Hotel Ta' Cenc & Spa

This is the kind of place where you can switch off. It feels as if it’s been left untouched, like stepping back in time, and I think that’s part of the experience. It’s quiet, with a great spa and a pool that goes from indoors to outdoors. The gym needs an update, but there’s still enough to get a good workout. I loved how they look after the cats, and the ‘igloos’ are great for peace and quiet. Lovely walks, views, and outdoor dining too.

I only stayed one night, which wasn’t really enough time to experience everything on offer. My room was clean, well equipped, and laid out nicely, with enough space not to feel cramped. It was incredibly peaceful, probably the quietest stay of my three weeks in Malta and Gozo, which I really appreciated. I visited in October, and the hotel gardens were a treat to walk around, with a wonderful variety of plants. The views across the channel from the terrace restaurant and heated pool area were very nice. I found the staff friendly, and the place had a restorative feel, though I didn’t get to the spa.

We had a mixed stay at Hotel Ta’ Cenc. The spa area was beautiful and usually quiet, with the sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi as highlights. The spa staff were excellent, especially the bald man in the white polo, who was easily the most helpful person in the hotel. He even brought me silicone gloves so I could use the pool with my injured hand, and kept checking whether we needed towels or anything else. Massages, though, are far too expensive. Our room had several problems: ants inside, a dirty balcony with an old cigarette, and air conditioning that only cooled to 22°C before resetting by itself. We also went without hot water for about two hours once. Housekeeping did a good job, though. The bed was clean and made up well, and we got fresh water, coffee, tea, and toiletries every day. Pool service was disappointing. I waved to order, but nobody came over. The food was very good. Dinner was tasty and fairly priced for a three-course menu, and breakfast was excellent, including sparkling wine. Overall, the spa and food were great, but the room conditions and service need serious improvement.

The staff at Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa on Gozo island were the real deal. Hurricane force winds and rain shut down the Malta to Gozo ferry, and with a flight to catch in four days, we decided to give up our non-refundable four-day holiday because we were worried about more disruption and closures. The staff got back to us quickly, said they understood, and refunded the full non-refundable amount without us even asking. I can only imagine how well they’d have looked after us if we’d made it to Gozo.