At first glance this looks like a well-appointed, well-situated Luxury Villa. After spending two weeks in the property, we learned all is not as it seems.
We booked this villa for our summer holiday. It was a big investment, as we wanted to spend a tranquil two weeks in private peace and quiet with all the modern benefits one would expect given the features highlighted in the listing.
Upon check-in the alarm bells should have started ringing. Three things were communicated:
1) The owners take a reading of the electricity and water gauges and state they will charge you an additional amount should they deem you’ve used too much. Unfortunately all the lights in the outdoor entertaining areas are automatic and you can’t control whether they’re on or off. Less than ideal.
2) We were informed that the spa bath doesn’t work. The previous guests had damaged it. It wasn’t fixed and wouldn’t be for the duration of our stay.
3) We were informed that the Gardener would come and go as he pleased. He had his own key and would be around the property as and when he liked.

Throughout the visit there were a number of problems with the house. The property manager was quick to respond, but our privacy, peace and quiet were constantly disturbed. To list the issues:
1) The home theatre didn’t work; after they came into the property to fix it we were told they needed to take it away. We didn’t see it again.
2) The air conditioning in the downstairs didn't properly cool the space. This was disappointing given the downstairs is the entertainment area.
3) The back door to the house wouldn’t lock. When I expressed safety concerns, I was told not to worry, Malta is very safe!
4) Some of the Gym equipment didn’t work and indeed wasn’t safe to operate.
5) The coffee machine didn’t work properly.
6) The bottom floor of the house flooded with contaminated drain water. This was an issue that carried on over two days and meant we had workmen coming and going, and had a period where we were unable to use the toilets or the water.
Also worth noting is that the Gardener, who was present nearly every day, seemed to be spying on us on behalf of the owners. His silhouette was seen looking into a frosted glass bathroom door whilst one of us was taking a shower one morning, especially disturbing given it was 6:30am. So much for the privacy point! We felt like we were being watched the entire time.

I definitely would not race back to this villa. That said, the village of Mellieha is lovely and well worth a visit. But if you worry about privacy and value when staying in an Airbnb you should think twice before booking.