Hotel Ta’ Ċenċ & Spa, Sannat

The Ta’ Ċenċ & Spa is a 5-star hotel run by the Maltese group VJ Borg. It is in Sannat, on the south coast of Gozo. The estate borders the Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs. Its local stone buildings stretch out amid vast gardens. The hotel stays open all year round.

The hotel has 74 rooms, all on the ground floor and with a private terrace. They come in six categories, from classic rooms to two-bedroom family suites. The Junior Suites have a four-poster bed and a whirlpool bath. The Trullo Suites are round bungalows topped with a beehive-shaped roof.

Il Carrubo restaurant serves breakfast and dinner beneath a 400-year-old carob tree. Il Terrazzo offers lunch and snacks on a panoramic terrace. In summer, Il-Kantra restaurant opens by the water, on the hotel’s private beach. Peppi’s Bar rounds off the offer with its cocktails.

For relaxation, the hotel has two outdoor pools, one of them adults only. The trullo-shaped spa houses a heated pool that runs from inside to outside. There is also a sauna, a hammam, a jacuzzi and a gym. Families have a children’s pool and babysitting on request. Under-14s may only use the heated pool at certain times.

Recent reviews praise the setting above all. The gardens, the stone architecture and the silence come up in a large share of comments. The two outdoor pools are very popular, especially the adults-only one. The spa and its heated pool are much liked, including in winter. The staff are seen as kind and helpful, with real attention for special occasions. Many guests come back year after year.

The site wins people over with its sunsets and its view towards Comino. A car remains advisable for exploring the island, even though the bus stops outside the entrance. The breakfast buffet, served beneath the carob tree, scores well for choice. The machine coffee and self-service drinks, however, disappoint some guests. Dinners are more divisive, with repetitive menus and slow service. The Il-Kantra lido is often recommended for its crystal-clear water and its fish. Its summer shuttle, with limited times, draws criticism.

The downside comes up again and again: the hotel has aged. Rooms, furniture and above all bathrooms are often judged below five-star standard. Narrow showers, tired beds and old televisions are mentioned regularly. Unrepaired faults are also reported. A gradual refurbishment is under way, and the renovated rooms are well liked. Many cats also live on the estate, which delights or annoys guests in equal measure.

The Ta’ Ċenċ is best suited to couples and families looking for peace and space. It will appeal to those who prefer the charm of a place apart to modern luxury. It is best to ask for a renovated room when booking. Travellers who are demanding about the condition of the rooms may well be disappointed.

The Ta’ Ċenċ & Spa is in Sannat, a quiet village in the south of Gozo. It borders the Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs, known for their walks and sunsets. Victoria, the island’s capital, is about 4 km away, and the bus stops outside the hotel. The Il-Kantra private beach is 2 km away, in a rocky cove near Mġarr ix-Xini. For sand, Xlendi Bay is ten minutes away by car. Ramla Bay is twenty minutes away.

From Malta, you take the ferry at Ċirkewwa, in the north of the island. It docks at Mġarr, Gozo’s harbour. The crossing takes about 25 minutes, and Mġarr is 10 minutes from the hotel. From the international airport, allow about 1 hr 35 for the journey, ferry included, excluding waiting time. Good to know: a car remains the easiest way to explore the island.