Long term lets (over 1 month) Corporate bookings House-swap
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car advised Nearest amenities: 0.5 km
Notes:
Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
I don't know which came first - falling in love with Gozo or my Maltese husband! After spending ten years working around the world and living out of a suitcase, I admit to being less than excited about being sent to Malta. With visions of crumbling buildings, endless churches and a slow pace of life, I was unprepared for the vibrancy and beauty of these islands. I actually loved them so much that I ended up moving there and marrying one of the locals. Now, several years later, after the success of our seafront apartment in Xlendi (ref 4249), we have bought this beautiful apartment with swimming pool to cater for those of you that prefer swimming in a pool to the sea.
We have furnished our home with considerable thought and effort to reflect the peace and character of these islands and have succeeded by creating a haven of peace and relaxation; a place to generally kick back and unwind. We named our property 'Scenic Escapes' as it really is an escape from the rest of the world; stay here a week and you feel as though you've disappeared for a month!
PS. I was right about the churches though!
Springtime in the Maltese Islands
Romantic and luxurious double bedroom
Fancy a beach to yourself?
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/45424
The Island of Gozo region
With a population of just 25,000, consisting mainly of farmers and fisherman, Gozo and it’s inhabitants have a personality quite distinct from big sister, Malta. The countryside is much greener with steep fertile valleys fringing spectacular rugged cliffs that plunge down to reveal alluring bays.
Gozo is home to some beautiful peaceful beaches including Ramla Bay, a magnificent sweep of red sand on the north of the island, sleepy villages, prehistoric temples older than Stonehenge, the legend of the goddess Calypso and some of the most spectacular diving sites in the Mediterranean.
The island of Malta has been dubbed “the Mediterranean’s mini-Hollywood” by the London Times as it is becoming one of the world’s most popular film and television locations. If you take the time to explore beyond the 'package holiday' Malta, there is plenty to see and do. Wander around the baroque modern day capital Valletta, peruse the delights of colourful Marsaxlokk and it's famous Sunday market; amble through the medieval 'silent city' of Mdina for breathtaking views or unwind in one of the award winning spas on the island.
We have a large online photo library which we are happy for you to view. Please let us know if you are interested in seeing further pictures.
Gharb area
GHARB VILLAGE Our apartment is located on the edge of this peaceful inland village but within a short walk of local restaurants, grocery shops and bars. We are a 10 minute walk to the shrine of Ta'Pinu, a church that is so revered that to this day, all weddings in Gozo culminate with the bride leaving her bouquet on the altar of the church as it is considered to bring long life and prosperity to the couple. Gharb is also home to a folklore museum and a glass blowing shop selling plenty of samples of the local art, the beauty of which will rival those found in Venice at half the price!
Gharb is a place of intense natural beauty, especially in the area around the ancient chapel of the bishop-martyr San Dimitri. The legend says that an old woman beseeched the saint to save her only son from slavery by the pirates. San Dimitri left the altarpiece on his flying stallion and soon brought back her son. The altarpiece can still be seen in the chapel and a light is kept permanently burning outside as a symbol of the islanders' gratitude to the saint.
There are some excellent restaurants for a village of this size with a choice of pasta, local cuisine, fish and seafood. One of our favourites, Jeffreys, is owned and managed by a very colourful local character who consistently cooks and serves exquisite local dishes such as rabbit stew, stuffed beef and an astounding arrary of local fish in a very picturesque courtyard setting bursting with local flowers.
Just under a couple of miles away next to Dwerja and the magnificent Azure Window, you can swim at the Inland Sea, where the sea has cut into the cliffs to form a shallow, sheltered salt water pool with pebbly crystal clear water. Boat trips from the little jetty take you out to the open sea through a natural tunnel in the cliffs. Once through the tunnel the cliffs rise majestically out of the water and the boatmen wander slowly around a number of caves which dot the coast. The various dramatic rock formations, coves and drop-offs have earned Dwerja the reputation of being among the best dives sites in the Mediterranean and undoubtedly the best the Maltese Islands offer.
The apartment is an excellent base for exploring the rest of the island with the capital Victoria and its' markets only 5 minutes by road. We are just 5 minutes from Dwerja and the Azure Window and only 15 minutes from the red sandy bay of Ramla and the prehistoric temples of Ggantija.
WALKING Gozo is wonderful walking country with plenty of well trodden tracks through the more famous of the islands landmarks such as Calypso's Cave or the Azure Window but also some hidden secrets such as the beauty and peace of the Lunzjata Valley and the tiny hamlet of Ghasri.
ROCK CLIMBING For the adrenalin junkies, the Maltese Islands offer a varied and scenic playground for rock climbers of all levels. Whether you are looking to tick off some short and sweet challenges or setting out to push your limits on a multi-pitch adventure, there's a spot here to suit your style. There is a comprehensive guide in the apartment cataloguing 21 areas on all 3 islands with 1,200 + climbs.
DIVING Gozo is an enviable base for diving and we work closely with one of the established diving schools who have been operating since 1989, and offer a wealth of experience and local knowledge, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced diver. They offer over 50 shore and boat sites with depths from 5m to 45m in Gozo, Comino and northwest Malta; and sights from natural rock formations to sunken wrecks and reefs bursting with marine life. First timers can have a go at a trial dive at the shallow end of a safe bay and experienced divers can join others of similar experience on accompanied dives. Unaccompanied diving is possible for those divers holding the local government dive permit.
How to get there
FLIGHTS Fly to Malta's International Airport from London Heathrow/Gatwick in just 3-3½ hours. Most other UK airports will only add another 30 minutes or so to your journey. Malta is also served by numerous other large European airports and is very well connected.
WHICH AIRLINES OPERATE FROM UK? AirMalta, Astraeus LT, British Airways, British Jet, European Aviation, Excel Airways, First Choice Airways, Hello Ltd, MY Travel Airways, Ryanair, Thomas Cook Airlines, Thomson Fly and from 31st March Easyjet
BUYING YOUR FLIGHTS From the UK We have found these websites to offer competitive fares where prices can start from as little as £50 + tax per person
www.easyjet.com www.britishjet.com from £63 + tax per person www.ryanair.com from London Luton (daily), Dublin, Barcelona (Girona), Bari, Bremen, Venice (Treviso), Stockholm (Nykoping), Valencia & Pisa (3 times a week) www,ba.com or 0845 7733377 www.airmalta.com or 020 8785 3199 www.maltadirect.co.uk www.travelocity.co.uk www.majortravel.co.uk
From Europe www.germanwings.com from Cologne & Stuttgart www.norwegian.no for cheap flights to Malta from Oslo, Norway every Tuesday & Saturday www.clickair.com from/to Barcelona to Malta twice weekly
TRANSFERS TO GOZO There are several options as detailed below:
For a stress free start to your holiday, we can organise private transfers from Malta airport direct to our apartment. Please contact us for a quote.
Alternatively there is a public bus service from €4.50 (£3.40) per person direct to Cirkewwa (the ferry port in Malta) where you can catch the regular Gozo ferry. The ferry runs frequently (approx every 45 minutes) and costs €4.50 (£3.40) per foot passenger. The crossing takes around 25 minutes.
The other option is to hire a car at Malta's airport. Car hire is amongst the cheapest in Europe, with prices starting from €18 (£14) per day. Please contact us for a quote.
Whichever mode of transport you choose, it is actually a scenic journey along the coast road and the ferry has excellent facilities including a magazine kiosk and cafeteria. The total transfer time should not exceed an hour and a half.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Malta International: 38 km
Railway:
None
Ferry:
Mgarr: 8 km
Activities near Gharb
Sports: Watersports
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats A winter sun break
Facilities
Luxuries:
DVD player
General:
CD player
Standard:
Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer
Utilities:
Clothes dryer, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer
Rooms:
Bedrooms (1), Bathrooms (1), WCs (1)
Furniture:
Sofabeds (2), Double beds (1), Dining seating for 4, Lounge seating for 5, Sleeps maximum of 4
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Shared outdoor pool (unheated), Shared garden
Further details indoors: The apartment is beautifully finished to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The double bedroom has a solid oak double bed with a divinely comfortable and sumptuous handmade mattress, spacious wardrobe with plenty of hangers and a large freestanding mirror. Each bedside table has a lamp and a hairdryer is also supplied.
There is a tiled bathroom with ceramic bath and overhead shower. Lots of storage space, plenty of fluffy towels, bright lighting with illuminated mirrors, heater, shaver point, candles and even bath salts.
The kitchen is kitted out with everything you need for a comfortable holiday. Halogen hob, microwave with oven and grill, fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster, oils and spices and plenty of tea and coffee! The breakfast bar seats four people with very comfortable chrome and leather bar stools. An iron and ironing board are also provided.
The open plan living area has two very comfortable sofa beds that easily sleep two children on one sofa bed or if there are two adults sleeping in the lounge, they can have a bed each! The small private balcony overlooks the quiet residential street. The lounge is furnished a DVD player with a large selection of films, board games, books and magazines to suit all tastes.
Thick fleecy blankets and extra pillows are provided to ensure a cosy home atmosphere for those cooler months - not that there are many! As we do not have to rely on solar power, there is always plenty of hot water for relaxing baths or showers
We have compiled a comprehensive information pack for our guests use with maps, restaurant, walking and rock climbing guides.
Further details outdoors: The outside pool and deck is spacious with pretty planted gardens and plenty of space for sun loungers. The deck area overlooks untouched countryside; it is quiet and peaceful and a perfect spot for relaxing in the beautiful sunshine the Maltese Islands are renowned for.
Further details
The apartment is on the first floor and there is a lift. We are a non-smoking family and would ask all of our guests to respect this and not smoke in our apartment.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low season
1 Mar 08
1 Apr 08
199£ 199
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid season
1 Apr 08
1 Jul 08
284£ 284
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Jul 08
1 Aug 08
399£ 399
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak season
1 Aug 08
1 Sep 08
425£ 425
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Sep 08
1 Oct 08
399£ 399
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid season
1 Oct 08
1 Nov 08
284£ 284
0-
0-
1 Week
Low season
1 Nov 08
1 Apr 09
199£ 199
0-
0-
5 Nights
Mid season
1 Apr 09
1 Jul 09
309£ 309
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Jul 09
1 Aug 09
439£ 439
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak season
1 Aug 09
1 Sep 09
479£ 479
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Sep 09
1 Oct 09
439£ 439
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid season
1 Oct 09
1 Nov 09
309£ 309
0-
0-
1 Week
Low season
1 Nov 09
1 Apr 10
199£ 199
0-
0-
5 Nights
121
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Prices shown above are for 7 nights in UK pounds for 2 people. Please contact me for prices for other size parties.
Prices all inclusive of linen, towels, water, electricity and maid service. Transfers, car hire and additional services required are not included. We offer a free welcome food pack including a bottle of very pleasant local wine.
Prices for 4 people are:
Low season - £274
Mid season - £334
High season - £449
Peak season - £479
2009 rates for other size parties are available on request.
A supplement of £50 per week is applicable for Christmas, New Year, Easter and Bank holidays.
All prices are in GB Pounds sterling and are payable in the UK. A 25% non refundable deposit is required at the time of booking plus a security deposit of £100 to cover any breakages or damage during your stay. This will be returned to you in full, subject to any deductions, after your stay. The balance is due 8 weeks before travel. For cancellations after the balance is received, if we can relet the property, you will be refunded. If not, there is a 100% cancellation charge.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/45424
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/45424
Contact details for home 45424
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Elaine Meli
Tel:
+44 (0)1276 517683
Mobile:
+44 (0)7801 541073
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Advertiser joined: 30 Nov 2004 This property added: 9 Jan 2008