Spa Hotels in Malta

Malta has carved itself a thriving niche as a spa and wellness destination. Hotels recognise that while Malta isn't a true winter sun destination like the Caribbean, it does have light and a mild enough winter climate to entice overseas visitors in the shoulder and low seasons. And spas like the Athenaeum Spa at the Corinthia Palace hotel are capitalising big time now on Malta's traditions - not just its reputation for Mediterranean summer sun - to promote wellness as a major driver of the tourism and hospitality sector; one that can help boost visitor numbers even out of season.

Malta is no newcomer to health and well-being. It has a long and veritable role in caring for people, dating back to the time of the Hospitaller Knights of St John. Their old hospital in Malta's baroque capital Valletta, now used as the Mediterranean Conference Centre but still a magnificent heritage building in its own right, was renowned throughout Europe in its day for its advanced medical practices. The Knights legacy lived on in the British period when Malta became known as the 'Nurse of the Mediterranean' for its role in caring for British troops. In its 2011 quality of life index, US-based International Living Magazine ranked Malta's health care as just above that of the UK and Australia's. The Islands seem to have more than enough credentials to entice us for spa and wellness holidays then.

Spas that spoil you for choice
In the past few years, the Islands have seen the arrival of some 40 or so spa and wellness centres, most based in the top category hotels. Full- and half-day packages and options à la carte mean spa and wellness treatments can form all or just part of a holiday.

You'll find all the tried and tested as well as popular and pioneering spa treatments available. Malta's spas tend to specialise in themes of treatments. You'll find Ayurvedic, Balinese, Thai, Chinese, Indian and Turkish treatments and more to take your pick from.

The Athenaeum Spa in Malta offer also innovative packages such as mother and daughter treatments, and various signature therapies ranging from colour therapy, body toning, and detox or stress-buster programmes to specialist aesthetic interventions. On hand too, you'll often find qualified nutritionists, dieticians, physiotherapists, chiropractors and personal fitness trainers as well as practitioners of Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi.

Spa Sport
Many hotels offer saunas, Jacuzzis and therapy pools, Turkish baths and hammam to complement general swimming facilities. Spa hotels often have landscaped spaces, from sun decks to palm-filled gardens, that make great backdrops for the indoor therapy and pools and can also house outdoor saunas. Residents and usually spa day guests too, have access hotel sport and leisure facilities, including gyms and tennis courts.

In Malta, the Athenaeum Spa is nearly all about pampering and relaxing and tend not to be clinical or medically-inspired like some you still find in continental Europe.

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