Stay & Play
The Kempinski San Lawrenz
An Elegant Hideaway on Gozo Island
Article & photography by Nicholas Kontis
If a pampered accommodation is what you need to enhance your visit to Malta, consider the Kempinski San Lawrenz. The only luxury brand on Malta’s serene and scenic sister island of Gozo, it’s the perfect blend of a lavish stay with local charm — a haven for pure relaxation.
Tropical gardens embrace the 323,000-square-foot property, which will undergo a multi-tier renovation during its next off-season. “Due to our mild climate, our travel season begins in April and does not end until November,” said marketing coordinator Clive Rotin, a native Gozitan. “The main selling point of our hotel is the three swimming pools, as we receive many families and couples wishing to relax.”
Family rooms are a part of the room mix. In all, the Kempinski blends luxury with modern comforts in its 142 units, all with pool or garden views. Five suites have private decks, and extended-stay guests may opt for residences.
The San Lawrenz offers a half-dozen choices for dining and drinking — and in-room dining is also available 24 hours a day.
Breakfast, served daily at L’Ortolan, includes such a la carte options as eggs Benedict and eggs Royal. The Arja Patisserie offers espresso and coffee drinks, loose teas, ginger beer, Gozitan craft beer and cider.
L-Istorja is a traditional gourmet steakhouse with an eclectic menu of local fusion dishes, including a pâté of local rabbit with onion marmalade and mustard seeds. Ravioli al Plin incorporates Maltese sausage in a walnut filling. The chef’s venison filet, with a rub of coffee and chocolate, is perfectly seared. Adjacent is Il-Baldakkin Gastrobar, its menu complemented by a cocktail bar with just about any spirit you can name. I imbibed a coconut-aged Negroni: The bartender explained it had been aged inside of a coconut for three days, enhancing its smoothness.
Gazebo serves a Japanese menu in an al fresco setting that overlooks the beautiful gardens and grounds. Sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, ceviche and teppanyaki, cooked to perfection on a griddle, make Gazebo a favorite alternative to local cuisine. Midday diners often prefer the Pool Bar, which offers shelter from the sun while serving signature cocktails, burgers, sandwiches, salads, poke bowls, ice cream and sorbet.
Gozo’s island heritage has inspired the Luxury Spa Ayurveda Center. The immersive spa menu includes the 80-minute “Salt & Sun Journey,” a combination massage, sea-salt scrub and wrap. The 110-minute “Mediterranean Glow Journey” is an aroma massage, wrap and hydrating marine facial. The Oriental Hammam (Turkish Bath) provides a relaxing sanctuary after an overload of island exploration. There’s also a fully equipped fitness center for guests who wish to work off calories from the excellent Kempinski meals.
The eco-friendly property is fully sustainable. “On top of the new hotel looks, eco-friendly practices are dear to our hearts,” said general manager Eike Claussen. “We are reinforcing our commitment to environmental projects to preserve Gozo’s natural beauty.”
