AX Seashells Resort at Suncrest

Painted dark gray with blue-tinted glass balconies, the seven-floor Seashells Resort at Suncrest is a large property with two buildings on both sides of the Qawra waterfront promenade. Renovations to the hotel were completed in April 2015, so common areas feel modern. This property mainly has a family-friendly atmosphere, especially at the main pool and kids' pools that are accessible via an underpass. For couples and solo travelers, there’s the Luzzu Lido adults-only pool. Wooden floors and marble designs create a contemporary setting in the spacious lobby that offers a lounge with brown leather furniture and forest murals. The spacious, contemporary lobby is constantly bustling and offers six elevators to handle large amount of guests here. Without any wall decor, hallways are plain. 

A coastal road divides the main hotel from its pool complex, which sits directly on the rocky shores of Qawra with a ladder for direct sea access. There aren’t many sandy beaches in Qawra, though, and the one here also isn't the most ideal for swimming. For that, travelers can take a 40-minute bus journey to Ghadira Bay or head to Golden Bay, which is 50 minutes by bus. In the immediate area are a few other resorts, with a few restaurants along the winding waterfront promenade that leads to the Malta National Aquarium, Oracle Casino, and a small, sandy beach. Bugibba Square, which also is in walking distance, offers more dining and shopping choices. Shops in St. Paul’s Bay are a 20-minute bus trip away. It’s a one-hour drive to Cirkewwa with ferries to Gozo and Comino islands. Paceville, with a lively nightlife and two casinos, is a 40-minute bus trip, and it's 40 minutes by car to the Malta International Airport.

Taking inspiration from the seaside location, rooms feature seashell artwork, sandy-colored parquet floors, wooden headboards, and striped curtains, and many have sliding glass doors that lead to balconies or terraces. Minimalist decor and bare white walls, however, feels overly simplistic for an upscale property. Housekeeping comes on a daily basis and linen is changed four days after check-in. The main difference between the varying room options are the views. Standard Rooms, for example, offer side sea, full sea, or city views. Economy Rooms don’t have balconies. Deluxe Rooms are located on the higher floors. One-bedroom Suites have living rooms with faux-leather sofas and ottomans, and full sea views. One-bedroom Family Economy Rooms offer two sleeping areas in each, balconies, and sitting areas with rattan furniture, but no sofas. Simple, modern bathrooms feature shower/tub combos or showers. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, centrally controlled air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safes, hairdryers, kettles, and mini-fridges. There’s an ironing room on the fourth floor. 

The Seashells Resort at Suncrest caters to both families and travelers who want a relaxing seaside vacation. Open to the public for a fee, two large pools sit on the waterfront with two kids' pools and a yellow waterslide. A cruise ship structure houses a small play area, and lounge chairs sit at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. The Luzzu Pool is adults-only and offers a quieter setting much like the indoor, heated pool and the Carisma Spa, which has a lovely hammam and hair salon. A well-equipped gym offers modern machines and a squash court (which can be reserved for a fee).The largest eatery on-site is Coral Cove Restaurant with its buffet service. There’s also the Tal-Kaptan Pizzeria, the Cheeky Monkey Gastro Pub with live music, and the Ambassador Lounge in the lobby. It-Tokk Restaurant sits over the pool serving Maltese cuisine, and Luzzu Restaurant is by the adult-only pool. Four meeting rooms named after Greek gods can accommodate receptions between 45 to 350 people, with catering and audiovisual equipment available on request.