Qawra Palace Resort & Spa Review | Malta 2025

What’s the secret to a great honeymoon? 

Apparently, it’s marrying someone who loves an all-inclusive as much as you do.

This was Callum’s first time in Malta, and while I’d been before, I’d never stayed in Qawra. Naturally, I did what any self-respecting planner does—I joined the unofficial Qawra Palace Resort & Spa Facebook group for this hotel. The reviews were mostly glowing, but I had that niggling honeymoon pressure to make sure everything was perfect.

One thing I instantly noticed was that the staff were responding to any complaints from their own Facebook profiles, inviting guests to come to reception so the issue could be solved. I feel this was actually a great touch as it showed they do listen.

A work colleague had stayed here in August and sang its praises, so that gave me hope. We booked through LoveHolidays (this is not a sponsored post) and visited in December, which also happened to be our first Christmas abroad. 

Between that and the whole “just married” thing, I really wanted this to be a trip to remember. 

Did it live up to the hype? Let me tell you all about it.


First Impressions

First impressions were fantastic.
We managed to snag free parking right outside the hotel—result! The exterior looked modern and welcoming, exactly what you’d hope for when pulling up for your honeymoon.

We arrived at Qawra Palace Resort & Spa at around 11 a.m. on a Friday to a quiet reception area. Initial check-in was very quick—just the usual passport checks, filling out a few details, and paying the tourist tax (less than €10 for the week, which felt like a bargain). We only had backpacks, so we didn’t need to use the luggage room, but it was good to know there was one available.

The reception area was spacious, with plenty of seating and even a games area to help pass the time. Staff were on hand to help with restaurant and activity bookings, which was a nice touch, and we were impressed by how visible and approachable the manager was. Within minutes of arriving, we saw them pass by with a smile, and this was a regular sight throughout our stay.

After quickly signing the paperwork, I couldn’t help sneaking a cheeky glance at our room number. The staff were lovely and popped our all-inclusive bands on straight away, explaining that our room wasn’t ready yet but suggesting we grab some lunch and a drink to pass the time. No problem there!

After we’d eaten, we decided to stretch our legs and find our room. By the time we got there, housekeeping was just finishing up, flashing us a friendly smile as we passed.

When we headed back to reception, it was heaving. The queue was long, but I had to hand it to the staff—they stayed calm and professional despite being rushed off their feet. One guest next to me was complaining loudly that their room still wasn’t ready (despite it being before check-in time), and the staff member handled it with more patience than I’d have managed.

I got chatting to a gentleman in the queue to pass the time, and before I knew it, it was my turn. With a friendly smile, the staff handed over our key, and we were finally ready to settle in.


Rooms

We went for a standard room with a sea view and balcony, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The room was modern, spotless, and thoughtfully set up for our honeymoon—it felt like our own little romantic hideaway. The balcony was a real highlight: private enough that we didn’t feel overlooked, and we made it a nightly tradition to sit and watch the sunset. Bliss!

The room itself had plenty of natural light, which made it feel airy and welcoming. There were mirrors everywhere (including far too many in the bathroom—very humbling first thing in the morning!).

The layout was practical, with a desk area, a small table and two chairs inside, and the same setup out on the balcony. There was a wardrobe area with lots of drawer space, so we didn’t have to leave our underwear on display, and the bathroom was simple but functional.

The bathroom came stocked with a shampoo/shower gel combo in the shower, plus shower caps and soap. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate sachets were left for us too, but there weren’t any additional complimentary items like bathrobes or slippers. Some days, there was a faint smell of sewage from the bathroom, but it didn’t linger and cleared quickly.

The room also had air conditioning and heating, although we didn’t need to use it during our December stay.

My work colleague, who stayed in August, mentioned that the air conditioning had to be reset every time the balcony or front door was opened, meaning you’d often come back to a boiling hot room. She had an inside room, so I can only imagine it would have been even worse in a sea-view room with the sun beaming in all day—something to keep in mind for summer visits.

The Wi-Fi was hit and miss—sometimes it worked perfectly, but other times it was so bad I was thankful for my Vodafone Data Abroad plan! Wi-Fi was far more reliable in the lobby and restaurants, which was handy for downloading anything.

There was a safe in the room, though we didn’t end up using it. The bed was incredibly comfy, the shower had great water pressure, and housekeeping kept everything spotless with daily visits.

The cherry on top? About 30 minutes after we’d settled in, a staff member knocked on the door with a bottle of bubbly and some sweet treats to celebrate our honeymoon. It was such a thoughtful touch and made us feel extra special.


Food and Drinks

Callum’s a picky eater, and since I’ve had a gastric bypass, meals can sometimes be a bit of a juggling act for us. Thankfully, Qawra Palace offers plenty of dining options to keep things interesting:

  • Da’Vella Buffet Restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner)
  • Lume (Caribbean)
  • Tsubu (Asian)
  • El Vagabundo (South American)

The all-inclusive package meant we could visit the buffet whenever we liked and had one visit per week included at each of the specialty restaurants. We ended up sticking with Da’Vella and Lume—Callum wasn’t keen on the menus at Tsubu or El Vagabundo, and since I can’t eat enough to justify trying two places for dinner, it made more sense to keep it simple.

Most nights, we headed to dinner at around 6:30 p.m. This is when the buffet opened, so there was usually a bit of a queue, but we always managed to get a table. If queuing isn’t your thing, it would be easy to go a bit later. One night, we went at 8:30 p.m., and it was much quieter—likely because most families seemed to go early.

The buffet at Da’Vella had its pros and cons. The room itself was huge, with calm lighting that made it feel relaxed, but the clattering of cutlery and scraping chairs grated on me a bit (I’m easily startled by loud noises!).

That said, the food was great. Breakfast included cereals, cooked breakfast items, and a small but decent selection of fruit (melon, pineapple, and oranges while we were there). There were also cheeses, yogurts, and crackers, which made for a nice variety.

Lunch and dinner always had plenty of options: delicious pasta, a variety of meat, fish, and potatoes, and a good selection of pizza. The children’s section had kid-friendly staples like chips, fish fingers, and chicken nuggets. Afternoon snacks were quick and easy, with things like quesadillas, pizza, burgers, and hot dogs—ideal for grabbing something on the go.

One thing that stood out was how careful the staff were with food utensils, ensuring nothing got mixed, which isn’t something I usually see at all-inclusives. Plates were cleared quickly, and the staff were so polite. They also made sure to check wristbands, which kept everything well-organised.

As for Lume, it was the clear winner for us. We booked our visit early in the week and had the steak, which was cooked to absolute perfection. The cosy atmosphere and attentive service made it a proper date-night experience.

Drinks-wise, we liked that you could take drinks back to your room—a small but appreciated perk. The only downside was that you couldn’t drink by the pool, which was a bit of a shame.

Callum was thrilled with the availability of original Coca-Cola (a rare find at all-inclusives), while I was all about the Aperol Spritz, which was served in proper cocktail glasses. Some cocktails could be a bit hit-or-miss, depending on the bartender, but overall, the service was quick and friendly.


Entertainment

The entertainment here gets full marks. From karaoke to live shows, there was something on every single night, and the staff were the unsung heroes of it all. Their energy and enthusiasm made such a difference—they really knew how to get people involved.

Usually, karaoke feels like pulling teeth to get anyone on stage, but not here! The staff had everyone signing up left, right, and centre, creating a proper party atmosphere. In fact, we ended up bowing out early one night because we were too knackered to keep up.

There was also a games area with air hockey and a pool table, which was a nice addition for a bit of casual fun. However, the downside was that there was only one pool table, so there was often a bit of a wait to play. If pool’s your thing, just be prepared to hover a little!

For those looking to stay entertained during the day, there was an extensive board listing all the daily activities on offer. We didn’t get involved ourselves, as we spent most days out exploring, but it’s a great option if you’re having a more relaxed day at the hotel.

Sports fans are covered too, with the dedicated sports lounge showing a range of games on big TVs throughout the day and evening. There’s even a kids’ play area to keep little ones happy, although, again, we didn’t go in here.

There was a good variety of evening entertainment across the week, from themed nights to interactive games, and we genuinely looked forward to seeing what was on each night. If you love being part of the action or just prefer to sit back and watch, there’s something for everyone.


Amenities

The outdoor pool is absolutely stunning, situated right by the sea and surrounded by plenty of sunbeds, so there’s no need to fight over spots. The water was a bit chilly during our December stay (to be expected), and unfortunately, we didn’t get to use the rooftop pool due to the high winds when we visited. In the summer, it’s adults-only and a peaceful escape from the busier areas—perfect if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to unwind.

The spa and sauna were a personal highlight for us. The sauna and indoor pool are free to guests, which is a fantastic perk, and the spa treatments were very reasonably priced. To make things even better, the spa gave us a €10 voucher to use, which was a lovely bonus.

Just a quick tip: you’ll need a “towel card” from reception to use the rooftop pool, spa, or sauna. It’s a €10 refundable deposit, so make sure to grab one before heading down to save yourself an extra trip.

The indoor pool is another great option for relaxing, with its usage split into two time slots: from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., it’s adults-only, offering a peaceful atmosphere for a morning swim, while from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., it’s open to adults with children for a more family-friendly experience. This setup works really well if you prefer quieter mornings or have little ones who’d enjoy a splash later in the day.

There’s also a squash court and gym for those wanting to stay active. We didn’t end up using these, but they’re great options if you’re after more than just lounging.

The lifts, though functional, can be a bit of a puzzle. Not all of them go to every level, so you’ll need to pay attention to the signs to avoid getting caught out. Once you’ve got it figured out, it’s straightforward enough.

On the practical side, the cold water stations located on certain levels are a nice touch, though finding them can feel a bit like a treasure hunt. If you spot one, it’s worth making a mental note of its location for later!


All-Inclusive: Is It Worth It?

For us, 100% yes. Callum eats like he’s preparing for hibernation, I’m fuelled by caffeine like a human coffee machine, and we had so much planned for the daytime that the thought of stressing over where to eat just wasn’t appealing.

With a packed itinerary, the all-inclusive option was a no-brainer for this trip—it let us focus on cramming as much as we could into our week without worrying about meal stops or questionable menus.

The food didn’t feel repetitive, even over seven nights, which is saying something when one of you treats every meal like a competitive sport.
From cooked breakfasts to lighter options at the buffet, plus the three-course meal we had at Lume, there was always plenty of choice.

The afternoon snacks were a lifesaver too—quick, easy, and perfect for a mid-adventure top-up if we were passing. 

That said, if you’re someone who loves exploring the local food scene, there’s no shortage of bars and restaurants nearby to dive into. It’s a win-win—you can go all-inclusive for the convenience or venture out if you fancy something different.

For us, though, the all-inclusive option made sense for this holiday. With so much on our list to see and do, not having to think about food stops was a small luxury in itself.


Area Surrounding

On a map, it might not scream “central,” but this place is a total winner. 

Everything feels close, and even if you’re relying on public transport, you’re sorted. There’s a bus stop right outside to take you all over the island, and the hop-on hop-off bus also stops here if you fancy a more touristy vibe. It’s like Malta’s transport network was built around this hotel—very handy.

Now, let’s talk about what’s nearby because there’s loads to keep you busy. The Malta Classic Car Collection Museum is just a 4-minute stroll away and perfect if you’re into vintage motors. 

The Elvis Tribute Lounge (yes, really) is 3 minutes on foot and serves up music and fun.

 If marine life’s your thing, the Malta National Aquarium is a quick 6-minute walk. 

And if you’re feeling adventurous, Dawn Diving is a stone’s throw away and great for exploring Malta’s underwater scene.

You’re also a breezy 25 minute drive from Popeyes Village!

We spent many evenings wandering around and always felt completely safe, whether we were heading to the park nearby, grabbing snacks from one of the shops, or just enjoying the sea breeze. Oh, and there’s a gelateria right across the road—dangerously close if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

Parking is another win here. Free street parking is everywhere, and we happily left our hire car out of sight without a second thought (which, as anyone who’s ever parked in a sketchy area knows, is a huge relief). The only day we struggled to park slightly was Sunday, but after a few laps we managed to jump into a spot. 

One thing to watch out for is the ATM next to the hotel. It’s a bit sneaky and tried to hit us with a terrible exchange rate. Pro tip: say “no” to the first rate it offers, and it’ll suddenly get its act together and give you a much better deal. Cheeky, but at least now you’re prepared!


Would We Visit Again?

Absolutely! In fact, I’ve been trying to rope my parents into coming with us next time because I know they’d love it. 

It’s the kind of place that ticks all the boxes—relaxing when you want it to be, but with enough going on to keep things interesting. I can already picture my dad glued to the rooftop pool with a drink in hand, while my mum bounces between the spa treatments and sauna like it’s her personal sanctuary.

Our honeymoon here was everything we’d hoped for and more. The staff went above and beyond, the food and drinks kept us more than happy, and the location was perfect for exploring.

That was our extensive Qawra Palace Resort & Spa review- here’s hoping we can do another in the future!

 A pair of feet in white socks resting on a lounge chair near a railing overlooking the ocean, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A peaceful moment of relaxation from the Qawra Palace Resort and Spa review.

At time of writing, there are currently no Coronavirus measures limiting tourists to enter Malta. This is in accordance with the information provided on gov.uk.



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