2 Best Hotels in Gozo, Malta

Gozo's original five-star hotel continues to offer understated luxury and an exclusivity that's unique in Malta. Set atop one of the island's highest points, this high-class retreat has 1½ square miles of nature reserve for guests to explore. The low-rise buildings blend in with the topography and are surrounded by verdant native gardens and woodland. There are two pools on-site and a private rocky inlet a 10-minute drive away (by hotel shuttle bus) for swimming and snorkeling. It's also home to the Kantra restaurant, overlooking the waters of Mgarr ix-Xini. If traveling with children, book a room close to the family pool; couples should opt for rooms around the main pool.

Gozo's largest hotel is its most international in style and feel, with the biggest pool, the best spa, and the most numerous on-site eateries on the island. There's certainly a reference to Gozitan style in the design, but this is a high-rise by island standards and the spacious rooms and suites are set around the capacious and verdant pool court. Sports facilities suit active guests and the large heated indoor pool (part of the 18,000 square foot spa) means it's a favorite during the cooler seasons.