Cornucopia Hotel

On the hilly outskirts of a small village, overlooking green valleys and distant sea, the Cornucopia Hotel retains plenty of character from its previous life as a farmhouse dating back 300 years. Wrought-iron gates and a trellis-covered courtyard with bougainvillea make for a peaceful entrance, while the lobby's carved stone archways and intricate tiled floors embrace its Mediterranean surroundings. Although old-fashioned, the lobby has a homey vibe with its wood-framed sofas, pale-blue walls adorned with old farming tools and wreaths, and shelves lined with plants and vases. A TV room has a free-to-borrow book collection and a computer station. Terra-cotta tiles and low arched ceilings in the bar give the space a taverna feel, and vaulted ceilings in the restaurant are elegant. The quiet location and pretty views are certainly pros, but rooms may feel more dated than quaint to some. Guests are mostly couples, but families and groups of friends can also be found here.

A 10-minute walk from Xaghra's small central square, the Cornucopia Hotel is on a hill overlooking green valleys and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. A bus stop 10 minutes away on foot provides access to many parts of the island, including the Ramla Bay Beach, which is a 20-minute bus ride or shorter car journey. Providing access to the main island of Malta, Gozo Ferry Terminal is a 15-minute drive or half-hour bus ride. The city of Victoria, Ta' Pinu Shrine, and the site of the fallen Azure Window are all under 20 minutes away by car. Within a 20-minute walk (or shorter drive), the Neolithic temples of Ġgantija are also a popular attraction. Malta International Airport is 90 minutes awayby car, including a ferry ride.

Rooms are split between the main building and the two bungalow complexes, and all are outfitted in a dated style that's in need of a refresh. The simple spaces have traditional wood furniture, old-fashioned patterned linens, tile floors, and homey artwork. Nevertheless, they're comfy, air-conditioned, and and decently sized. Additionally, all have furnished balconies or terraces -- with pool, valley, or street views -- but some are shared and lack privacy. All rooms have small table and chair sets, desks, flat-screen TVs with a few English-language channels, trouser presses, mini-fridges with bottled water, and wardrobes. Only Suites have kettles, plus they come with separate living areas. Bungalows have living and dining areas, well-equipped kitchenettes, and terraces with sunbeds. Straightforward bathrooms have shower/tub combos in lower-category rooms, while Suites come with bathtubs and separate showers. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. In-room Wi-Fi requires a fee.

There are three unheated pools at the property: one at the main building and one at each bungalow complexes. The hotel's main pool is in a calm greenery-filled courtyard with plastic loungers and dining tables. It isn't the largest, but a bigger two-tiered pool is by one of the bungalow complexes. All rates include a substantial breakfast buffet with hot fare such as eggs and sausage, and a typical continental spread of cereal, pastries, cold meats and cheeses. Coffee and juice machines are available. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, and half-board rates include three-course dinners. Guests seem to particularly like the Friday night poolside barbecue and carvery nights, Drinks are served at the bar. Small functions can be held in a multi-purpose conference room for up to 30 people. A guest computer with internet is free to use, but Wi-Fi is only free in common areas. No gym or spa facilities are on-site.