I felt like a member of a very special and very exclusive club as I sat back on the Romanesque balcony of my luxury hotel suite, looking out on to a beautiful square in the deserted Medieval city where I was staying.

It was the end of a long day on my whirlwind weekend in Malta in which I had managed to cram lots of sightseeing, fine dining, a trip to the beach – and surprisingly a night out clubbing.

This Mediterranean island, just 17 miles in length, punches well above its weight in terms of activities, also boasting a wide selection of sporting events and dozens of water sports to choose from.

We arrived at Malta International Airport after a three-hour flight from London and were whisked by limousine on the eight-mile journey to our stunning hilltop retreat, situated within the walls of an ancient fortified city.

Lovingly restored to its former glory by the Zammit Tabona family, its current owners, the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux originally served as a residence for the noble family Moscato Parisio before being used by the British during the First World War.

It fell into decline after its first stint as a hotel and the painstaking process of renovating the Palazzo into an exclusive, boutique hotel took place between 1996 and 1999.

The Xara Palace now boasts 17 individually designed luxurious rooms and suites decorated with antique furniture and original paintings. Some have outdoor jacuzzis on their private terraces.

Apart from the stunning feature balcony, my own palatial home for the weekend enjoyed stunning views of the Maltese countryside from the other aspect and the largest and grandest mirror I have ever laid eyes on.

Full of charm and character, the hotel is also home to two fabulous eateries. Set in the building’s bastion terraces is the de Mondion restaurant. Officially rated the Best Restaurant in Malta by gourmets from the Definitive Good Guide 2009, it boasts panoramic views across the island to the capital Valletta and incredible fine dining cuisine.

My five-course gastronomic treat one evening included a melt in the mouth pan-roasted beef tenderloin cooked to perfection by head chef Kevin Bonello, Chef of the Year 2009 at the Malta Kulinarja culinary contest.

Trattoria AD 1530 is a more casual dining affair offering pasta, pizzas and salads and the chance to dine al fresco in the square while watching tourists go by on horse-drawn carriages.

It is in the evening though when the Mdina is at its most charming. Free of the hordes of tourists it attracts by day, and free of all but a few cars owned by residents, it is virtually silent and a wonderful place to explore.

Dubbed the Silent City, the Mdina still boasts shops, restaurants, coffee shops, Further afield, I found Malta to be brimming with culture. Valletta in particular is a fascinating city and as a World Heritage Site, the island’s main tourist attraction.

Survey the scene from the imposing bastions overlooking Malta’s stunning Grand Harbour, take a look around the majestic St John’s or just relax at one of the dozens of quaint cafes and wine bars dotted around the fortified capital.

My favourite stop was a tour of Casa Rocca Picola, a historical gem and much-loved family home dating back to 1850, by the 9th Marquis of Piro.

We were treated to brilliant anecdotes from the Malta of yesteryear, a peek at the costumes collection and journeyed down into the Second World War public air raid shelters under the palace.

No trip to Valletta would be complete without a visit to The Pub, the tiny watering hole famed for being the place in which English actor Oliver Reed, known for his excessive drinking, bought his last ever round.

St Julian’s Bay is perfect for a night on the town with waterfront restaurants, casinos, the island’s newest hotels, an abundance of nightlife, a Ministry of Sound club and a bar on the 22nd floor of the highest building in Malta. If you look carefully, you might even spot David Beckham at the marina, where his family own a home.

Our last day in Malta was spent on a tour of some of the island’s coastal hotspots.

We took in some beautiful beaches and the picturesque Blue Grotto and its neighbouring system of caverns.

Final stop was the pretty fishing village of Marsaxlokk where small fishing craft, painted in vivid reds, yellows, greens and blues float on the calm waters of the bay right next to a bustling market.

I had never considered Malta for a short break before. But it really was the perfect mix of culture, charm and class – with sunshine and the most exquisite hotel I have ever seen thrown in.

FACTFILE

The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux
Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina, MDN 1050, Malta xarapalace.com.mt
Tel: 00 356 21 450 560
Email:
<&bh"mailto:info@xarapalace.com.mt">info@xarapalace.com.mt<&eh> Room only rates at The Xara Palace start from £165 per room, per night including VAT.
Air Malta has around 40 scheduled services per week from the UK and Ireland to Malta. Flights depart from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham International to Malta International Airport. airmalta.com
Malta Tourism Authority: 020 8877 6990,
visitmalta.com