LOCAL resident David Kenny of Monmouthshire recently won a £250 prize from a national newspaper for his article on his visit to Malta.

Here is his winning article:

The Phoenicia, Malta

Those of us who remember Malta from the 1970s are amazed at the tourist development - one might say overdevelopment - in the north of the island, around St Julian’s and St George’s bay.

From a rather primitive road system four lane highways now link these sprawling communities.

Luckily they can’t change the quaintness and character of Valetta or the grand hotel which occupies a prime position just outside its massive bastion walls.

Lady Margaret Strickland’s portrait still occupies pride of place in the The Phoenicia - the hotel she "commanded" to be built in the 1930s.

She appears formidable but calm and serene like The Phoenicia itself.

You enter another world through the door opened for you.

At Reception they like to say yes - to smooth your path, to gently recommend, and keep the tiresome outside world at bay.

In the rotund Palm Court you can sink into comfy sofas and order coffee or afternoon tea and watch the guests drift through.

Naturally tea comes loose with a strainer - teabags being anathema here.

Time has been called on those who might remember its colonial heyday but the past still lingers, the essence of gentile Englishness.

In the Palm Court, gin-meister Parvin will serve you expertly infused offerings with a sprig of rosemary.

In 1949 Naval Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten and the Princess Elizabeth regular attended dances in the Grand Ballroom below, the all too brief normal life of a married couple before the awesome royal responsibilities to come .

There are extensive gardens to explore before you reach the Bastion infinity swimming pool, steps gently leading down to recreate a beach with a view of the harbour beyond.

If you don’t fancy the sun loungers, there are gazebos with drapes for privacy.

There are plenty of young couples but children are rare - it is an oasis of calm and tranquillity.

On hand is the Bastion Pool Bar and Restaurant for more informal dining.

Still, The Phoenicia moves with the times.

In the Deep Nature Spa , all walnut timber and natural stone, they have their own indoor pool and will work hard on your wellness with a tailor made massage.

The hotel can invite you to scan menus from your mobile phone but if you recoil in horror they quickly follow up with a paper copy.

Picture an evening meal on the terrace of the Phoenix Restaurant, the best food and attention, a warm late summer breeze, the twinkling lights from the gardens below and being lulled to the accompaniment of the hotel’s resident pianist -all the clichés come true at The Phoenicia.

David Kenny

Malta is currently a Covid "Green List" destination.

There are scheduled Easyjet flights from Bristol Airport