Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay in Malta is now offering its “Villages Experience” program, where guests of the hotel will have the chance to meet local artisans in three Maltese villages, Safi, Kirkop and Mqabba.
The program will give travelers the chance to discover the “real” Malta and Gozo through its people and culture.
Locals in these three villages will share their stories, legends and folklore, cuisine, music, and crafts during small tours that leave mid afternoon. The choices are:
- A visit to the small village of Safi to view the Phoenician catacombs, meet Nenu, the local blacksmith, listen to live music from Pauline and Jonathan and enjoy a three-course dinner of typical Maltese food. Tours are Tuesdays 3:00 -10:00 p.m.
- A visit to Kirkop to learn all about the local industry of stone sculpting and goat’s cheese production, where guests will savor a selection of snacks. Tours are Thursdays 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Explore Mqabba with its Mintna catacombs and old hospital. Guests will spend time learning how to make typical street decorations and enjoy a three-course Maltese dinner before returning to the hotel. Tours are Fridays 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Tour prices vary depending on the size of the group and the tour chosen and are bookable through the hotel’s Guest Relations desk. All bookings must be pre-paid at the time of making the reservation. Reservations need to be a minimum 24 hours in advance and are subject to minimum group size of six.
Prices include: Transport (pick-up and drop-off at hotel), accompanying guide, dinner in Safi and Mqabba; snacks in Kirkop, and VAT.
The hotel has partnered with the Malta Tourism Society and the University of Malta to help push this community-based sustainable tourism experience.
The Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay has 249 rooms in total, 179 Deluxe rooms, 32 Executive rooms, 29 deluxe suites, eight junior suites, and one grand suite – all with a private balcony – as well as five pools, a private rocky beach and direct access to the Mediterranean Sea. Celebrity-chef run Caviar & Bull and the Pearl Lounge highlight the available F&B options, of which there are 11 options. The Apollo Day Spa, water sports center and state-of-the art fitness center are all also available to guests.