You know that feeling when you arrive at a Mediterranean resort and it just feels... right? It’s not about gold-plated faucets or staff who bow every time you sneeze. It’s about the view. Specifically, the view from a balcony at the Corinthia Hotel Saint Julian's (officially known as the Corinthia St George’s Bay) where the Mediterranean Sea basically hits you in the face the moment you open the curtains.
Most people heading to Malta gravitate toward the noise of Paceville or the historic limestone walls of Valletta. But there’s a specific pocket of Saint Julian's that feels separate from the chaos. That’s where the Corinthia sits. It’s a bit of an icon. Honestly, if you’ve been to Malta before, you’ve definitely seen it—a sprawling, tiered structure carved into the rocky edge of St George’s Bay.
It’s grand. It’s big. But it doesn’t feel like a factory.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
When you hear "Saint Julian's," you probably think of neon lights, late-night clubs, and enough bass to rattle your teeth. That’s Paceville. And yeah, the Corinthia is technically in Saint Julian's, but it’s tucked away on the tip of the peninsula. You get the proximity to the nightlife without actually having to hear a bachelor party at 3:00 AM.
Location is everything here. You’re looking at a 10-minute walk into the heart of the action, yet when you’re on the hotel grounds, it’s remarkably quiet. The hotel occupies a massive chunk of waterfront real estate that most developers would kill for today. Because it was built before the island became a dense thicket of apartment blocks, it has breathing room. Space. Actual gardens.
The Pool Situation (And Why It Matters)
Let’s talk about the pools. There are five of them.
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Most hotels in Malta struggle with pool space because, frankly, the island is a giant rock with limited flat ground. The Corinthia solves this by cascading their pool decks down toward the sea. You’ve got options. If you want the "I’m here to read a book and be left alone" vibe, there are quiet corners. If you’re with family, there’s space for that too.
The best part? The lido. The hotel has direct access to the water. You aren't just looking at the sea; you’re in it. There’s a private jetty where you can jump straight into the Mediterranean. It’s turquoise. It’s clear. It’s exactly what you see on the postcards but without the saturation filters.
The Apollo Day Spa is the backup plan for when the sun goes into hiding. It’s not just a small room with a massage table. It’s a full-on wellness center with an indoor pool, sauna, and those specialized treatments that make you feel like a functional human again after a long flight.
Let’s Get Real About the Rooms
Look, I’ll be honest. Some people argue the decor is "classic." Others might call it slightly traditional. If you’re looking for a hyper-minimalist, gray-on-gray industrial loft, this isn't it. This is Maltese luxury—warm tones, heavy fabrics, and extremely comfortable beds.
The real winner is the Executive Club.
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If you can swing the upgrade, do it. The lounge access is great, sure, but the personalized service is what actually sticks with you. You get a private check-in and breakfast in a setting that doesn't feel like a high school cafeteria. Plus, every single room has a balcony. In a place like Malta, a room without a balcony is a tragedy. At the Corinthia, you’re basically guaranteed a view of the bay or the open sea.
Eating Your Way Through the Peninsula
You don't actually have to leave the resort to eat well, which is a blessing and a curse for your waistline.
- Caviar & Bull: This is the big one. Marvin Gauci is a bit of a legend in the Maltese culinary scene, and this restaurant is his flagship here. It’s modern, it’s molecular, and the wagyu tacos are genuinely life-changing.
- Buddhamann: Think Asian fusion with a view. It’s great for a sunset dinner.
- Fra Martino: This is where the breakfast buffet happens. It’s massive. They have everything from traditional English breakfast components to local Maltese pastizzi (those flaky, pea-filled pastries you'll become addicted to).
- Vinotheque: A wine bar vibe that feels a bit more intimate. Perfect for a glass of local Meridiana wine and some cheese after a day of exploring.
Wait, I should mention the "Corinthia standard." The brand started in Malta. This is their home turf. Because of that, there’s a certain level of pride in the service that you don't always get at international chain hotels. The staff actually seem to know the island, not just the hotel script.
The Logistics: Getting Around From Saint Julian's
Malta is small, but the traffic is... something else. Staying at the Corinthia gives you a few tactical advantages.
First, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to Sliema and Valletta. Use it. Parking in Valletta is a nightmare designed by someone who hates cars. The shuttle drops you off, you see the sights, and you get a ride back.
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Second, if you want to go to Gozo or Comino (and you should), the hotel can arrange boat charters directly from their jetty. Skipping the bus ride to the northern ferry terminal saves you about two hours of your life.
Is It Worth the Price?
It’s a five-star hotel. It isn't cheap.
But value is a tricky thing. If you want a cheap bed to crash in after partying in Paceville, go somewhere else. You’d be wasting your money here. But if you want a base that feels like a sanctuary, where you can wake up, swim in the sea, eat a world-class dinner, and never feel crowded, then it’s worth every cent.
It’s the kind of place where the concierge remembers your name by the second day. In a world of automated check-ins and robotic service, that kind of thing still matters.
What to Do Next
If you're planning a trip, keep these points in mind to get the most out of your stay at the Corinthia Hotel Saint Julian's.
- Book the Sea View: Don't try to save 20 Euros by getting a partial view. The full sea view is the entire point of staying on a peninsula.
- Use the Jetty: Don't just stay by the pool. The swimming in St George’s Bay, right off the hotel rocks, is some of the cleanest and most refreshing on the island.
- Explore the Gastronomy: Make a reservation at Caviar & Bull at least two weeks in advance. It fills up fast, especially on weekends.
- Download Bolt or Uber: While the shuttle is great, these apps are the most reliable way to get around the rest of the island quickly.
- Check the Event Calendar: The Corinthia often hosts events or has specific seasonal lido access. If you're visiting in the "shoulder season" (like October or May), check which pools are heated.
Stop overthinking the itinerary. Malta is best enjoyed when you leave room for spontaneity. Grab a coffee, sit on that balcony, and just look at the water for a while. Everything else can wait.