan.

For a sweet treat Riva Reno Gelato provide tasty authentic gelato and desserts serving generous portions. As well as tasty brownies, waffles and crepes.

Where to go for a drink:

Hugo’s Terrace and Rooftop Bar is a top notch setting in a flawless location. Famed for its ultra stylish décor, impeccable service, mouth watering classic and contemporary cocktails, uniquely inspired Mediterranean cuisine and live performances by local and international artists, Hugo’s Terrace also provides its clientele with luxurious VIP sofa seating, fully stocked bars, a dancefloor and free wi-fi. In addition, The Rooftop on Hugo’s Terrace offers breath-taking views of the beach and surrounding skyline as well as indoor and outdoor dining options.

Twenty-Two is Malta’s most exclusive nightclub and lounge bar. Situated at Level 22 of the Portomaso Business Tower, the top floor of Malta’s tallest high-rise building, you will get 360 degrees of unparalleled views of Malta. Twenty-two is a chic location that attracts both tourists and the local crowds.

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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