Riviera Spa Resort – Adults Only

We really enjoyed the Lebanese food at Byblos, and the staff there looked after us so well. The hotel itself was clean, with someone always cleaning, and everyone we met was friendly and ready to help. Breakfast was the usual buffet selection. I would have liked pancakes, which the egg station could probably make, and tables took a long time to be cleared. During our three nights, our room wasn’t cleaned and the towels weren’t changed. We had to ask a cleaner for fresh towels and more milk for tea and coffee. Bar service was also very slow one evening: we waited 20 minutes for two large beers. Maybe that was due to off-season staffing. The location is quite remote. We walked about 20 minutes to the ferry port and took a trip to Gozo, which made a nice day out. There’s little to do outside the hotel unless you take a bus or Bolt to Valletta, which is beautiful and worth seeing. A nice hotel, with a few annoyances.

The spa and pool made a peaceful place to unwind, and there was a good choice of beauty and massage treatments. In the evenings, the bar had entertainment, and the drinks were reasonably priced. The buffet restaurant offered plenty of different foods, including options for different tastes and dietary needs. Our room was spacious, well equipped and had a lovely sea view after we were given a free upgrade. The hotel was clean, stylish and welcoming, and every staff member we met was cheerful, polite and helpful. Mateshwari in the restaurant and bar deserves a special mention for always being friendly, smiling and ready to help. Martin Sapiano, the Guest Relations Manager, was exceptionally helpful when we ran into trouble with our airport transfer. My wife and I had a wonderful week here in January.

Breakfast was probably among the best I’ve had. The spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and evening entertainment were all lovely too. Everyone on the team, from reception and the waiters to housekeeping, made us feel welcome and was quick to help. It’s a little farther from the airport, but easy to reach by Bolt or bus. I’d come back in summer.

I’ve stayed here twice now and would happily return. The rooms were tidy, and the pool and spa were well looked after. Breakfast was fresh, with plenty to choose from: English breakfast, pastries, bread, fruit, deli items and drinks. The gym is nicely equipped, though the treadmill was out of order on both visits. The staff were really kind and made sure we were enjoying our stay. They welcomed us with drinks and gave us traditional Maltese biscuits at checkout. I’d definitely recommend the resort, especially to residents looking for a nice staycation.