Radisson Blu Resort St Julian's ★★★★★

Our first trip to Malta and we are travelling in style, heading straight for the exclusive Radisson Blu Resort in the vibrant St Julian's, which combines its old fishing village charm with all the attractions, bars and restaurants one could wish for right on your doorstep. No wonder it is possibly the most popular tourist destination on the whole island and so we have chosen to dive into the heart of the action and see what all the fuss is about. It doesn't take long to see the appeal as we make the short journey from the beautiful, old capital, one of Malta's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, into this picturesque seaside town. A fresh, salty breeze sweeps across its beautiful bay, dotted with colourful umbrellas and caressed by an impossibly blue and very clean sea and overlooking it in tall, modern majesty, is our hotel.

An imposing façade of many arches and gleaming, sumptuous interiors, it positively sparkles, every inch a five star residence and no less so in our stunning bedroom. We have opted for the Junior Suite to really spoil ourselves a little and as we enter I am so very glad we did. Its airy 38 square metres is a pristine, chic haven of comfort and cosseting, every possible need thoughtfully provided for. We have flash flat screen TV, Satellite channels, tea and coffee making facilities; free wifi, safe, minibar and gorgeous, gleaming bathroom with a large tub and fluffy dressing gown and slippers to pad out in, with our cuppa in the morning onto our magnificent terrace. This last is my favourite feature as we fling open the doors, walk out into the golden sunshine and flop down in wonderment onto our deckchairs as we contemplate the panoramic views over the glittering sea at our feet.

Directly below I spot the very stylish pool with its bar and underwater bar stools – perfect for dangling your legs in the water and sipping on an exotic cocktail whilst looking out to sea. In fact, I cannot resist and, whipping on our swimming things, we are down there in a flash to cool off after our trip. Ensconced in an azure, aquatic heaven, we make plans for the following day to explore some of the island, starting with a couple of the ancient Megalithic temples that are considered to be some of the oldest structures in the world. Dating back to 3600 BC they are one of the reasons I was so keen to visit the island and I am extremely curious to see them. Then perhaps we could avail ourselves of some of the hotel's many marine activities although we haven't yet agreed on whether it's to be diving or sailing. But on one thing we both agree – for today, we want to make the most of luxuriating in our wonderful hotel, beginning right here and winding up in the divine spa for some ultimate pampering. After all, that is what staying at the Radisson Blu Resort is all about, isn't it?