Set upon seven acres of lush semi-tropical gardens on the outskirts of San Lawrenz village, Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz has been the crown jewel of Gozo, Malta’s perennially sunny, idyllic second-largest island, for more than 20 years.
Built of yellow limestone and framed by palm trees that surround a series of oasis-like pools, the classically designed luxury property exudes elegance from the moment you enter the grounds. The 137 rooms and suites are tastefully appointed in soothing neutral tones, each with brown marble bathrooms and balconies.
The spa is a sanctuary, with a full indoor hydrotherapy circuit, a Turkish hammam, and one of Europe’s largest ayurvedic centers. There’s an excellent fitness facility and two outdoor tennis courts. Hotel dining includes L’Ortolan and Il-Baldakkin Bistro and Lounge, Mediterranean restaurants that feature locally sourced meat and seafood and organic produce grown on the grounds; Gazebo, a seasonal alfresco grill; and The Pool Bar, a warm-weather spot serving refreshing cocktails and snacks to replenish you after a swim.
- Kempinski San Lawrenz makes a wonderful base from which to explore the island’s beaches, bays and historical sites. If you need a ride, the hotel offers a complimentary bus to capital city Victoria and Ramla Beach.
- All accommodations have balconies overlooking the countryside or the pools and lush gardens.
- Soak up the sun among three outdoor pools dotted with palms at the luxury hotel. There’s an adults-only option, one for families and one for children.
- Plan to spend some time at the spa. The 10-treatment-room spa offers a full range of services, an indoor heated pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna and a hammam. An additional five treatment rooms are dedicated to the hotel’s Ayurvedic Centre, whose rituals and services are based on ayurvedic philosophies.
- The terrace at Il-Baldakkin Bistro and Lounge is just the spot for lunch or dinner alfresco. With gorgeous views of the pool and tropical garden, indulge in the new sushi menu while sipping on a Negroni or spritz. From Mondays through Thursdays, enjoy sunset views during the early-evening happy hour.
- Gozo’s 26-mile coastline is a treasure trove of picturesque tucked-away inlets, such as curvy Wied il-Ghasri; hidden bays such as pebbled Dahlet Qorrot; and beaches like Ramla for water activities like swimming, snorkeling and diving just off its red-tinged sand.
- Ġgantija dates to pre-historic times and is among the oldest-remaining freestanding buildings in the world. Just 13 minutes from the hotel by car, Ġgantija is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of two stone temples that face the rising sun.
- Fourteen minutes from the Gozo hotel, the Xwejni Salt Pans are quite a sight. The working salt farms occupy several miles along the island’s northern coast, and they are notable for their beautiful checkerboard pattern and shimmering reflective pools.
- Dating back to the Bronze Age, the old Citadel is seven minutes from the Kempinski. Highlights include the Gozo Cathedral, a 17th-century Baroque structure, cannons and watchtowers, as well as the Old Prison, which is now a museum.
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