Island with star quality
The rich and famous are descending on the sunshine isle of Malta. Emma Brady discovered how to holiday like a Hollywood star...
Brad's done it, so I'm pretty sure his ex Jennifer did, too, and anything they can do, Madonna can do better.
Just like them I have fallen hook, line and sinker for Malta's rustic charm, warm hospitality . . . and five star spas.
Relaxing by the rooftop pool with the sun beating down as I sip a chilled glass of Chardonnay, I could be forgiven for thinking this was members-only club Soho House.
But as the view from the pool bar terrace - of a picturesque harbour littered with bistros, bars, and boutiques - testifies, this is not LA, New York or London.
This is Le Meridien, the island's newest hotel, situated on Balluta Bay in St Julians where the cosmopolitan mix of cultures and history makes this an intriguing, as well as indulgent, place to stay.
But it is not a destination solely for A-listers; it is ideal for a long weekend with the girls who want to be pampered before they enjoy a Champagne lunch or a little retail therapy.
Relaxation is a key word in the hotel's philosophy, which is why its Lotus Spa is a such a central feature.
In addition to the rooftop pool and sun terrace, it has a calming indoor pool, complemented with sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and therapy pools to chill out in after experiencing a blissful massage - the signature Lotus Spa massage which combines Thai and Swedish massage with aromatherapy is fantastic.
Despite being served a pot of reviving ginger tea afterwards, my body was incapable of doing other than reclining by the pool, even flicking through trashy magazines was an effort.
However, exploring, rather than exfoliating, is what you expect from a holiday and Malta has a very colourful history.
Parts of the island, particularly the medieval walled capital city of Valletta, have served as the backdrop for the filming of Brad Pitt's film Troy, while the isle of Comino - part of the Maltese archipelago - was the setting for Guy Ritchie's remake of Swept Away.
The Pitts certainly made themselves at home, and after a hard day's relaxation in the hotel's Lotus Spa, it was time to check out one of their favourite restaurants - Del Borgo, in Birgu.
Just off a hidden side street, this subterranean eatery is a real gem.
We treated ourselves to a Maltese platter, a Tal Balirija, followed by a warm curried chicken salad, followed by a tray of local desserts, all washed down with the region's Gran Cavalier syrah red wine.
It was certainly a decadent experience, fit for the rich and famous, but the bill only came to 28.65 Maltese lira (about £17).
By wandering the island's cobbled streets, either in the sunshine or by lamplight, you will discover many other hidden delights, but nowhere more so than in Valletta.
Starting in the public gardens, which overlook the capital's bustling harbour, it is hard to see why more people have yet to discover Malta.
Walking into the walled city is like taking a step back not just in time but into another country. The Italian influence is never more evident than in Valletta.
Yellowstone buildings, hidden courtyards, and a fantastic rooftop terrace café make it a fantastic place to start, before heading into the cooling sanctuary of St John's Cathedral, which is home to two Castelleto masterpieces - including the Murder of St John the Baptist.
But if couture rather than culture is what you seek, the picturesque city centre boasts a number of designer brands and boutiques. And if that gets too much there are plenty of pavement cafes and bistros where a girl can rest her weary Manolo-clad feet.
Then there is Le Meriden Phoenicia, the island's first five-star hotel which opened in the late 1930s, which stands guard over the harbour.
Set in seven acres of secluded gardens, it has played host to celebrities, politicians and even our Queen, who once danced in its grand ballroom.
Where St Julians is all about sophistication and style, the Phoenicia is all about old-world glamour from its sweeping staircase to the terrace overlooking the picture-perfect estate.
Although it does not boast a spa for its well-heeled guests, it has a very relaxed atmosphere despite being situated by the bustling bus terminus outside Valleta's city walls, making it an ideal venue for a lazy lunch.
For any wannabe footballers' WAGs (wives and girlfriends) desperate to seek out some labels are best to head for Sliema, where well-worn brands rub shoulders with quirky boutiques.
However, given the Maltese exchange rate, items bought in British chain stores may cost more than if purchased back home.
I imagine the reason the A-list are attracted to this small island, other than it is the ideal place to hide from the world, is that the Maltese appear to be perfectionists. Everything they do is of the highest standard, but executed with the minimum fuss or hassle. That was evident at The Villa, the gourmet restaurant at Le Meriden St Julians, where nothing was too much trouble for the staff.
The chef changes the menu every five or six weeks, not only to keep diners' palates fresh but to take advantage of seasonal foods and freshly-caught fish.
And having perfected the art of filling a wine glass without being noticed, a formal dinner can soon become a louche, relaxed affair.
Although three days was not quite long enough to fully unwind, it certainly provided enough reasons to return for a longer break - during which I could well be Swept Away.
* Emma Brady flew to Malta with Air Malta from London Heathrow and stayed three nights at Le Meridien St Julians in an executive sea view room, which cost £190 per night including bed and breakfast.
* There are 44 flights a week to Malta from ten UK airports including Birmingham International Airport. Economy flights start at £126 plus taxes.
* For more information about the hotel visit www.lemeridien.com or call 08000 28 28 40 or for details about flights visit www.airmalta.com or call 0845 607 3710 to make a booking. ..SUPL:
