Self catering holidays in Malta with a 1 year old?

[MuffinMclay]

Dh's idea and I need some convincing. I know nothing about Malta.

Has anyone had any good (or bad) experiences? I couldn't stand being in an appartment block surrounded by lots of other people (I need my sleep and am a very light sleeper). We normally rent houses in the middle of nowhere in France and I'd like something similar here if it exists.

I'd like somewhere reasonably luxorious, not ridiculously pricey. I've always had the view that a holiday should involve staying somewhere nicer than home.

Why Malta?

Perhaps it was just me, but we went with a 1 year old and a 2 1/2 year old and found it very hard going. Both my 2 love beaches and always have, but Malta have very few beaches, its very rocky and because of that the ones they have are packed. My 2 will quite happily play on a beach for hours but as we couldnt really find any it was hard to keep them amused.

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We've been to Sardinia and loved it, beautiful quiet beaches and lovely Italian food. This year we are off to Corsica.

We were pleasantly surprised by Malta - wanted to book somewhere at really short notice for 5 of us. Agree beaches weren't great but good to snorkel. We stayed at Corinthia Mistra which was great for our children who were probably 4,5 and 7 at the time. It was a few years ago so couldn't say what it's like now.

'Why Malta' sums it up for me too. I think he thought it might be warm (but not too warm) at the end of April and might be child friendly. Rocky beaches are a definite no-no for a child unsteady on his feet. What's the point in going to a beach if you can't make sandcastles?

I didn't really fancy it, but now I can tell him it is unsuitable too.

We did go to France last year (when he was 5 months old) and it was a bit if a disaster. Partly because MIL came too (she won't be coming this time), and partly because we couldn't do all the things we used to enjoy doing in France - lots of long, lingering meals out. All that will just have to wait until he leaves home.

I need a plan B.

We went to Malta and our DD hated the stones. We had dreadful weather too so it kind of put us off.
Good luck

where and when are you going to Malta?

Aznerak - that villa looks lovely. Just the sort of thing we're after, but (awkward sod that I am) we stayed very close to there in September, so I think we'd like to see somewhere new.

IIFY - I don't think we will be going anymore.

I hated Malta when I went there. Dh & I were childless when we went but I wouldn't want to take my children there. I also caught a nasty stomach bug , that knocked me for six for weeks after we came back, in fact I ended up conceiving dd because I was taking the pill and antibs!

Hi Muffin
That's a shame as it truly is the perfect family villa. Whereabouts did you stay last time? We spent Christmas and New Year in the villa and had a fantastic time. There is so much to do and see and we have been so many times yet still have tons of things left to visit.
When are you thinking of going? Are you sure I can't tempt you - I am sure I can offer you a deal to good to turn down!!!!! Plus a list of activities to keep you all entertained.

Can't remember the name of the village. It was roughly half way between Carcasonne and Narbonne. The year before that we stayed near Beziers.

Dh is the kind of person who can't linger at anything (except eating/drinking). He likes to be able to tick 5 historic sights off a list before lunchtime. He generally feels he's seen everything by about day 3 of the holiday.

No probs but if you change your mind, let me know and I'll sort something out for you!
Good luck in your search.