NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

COMPETITION Win a UK Track Day Experiencepg16

DISCOVER Malta’s Top

Dive Spots this Summer

pg15

WELCOME TO THE SUMMER EDITION OF SEASONS

Overnight spring became summer, and Malta now

enters the months of cloudless blue skies and calm

crystal-clear waters, enticing the island’s visitors

to explore the coastal beaches and bays.

The resort welcomes more guests and outside dining spots

become a firm favourite, whether that be in one of the

hotel’s numerous restaurants or chilling on the suite balcony.

Azure members are returning to their home resort for their

annual visit, or preparing to take to the sea on their Azure

Ultra membership. The Sunseeker yachts have been lovingly

taken care of during the winter months, and are now ready

to explore the Maltese Islands and beyond! Check out page 7.

Congratulations to Mr Daniel Agnew on winning £250

of flight vouchers to Malta. To try your luck in our new

competition, just turn to the back page and submit your Editor

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THANK YOU...

Editor

Kirsti Newton

Copy Editor

Martha Vassallo

Designer

Kimberly Micallef

Editorial Contributors

Alison Davie

Glen Stacey

Mark Pearson

Martina Brtnicka

Rachael McCulloch

Get in touch:

We’d love to hear from you. Tell us what you like,

or would like more of!

Email us on seasons@azure.com.mt or write to:

Seasons Newsletter

Azure

Radisson BLU Resort & Spa

Golden Sands l/o Mellieħa

MLH5510

MALTA

Advertise with us:

advertise@azure.com.mt

All material in this publication may not be

reproduced in whole or in part without written

permission from Azure.

Azure reserves the right to accept, reject or

edit any article or material prior to publication,

and whilst endeavouring to check that third

party companies are reputable, it will accept no

responsibility for the services offered.

online entry.

Azure has been working hard behind the scenes in new

product developments. Find out more and discover

how you can benefit from introductory offers featured

throughout this edition.

As always, we love to hear from you, so drop us a line at

seasons@azure.com.mt and a €50 Myoka Spa voucher will

be winging its way to the winner of the featured letter.

Alternatively, pop in and see one of the friendly Azure

members’ concierges during your stay with us at the resort.

Enjoy your visit to the Maltese Islands this summer!

…to everyone who participated in the recent online charity auction for the Palmyra Foundation’s Books4Kids Jamaica initiative! Some fabulous items were secured by the winning participants, including a 12-day cruise, a 7-night luxury Thailand holiday, and Azure’s Heavenly Collection penthouse stay or combined Sunseeker and 5-star resort experience.

A big thank you is extended to local award-winning businesses Tarragon Restaurant in St Paul’s Bay and Caviar & Bull fine-dining restaurant located in St Julian’s. The lucky winners are in for an amazing evening of sumptuous food and wonderful ambience.

The book distribution will begin again in September, entering hundreds of schools across Jamaica and giving 5 and 6-year old schoolchildren their new books bags, as well as a chance of a brighter future with the gift of learning to read and write.

www.books4kidsjamaica.com

Azure Services recently claimed a prestigious award for

effective technology with its innovative WHATEVER

WHEREVER mobile phone service. Receiving the RCI

Award for Developer Technology, Azure MD Perry Newton

said the recognition comes at a pivotal time for the company.

“This year, we have numerous innovations in the pipeline, so it’s

great to see a relatively simple initiative from 2016 winning acclaim

from a travel industry giant, especially when it’s all centred around

our business strategy of empowering the customer. It shows we’re

definitely on the right track.”

– Perry Newton, Azure Managing Director

Introduced in the last quarter of 2016, the WHATEVER

WHEREVER phone service was initiated to help first-time

Azure members and guests staying at the Radisson BLU

Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands to feel more at ease while

on holiday in the Maltese Islands.

Guests are encouraged to phone, text or Facetime Azure

concierges 24/7 for immediate assistance with any issues or

for instant advice on recommended restaurants, attractions,

birthday surprises, and even bus and ferry timetables.

AZURE WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

As concierge Glen Stacey explains, the WHATEVER

WHEREVER phone has caught on and proved so popular

that even long-term guests are using the service.

“New and existing guests love the phone, and it has added an extra

dimension to our service delivery. When we tell our guests we’re

always there for them whatever and wherever, we mean every word.’”

– Glen Stacey, Azure Concierge

Commenting on the decision to award Azure for its

innovation, RCI’s Vice President of Business Development

for Europe/Middle East/Africa, Dimitris Manikis, said that

the award “shows the continuous commitment of the Azure

team in building a stronger new owner base, introducing more

new buyers into the shared ownership model, and creating

more memorable holidays and experiences for thousands of

people who have trusted Azure with their holiday dreams.

At the same time the RADA Developer Technology Award

demonstrates the vision the team has in embracing and

taking advantage of new technologies in enhancing their

product offering and building products and services for the

new generations of travellers.”

Azure cares greatly about giving back to society, and is firmly

committed to supporting Maltese and international charities,

non-profit organisations and individuals in need every year.

Recently, Member Services Supervisor Rachael McCulloch

took the initiative to collect money on behalf of Noah’s Ark

Malta, on their Open Day held on May 7. She was already

greatly involved in the event setup, but wanted to go that

extra mile by raising additional funds for the sanctuary. So

Rachael appealed to the kindness of her colleagues, who were

well aware of her great passion for volunteering at Noah’s

Ark and ongoing work to rehome these wonderful creatures,

and gladly contributed to the cause.

“Noah’s Ark means the world to me, and nothing gives me

more happiness than being surrounded by the lovely dogs and

rehabilitating them to a stage where they can be adopted.”

- Rachael McCulloch

Established as a sanctuary in the north of the island in 2004,

Noah’s Ark is dedicated to rescuing and providing medical

care, food and shelter to abandoned dogs, as well as facilitating

their adoption process both locally and overseas. Currently

accommodating around 150 dogs and operating a 24/7

emergency animal ambulance service, Noah’s Ark is financed

by the generosity of its private benefactors, volunteer workers

and the public.

Azure’s team members came together in support of this

organisation and raised a total of €250 – a sum which

Managing Director Perry Newton generously doubled.

HELPING HANDS FOR MENDING PAWSMark Vella Bardon, co-founder of Noah’s Ark, expressed

his appreciation for the €500 donation on social media, and

thanked Rachael for raising awareness about animal welfare

among her colleagues at Azure.

With charity beginning at home, the continuous efforts made

by Noah’s Ark to protect abandoned animals serves to remind

us at Azure that all creatures great and small deserve a life

worth living – preferably one that’s cruelty-free.

Noah’s Ark is open 7 days a week from 8.30am till 11.30am.

If you wish to volunteer, donate, adopt a canine companion,

or simply take a quick look at the activity going on via the

live on-site webcams, you can download the newly launched

Noah’s Ark app or visit their Facebook page. Spare a thought

for our furry friends – their lives are in our hands!

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If there’s something you can be certain of, it’s that Azure is not a company to rest on its laurels. Over the years,

Azure has brought its members unique luxurious accommodation, with the illustrious Heavenly Collection

penthouse suites proving extremely popular immediately upon launch. It has also created a personalised service

via the Members’ concierge team, along with award-winning smartphone service WHATEVER WHEREVER. Now

entering its third year is Azure Ultra, the company’s uber-luxury Sunseeker motor yacht membership providing

memorable Mediterranean charters.

Azure members are fully catered for on the picturesque island of Malta. First-class accommodation is provided

at the prestigious 5-star beachfront Radisson BLU Golden Sands Resort and Spa, as well as on the sparkling

Mediterranean Sea aboard Azure Ultra’s world-renowned Sunseeker luxury yacht collection.

With Azure’s membership comes affiliation to various trusted companies, one being RCI – the world’s largest

timeshare vacation exchange network. RCI offers members the chance to exchange their purchased time and

travel the globe, choosing to stay in one of more than 4,500 high-end resorts in over 100 countries throughout

the world.

With the increasing number of families joining Azure, the company encourages regular feedback from its

members. This is done via surveys, social media, this newsletter and personal interaction. There is also ongoing

communication with various focus groups of non-members when looking at new product launches or additional

membership benefits. These results are significant, constantly analysed and referred to when creating new products

to continually enhance the membership. This makes it enticing not only for the existing members, but it also appeals

to those hearing about Azure for the first time and are considering joining.

Over the last two years, Azure has been developing new elements and offerings, focusing on a range of UK-

based products to complement its existing overseas resorts. Based on recent surveys and communications, UK-

based holidays are well-liked within all age ranges. So, in true Azure style, there will be new luxurious membership

options on the horizon shortly!

Read more about these in this edition of Seasons and benefit from introductory discount offers.

For further information contact Member Services on +356 2356 1811.

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LATEST MEMBERSHIP NEWS

“My 50th at Azure”

We’ve had our timeshare with Azure for 8 years now.

It’s become a home from home. We’ve just got home from

another 2-week visit in Malta, and by far this one was the

best yet. I celebrated my 50th birthday this time, and thanks

go to Azure’s concierge team who gave us the VIP treatment.

Thank you Glen and Alison for a great stay. You really

made our holiday special.

- Stayed April 2017, travelled with friends

“Best Timeshare at Azure”

A very relaxing stay at our timeshare resort. We have

been coming for 8 years now, and each year gets better and

better. We came in April this time to see what spring is like

and how beautiful it is this time of year. Very sunny days

but not as hot as peak time, which we usually come for. We

hired a GoPro from the concierge team Alison and Glen.

They also booked us onto the Rolling Geeks, which is a buggy

tour around the Three Cities. So much fun!!! The GoPro

came in very handy: great service and all for free. We are

back in July and cannot wait to visit you all again!

- Stayed April 2017, travelled as a couple

“Love Our Timeshare”

Just returned home from another stay at our second home

in Malta. As per usual, we were treated with the best service

and greeted daily by all hotel staff and Azure. Glen and

Alison always make our stay special by arranging all our

bookings for us, and they stop to chat to us in the Members’

Lounge. It was our anniversary this year and they got us

a beautiful bouquet of flowers in our room upon arrival.

It was a lovely surprise. They really look after us well and

make us feel like valued members. Special thanks to Henri

who also always lends us his ear. We can’t wait till next year

to do it all again. Keep the sun shining!

- Stayed April 2017, travelled as a couple

Along with the longer days and hotter weather, Malta

is full of exciting festivals and events happening

across the Maltese Islands. Party all night at the

Isle of MTV music festival, eat delicious cuisine from around

the world at the Mdina food festival, be part of the Maltese

traditions at one of several village festas, or simply relax and

work on your tan on one of the many beaches the Maltese

Islands have to offer. If you are joining us this summer and

want to know what’s happening while you are here, then get

in touch with us via email or continue to use the WHATEVER

WHEREVER service, which we recently won an award for!

We still have plenty of space in our secured storage area for

anyone wishing to leave behind a few luggage items until

their next trip to Malta. If you have been shopping and

bought fabulous holiday gifts that may have tipped the scales

on your luggage allowance, then use our leave-behind service

and we will keep all those holiday items you can do without

until your next visit.

We look forward to welcoming you all back this season, and

hope your summer is full of fun, laughter and wonderful new

memories. Summer is ready! Are you?

Glen Stacey & Alison DavieAzure Members’ Concierges

SUMMER IS HERE!

For those who prefer a quieter spot to sunbathe,

free from sand and playful splashes from the

pools, then visit the adults-only sunbathing terrace,

situated a few steps up from Pebbles. The glass

balcony also allows you to take in the breathtaking

views of Golden Bay while you soak up the sun.

It seems love is well and truly in the air, as Tirus

and Esther also recently got married and spent their

honeymoon in Malta with us this year. They loved

the place so much that they decided to become Azure

members. Congratulations and welcome to the club!

Rob and Fiona recently tied the knot in the UK

and spent their honeymoon here at their favourite

resort. Rob arranged to have a beautiful bunch of

roses delivered to the resort upon arrival for his

wife, which we were more than happy to assist

with. Congratulations to you both!

Jacqui and Mike have fallen in love with the resort

and Malta since joining as members in 2015, and

cannot wait until their 3-week holiday next year.

See you again soon!

Stewart and Huong took full advantage of their

member benefits and enjoyed a 15% discount on a trip

round the Three Cities with the Rolling Geeks! Their

youngest also received a birthday card from them!

We caught up with Stewart and Huong who love

exploring Malta and were here with their two

daughters, who adore the beach! Their youngest

celebrated her birthday in Malta, and Azure made

sure her day was a special one. They found the leave-

behind service a great idea when it came to storing

buckets and spades safely until their next visit!

Azure member David Steele is cycling from

London to Paris, covering just over 325 miles in 4

days to raise awareness and money to go towards

finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. If you

wish to support David and help him reach his

target, you can make a donation by visiting his

Just Giving page:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/

David-Steele100

Charity Bike Ride

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Don’t forget to get in touch should you

have any pre-arrival queries:

+356 2356 1991 / Ext. 1991

concierge@azure.com.mt

Contact Us

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TOP FIVE REASONS TO HIRE A MOTORHOME

Time away from work along with quality time spent

with the family is something that everyone strives

for in their busy daily lives, whether that be flying

abroad or discovering parts of the UK never visited before.

There are countless reasons why people elect to stay in the

UK for their holiday. In a recent survey conducted by Visit

England, 7.3 million people holidayed in England in the

first quarter of 2016, registering a 10% increase on the same

period in 2015.

How do people choose to holiday on a staycation?

Azure surveyed its members in 2016, and 43% answered the

they would be interested in the UK as another destination in

Have you visited Malta already this year and are looking for an additional break in the UK? Contact us today and enjoy an introductory

10% off standard motorhome rental prices. Call Member Services on +356 2356 1811 to find out more.

1. FAMILY TIME

4. BACK TO NATURE

5. FLEXIBILITY

2. UNRESTRICTED BYTHE WEATHER

3. NO LONG, BORING CAR JOURNEYS

which to use their membership should that become available.

Of the members who responded, 44% stated that they would

consider a motorhome holiday. Here are 5 reasons why Azure

believes motorhome holidays in the UK are on the increase.

Holiday as you did growing up, lose the gadgets and immerse

yourself in a game of cards or a board game. Go outdoors and

get active by exploring the scenery by bicycle; relish precious

family time at a slower pace of life while experiencing the

new-generation luxury motorhomes equipped with modern-

day home comforts.

One advantage of holidaying in the UK is that when it rains,

no one is confined to the hotel room. There will always be

somewhere to visit: just close the door of your motorhome,

ready to head off to your subsequent destination, making up

time on the road.

“Are we there yet?”

“I need the toilet!”

Remember these painful interruptions on the long, slow drive

to your destination? With a motorhome, the children have

space to be entertained along the way, becoming engrossed in

games while eating a snack prepared in the on-board kitchen

area. There are toilet facilities ever-available, eradicating the

need to break the journey – unless the view entices you to

engage the handbrake!

One of the greatest benefits of driving a luxury motorhome is

being able to venture off the beaten track to discover nature’s

beauty close by. Whether you plot your route with a stop in

an idyllic nature spot or drive on, unexpectedly stumbling

across a location of sheer beauty, you can avoid the crowds

and turn off the engine to fully enjoy the moment. Think

birds tweeting, tree leaves rustling in the breeze, flowers in

bloom. You have the picture!

You can select where you visit, when you visit, and for how

long you decide to stay. If you wish to depart earlier than

planned, no problem! There is no waking up early to rush to

breakfast and begin the checking-out process by queuing up at

reception to pay your bill, or hurriedly packing your suitcase.

Simply succumb to the lure of the open road, proceeding to

your next location as soon as you close the door!

T&Cs apply and dates are subject to availability, so contact us today to avoid disappointment.

Every summer, holidaymakers in Malta are always

seeking new and alternative ways to experience its

Mediterranean sights and lifestyle to the fullest. As

a returning visitor to the Golden Sands resort, you may feel

that you’ve tried and tested all options for a relaxing holiday

in the Mediterranean. It’s time to think again.

Combining the right dose of fun and glamour, a luxury yacht

charter around the Maltese Islands this summer will open up

a world of opportunities for exploring familiar surroundings

from a wholly different perspective.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

BESPOKE CHARTER SERVICE

CRUISE THE MED IN STYLE

5-STAR EXPERIENCEThe sleek Sunseeker fleet provides stunning settings for

lounging on the spacious deck and taking in the surrounding

views. Each motor yacht doubles as a unique venue for stylish

on-board entertainment among friends, romantic dining

experiences, or for celebrating special occasions in complete

privacy. Your experienced crew will deliver nothing short

of signature service, catering for all your requirements and

exceeding expectations each time.

Included on full-day charters are:

• 30 nautical miles of fuel for leisurely cruising

• A range of water sport facilities

• Mediterranean-themed lunch on board

• Azure Ultra’s signature yacht crew service

• Plenty of fun & Sunseeker wow factor

Catch up with Charter Specialist

Rosie in the resort’s main reception or visit www.azureultra.com to create your very own beyond

ordinary summertime experience.

Whether you wish to trail the coastal wonders of the

Maltese archipelago, experience exhilarating water sports,

discover outstanding dive sites or bathe in secluded bays, an

Azure Ultra charter will give you privileged access to all of

this. And what’s stopping you from venturing further and

turning this into a full week’s charter holiday, allowing you

to explore the neighbouring Italian islands and the vibrant

diversity of the Mediterranean in the company of your

knowledgeable captain?

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SUBLIME DAYS AT SEA

Based in Vittoriosa’s Grand Harbour Marina, yacht charter

specialist Azure Ultra will tailor your on-board experience

exclusively around you. The moment you step aboard your

private Sunseeker, you will be welcomed by your personal

captain and steward/ess, who will ensure your complete

boating pleasure throughout your charter.

by Azure Ultra

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Y

ou might be familiar with the main

thoroughfares of Valletta, but did

you know that there are a host of

historical haunts and riches lining the city’s

periphery? Here is a quick guide to a few lush

green discoveries worth exploring during a

morning or afternoon stroll inside and around

the Maltese capital.

Location & surroundings: Sa Maison Garden stands enclosed

by Floriana’s bastion walls halfway up a promontory

overlooking Pietà Creek. Situated within easy reach of

Valletta, this outdoor space enjoys a perfect, playful balance

of light and shade, providing ample shelter from the summer

heat and an infinitely quieter retreat than the more popular

gardens closer to the capital. Set on different levels nestled

among the bastions, Sa Maison enjoys breathtaking views of

Marsamxett Harbour and Ta’ Xbiex Yacht Marina, which lie

directly opposite.

Location & surroundings: At the other far side of Floriana,

right on its eastern flank, lie three interconnected gardens.

These follow a narrow strip of land directly above the bastion

walls, and open onto spectacular panoramic views of the

Grand Harbour, visible from all angles.

Key facts: Malta’s first playing fields – the King George V

Recreational Grounds – were set up in 1951 by the newly

founded Malta Playing Fields Association, which continued

to provide for these grounds until the setting up of local

government in 1993. The Floriana Local Council is now

responsible for its upkeep, and recently undertook an

embellishment project of its facilities, among which are a

tennis court and football pitch.

PARKS AND GARDENS IN AND AROUND VALLETTA

SA MAISON GARDEN

FLORIANA 3-IN-1: KING GEORGE V RECREATIONAL GROUNDS, SIR LUIGI PREZIOSI GARDENS, VILHENA GARDEN

The year 2000 saw the inauguration of a small belvedere

garden in honour of Grandmaster Manoel Antonio de

Vilhena, who lay the foundations of modern-day Floriana

back in the 18th century. Another garden space linking

the former two followed in 2003, and was named after the

celebrated Maltese politician and ophthalmic surgeon Sir

Luigi Preziosi.

What not to miss: In addition to the stunning 180° Grand

Harbour surroundings, you’ll notice that Castille Palace and

the Upper Barrakka Gardens at the top of Valletta hill are also

well within sight.

Key facts: Initially forming part of the Knights’ coastal

fortifications to guard against enemy approach, Sa Maison

was only transformed into a garden as its military significance

gradually faded. These public grounds also go by the name

of Il-Ġnien tal-Milorda (meaning Her Ladyship’s Garden)

in memory of Lady Julia Lockwood, who took up residence

here between 1842 and 1856 until her house was demolished.

The garden was eventually taken over and maintained by the

British Armed Forces until 1903.

What not to miss: Military crests carved into the lower inner

bastion walls, attributable to the British regiment, are still

clearly visible, although weathered with the passing of

time. There is also a stone sculpture model of the castle of

Gibraltar, representing the insignia of the Essex Regiment –

a monument immortalising its soldiers’ involvement in the

Great Siege of Gibraltar.

Location & surroundings: Formerly known as Kalkara

Gardens, these terraced gardens overlook the Grand Harbour

and provide plenty of seating spaces for some respite and for

taking in the historical surroundings of one of the world’s

largest and deepest natural ports.

Key facts: These gardens were only renamed Herbert Ganado

Gardens as recently as the 90s, in honour of the well-known

lawyer, writer and politician who hailed from Floriana.

During the war years of the early 20th century, these grounds

accommodated British military servicemen in a purposely

built hutment, and also temporarily sheltered Valletta

inhabitants whose houses had been destroyed by war.

What not to miss: Herbert Ganado Gardens are currently

receiving a landscaping facelift, with works still in progress.

Among these are a rockery a few metres beyond the entrance,

with all sorts of herbs neatly planted and labelled here. Flower

beds abound in bright splashes of colour contrasts against the

Mediterranean blue sea backdrop. From these grounds, one

can gain unobstructed views of the gardjola – or guard tower

– of St Peter and St Paul Counterguard, as well as the Upper

Barrakka and accompanying lift.

Location & surroundings: The gardens of the Lower Barrakka

are reached by walking down Valletta’s narrow streets and

all the way to the top of St Christopher’s Bastion, encased

by the city’s eastern peripheral walls. Panoramic sights

of Grand Harbour and the open sea, Fort Ricasoli, Bighi

Palace, Fort St Angelo, and Birgu and Kalkara Creeks create

a true visual spectacle.

Key facts: Being further away from the vibrant heart of

Valletta, these delightful gardens are less frequented by visitors

than the Upper Barrakka Gardens. And it is for this precise

reason that they provide a more peaceful setting for relaxation,

with equally stunning postcard-perfect views to boot.

What not to miss: The garden is home to a monument

honouring the memory of the first British governor of the

Maltese Islands, Sir Alexander John Ball. The Siege Bell war

memorial, donning the largest bell on the Maltese Islands, can

also be found here.

Location & surroundings: Perched above and to the west of

Valletta’s city gate entrance, a pretty garden stretches over

350 metres, providing a high vantage point from which to

admire the coast-hugging towns of Floriana, Msida and

Sliema, as well as Manoel Island and Marsamxett Harbour

below. Alongside its picturesque vista, this public garden also

serves as the perfect space for a quiet pause from the hustle

and bustle of the inner city streets.

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HERBERT GANADO GARDENS

LOWER BARRAKKA GARDENS

HASTINGS GARDEN Key facts: Designed in the Neoclassical style, Hastings Garden

remembers General Francis Marquis of Hastings – a former

British Governor of Malta who died at sea in 1827. Its recent

renovation saw the embellishment of its green spaces and

walkways, as well as the erection of an Armenian cross-stone

as a token of friendship between Malta and Armenia.

What not to miss: Not only is there a majestic monument

dedicated to General Hastings’ memory hewn out of local

stone inside this garden; he actually lies buried within!

A QUICK GUIDE TO MALTA’S 2017 SUMMER FESTIVALS

MARSOVIN SUMMER WINE FESTIVALHastings Garden, VallettaFriday 7th – Sunday 9th July

Enjoy the stunning views over Valletta’s bastions from Hastings Garden. Purchase a package of tokens to exchange at the wine bars dotted around the event venue, enjoying an ambient evening of music from popular bands and local wine. Various restaurants will offer an enticing selection of food dishes, which will be available for purchase every evening.

FARSONS BEER FESTIVALNational Park, Ta’ QaliFriday 28th July – Sunday 6th August

More than just a Beer Festival, the 36th edition of Malta’s largest music festival promises to bring together ten nights of the best local music with performances across two stages. Enjoy food and award-winning beers from over 30 bars.

DELICATA WINE FESTIVALUpper Barrakka Gardens, VallettaThursday 10th August – Sunday 13th August

One of Malta’s most spectacular viewpoints plays host to the 16th edition of the Delicata Wine Festival. Enjoy mouth-watering dishes from live cooking stations while sampling a few glasses of the 22 different varieties of wines to choose from. The evening will take the form of an open-air concert each night, with local popular bands providing the on-stage entertainment.

MALTA INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVALMdinaFriday 21st July – Sunday 23rd July

A gastronomic affair lasting three days hits the island of Malta. Now in its third year, this weekend of foodie delights attracts tens of thousands of visitors with live cooking demonstrations and freshly-prepared dishes from around the world. Live entertainment and activities for the children make this a great family night out.

MALTA JAZZ FESTIVALTa’ Liesse, VallettaThursday 20th July – Saturday 22nd July

One of the most eagerly awaited dates in the Maltese cultural calendar is the Malta Jazz Festival. The festival will open on Thursday in Valletta’s streets, making jazz more accessible to the public and promoting Valletta 2018 with a series of street jam sessions, masterclasses and free concerts. International performers in the jazz scene will star alongside special guests, entertaining visitors with a weekend of first-class jazz from around the world.

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All of the above information is correct at the time of publishing; dates and times of events are subject to change and cancellation.

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WHAT’S ONIN MALTAJULY – SEP 2017

MICHAEL BOLTON Mediterranean Conference Centre, VallettaFriday 4th – Sunday 6th August

Selling over 65 million records globally, multi-Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Michael Bolton will be performing in Malta this summer. With classics like To Love Somebody, the audience can expect an evening of timeless tunes. This event is expected to sell out fast.

Tickets from €49

CAFÉ DEL MAR SUNSET SPECIAL FEATURING FATBOY SLIMCafé Del Mar, QawraSunday 30th July

Experience one of the island’s prime locations in which to enjoy the spectacular sunsets. Sip on a cocktail or two and dance the night away to top tunes provided by two-time Brit Award winner Fatboy Slim. This British DJ is gracing Malta’s shores this summer for a one-night event. Book your ticket early!

Early bird tickets from €15VIP tickets from €40

GOZO FILM FESTIVALGozo Citadel, VictoriaFriday 25th – Sunday 27th August

If you fancy an evening out in Gozo, then this weekend-long film festival promises to be a highlight on the events calendar. Due to take place on the stunning bastions of the impressive and newly restored Citadel, the weekend will feature short movies from local and foreign film-makers.

Free event

JOSEPH CALLEJA WITH GUEST STAR ANDREA BOCELLI The Granaries, FlorianaSaturday 19th August

Tenor Andrea Bocelli will appear as guest star alongside renowned Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja at the 20th anniversary concert of his public debut. The night will feature the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the BOV Joseph Calleja Children’s Choir.

Tickets from €80

All of the above information is correct at the time of publishing; dates and

times of events are subject to change and cancellation.

THE MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOWMalta International Airport, LuqaSaturday 23rd – Sunday 24th September

Visit one of Malta’s largest outdoor events. Held annually, this family-friendly day out offers exhilarating aerial displays and a chance to get up close and personal with interesting aircraft from around the world.

Free event

HOW TO TRULY APPRECIATE SUPERCARS. . . WITHOUT EVER NEEDING TO OWN ONE

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HOW TO TRULY APPRECIATE SUPERCARS. . . WITHOUT EVER NEEDING TO OWN ONE

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MALTA HOISTS BLUE FLAG STATUS EVER HIGHERTwo additional beaches, Ħondoq Bay and Marsalforn Bay in Gozo, have been awarded Blue

Flag status in 2017, bringing the total number within the Maltese archipelago to 12. Here’s a

quick glance at Malta’s ‘divine dozen’ beaches.

QAWRA POINT BEACH/BAY

Measuring a generous 828x29 metres, Qawra Point is a

rocky beach that’s popular with sun worshippers and

families.

FOND GĦADIR BAY, SLIEMA

A clean, non-sandy beach measuring 135x17 metres with abundant flora and

fauna, Fond Għadir includes a series of small, rock-carved pools that were allegedly salt

pans.

WESTIN DRAGONARA RESORT, ST JULIAN’SLocated on the Dragonara

Peninsula, the Westin Dragonara Resort has been

awarded the Blue Flag status for its two beaches, The Med

Bar and The Reef Club.

ST GEORGE’S BAY,ST JULIAN’S

Calm and shallow, this sandy bay sits in the heart of the Paceville clubland district.

GOLDEN SANDS BEACH, GOLDEN BAY

Golden Bay is a lovely Blue Flag beach of cream-coloured sand set within a cliff face. It has featured in many Hollywood

films, including Troy, the Trojan War epic starring Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom

and Sean Bean.

GĦAJN TUFFIEĦA BAYAlso known as Riviera, Għajn Tuffieħa

Bay is less populated during busy summer periods but nonetheless pristine and

extremely pretty, with the hillside behind named a Special Area of Conservation.

ISLAND’S EDGE BEACHPopularly known as Paradise Bay, small and sandy Island’s Edge beach is known for its astoundingly clear water and picturesque

views of the island of Comino.

ĦONDOQ IR-RUMMIEN BAYĦondoq ir-Rummien is a small bay enjoyed for its deep clear water, little caves at water

level and views over Comino.

RAMLA L-ĦAMRA BAYGozo’s biggest sandy bay is

famous for its deep-reddish-gold sand.

MARSALFORN BAYWith a small sandy beach

that’s safe and shallow, Marsalforn is Gozo’s most

popular seaside resort.

BUĠIBBA PERCHED BEACHSet in Buġibba, one of Malta’s largest seaside

resort towns, and created out of artificial sand, Buġibba Perched Beach sits above sea level with bridges and ladders leading down

to the clean, clear and deep waters.

MELLIEĦA BAY/GĦADIRAThis beautiful 500-metre stretch of sandy beach is popular for sea and sun bathing,

water sports and beachfront eateries.

ISLAND’S EDGE BEACH (PARADISE BAY HOTEL)

RAMLA L-ĦAMRA

ĦONDOQ BAY

MARSALFORN BAY

BUĠIBBA PERCHED BEACH

MELLIEĦA BAYQAWRA POINT

BEACH/BAY

GĦAJN TUFFIEĦA BAY

GOLDEN BAY WESTIN DRAGONARA HOTEL AND SPA BEACH

ST GEORGE’S BAY

FOND GĦADIR

GOZO

MALTA

M A LTA / / S E A S O N S N E W S L E T T E R S U M M E R 2 017 / / P 13

P 14 / / S E A S O N S N E W S L E T T E R S U M M E R 2 017 / / R E S O R T

SUMMER AT THE RESORT

Disclaimer: Activities may be subject to date and location amendments; kindly check the updated weekly schedule for the latest details. Activities require a minimum number of participants to take place.

...RELAX

...KIDS’ FUN

...KEEP FIT

...WATER SPORTS

Diving

Yoga

Playground

Gym

Parakiting

Pizza making

Private beach PoolPrivate terrace

Kids’ club

Bike riding

Jet ski

GĦASRI

COMINO

WIED IŻ-ŻURRIEQ

DWEJRA

ĊIRKEWWA

VALLETTA

MARSASCALA

GOZO

MALTA

GĦAR LAPSI

M A LTA / / S E A S O N S N E W S L E T T E R S U M M E R 2 017 / / P 15

DIVE INTO THE BLUE ORANGE SHARK DIVING CENTRE – GOLDEN SANDS RESORTRun by Italian husband and wife team Max Valli and Paola

Lupo, the Orange Shark Diving Centre is conveniently located

down on Golden Bay beach.

• Diving instructors speak English, Italian, French, Spanish,

German, Polish and Russian

• The Dive centre offers free taster dives in the resort’s

Lagoon Pool on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which is great

for discovering if you enjoy diving with the full kit

• Orange Shark also offers a range of internationally

recognised courses, from a three-to-four-day full open

water qualification, to ‘Bubble Maker’ for children aged

eight to ten years old

• Azure members receive 10% off all dives and courses

Interested?

Pop down to the Centre and

enquire today. Alternatively, give

them a call on +356 2152 1329 or visit

www.orangeshark.eu.

Ranking in the top three of the world’s most popular diving destinations, the

Maltese archipelago offers a concentrated sprinkling of truly divine dive sites.

Whether you’re a pro ready to ace the deepest abyss, or a beginner wanting to dip

your toes in, this sparkling selection reveals some of Malta’s most dazzling dives.

FABULOUS UM EL FAROUDConsidered by many to be the best dive in the Mediterranean, the Um

El Faroud was a Libyan-owned vessel that was scuttled in 1998.Maximum depth: 36 metres

ST MICHAEL & NUMBER 10Having towed ships around the Grand Harbour, both these former tugboats have been prepared by divers and are now partially covered with sponges and corals.Maximum depth: 20 metres

CAVE OF COLOURSThe natural swimming pool of Għar Lapsi, which means Ascension Cave in English, is a photographers’ paradise located off Malta’s south coast. Maximum depth: 18 metres

REMARKABLE ROŻIPurposely scuttled in 1992 as a diving attraction, the tugboat Rożi rests close to shore and offers a rare combination of wreck and reef dive. Maximum depth: 35 metres

MADONNA & THE ARCHThis excellent dive in the sunlight includes highlights such as a statue of a Madonna, a reef and a rock formation called the Arch.Maximum depth: 18 metres

PATROL BOAT P29Located in Ċirkewwa, the Kondor-class patrol boat Boltenhagen first served the East German navy as a minesweeper. Sold to Malta and renamed P29, the boat was scuttled on 14th August 2007.Maximum depth: 33 metres

HEAVENLY HMS MAORIHMS Maori is Malta’s most famous historical wreck, with residents including scorpionfish, sea bream, tube worm, sea horse, conger eel and John Dory.Maximum depth: 15 metres

BEWITCHING BLUE HOLEAlthough the Azure Window is no more, the consensus among divers is that the fallen rock makes for a more spectacular dive, with several short passageways (or swim-throughs) proving popular.Maximum depth: over 60 metres

RAVISHING REQQA POINTLocated on the most northerly point of Gozo near the seaside town of Marsalforn, Reqqa Point (or Reqqa Reef) is an acclaimed deep dive with great visibility, several overhangs, spectacular chimney, bell-shaped cave and loads of big fish. Maximum depth: 70 metres

BENEATH THEBLUE LAGOON

Being sheltered, the dive at the Blue Lagoon is a nursery for a kaleidoscopic menagerie of marine creatures, including flying gurnard, Mediterranean flounder, octopus and barracuda.Maximum depth: 15 metres

BEGINNER

EXPERIENCED

For your chance to win a Track Day Experience at

the AutoXotica HQ at Donington Park – the home of

British Motorsport, visit www.azure.com.mt/win and

submit your answer by 15th September 2017.

Stay in touch

Visit our website on www.azure.com.mt

www.twitter.com/AzureResorts www.facebook.com/azure

www.pinterest.com/azuremalta www.linkedin.com/company/azure-malta

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WHO WON £250 FLIGHTVOUCHERS TO MALTA

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Q: What historical

artefact belonging

to the renowned

Grand Master de

Valette is currently

being exhibited in

Valletta?

A: Dagger

HOW MANY OF MALTA’S BEACHES WERE AWARDED BLUE FLAG STATUS THIS YEAR?

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