Malta is the Mediterranean's Best-Kept Secret—See My No-Skip Itinerary

Situated in the coastal hamlet of St. Julian's, the hotel offered the perfect doorstep to exploring the best that Malta has to offer, with the sleek design and modern amenities I've grown accustomed to as an international traveler. It's equipped with a luxe rooftop pool that overlooks the bay, a lounge that highlights cocktails made with local spirits, and a state-of-the-art gym with a second pool for indoor swimming.

In case you also find yourself searching for Malta in Google Maps, I'll give you the footnotes. It's situated 50 miles south of Sicily and just 120 more to the east of Tunisia, giving it a unique blend of both European and North African influences. Just like Sicily, Malta was invaded countless times throughout history, which has given it a storied past as well as a landscape marked with Baroque architecture. Even the Maltese language is a blend of Italian, French, and Arabic, a unique mix that sounded at once familiar and foreign to my Italian-speaking ears.

Here, I'm sharing my ultimate Malta travel guide for any future plans you might make (or be inspired to make) to the Mediterranean isle.