Ramla Bay Resort

The cheerful salmon exterior of the Ramla Bay Resort holds a wide array of styles throughout, from the contemporary minimalist lobby to the thatched beach umbrellas tucked in along the shoreline. Couples and families looking for value holidays flock here in droves and dates are often sold out months in advance. Upon entering the hotel, the undulating wood ceiling beams in the lobby look smart against the marble floors and large vases, while solid wood furniture and brown velvet chairs add a bit of retro flare. The resort's atmosphere is relaxed, with casual restaurants and thatched-roof buildings by saltwater pools giving them a tiki vibe, while the hotel also has a good entertainment team that keeps kids busy and happy. That being said, there is some noticeable wear and tear throughout the property, particularly in rusty railings along the waterfront and in the pool areas.

With its own small sandy beach, the Ramla Bay Resort sits on Malta's northern coast, isolated from the country's towns and cities, with only one other resort as its neighbor. The Blue Wave Watersports shack on the beach offers kayaks, paddleboats, and boat trips to Comino and Gozo Islands, and the hotel is less than five minutes from the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal by car or taxi. Dive trips to the Rozi wreck and P29 wreck also depart from there. The Ahrax bus stop is a seven-minute walk from the hotel for guests without a car, and the buses make trips around the island. Mellieha's shops, restaurants, and Parish Church take about 15 minutes to reach on the bus, while the largest beach in Malta, Ghadira Bay, is reached in less than 10 minutes by bus. The nightlife of St. Julian's takes an hour to reach by bus, or 40 minutes by car, and the bus to Valletta, the capital of Malta, also takes an hour. Malta International Airport is about 45 minutes away by car or taxi.

Depending on the category of booking, the quality of rooms vary at this resort. Standard Room interiors feel homey and slightly outdated, like many north Malta resorts, and they include light oak furniture with iron details, tiled floors, and generically nautical wall art. The comforters on the beds also aren't the most stylish we've seen. Views and free perks also differ from category to category, with Superior and Deluxe Sea View rooms (on the third and fourth floor) offering coffee- and tea-making facilities and minibars that are stocked once for free. Superior Rooms feature sitting areas and views of Comino and Gozo islands, while Deluxe Sea View rooms, the largest choice, are on the top floor and are far more stylish, with half-moon sofas, contemporary wood furniture, sleek cabinets, and large wood headboards mounted with decorative art. All rooms have desks, flat-screen TVs, central air-conditioning, and safes (though the latter aren't free in many rooms). Countryside or sea views are available from balconies or terraces that are attached to most rooms. Bathrooms also vary according to room price and category, though all feature large vanities and bathtub/shower combos. Deluxe Sea View room bathrooms are chic and stylish with modern fixtures and bathrobes, while others look especially country and have old-fashioned tiles. 

In addition to having a seasonal private beach, the Ramla Bay Resort has three outdoor saltwater pools -- including the rooftop adults-only pool and a kiddy pool -- that all overlook the sea and are surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. We did spot lots of peeling paint, though, and wasps can be an issue, especially around poolside bars. Spa Du Soleil is an attractive, modern space and features a complete spa menu with a sauna and a colorfully lit indoor pool. The hotel's fitness center is small, and equipped with modern cardio machines and basic selection of free weights.Dining is a casual affair throughout the resort, with highlights including the Mediterranean menu at Alang-Alang, a thatched-roof seaside dining room, and The Horizon, the resort's main restaurant that serves themed buffets on the waterfront. Live entertainment is offered at the Sunset Lounge bar and many of the pools have bars as well. All-inclusive and half-board options are available and guests should check ahead on restrictions that accompany these plans. There are a variety of other on-site activities as well, including the kids’ club, which is open seasonally and features a small amphitheater for activities and a playground. Blue Wave Watersports offers a wide variety of adventure activities, including jet skiing and windsurfing, while the resort also has an outdoor tennis court. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and the hotel's 24-hour front desk can help arrange trips and excursions throughout Malta. Babysitting services are available for families with small children and laundry and dry cleaning can also be arranged. The hotel does run shuttles to local shopping and sights, but there are fees attached, and airport transfers are also available for a fee.