Rest and relaxation

[bimsey]

Could anyone suggest a foriegn holiday destination solely for r and r Malta has been suggested what do you think?

[ravenhair]

I've never heard anything good about Malta, I'm afraid. What about Italy? You could avoid the cities, rent a villa in the hills and spend a lovely week eating yummy food and drinking fine wine.

[quattro]

If you've money to spare try the Maldives,it consists of lots of small coral islands some not much bigger than a tennis court and all there is on most of the islands is your hotel and sandy beaches.I hope its lovely because I'm going there next year(after I've won the lottery)

[desertrat]

I found Malta fairly quiet. Probably due to the poor quality food and accomodation. I found Norway and Sweden generally to be a good choice for relaxation. Good quality food and accomodation (bit pricey though) Not a huge draw for international tourists so it kept its identity well.

[scubadiver]

I've never yet come across anyone who is ambivalent about Malta- people either love it or they hate it. (as you can no doubt see from the contents of the postings so far )Personally I love it. If you want to lay about on a beach all day, then I'd think again, as choices are limited. However, if you enjoy exploring at a fairly sedate pace and like wandering around some fairly impressive historical sites, sitting at cafes watching the world go by etc, then it may be what you are looking for. Food wise, it's fair to moderate, with the exception of seafood, which is excellent. There are also a handful of top class restaurants, if you know where to look. Drink wise, the Maltese wine is cheap and surprisingly good. The local beer takes a bit of getting used to, but is passable. Best of all is that the locals are all very friendly and incredibly helpful. We are going out there next week again - if you want any further info, please ask. Hope this helps (PS- The Maldives are undoubtedly lovely, but relatively expensive and you need to be prepared to do absolutely nothing, as most islands are so remote)

[kel]

cyprus is fantastic! try protaras (cape greco area)- far enough away from ayia napa - secluded beaches, white sand, clear water. i have a brilliant 2 weeks there not expensive either!!

[ipek]

There are many quiet and beautiful places in Turkey - I go every year to the best.....Turunc

[bimsey]

Decision made...we are going to Gran Canaria for christmas and a well earned rest thanks for your answers though.

[manimal]

Go to Zanzibar and don't come back...hold on thats what I'm doing, sod off and leave me to my own tropical paradise.

[de_enant]

Don't even think about it. You'll be woken up by fireworks at all times of the night - made me think of the Blitz. Bus drivers are incompetent and rude - especially if they realise one is a tourist. SHopkeepers vary - I was shocked to hear one say to the sales girl ' don't give tourists change - let them ask for it'. Obviously she didn't realise I speak the language. Roads are rollercoaster rides. You'll go bumpity bump over pot holes. Etc Etc. I'd go for the Austrian Tyrol if I were you.