Long term lets (over 1 month) Corporate bookings House-swap
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car not necessary
Notes:
No pets allowed Suitable for children Not suitable for elderly or infirm 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, we are lucky enough to own this beautiful apartment, which we have furnished with considerable thought and effort to reflect the peace and character of these islands. We have succeeded by creating a haven of peace and relaxation; a place to generally kick back and unwind. We named our property 'Azure 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!
As one of our recent guests summed up, 'It was always a pleasure to return there at the end of each day'.
PS. I was right about the churches though!
Romantic, spacious and luxurious master bedroom
Spacious and relaxing open plan lounge with adjacent balcony
Fancy a beach to yourself?
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/4249
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.
Xlendi area
XLENDI VILLAGE Our apartment is located in the flat village area of Xlendi within a minutes walk to the local grocery and souvenir shops, cafes, bars and restaurants; many of them situated on the seafront.
There are some excellent restaurants for a village of this size with a choice of Italian pizza and pasta, local cuisine and fish and seafood. Xlendi is also home to a superb family owned and run Mediterranean restaurant called ‘It’Tmun’, which has been awarded ‘Best Restaurant in Gozo’ several times in recent years. During the summer months, there is a popular open-air venue called ‘La Grotta’, situated in an open cave approximately half a mile away on the hillside leading out of Xlendi. It is ideally positioned within walking distance but far enough away that you will not be disturbed by the music if you prefer a quieter evening.
The warm, gentle waters of Xlendi Bay are ideal for families with children because of the protection from strong currents provided by the natural reef surrounding the bay. This reef also makes Xlendi particularly appealing for experienced and beginner divers alike due to the abundance of marine wildlife and superb visibility.
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 7 minutes from Dwerja and the Azure Window and only 10 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 Xlendi is also 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 Xlendi
Sports: Watersports
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation A winter sun break
Facilities
Luxuries:
DVD player
General:
CD player
Standard:
Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer
Utilities:
Clothes dryer, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer
Rooms:
Bedrooms (2), Bathrooms (1), WCs (1)
Furniture:
Single beds (2), Double beds (1), Cots (1), Dining seating for 4, Lounge seating for 5, Sleeps maximum of 4
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace
Further details indoors: The apartment is beautifully finished to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The master bedroom has a locally crafted wrought iron double bed with a divinely comfortable and sumptuous handmade mattress, large wardrobe with plenty of hangers and a dressing table with mirror and hairdryer. Each bedside table has a touch sensitive lamp and there is also an alarm clock. The comfortable twin bedroom also has wrought iron beds, a large chest of drawers and a travel cot, which can be put up wherever required.
There is a large tiled bathroom with ceramic bath and overhead shower. Lots of storage space, plenty of towels, bright lighting with illuminated mirrors, heater, shaver point, candles and even bath salts.
The locally crafted kitchen is kitted out with everything you need for a comfortable holiday. Halogen hob, microwave with oven and grill, fridge/freezer, coffee maker, kettle, toaster, oils and spices and plenty of tea and coffee! An iron and board are provided.
The spacious open plan living area has a separate dining alcove and private balcony with table and chairs. The lounge is furnished with chunky bamboo furniture imported from Bali, an Xbox with large selection of films and games, traditional Maltese Ganutel floral pictures and even the Meli family coat of arms! There is also a stereo and CD’s, selection of board games, books and magazines to suit all tastes.
We provide a travel cot and mattress which you are welcome to us but we do ask that you provide your own cot bedding.
Cooling: Portable fans are provided plus the sliding patio doors have insect screens to provide day long fresh air circulation.
Heating: Each bedroom has a portable heater and thick fleecy blankets and extra pillows 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 with leaflets on the islands' attractions, maps, restaurant, walking and rock climbing guides.
Further details outdoors: We are in a quiet residential cul-de-sac and there is often parking directly outside the apartment. On the occasions when this is not possible, there are half a dozen spaces just around the corner or the free public car park in the village has plenty of spaces and is only a couple of minutes walk.
We are literally a one minute stroll from the small shingle beach and village amenities and there is an award-winning restaurants within a couple of minutes walk.
Activities and attractions nearby or in the vicinity up to 30 minutes drive or less:-
Please note that some attractions are only available in the summertime
Further details
The apartment is on the third floor and as there is no lift, it is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
Conditions
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:
Prices for group size 4
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Mid season
1 Apr 09
1 Jul 09
359£359
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
489£489
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
359£359
0-
0-
1 Week
Low season
1 Nov 09
1 Apr 10
279£279
0-
0-
5 Nights
Mid season
1 Apr 10
1 Jul 10
379£379
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Jul 10
1 Aug 10
469£469
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak season
1 Aug 10
1 Sep 10
549£549
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Sep 10
1 Oct 10
469£469
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid season
1 Oct 10
1 Nov 10
379£379
0-
0-
1 Week
Low season
1 Nov 10
1 Jan 11
279£279
0-
0-
5 Nights
113
Prices for group size 3
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Mid season
1 Apr 09
1 Jul 09
329£329
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Jul 09
1 Aug 09
419£419
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak season
1 Aug 09
1 Sep 09
469£469
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Sep 09
1 Oct 09
419£419
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid season
1 Oct 09
1 Nov 09
329£329
0-
0-
1 Week
Low season
1 Nov 09
1 Apr 10
249£249
0-
0-
5 Nights
Mid season
1 Apr 10
1 Jul 10
349£349
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Jul 10
1 Aug 10
439£439
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak season
1 Aug 10
1 Sep 10
489£489
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Sep 10
1 Oct 10
439£439
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid season
1 Oct 10
1 Nov 10
349£349
0-
0-
1 Week
Low season
1 Nov 10
1 Jan 11
249£249
0-
0-
5 Nights
113
Prices for group size 2
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Mid season
1 Apr 09
1 Jul 09
309£309
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Jul 09
1 Aug 09
399£399
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak season
1 Aug 09
1 Sep 09
449£449
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Sep 09
1 Oct 09
399£399
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
219£219
0-
0-
5 Nights
Mid season
1 Apr 10
1 Jul 10
319£319
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Jul 10
1 Aug 10
409£409
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak season
1 Aug 10
1 Sep 10
459£459
0-
0-
1 Week
High season
1 Sep 10
1 Oct 10
409£409
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid season
1 Oct 10
1 Nov 10
319£319
0-
0-
1 Week
Low season
1 Nov 10
1 Jan 11
219£219
0-
0-
5 Nights
113
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
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.
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.
Guestbook for Azure Escapes, Xlendi, Gozo
A light, spacious and well-equipped apartment in a quiet side street a minutes' walk from the seafront. Very comfortably furnished with a lovely bathroom and wide balcony with views over the village. We found plenty of places to eat (and drink) and the standard of the meals in all the restaurants was uniformly good. Victoria, with a wide range of shops and facilities, is only five minutes up the road and we enjoyed wandering around the narrow backstreets and the imposing citadel.
We had no problems at all with the ferry crossings from Malta or finding the accommodation, and the service provided by the owner was excellent throughout.
Gozo is a lovely quiet and unspoilt island, much greener and more agricultural than Malta, with several sandy beaches and pretty rocky coves for bathing and lazing about. I like it so much I could retire there when the time comes - not just yet, unfortunately! Recommended for: Tourists without a Car, Adventure Seekers, Age 55+, Sightseeing Alan Parkinson - May 2008
What can i say about this lovely apartment. Elaine was so helpful she gave us loads of information on the area. The apartment was very spacious with beautiful furniture and all the equipment we needed. There was a welcome pack waiting for us which was brilliant as we arrived by a late flight. The apartment was lovely and clean and well maintained. Only a few minutes from the lovely bay and excellent restaurants and a local bus service. Thanks you for the lovely holiday and I absolutely recommend Elaines apartment. Recommended for: Age 55+, Romantic Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children Carole King & family - March 2008
A spacious and well planned apartment, excellent for a family holiday, with both a balcony and roof terrace. Comprehensively equipped, so that the children can be occupied and you really can 'self-cater; if eating out has lost it's appeal! The sea front is moments away. Thank you for sharing your lovely holiday home. Recommended for: Families with Teenagers, Tourists without a Car, Girls Getaway, Romantic Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children Debbie Barefoot & family - April 2008
Just a note to let you know we had a super week on Gozo. It was a lovely time of year, the temperature was just right. The transfers ran like clockwork - thank you for organising them. I'm so glad we spotted your apartment on the Ramblers website. The flat was ideal, it had everything we needed and was an excellent base. We loved Xlendi - it was always a pleasure to return there at the end of the day. Sandra McGuire - May 2007
We had a super holiday and the flat, Xlendi, Gozo and the weather were perfect. We were most impressed with the transfer arrangements which allowed the holiday to pass without a hitch. Thank you for letting us share your home for 2 weeks. Nigel and Alison McKee - July 2007
We had a wonderful time in Gozo, despite the sun burn! The apartment was great, it couldn't have been much closer to the sea. The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves, they spent most of their time snorkelling. I am sure we will visit again. Wendy Gilmour & family - July 2007
‘Your apartment is out of this world' Carol Day - August 2006
Availability
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Arrival/Departure dates
Send Enquiry
To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/4249
Contact details for the advertiser of home 4249
Name:
Elaine Adams
Tel:
+44 (0)1276 517683
Mobile:
+44 (0)7801 541073
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser