The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

An expansive driveway leads to the luxurious Westin Dragonara, located on a quiet peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean. The property is housed in a stunning pink and white villa-style building with a neoclassical facade featuring arched doorways and windows, and slim columns supporting a large tympanum. Interiors are elegant and upscale without feeling stuffy, with long hallways featuring wall and ceiling moldings, thick carpets with delicate designs, and huge windows overlooking the serene grounds. The lobby has a particularly refined vibe, with lots of comfy couches and armchairs, gleaming floors, high ceilings, and classic decor in a variety of colors. This style continues in the hotel’s lobby lounge, which also offers veranda seating with panoramic sea views. The main pool deck occupies the central part of the property and looks over the concrete-and-rock platform that offers direct access to the sea. The hotel’s famous casino sits on the far end of the peninsula and is a destination unto itself. As one of the most luxurious hotels in St. Julian’s, The Westin Dragonara has hosted a good share of celebrities (actors John Krasinski and David Denman were spotted during Oyster’s visit; they were in the area to shoot scenes for the movie "13 Hours"), but the vibe here quiet and upscale, and the property is also a popular pick among couples, families, and business travelers alike.

The hotel has a quiet seaside setting on a peninsula in St. Julian’s, a hopping area known as the nightlife, shopping, and dining capital of Malta. Although away from the hustle and bustle of central St. Julian’s, the hotel is close enough to the action for guests to easily stroll to all of the area’s attractions, including Paceville and Spinola Bay. St. George’s Bay, the only sandy public beach around, is just a five-minute walk down the street from the Westin, and lively Sliema’s promenade can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes. The hop-on, hop-off tourist bus can be taken at the bus stop located right outside the property, which is also served by buses to other parts of the island. Valletta is a 15-minute drive away, but those looking to take the scenic way there can take a 10-minute cab ride to Sliema Ferry, and then hop on a ferry to the capital city. The airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

Starting at 452 square feet, rooms at the Westin Dragonara are some of the largest in St. Julian’s. All have large sliding windows opening onto furnished balconies, and many of them feature panoramic sea views. Decor is elegant but feels a tad dated, with a tan accent wall, black-and-gray carpet, brown padded headboards, and light brown wooden furniture. Thick gray curtains with turquoise stripes, and desk lamps with dashes of azure add some color, but the neutral palette is a little dull. All units, however, are comfortable and come equipped with Westin’s signature beds topped with thick duvets and a selection of pillows. Amenities are on par with other four-and-a-half-pearl properties, and include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, safes, individually controlled air-conditioning, minibars, and free water. There is an extra charge for Wi-Fi except in suites. Spacious bathrooms feature a wide array of toiletries, but the shower/tub combos with basic showerheads are a little underwhelming for a luxury hotel. Executive Rooms and Suites provide access to the eighth-floor Executive Lounge, where guests are offered free breakfast, refreshments throughout the day, and pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

The Westin offers an array of excellent dining options ranging from casual spots serving snacks by the pool, to fine Mediterranean cuisine. The most popular is ORVM, the elegant lobby lounge, which offers a simple but varied menu, and a large veranda with sea views. The main pool is large and appealing, with panoramic sea views, two whirlpools, a seasonal bar, and a kiddy section. The hotel has two additional pools, including an outdoor one by the seasonal beach club, and a heated indoor one with lots of natural light and a whirlpool. The Westin is also home to the Dragonara Casino, one of the island’s most famous gambling centers. It is open 24 hours a day, and offers over 300 slot machines, as well as live game tables and bar service.The fitness center has plenty of cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as an aerobics studio with guided classes (for a fee), and personal trainers. There is no full spa on-site, but the gym features steam rooms, a sauna, and a whirlpool, and the beauty salon offers a wide array of services. Those looking to get a full workout outdoors can book the hotel’s two tennis courts, or check out the range of motorized and non-motorized water sports available on-site. The kids’ club offers daily activities during the summer, but there is a fee for use of the facilities. The hotel also features extensive meeting space, and free on-site parking. Wi-Fi is available throughout, but is only free for suite guests.