AX Sunny Coast Resort & Spa

The Sunny Coast Resort & Spa is a simple seaside property with a laid-back atmosphere and pleasant enough (but often dated) interiors. With a gray and cream exterior, the entrance is flanked by patio chairs and umbrellas from Butcher’s Grill Restaurant, which are set outside in the summertime. An outdoor parking lot is in front of the building and shaded garden space with bench seating provides some relief from the Malta sun. Fresh and modern, the lobby lounge features cozy and welcoming furnishings in brown and gray tones. Stone accent walls near the front desk and recessed lights behind a bookshelf create a homey atmosphere. Hallways are simple in design with checkered floors and wooden doors. What sets this property apart is the seaside location with a private rocky beach conveniently across the street.

The Mediterranean Sea can be seen from the hotel’s location that’s separated from the Qawra waterfront by a small street. Across the street is the hotel’s private rocky beach and also Adventure Diving Malta and Water World Water Sports. This location is a quieter area of Qawra with a few rental car companies, restaurants, and pubs nearby. More shops and restaurants are in Bugibba Square, which is a 20-minute walk away. Beside the hotel is the Luzzu bus stop that goes to Valletta in an hour and 15 minutes. In walking distance is the Malta National Aquarium and Oracle Casino, which is near a beach. Nicer beaches in Mellieha are about an hour by bus or 20 minutes by car. It’s 30 minutes by car to the Malta International Airport.

Apartments have simple, clean and homey designs; some have furnishings that are more dated than others, and some have tube TVs versus tiny flat-screen TVs. Studios, one-, and two-bedrooms feature gray and blue interior designs with parquet floors. Rooms are suited for long-term stays since they offer living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens with wet bars, mini-fridges, stoves/ovens, kettles, and toasters. Balconies overlook the sea or Qawra city. Apartments can sleep between two to five people. Basic bathrooms feature shower/tub combos. Most apartments have flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, air-conditioning, and ironing boards. Maid service comes every three days. There are fees for safes, daily maid service, and Nintendo Wii consoles. DVD players, irons, coffeemakers, high chairs, fans, cribs, and microwaves are available on request.

With its own rocky beach, the Sunny Coast Resort stands apart from the competition. An outdoor pool is also set on the waterfront with yellow lounge chairs, a kids' pool, and three hot tubs. Children’s swimming classes are available. Inside the hotel is a modern heated pool with green accent lights and a hot tub. A small full-service spa has a lounge, sauna, hair salon, and boutique. Private gatherings of up to 40 people can be held in the hotel’s meeting room that features colorful artwork and a projector with a screen. Those looking to stay active on their vacation can take advantage of the hotel’s squash court and a large fitness center with modern cardio and weight equipment. Bicycle storage and repairs are provided for free.

Four restaurants -- including the newer Ocean Basket -- serve South African, Indian, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Butcher’s Grill offers a cozy indoor dining room and outdoor terrace. The lounge bar is in the lobby. And the Quattro Fratelli and Garam Masalaa restaurants offer sea views.