Wow! What a place. Absolutely perfect for exploring what Malta has to offer. This was our first trip. Alice’s place is ideal for couples looking for the peace and quiet of being away from Valetta but close enough to the capital, and surrounding area, to allow exploration.
The house is as described with some upgrades that are not shown in the pictures, so a lovely surprise. We arrived early and met Alice who was still preparing the property. We dropped off our bags and were offered drinks by our host which were very much welcomed. We changed and disappeared for a wander whilst we waited for check-in.
Alice had left the essentials in the fridge and a couple of beers and some wine - nice touch. The bed is very comfortable, loads of hot water and everything you need to cook etc. It’s air condtioned but we found no need to use it as the property is very cool. Only thing missing is a cafetiere or similar but Alice had left loads of instant coffee so no drama. Once the spiral staircase up to the roof terrace is mastered access is no problem, even with your hands full, and the view is amazing...especially the sunset!
Don’t bother hiring a car, the buses are amazing and so cheap it doesn’t make sense. €1.50 (€2.00 in summer) gives you unlimited travel on multiple busses for up to 2 hours (Valetta is about 30 mins away). Make sure you get the right X4 bus from the airport to Birzebbuga. The main bus stop opposite the terminal at the airport goes to Valetta (we had a lovely tour of Malta and then changed at the terminus in Valetta). You need to go under the road to a temporary bus-stop to get the bus that goes in the right direction for the property. It should say X4 Birzebbuga in the display.
Marsaxlokk is a 30 minute walk and worth every minute (there’s a shortcut on the bend which keeps you off the main road). The restaurants are fantastic (we went 3 days out of 8), with views over the harbour and options to suit every pocket. Look out for the guy with the scissors and paper - the likeness he produces is uncanny!
Pretty Bay is not just a clever name. The beach was exceptionally clean and a perfect sun trap. The view of the Freeport may not be for everyone but it provides entertainment when the huge ships are docking and we didn’t notice any fumes or pollution in the crystal clear Med (as mentioned in other reviews?).
The restaurants around the Bay seem very good however we didn’t eat a main meal there but can vouch for the deserts in Waters Edge.
Great host, great property and we’d certainly visit again. Thanks Alice!