Hotel Ta' Cenc & Spa

Hotel Ta' Cenc & Spa's ancient stone-tower entrance gives a nod to Gozitan heritage here, where 370 acres (150 hectares) of protected nature reserve stretch into the distance, and contain flower-lined paths, courtyards, and roaming cats. While overall upkeep and service are a little lacking, there's no shortage of space -- from the family and adult-only pools, to smartly furnished pavilion terraces, where al fresco dining is popular. Interiors have a presentable, but largely old-fashioned look from traditional tiling and wood-accent archway windows. The lobby's cream couches amid antique rigs and coffee tables are classic, dressed up by a carved fireplace and antique trunks in hallways. Maltese stone surrounds the spa's lagoon pool, and an indoor/outdoor partition feels glam. Expect romantic touches, such as the candle-lit Il Carrubo restaurant, which surrounds a 400 year-old carob tree, and the lovely cliffside dining at the private rocky lido. Although it doesn't live up to its advertised five-pearl status, this is a lovely pick for those seeking a peaceful nature setting, particularly couples.

The hotel sits on the edge of sleepy Sannat, a 12-minute walk from the village's traditional churches and a handful of restaurants. Gozo's flat terrain is broad, so car hire or taxis are your best bet for getting around. Most destinations are within a 25-minute drive, including the Ta'Pinu Shrine, Mgarr ix-Xini's fjord-like inlets, and limestone Azure Window, which, despite its tragic 2017 collapse, is now a diving haven. A bus stopping outside serves other villages, and free shuttles from the hotel run to capital, Victoria, plus Il Kantra's private cliff beach (the walk takes 35 minutes). For ferries to Malta, Gozo Ferry Terminal is a 12-minute drive. Malta International Airport is 90 minutes away by car (ferries required).

Comprising bungalows or conical-roofed Trullos (in top-tier units), spacious rooms are contemporary and elegant. They have a serene design of light-hued walls, clean-lined wood furniture, painted shutter wardrobes, powder-blue or green bed runners, and chocolate-brown suede headboards, drapes, and throw pillows. Framed artwork, classic lamps, and glass-topped tables decorate the spaces, and suites add upscale additions such as four-poster beds and quaint beehive ceilings. Charming private terraces have wicker table and chair sets, thatched or stone-wall enclosures, and pool or countryside views. Suite terraces have loungers, and their bathrooms have jetted tubs, slippers, and robes. All bathrooms have showers or shower/tub combos, magnifying mirrors, Duke & Lyle toiletries, and hairdryers.

Phones, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, ironing facilities, safes, and AC come standard. Unfortunately, in-room Wi-Fi is both chargeable and unreliable. Family units sleeping four are available.

Features are geared toward a relaxing stay, especially in the summer, when free shuttles run to Il Kantra's cliffside beach and restaurant. Much like the scenery, simple loungers here are rustic, but views are beautiful. Year-round amenities include two good-sized outdoor pools, although they're unheated, and tired-looking loungers lack umbrellas. A family and adult-only pool offer something for everyone, although the spa's rock-enclosed lagoon pool is the most attractive. Its indoor section and whirlpool sit under ridged Trullo roofing, and loungers are present both indoors and out. A sauna, steam room, pampering treatments, and a gym are also available, although equipment is outdated. Two tennis courts are also on-site.

Alongside the lido's eatery, two restaurants serve local and Mediterranean fare, including free buffet breakfasts with hot and continental options. The lounge bar and earth-toned restaurants look underwhelming, although al fresco dining around a gnarled carob tree is atmospheric. A historic palazzo, function space, 24-hour concierge, and free parking complete features. Wi-Fi is free in the lounge and bar, but charged in rooms.