raddisson golden sands, Malta

This was our 4 visit to the Radisson and second time this year; we had 2 wonderful weeks in summer and have returned for a long weekend at the beginning of October, I only wish it was longer.

This is a fantastic 5 star hotel situated on top of a cliff overlooking one of the best sandy beaches on the island, where you can wade out quite some way before it gets deep. The hotel is well designed but needs getting used to, there are three small towers which are interconnected on the second level, it is possible to go from one tower to another on the second level without going outside or using steps, once one is in the nearest tower to the beach there are internal lifts nearby to take you down to the beach or steps if you are feeling energetic. The hotel is also very wheelchair friendly once you have got the hang of the layout. The hotel has a gift shop, jewellers, Deli (overpriced and limited selection), games room, children's room with staff on hand and a laundry.

This Radisson is mainly vocational ownership with a total of 337 rooms and according to reception the hotel side only has 54 rooms and these remaining rooms will be turned into vocational ownership sometime in the future. This hotel deserves a 5 star rating not only for the quality but also for the amenities.

Rooms
The rooms are spacious and the whole hotel is maintained to a very high standard. Most of the rooms have some sort of cooking facilities, several have a full kitchen including dishwasher. Maid service is daily and they even wash up any dirty dishes. The suits are very spacious and luxurious; we have stayed in a studio apartment, 1 bedroom basic apartment and a 1 bedroom deluxe apartment all very nice, we have had country view as well as sea view. Country view is overlooking the Scouts and sea view is to die for. Internet connection is available free in the rooms via cable connection (available from reception) and Wi-Fi is available in the foyer, members reception and down by the pool.

Pools, Gym & Spa
The outdoor lagoon pool is 90 metres long is lovely and has plenty of sun beds around the pool. There is also a kids pool, Jacuzzi and a smaller outdoor pool, as well as a heated indoor pool and Jacuzzi. The hotel also boasts of a spa and gym.

The third pool is a 'members' pool area up the back of the sunbathing level, this is for members of the Island Residence Club but it appears all and sundry use this pool, however it is quieter than the lagoon pool.

Restaurants and bars
Lots to choose from and the discount card gives you 20% off in most of the restaurants.

Mokka
Previously in August I managed on several occasions to get a continental breakfast for ?;8, it also does afternoon teas and cakes as well as cocktails in the evenings. The bar is open all day and has a large terrace overlooking Golden Bay and the pool area.

Agliolio
Italian restaurant enormous portions and reasonably priced. A good selection of pizzas, pasta, meat and fish dishes. In the evenings in August you had to book a table otherwise one had to wait until 9.30 or 10pm. I would highly recommend booking a table on the terrace which has a good view of the beach.

Flavours
Expensive, dinner ?;29 and breakfast ?;13.90 per person, however a very wide selection for breakfast catering for everyone's needs. Dinner is a set price and a set menu.

Essence
This is the best restaurant in the hotel with great views. The menu is a lot smaller than other restaurants and is expensive, but has a good selection of fish dishes and a few meat dishes. Again I would recommend booking a table to avoid disappointment.

Swizzles
Was closed for redecoration.

Lagoon
Pool bar open during the day where you can get snacks such as burgers and wraps, drinks and ice creams.

Beach
There are internal lifts to take you down to the beach level, which is a lovely sandy one with 2 beach bars, a water sports centre and nearby is cafe called Apple's Eye which serves a fantastic wide selection at a very reasonable price.

If you are fortunate enough to go on a timeshare presentation week jump at it, some couples have stayed there for a week on room only basis for

Five star new luxury hotel. We travelled with three children, had a very large two bedroom self catering apartment within the hotel. lots of pools for kids and a good kids club only suitable for under 6 years. water park very nearby lots of watersports on hotel site with private beach, a different holiday, easy and not touristy.