Our lovely travel expert Ella Avery from the St Austell branch recently jetted off on her very first trip to Malta, hosted by JTA Travel and Belleair. From harbour cruises to hotel tours (and even a stop at Popeye’s Village!), Ella discovered just how much this Mediterranean gem has to offer. Here’s what she had to say about her unforgettable experience…
My First Trip to Malta
“I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Malta, hosted by JTA Travel and Belleair and what a trip it was! From start to finish, it was a brilliant experience, and I’ve come home feeling so much more confident in recommending Malta to our customers. If you’re thinking of planning a trip there yourself, keep reading. Here’s everything I got up to and my top tips along the way!
Getting There
The adventure kicked off with a train to Gatwick and an overnight stay at the Radisson Red, a lovely hotel just outside the South Terminal (ideal for early flights!). The next morning, we boarded our KM Malta flight, and before I knew it, we’d landed in sunny Malta.
Exploring Malta by Sea
Our first activity was a two-hour harbour cruise, such a fantastic way to see Valletta from the sea. We sailed past the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, the Three Cities, and some seriously impressive yachts. The views of St John’s Co-Cathedral and the city skyline were stunning. If I did it again, I’d love to try it on a smaller gondola-style boat for something a bit more private and relaxing.
A Whirlwind in Valletta
Next up was a very speedy ten-minute walk around Valletta between hotel visits. I wish we’d had more time because it was absolutely beautiful, full of character, gorgeous architecture, and lively markets. I’d definitely recommend setting aside a couple of hours to really explore it properly if you visit.
Popeye’s Village – A Must-See!
One of my favourite little stops was Popeye’s Village, which we spotted near the Seabank Hotel. I managed to convince the group to stop off at the free viewing platform, and it was so worth it! The crystal-clear blue water, colourful buildings, and family-friendly vibe made it such a fun spot. There are even inflatable water assault courses for the kids, so it’s perfect for families. My top tip for anyone heading to Malta is to not miss Popeye’s Village!
Staying at the Cavalieri Art Hotel
During the trip, we stayed at the Cavalieri Art Hotel in St Julian’s, a lovely 4-star hotel right on the seafront. The location couldn’t have been better, with steps straight into the sea and a great pool area (although the water was freezing!). The lobby was modern and welcoming, and our room had a balcony with a fantastic sunset view over the harbour. The only downsides were that the rooms could do with a little refresh, the wallpaper and doors were a bit tired, and there was a slight drain smell, but overall it was a really nice stay, and I’d happily recommend it for anyone wanting a central base.
Hotel Visits Galore
Across the trip, we visited thirteen hotels in three days, which was a lot, but it really helped me get a good feel for the range of properties Malta has to offer, from the luxurious Barcelo to the elegant Grand Excelsior.
Final Thoughts
It was a brilliant few days. Our hosts were fantastic, I met some lovely people, and I’ve come away with so much new knowledge to help my customers plan their perfect Malta getaway. Huge thanks again to JTA Travel and Belleair for an unforgettable first FAM trip. I can’t wait for the next one!”
Ready to Discover Malta for Yourself?
Pop into our St Austell branch and chat with Ella or one of our friendly travel experts. Whether you’re after a romantic escape, a family holiday or a luxury break in the sun, we’ll help you find your perfect Maltese adventure.
Contact your local Newell’s Travel store today and start your adventure!
