The Honeymoon Testers Blog

The Honeymoon Testers Featured on TV Malta

While in Malta we renewed our vows in the Grand Ballroom at the Radisson Blu St Julians in the presence of the TV Malta (TVM) crew and followed this up with a quick interview. The feature was broadcast on the 8pm evening news show on Maltese prime time TV. Unfortunately most of the feature is in Maltese and the part that isn't features us both stumbling over our words! Enjoy. 

Thanks again to RunawayBrideandGroom.com for organising such a great visit to Malta - Malta really is wedding island and an amazing country for destination weddings.

Millions of Marvellous Wedding Venues in Malta

What really impressed us the most about Malta was how set up they are for weddings. Weddings are big business in Malta, with the Maltese weddings averaging 400+ guests. Of course, most destinations weddings won't necessarily be as big as that, but there are so many different options, no matter if it's just the two of you, or everyone you know. 

Malta is wedding island, and the best way to get value for money is to go for a wedding package, which will include your venue, accommodation and your choice of wedding suppliers like luxury cars, professional photographers, florists and more. It's only a few hours away, everyone speaks English, there is a lot to do on the island and it's great value for money. Everything you need for the best destination wedding, in fact - I can't believe we didn't think of it for our own wedding. 

Falling in Love Again at the Radisson Blu, Malta

We absolutely loved staying at the Radisson Blu for our last few days in Malta. This hotel on the tip of St George's Bay is only minutes away from the night-life, but feels absolutely secluded and private. The staff really made us feel like real newlyweds, and so we were very sad to leave. 

Every single room has a stunning panorama of the Mediterranean Sea, with views stretching all the way to the sister island of Gozo. Every night as the sun goes down, you see the twinkling of fishing boats and luxury cruisers across the midnight sea and feel the gentle breeze cooling down the heat of the day. 

Our suite was beautiful, extremely generous proportions with a large wrap around balcony. Champagne, chocolates and canapés on arrival was a perfect touch, and is always appreciated by couples as their first impression of Maltese hospitality. Our rooms were serviced twice a day (good for us, as we're a little messy!), but the housekeeping is extremely discreet and leave a chocolate by the bed for each visit. 

Exploring Malta (Part 2)

The second town we explored was Mdina, an absolutely gorgeous medieval walled town and one of the highest places in Malta. It has a very different feel from Valletta, although it's a tourist spot you also feel like it's a private little village.

Again like Valletta, you can get a carriage ride tour, and our favourite driver was a happy and exuberant Maltese with the most luxurious moustache we've ever seen. We tried to surreptitiously take a photo but to no avail.

The best things to see in Mdina are St. Paul's Cathedral, the Natural History Museum, Mdina Dungeons and the Carmelite Church and Convent. It's also nice just to get an ice-cream, take pictures of the gorgeous streets and take in the sun.

Next door to Mdina is Rabat which we wandered into Rabat to visit the Catacombs, the underground Roman burial chambers which have been turned into a museum. Don't worry, there aren't any bones down there and you can explore as much or as little as you want. Mark was braver than me, and used his blackberry as a makeshift torch to explore some of the further tombs. 

Exploring the Towns of Malta (Part 1)

Geographically, Malta is a tiny island. It's just over 300 km, which is so small! However, what Malta lacks in land mass, it makes up for in culture and beauty per square metre. 

There are so many beautiful towns to explore, each with it's own unique flavour. Blue sky and friendly people are constants, so you just have to find the place you like the best. It's easy to get around. Cabs are relatively cheap, but the buses are absolute recession busters, it will cost you less than 50 cents for a trip. 

First up, Valletta, the capital city of Malta, and one of the most beautiful towns ever. The whole city is surrounded by high bastions which are lit up at night, making everything look unbelievably magical. It was built as a fortress city, but there's nothing severe or military about it.

We arrived and stalked a real bride and groom in the Upper Barrakka Gardens while they were being photographed with their bridal party. It's apparently a very popular spot for wedding photos, as the gardens are romantic, with statues, columns and a stunning view of the Grand Harbour.

There are many things to do and see in Valletta. Be a tourist and walk around - take pictures of each beautiful street and marvel at the glow of the buildings against the blue sky. That takes care of the first hour. 

Then, get a bit more organised. Choose the churches, palaces and museums you want to see (they are all pretty incredible). Of note are St John's Co-Cathedral, The Auberge de Castille et Leon (now the Prime Minister's house but formerly the official seat of the Knights of Malta), and any number of the museums.

Shopping is great too. Jewellery in particular would make a brilliant souvenir of your trip. Lastly, take a horse drawn carriage tour as you eat some gelati, and contemplate living in such a beautiful country! No wonder the Maltese look so happy!

The other great thing about Valletta is the number of wedding churches and venues and RunawayBrideandGroom.com are complete experts in putting together the perfect package for you.

Coming up tomorrow, the medieval town of Mdina... 

Stunning Views and 3 Renewals at Corinthia St George's Bay

The Corinthia Hotel at St George's Bay hosted us for the first part of our trip to Malta. As you can see from the photo, this hotel is absolutely stunning and looks like a Mediterranean movie set. 

The Corinthia is an extremely popular hotel, not only with couples seeking a destination wedding or honeymoon, but with the locals too - we saw two Maltese weddings here, one with a whopping 400 guests. 

Our First Two Days in Malta - HEAVEN

 

Our first couple of days in Malta have been absolutely amazing and the hottest weather on our "honeymoon" so far.

Beautiful Churches in Malta

Msida Church

Beside the sparkling marina, the Msida Parish Church is dedicated to St. Joseph and hosts a large feast celebration every July.

This church was built in 1893 and has an ornate interior of green marble, gold accents and magnificent art work on the walls and ceiling. Hung with dramatic red curtains, this church is impressive for a traditional, large sized Catholic wedding.

Balluta Church

Overlooking the crystal blue waters of Balluta Bay in St Julians, there has been a church on this spot since 1859. The current renovated Gothic church is suitable for medium to large sized weddings.

The exterior is impressively large with blue banners flying against the sky, and the interior has high ceilings with beautiful stained glass windows.

Balluta would be a stunning church for your Catholic wedding in Malta. 

Lapsi Church

The charming Lapsi church on St Julian’s Bay was built in 1682, and is the perfect size for a smaller, more intimate wedding ceremony. The Pope visited Lapsi during his tour of Malta in 1989.

Situated on a quiet, side street with a beautifully classic exterior, Lapsi Church is hugely popular for overseas couples getting married in Malta, due to its size and the beautiful interior of gold, white and blue. 

It's easy for overseas Catholic couples to get married in Malta, and Runaway Bride and Groom can help you organise the flowers, cake, photographer, hotel and cars in one stunning package.

Watch the video about our trip to Malta's beautiful churches and talk to Runaway Bride and Groom about your special day.