Getaways Guest Blog Series: Joanna from Design Shuffle

This week we're going to try something a little different, instead of info on a fave past vacation we have a guest post about a destination that a blogger dreams of visiting. Joanna is a writer for Design Shuffle, where you can find top tier interior design ideas from around the world – from New York Interior Designers to Los Angeles Interior Designers and more. If you love scoping pictures of interiors and decor inspiration then you should check out Design Shuffle! Read on to find out where Joanna is planning on visiting next...

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Favorite Vacation Spot

My long time friend D. has been working furiously for the past few years launching yet another successful online venture (his first sold for over $43 million a few years ago.) Too bad none of my interior design ideas ever pan out quite like his ideas do. Anyway, his latest venture is proving to be quite interesting. Recently, he let family and friends know, via Facebook no less, that he was picking up and moving his whole operation to Malta.

Excuse me, Malta, where the heck is that?

I must have been out sick the day they covered this small little gem of a country in geography class because I had no clue where it was. Once D. broke the news, I jumped on Google and read everything I could about his new country to be. I instantly fell in love and will be visiting my friend over the summer, thus the “wanna-be” getaway post status. While I haven’t actually visited yet, I have done my homework enough to give you a good idea what wonders Malta has in store for the prospective visitor.

Malta (via)

With a land mass of a mere 316 sq. km and a population of only 400,000, Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world. Yet, it is one of largest inhabited islands amongst a group of seven in the Mediterranean Sea. There are actually three main inhabited islands that make up the Republic of Malta: Malta, Gozo and Comino. According to LonelyPlanet.com, “few European countries have such concentrated history, architecture and, yes, beaches in so tiny an area.”

Fisherman's Cove, Malta (via)

This photograph of the Malta coastline, by Anselmo Albert Torres, looks so vivid it appears to be a painting instead of an actual image of the island. And this is just one tiny area amongst all the beauty that can be found throughout the country.

Where to Stay

Fortina Spa, Malta (via)

Considered to be an important part of the overall “Malta experience,” the five-star Fortina Spa Resort offers over 250 luxurious health and beauty treatments, superb accommodations and eating experiences not to be missed. Amazingly, it is the second largest spa resort in Europe.

Where to Eat
 

Malta Dining (via)

Due to its mixed European history, Malta offers a wide variety of cuisines from Asian to Italian at its many restaurants. Steak, seafood, pizza and pasta are favorite dishes among tourists and locals alike. St. Julian’s Blue Elephant restaurant is known as one of the most romantic spots in Malta. Diners sit in private huts among waterfalls, lush greenery and tropical flowers. They also serve what is considered the best royal Thai cuisine in the country.


What to Do

Storybook of Malta (via)

Known for its shopping, Malta is filled with touristy shops and markets. Maltese artists and craftspeople offer handicrafts such as Gozo lace, silver filigree work and decorative glass and pottery. You won’t be lacking for home décor ideas after visiting the local shopping scene.

Historical sites are plentiful in Malta due to its rich heritage as a stronghold for many past governments. St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Casa Rocca Piccola, and Hal Safflieni Hypogeum are three of the top historical spots visited by tourists.

Sunbathing and water sports on Malta’s beaches are highly popular amongst locals and tourists alike. While sandy beaches tend to be the most popular, especially for families, there are rocky cliff areas for diving and exploring as well. Popular sandy beaches include Meliieha Bay, Ghaidra Bay and Golden Bay.


Packing Tips

Malta Beaches (via)

Take your typical beach attire as Malta’s summers are long, hot and dry. Sundresses and espadrilles are perfect for sightseeing and bathing suits and cover-ups are standard attire for the beach and water activities.

Thanks Joanna - Stay tuned for more great Getaways Guest Posts from some fabulous bloggers that will be coming down the pipeline soon!