Best Buy March Issue 2014 by Content House

ISSUE 82 March 12, 2014

IN THIS

ISSUE...

bestbuy. your MONTHLY shopping guide distributed with The Times

interview.

home.

pets.

lifestyle.

meet firelight front man richard edwards

colour power

health and nutrition

holidaying at home

Festive fun for children in foster care The annual foster care party has become a much anticipated and enjoyed festive event, sponsored by HSBC Malta Foundation and organised by the National Foster Carers Association (NFCAM) together with the Appogg Agency Foster Care Unit.

Affordable luxury Alfred Hili & Co Ltd was incorporated on 11th February 1977 and started trading on 1st May 1977. In the late 1950s Mr Alfred Hili became Messrs Friedrich Grohe’s agent in Malta. This was later transferred to the company on its incorporation. The company is now being run by his great grandchildren, Alfred and Michelle Spiteri Hili, with the help of their parents, Irene and David. Alfred Hili & Co Ltd is the sole agent of Grohe and operates within the premises of 17, Guze Galea Street, Qormi. The company distributes to many outlets in Malta including one run by the sister company A&M Hili Ltd at 334, Manwel Dimech Street, Sliema. Both premises offer highend quality sanitary fittings

at prices to suit all pockets, ranging from the humble Grohe Eurosmart to the striking Grohe Allure Brilliant and the beautiful Grohe Grandera, with an official Grohe five-year guarantee on all models. Customers can take advantage of regular deals for complete bathroom or shower-room sets that are offered on basic models as well as higher range models. Many also benefit from the company’s remarkable aftersales service and advice, and provision of parts for even older fittings. 17, Guze Galea Street, Qormi. T: 2123 4527/ 2144 4669/2723 4527; E: alfredhili@onvol.net

“It’s a real pleasure to see the children having such a great time together around

the holiday season when we all look for the warmth and companionship of those close to us,” said John Role, Foster Care team leader at Appogg Agency. “HSBC Malta has been supporting the Foster Care Unit in various ways since 2002. Along with the help given during the annual Christmas party, HSBC has a tradition of donating presents to the children.”

You may want to dance, but does your partner? If your fiancé is really uneasy about showing off his dance skills in public on your wedding day, don’t fret! At Plethora Dance, we will create the perfect dance just for you (even if you have two left feet). During your lessons we’ll break down every movement and picture opportunity so that you will look back on this as a great memory. We promise

you’ll be surprised with how well you’ll look dancing with the right tutor!

to book up to 10 hours of private sessions for you and your fiancé.

Plethora Dance is aware that you might be on a tight budget. To keep costs low, you can choose to join a few basic adult beginners’ dance classes with a small group of like-minded adults before one or two private sessions. Alternatively you can choose

For more information: M: 9949 0896; www.danceclassesmalta.com

TESTIMONIAL “It was an amazing experience. Our teacher, Sarah Lanzon, was patient, gave us individual attention and most importantly did not give up on us. It was fun, exciting and really helped us to concentrate on us two rather than the food or reception decorations. It was surely a highlight on the day and made it a memorable one... we will cherish it for life!” Vanessa and Stephen, 2013

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ISSUE 82 - march 12, 2014

Spring Fever

Best Buy is the leading shopping guide distributed with The Times every month on a Wednesday.

lent. It is, perhaps, a slightly quieter time of year, a sort of bridge between a cold winter and a warmer spring, enabling us to think, reflect and even plan for the exciting summer months ahead – for those who tolerate the heat, of course.

Articles appearing in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to print, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

Publishers

Content House Group Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel. Tel: +356 2132 0713 Fax: +356 2132 0714 Email: info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt Advertising Advertising Sales Executive Amy Schembri Advertising Sales Coordinator Lindsey Ciantar DESIGN SWITCH Design & Brand Strategy Tel: +356 2131 6770 www.switch.com.mt Printer Progress Press Ltd

NEXT ISSUE:

09.04.14 DOn'T MISS IT

After a fun and frivolous February comes a slightly more sombre month, during which many prepare for Easter with their own form of sacrifice over

February competition winner

This month’s issue of Best Buy is gearing up for just that: the change of season, which could instigate the need for change in our own day-to-day surroundings. We take a look at colour trends for a home or office space, and delve into the various ways colour could affect our state of mind, helping you

choose the best options for your next interior decoration project. Complementing this feature is one that focuses on home improvement ideas, which could mean simply changing soft furnishings around the house or even upgrading the flooring of a room. This time of year frequently gets us longing for a holiday, but often enough, we’re still recovering from a festive holiday splash-out. We look into ways and means of holidaying in Malta and Gozo without spending a fortune, and how to enjoy the best of what the islands have to

offer which, if truth be told, tend to be taken for granted. The protagonist of our interview this month is none other than the front man of Firelight, this year’s Eurovision victors. Richard Edwards chats about his increasing anticipation to visit Denmark, his nonchalant attitude towards shopping and his collection of dirty laundry. Enjoy the issue!

Last month’s Best Buy competition winner is Grace Degabriele. Grace wrote in and told us she’s seeking to invest in a new set of striking curtains to complement her bedroom redecoration, capable of blocking out light as well as noise. Grace will receive a voucher redeemable in fabrics from One Two One Interiors, worth €70.

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ISSUE 82 - march 12, 2014

pets.

What’s on your pet’s menu? Sarah Micallef finds out how to ensure your pet is getting the appropriate food, which can mean all the difference for a long and healthy life by your side.

or most people, their pet is a member of the family, and as with other family members, needs to be looked after in the best ways possible. Nutrition is an essential part of caring for your pet. Antonio Satariano, Managing Director at Sataco Ltd advises, “dogs and cats are carnivores by nature, so their nutrition should ideally be meat-based. The ingredients list displayed on each pet food bag should provide sufficient information for pet owners to determine whether a product is meatbased or not, according to the order in which the main ingredients are listed. The most

abundant ingredient, listed first on the ingredient list, should be a meat – typically chicken, lamb or fish – within a super premium pet food brand.” Cat and dog nutritionist Fiona Picton of Borg Cardona & Co Ltd adds that “a lot of pet food packaging can be confusing to read.” She explains that even though by law food manufacturers are required to list ingredients by precooked weight in descending order, and fresh meat or other water-rich ingredients are often at the top of the list, it does not mean that it is the main source of nutrients in the diet. She asserts, “lamb is a meat with high water

content, for example, so even if lamb is the first ingredient listed (because its precooked weight represents 25 per cent of the recipe), it actually only nets out to four or five per cent lamb protein after all the water is cooked away.” Moreover, as Antonio maintains, “high quality super premium pet foods should not contain any artificial preservatives, colorants or palatants whereas cheaper pet foods do. Look for products which contain a statement to this effect.” Fiona expresses concern about what she terms a recent trend in pet nutrition, known as the

BARF diet, comprising raw or home-cooked food. She explains that such a diet is risky and dangerous for the pet, the owner and the environment. “Several cases of occlusion have been described, leading to septic pneumonia or peritonitis and eventually death. Moreover, raw food contains bacteria, which poses a health threat for the people living in the animal’s environment. Cases of fatal outbreak have been described

in kennels using raw meat, contaminating both people and the environment.” According to Fiona, when a dog or cat owner is looking for a healthy lifestyle for their pet, it is recommended to choose a dry food brand which offers product safety, quality and the right balance of nutrients that fits the age, size, breed, type or condition of our cats and dogs. Antonio agrees, highlighting the significance of feeding them the recommended daily amount. “The higher the quality of the food, the lower the quantity you need to feed your pet every day. The recommended daily feeding amount is required by law to be included on each pet food bag, and is randomly verified by regulatory agencies so it is reasonably accurate and therefore reliable information. Usually, the daily feeding requirement of a super premium pet food is 50 per cent of that of lower quality pet foods.” Feeding your pets the right food has been proven to directly impact life expectancy. In addition to good quality dry food, it has also been found that chews and dental hygiene are the best preventative methods for dental health – so along with the appropriate diet, exercise, regular veterinary check-ups and keeping up to date with the necessary vaccines, you will be giving your pet all the tools it needs for a long and healthy life.

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ISSUE 82 - march 12, 2014

step in A5

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home.

Give your home a makeover If your home is looking tired, changing little details around the house could dramatically change its look and give it a new lease of life. Sarah Micallef looks into the little things you can do to spruce up your living space.

ometimes, all your home needs to give it a new look is a little facelift. Thankfully, there are many ways you can do this, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth to make a real difference. From changing up the walls to sprucing up the furniture and adding a little wall art, there are several things you can do to achieve the home of your dreams.

Get creative with colour Intelligent use of colour can give any room a boost, and take it from dated to dramatic in an instant. Make a statement by painting a feature wall, or add bursts of colour to a room with a neutral palette in the form of lamps and cushions for a subtler effect. If you’re looking for an unexpected touch, consider painting the backs of your boring bookcases in an accent colour, and pick up the colour in other areas of the room like soft furnishings or decorations. Don’t forget the

ceiling when playing around with colour – painting it in one of the room’s predominant colours gives it a modern edge and livens things up. Another way to add colour to your walls is with wallpaper – you can either choose to coat whole walls in it or select a specific area that you want to make stand out.

Be inspired by nature A little tree, plant, or even a freshly cut bunch of flowers in a glass vase will bring life to a room in more ways than one. Put a planter in a dull corner and notice the difference it makes – you can even make it stand out by adding lighting behind it. Another natural touch that really makes a difference lies in the form of wicker baskets or wooden bowls – fill them with seasonal fruit or nuts for an effect that’s both fresh and classic. Other ways of bringing the outdoors in is growing your

TOP TIP

Soft furnishings like , curtains, table cloths are ing dd cushions and be ngs to among the easiest thi all the ke ma change, yet can to rld wo difference in the r. co de your home

wood or an oddly shaped tree branch as interesting pieces of furniture that are sure to make a statement.

Things to do with textiles own herbs in little pots in the kitchen, or re-using salvaged

Soft furnishings like curtains, table cloths, cushions and bedding are among the easiest

things to change, yet can make all the difference in the world to your home decor. Because they’re so easy to change, you can go for seasonal options that will set a different mood throughout the year, or even switch them up for a special Continued on page 8

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home.

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Effective ways to boost your home's interior Continued from page 7

Top tips for a new look for your home • Adding mirrors can make a room look larger and brighter by reflecting light

• Use plants and flowers to add life to your home

• New light fixtures can modernise any space

• Change up your surroundings using a gypsum partition

• Nothing dates a room like old electronics, so keep up to date with the latest gadgets • Invest in statement pieces of furniture that will command attention

occasion. Textiles are also great for re-upholstering old furniture, which is a quick, easy and cheap way of achieving an entirely new look and feel. If you want to give your bed a little makeover but can’t afford to change it, consider sewing your own slipcover for the headboard – so simple to achieve and infinitely customisable, you can even change this according to season, opting for a crisp linen for a fresh look in summer and a luxurious velvet for a cosy effect in the winter months. Other textile related titbits include adding braid or trim to the edges of curtains or cushions for an update – if you’re up for some DIY, you can even add this to lampshades and other areas.

Spruce up old furniture A new or beautiful antique piece of furniture, particularly if it’s a statement piece, can really transform a room. If you can’t afford something completely new, you can give existing furniture a little makeover for a similar effect. Replace old knobs and handles with bright and fancy ones for a fun look, and update an old yet not quite antique piece of furniture by spraying it a fun and unexpected colour. To give a living room a slightly retro, upmarket look, create a bar corner by investing in an antique bar trolley or convert a cabinet or console table into your very own bar area – decorate it with fancy bar accessories and of course, liquor.

• Switch up your soft furnishings seasonally for a fresh look all year round.

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ISSUE 82 - march 12, 2014

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ISSUE 82 - march 12, 2014

home.

Colour power Colours can affect us and the appearance of a space in ways that are hard to imagine. Martina Said takes a look at the subconscious powers of colour and how they could be manipulated to alter the perception of a room.

ainting a space requires an ounce or two of thought. The colours we choose to embellish the walls of a room will give it a specific character, which is unique and fitting for the purpose of that room. Truth be told, however, painting a space is no easy task – it requires patience and lots of time, which is why – once we set our minds to the task – we should aim to get the job done in the span of a few days, depending on the scale of the project, in the hope that we won’t need to revisit a tub of paint and brush until a few years’ time.

To that end, you hope to find just the right colour that suits

the tone of the room, one that not only complements the purpose of the space, but that you won’t get bored of while the paint is still fresh on the walls. Much as it’s advisable to avoid using on-trend and seasonal colours to paint rooms, on the basis that they will go out of fashion, it is equally advisable to think twice before opting for the same usual colours of magnolia, beige as well as good-old faithful white. Not that there’s anything wrong with them, but a little adventure with colour never killed anyone. Colour is fascinating, and when we realise how it affects the way we see a space, its appeal goes

TOP TIP To perceptively increase the height of a room, paint the ceiling a lighter colour than the rest of the walls, offering an illusion of height.

up a notch. It has the capacity to alter our perception of the size and shape of a room and each colour, or variation of that colour, is distinctive in the values it offers. Light and cooler colours,

for instance, tend to recede and appear farther away, while dark or warmer colours seem to move closer towards us. Such qualities could be manipulated to make a space look larger

or smaller, different in shape, and emphasise certain aspects of the room while minimising others. There are various tricks of the trade to be used in altering the vision of a room through paint and colour. To perceptively increase the height of a room, for instance, paint the ceiling a lighter colour than the rest of the walls, offering an illusion of height and therefore more space. On the contrary, colour the ceiling a darker colour if the room is too large and the ceiling too high, in order to make it appear lower and cosier as a result. To make a small space feel larger, it is advised to paint the walls and ceiling the same colour, as it allows the eye to scan the area continuously, making it appear more spacious.

Continued on page 12

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how colour impacts our perception of space Continued from page 11

TOP TIP Green is the most restful colour as it cleverly balances the joyfulness of yellow with the calmness of blue and is suitable for practically any space.

When different colours are used in a room, the eye stops at the line where the colour changes, making the edges and corners more noticeable and therefore less continuous. Paint can also rework the shape of a room – in the case of a long narrow space, it is suggested to paint the end walls a few shades darker than the other walls so that they appear closer to you and so, the room appears squarer in shape rather than rectangular. Colours also have psychological value and can significantly impact the way you feel, inducing anything from tranquillity to fury. The colour chosen for a space must complement your personal preference and taste as well as the intended purpose of the room. Take the colour red – it is considered to be a colour that can raise blood pressure and speed of respiration, and can therefore raise the energy level of a room. It could create strong first impressions too, and because it is thought to be stimulating, it is not recommended as a go-to colour for the bedroom. That said, however, it could appear rich and elegant when dimly lit with lamplight. The colour yellow communicates happiness. It is an uplifting and energising colour, and is also very welcoming. It is recommended for small spaces and also in small doses, so rather than using yellow as the main colour of a room, it should be used in bold touches in a space as, in large amounts, it is believed to create feelings of frustration. The opposite could be said for the colour blue, as it is thought to bring down blood pressure and stir feelings of calm and relaxation. If you’re opting for pale blue on the walls, it is recommended to mix and match different shades of brighter blue for furnishings and fabric in the same space, to avoid a somewhat icy look. Darker shades of blue are not advised as they could induce feelings of sadness. The overused term ‘green with envy’ simply doesn’t apply here – it is believed green is the most restful colour as it cleverly bal-

ances the joyfulness of yellow with the calmness of blue and is suitable for practically any space. If it is not the preferred colour of choice for the walls, it could be used as a main colour for decorating and still have a calming impact. It is the colour we associate with nature and, according to chromotherapy practitioners, it is believed to aid fertility, making it a potentially great choice for the bedroom.

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ISSUE 82 - march 12, 2014

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ISSUE 82 - march 12, 2014

The Lights Are On!

PHOTOS BY fotoclassic

interview.

Still reeling from his recent Malta Song for Europe win, charismatic (and funny) Firelight front man Richard Edwards chats to Jo Caruana about Denmark, music and… dirty laundry.

e’ve all gotten to know Richard Edwards a little better over the past few weeks. Now that the dust has settled slightly on his band’s February win at the Malta Song for Europe Festival, it’s time to fast forward to May and start preparing to wow the judges and voters in Demark. But Richard isn’t feeling too nervous. Music is in his blood – his father is a well-known local singer and most of his family members are entertainers too. In fact, he will be joined on stage at the Eurovision by three of his siblings (and Firelight’s other stars) – sister Michelle and brothers Wayne and Daniel, as well as the band’s other members, Leslie and Tony. He’s also got plenty of experience – not least because he took part in the X Factor competition in the UK a few years back, with the legendary Simon Cowell sitting on the judges’ panel. “Tens of thousands of people applied to go on that show and I was thrilled to get an immediate ‘yes’ from Simon when I sang,” says Richard. “I then went on to make it through to the final hundred participants. It was the year Leona Lewis went on to win and I think she’s brilliant.” Now Richard is looking forward to meeting lots of new people in Copenhagen. “It’s been a couple of years since I last had a serious girlfriend,” he grins. “Yes I’ve been heavily involved in my music career lately, but I wouldn’t mind a little romance too! I do come with a warning though: I love tattoos. I got my first one on my 18th birthday

and now have quite a collection – of a guitar, a vintage microphone, my parents’ initials and the Maltese cross.” When he’s not getting tattooed or forging ahead with his passion for music, Richard pursues various other interests: he is a fan of Manchester United and enjoys charity work. On the flip side, he admits that his least successful talent is fishing. He has never caught a thing. How would you describe your relationship with money? I've never had one! I’ve tried to start one a few times but it’s never seemed to work out. I guess some things are just not meant to be. What percentage of your life do you spend shopping? Somewhere between 22.345 per cent and 22.347 per cent… honestly? I'm quite a quick shopper. I plan out what I need, identify which shop will have exactly that, and then get on with it. What’s a hobby you spend money on? I'm lucky enough to call my profession my hobby, and viceversa – so anything music re-

lated falls into both categories. It could be all sorts of things – a guitar, microphone, mountain dulcimer, anything. How would you describe your style? It’s pretty laid back, which suits the kind of person that I am down to a tee, as well as the type of music I produce. What’s the one fashion item you couldn’t live without? Absolutely nothing! I’d walk the streets naked if I needed to. Do you collect anything? Dirty clothes! I keep them in sets of dark colours and whites, and I have piles of them. Do you hoard things or regularly throw stuff out? I rarely throw anything away; it’s a habit I’ve picked up from my dad. You should see his garage! You can find absolutely anything in there. It’s mostly junk but it means a lot to him and none of us are allowed to touch it. In saying that, when he goes abroad alone, my mum has been known to order a big skip to get rid of things before he gets back.

What’s the best bargain you’ve ever made? I love my protein so when I saw a huge can of tuna for just €0.85 my eyes widened with delight. Needless to say, I have one cupboard in the kitchen that’s full of that tuna. And to top it all off, it's sitting in olive oil not that cheap vegetable oil stuff. It was the bargain of the year. What is your favourite thing in your whole house? My guitar and my bed. Sometimes I take my guitar to bed. If you won the million euro lottery what would you buy or do with the money? After I’d paid off all my bills and given a nice chunk to charity, I would spoil myself and buy a boat for me and the family to enjoy together. What three items would you take to your desert island? A lifetime supply of drink and food, a nice villa, and a sexy companion.

What do you enjoy most about spring in Malta? I love the weather during the spring – not too hot, not too cold. It’s the most relaxing period too; even a simple countryside walk can make for a fantastic afternoon. Given the choice, would you drink champagne or beer? An ice-cold Maltese beer, definitely. What would be your last meal? Some sort of comfort food – but I’d have to decide on the day. How did you feel when you won Malta Song? It was such a shock. I had always believed in our band and our song but I hadn’t dared think we would win. That moment that we knew we would be representing Malta in Denmark felt like a dream. I wasn't really sure it was happening. Everything went by so fast and I needed to be pinched. It is a moment that will stay with me till the day I die. If you could perform with anyone, anywhere, who would it be and where? At this moment in time, I would love to perform with that guy from Passenger at the Royal Albert Hall in London. What are you most looking forward to doing in Denmark? I hear it’s a really beautiful place, so I am hoping to make time for some sightseeing while we’re there. What would be the three things on your ideal celebrity rider? Plenty of water, a quiet place to do my vocal warm-up and a backstage pass so that nobody could kick me out before or after I’d performed!

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home.

Choosing the right apertures for your home Selecting the apertures most suitable for your home and maintaining their quality and upkeep can be quite a task. But knowing what products to look out for, and what to avoid, might help prevent complications and costs later on, as Martina Said finds out.

hoosing the right aperture solutions for a home or work space is not as straightforward as it might initially seem. With various styles and materials to choose from, there are various considerations to be made which will ultimately affect the comfort and energy efficiency of your space. Nigel Dimech, of Dimech Apertures, explains that aluminium is one of the best materials for apertures because it requires less maintenance in comparison to wood. “We are introducing Thermal Break Aluminium, which is an insulated profile that avoids transfer of hot and cold temperatures from the outside to the inside of your home. In general, all materials can be used for apertures, but

sometimes it’s a must to use specific materials,” says Nigel. “For example, in the case of a building exposed to prevalent high wind forces, heavy double-glaze panels in certified heavy-duty materials should be used. It is even more important that sliding profiles should have the function of a lift and slide, so that when the doors are not in function, wheels are supported.” Aluminium is considered among the best options as it is virtually immune to moisture and rot, and is rather reasonably priced. It is durable, and can be produced in a variety of colours. High-quality PVC apertures, on the other hand, make for great insulators, Continued on page 18

TOP TIP If a building is expose d to prevalent high win d forces, heavy doubleglaze panels in certifi ed heavy-duty materials should be used.

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selecting the best materials and styles for apertures Continued from page 17

resist condensation and will not distort when exposed to extreme temperatures. Skylights, which form part of the family of apertures, are well worth considering when constructing your home. Their benefits are numerous, one of the main ones being cost savings on electricity and heat. Natural light provides warmth and ambience – as a result, rooms which benefit from a skylight require less artificial lighting, and possibly less heating as natural light increases the average temperature of that room. Skylights are a perfect bridge between the indoors and outdoors, allowing one to feel more connected to nature. Therefore they also offer physiological benefits, as increased exposure to sunlight increases the production of Vitamin D as well as serotonin, responsible for increasing positive feelings and good energy levels. Nigel explains the technical aspects to be considered when constructing a skylight.

TOP TIP “The first step is identifying the specific materials that should be used. First and foremost, you should invest in good glass. To avoid a greenhouse effect in your home, you should look out for a good-quality UV coated glass with the lowest U-value possible, which refers to the total solar heat transmittance of the window frame and glass. A professional supplier will provide a U-value certificate of the product, which is proof of a

Skylights are well worth considering when constructing your home, one of their main benefits being cost savings on electricity and heat.

good quality product. This glass must be tempered to avoid having thermal breakages.” In addition, be sure to check that the glass you select is laminated on the inside, so that

in the eventuality that it breaks, no pieces would fall inside. “The profile of the skylight should also be insulated so as to avoid condensation, and should be heavy duty enough to take the weight of the glass. Good flexible sealants should be used by installers to accommodate the momentum of the glass and the profile caused by fluctuating temperatures.” When choosing the type of glass for any aperture, Nigel

says it is important to give priority consideration to safety, which is in the interest of everyone in the vicinity, especially children. “If a glass panel breaks, it could be very dangerous to everyone. Laminated glass should be used especially in big door panels. In addition, since nowadays energy saving is a big issue, low e-glass is a must as it avoids heat transfer to the interior, thus helping us to lower our electricity bills.”

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lifestyle.

Holidaying at home With today’s busy schedules and hectic lifestyles, taking a break from it all to collect our thoughts and take care of ourselves is a must. Whereas most of us consider a holiday to necessitate travel, it’s not always possible to leave the country. Sarah Micallef discovers the other options available.

rom the expense to time off from work and all manner of other commitments, the reasons behind not being able to go away on holiday vary, but this doesn’t have to stop you from taking a break entirely. Holidaying in Malta has its own set of advantages, besides the obvious financial savings, including short commutes and added flexibility for those of us with young family members or pets that need feeding. What’s more, we are blessed to live on an island paradise with a wealth of hotels we can escape to, even if just for a short weekend break to get away from the daily grind and escape that dreaded housework. Malcolm Grima, Sales and Marketing Manager at the Pergola Hotel, is a believer in holidaying locally. Speaking of the beauty of our own country, which many of us often take for

Great ideas for holidaying in Malta • • • •

Book a hotel stay Rent a farmhouse Relax at a spa retreat Tour the islands on a bicycle • Enjoy a luxurious lunch or home, while making sure the surroundings suit your personal preferences.” After shortlisting some hotels, Malcolm recommends having a look at their leisure facilities before analysing prices.

PHOTO BY viewingmalta.com

granted, he maintains, “being married to a foreigner and wearing the hat of impromptu tourist guide when relatives visit, I realise how little I know about our gem of a country. Taking short breaks within our islands sharpens our knowledge of the place – the same place we roam around daily to shop, work and run our errands.”

A hotel getaway could be just what the doctor ordered when things get a little much, and with so many hotels to choose from, it need not have to be planned so far in advance. As Malcolm explains, “there are around 80 hotels on the islands, ranging from two to five stars, with a wide variety of prices to suit your budget and expectations.

Start by having a look online on what local hoteliers are offering. The ultimate goal is to find a hotel where the ratio of value to price stands out. A hotel’s website, its upkeep and presentation often speaks volumes about the hotel and the level of service being offered. Consider also the location – do not choose a hotel close to your workplace

Another aspect that could help you make a decision is reading reviews online. “Before booking, check the various travel review websites available and see what other visitors had to say about the hotels you are looking at. Read through the reviews and Continued on page 22

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being a tourist in your own country offers numerous options Continued from page 21 PHOTO BY baron group farmhouses, viewingmalta.com

be selective; what does not appeal to some guests might appeal to you and vice-versa,” he says. When you’re ready to book your stay, Malcolm advises contacting the hotel directly to ask for a better deal, stating, “grab the phone and ask for a better price than that on the Internet. Many local hoteliers will match the price, and the personal touch will definitely make you feel more comfortable than booking online.”

Aside from a hotel getaway, other options for holidaying in Malta include renting a farmhouse on the sister isle of Gozo, or simply participating in activities you’ve always been interested in but never got round to doing. To this end, a relaxing day at one of the many spas around the islands, renting a bike and discovering the Maltese countryside, or even simply enjoying a long and luxurious lunch in the sun could be just what you need to wind down after a particularly busy period in your life.

Once your booking is made or you’ve decided what to do, it’s time to get into holiday mode. According to Malcolm, “getting the best value for your money is the first step to making the most of your holiday, and second is your frame of mind. Prepare yourself to have a holiday, forget your emails, turn off your mobile data signal and inform your colleagues that you are going on vacation. Make an effort to enjoy yourself even if you are stressed out.”

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