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Located down a quiet cul-de-sac within easy walking distance of both the St Julian’s and Sliema waterfronts, Holm Boutique & Spa is a surprise package on the Malta hotel scene. This bijou property makes a big first impression on guests as soon as they enter the eclectic lobby, where exuberant decor, a giant chair, and a friendly receptionist greet them. The rest of the hotel is no less impressive; the emphasis on art and design makes Holm a unique place to stay in Malta. Every one of the 29 rooms is special in its own way. Several of the larger junior suites have private terraces with their own hot tubs, though the rooftop pool is definitely a social scene for the young adults who make up a large portion of Holm’s clientele.

: Holm’s Mirror Mirror On The Wall Suite

: Holm’s Cirque de Malte Suite

While St Julian’s and neighbouring Paceville have a reputation for parties and nightlife, Sliema is a residential area which nevertheless hosts some nice waterfront restaurants and shops along with the requisite gelateria. Although not quite the exotic vibe of Rio de Janeiro, Sliema evokes a bit of Brazil’s glamorous city with high-rise residential buildings along its seafront promenade and toned bodies sunning themselves in the balmy climate. However, there is no restaurant on the Holm premises; a bountiful breakfast buffet is served in the dramatic black-and-white lobby. A variety of eateries is available nearby for dining and drinking throughout the day; the beach’s daytime activities are replaced by evening dining and socialising along the waterfront. Additional entertainment can be had at The Point shopping mall at Tigné Point, a happy place for shoppers to spend a few hours. For cultural immersion in the (not so) big city, the Sliema-Valletta ferry takes only a few minutes to transport passengers between the modern-day beachy lifestyle and the historical capital of the Republic of Malta.

: Holm’s ultrastylish breakfast area

: Salt relaxation room in the Holm spa

Despite the comparatively small size of Holm, the ‘Spa’ part of the name is taken very seriously. The sense of luxury is immediately apparent as soon as the lift doors open into the spa lobby, where muted lighting and quiet tones instil a sense of calm further emphasised by the salt room and various sauna rooms. Relaxation in the spa pool is another alternative for restorative mindfulness. Somewhat unexpectedly, but delightful nonetheless, is the range of Ayurveda treatments available so far from its place of origin, yet deftly administered by experienced therapists.

Swimming off the rocks in Sliema

KM Malta Airlines has been assiduously expanding its European flight network to bring passengers from airports across Europe to Malta, a country where the tourism sector is booming thanks to the ‘discovery’ of the variety of attractions that genuinely provide something for everyone. Whether seeking rousing nightlife or serene silence, there is a place in Malta for every traveller. Beautiful beaches devoid of crowds, excellent restaurants serving local and international cuisine, a burgeoning wine scene, ancient archaeological sites older than the Egyptian pyramids, and boat excursions… these are all found here in Malta. Check the excellent Visit Malta website for details on various regions, themes, and activities available in this most enchanting destination.