Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands

The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is a huge hotel that despite its size manages to feel warm and open, not cavernous. The vibe is elegant and upscale without being stuffy, and it's popular with families. There are plenty of outdoor spaces for sunning and relaxing, and guests who want peace and quiet will be able to find a quiet corner in which to sit with a book or close their eyes and soak up the rays. Outdoor spaces are nicely landscaped with trees and plants, and there are gorgeous sea views throughout the property. The lobby is large and bright, with lots of comfortable seating, modern sculptures, and artwork on the walls. However, the resort can get crowded and noisy during the summer months.

The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa sits on a plateau overlooking Golden Bay Beach, the second largest sandy beach in Malta. This gorgeous beach is also very popular. Those seeking a quieter vibe can make use of the Radisson's private beach that's strictly for guests. It's a 10-minute walk from the harbor, where guests can take the ferry to the picturesque island of Gozo Il-Majistral Nature and History Park and Popeye Village -- popular with families -- and both are within a 15-minute drive of the hotel. The Radisson is a half-hour drive from Malta International Airport.

Rooms at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa are contemporary and clean, decorated in sophisticated blues and light colors, with maple furniture and carpeted floors. Amenities include satellite TVs with premium channels and pay movies, blackout drapes, and minibars. During the summer months, one beachside parasol and two sun beds are allotted per room. Each room has a furnished balcony with either a sea or countryside view. Sea views are magnificent -- particularly on higher floors -- but country views can be barren and include both construction and parking lots. Bathrooms are enormous and modern, warmly decorated with marble floors, granite countertops, deep soaking tubs, and flattering lighting, many with double sinks. Suites have living and sleeping areas separated by doors, and include free breakfast; many also have kitchens.

The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa offers plenty for guests of all ages, including a kids' club, a kids' pool, and children's menus in the restaurants. Adults can take the edge off at the Myoka Golden Sands Spa, which offers body wraps, massages, aromatherapy and Ayurvedic treatments, and a Turkish bath. Fans of sun and sand have plenty of options, including a winding lagoon-style pool with palm trees, a footbridge, a swim up bar, and sea views. The indoor pool is relaxed and ringed with comfortable sun beds. There's also a private beach with food and drink available. The list of on-site activities is lengthy, and includes tennis, fishing, ping-pong, windsurfing, canoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and -- of course -- snorkeling and scuba diving in the famed Malta waters. For those preferring to stay on dry land, there's a spacious fitness center with a variety of weight-lifting and cardio equipment and plenty of natural light. The Radisson features four restaurants, most with indoor and outdoor seating. Agliolio is popular with guests and locals alike and serves Italian and Mediterranean-style cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and grilled dishes. Flavours is a modern, buffet-style restaurant for guests on meal plans. Essence is a gourmet restaurant catering to foodies. A variety of bars are available, including Swizzles -- offering late night entertainment until the wee hours -- and the beachside Pebbles Bar and Ice Cream Parlor.