Sandra Aquilina had almost forgotten that there is another dimension to time than the ticking of the clock. But after watching two leisurely days unfold at the Ramla Bay Resort in Marfa, surrounded by land and sea, she was once again brought in touch with time’s natural rhythms.

I halted for a moment to catch my breath. For the first time in a while, I stopped focusing on the rocky shore beneath my feet and looked around me. The sun was setting over the sea and the summer light had started fading. The world seemed enveloped in gentleness and beauty. I took a deep breath – and felt a wave of peacefulness come over me. It is, perhaps, in fact, the sense of peace which is most delightful here, at the northernmost tip of Malta, where the two sister islands are visible across the sea.

I ran the next few steps to catch up with my sister and then we slowly started our return. We had been walking for around an hour, in the extensive land around the Ramla Bay Resort in Marfa, where we were staying the weekend. Already, in one afternoon, we had accumulated a sufficient number of pleasant experiences to make us anticipate the rest of our stay with pleasure.

The Ramla Bay Resort is a four-star hotel situated on a secluded peninsula on the northern coast of Malta. From the terrace of our room, in fact, we had fantastic views of Cirkewwa harbour, Comino and, beyond it, Gozo. It was to this terrace that we headed, in fact, immediately after our walk. Sipping tea and munching biscuits on the balcony, we soaked in the rest of the sunset, allowing the beauty of the colours and the sense of peace to wash over us. I had almost forgotten that time can linger so wonderfully slowly…

Here, in fact, the day unfolds in all its leisurely beauty… No longer is time measured by the ticking of the clock; here time moves in gentle – almost primordial – waves; constantly in touch with the sun and its light, the day is measured by the rising sun, the bright daylight sun – and the beautiful waning evening sun.

Thought, care and bustle seem to be left outside the Ramla Bay Resort. Although it is relatively close to Mellieha village, it is also sufficiently distant to allow its patrons to dwell in peace, untouched by the frantic rhythms of the world outside.

Besides the extensive walks, the Ramla Bay Resort also includes a small private sandy beach and water sports and diving centre to which it is also possible to take out day memberships. Add to that, two outdoor pools and a number of restaurants – and one need hardly venture outside its perimeter at all.

Recently refurbished, the hotel boasts new and tasteful interior decorations with plenty of several large spaces lit up with natural light through windows and skylights. Rooms are large and comfortable, with soft beds, impeccable bathrooms and warm Mediterranean colours. A subtle touch of homeliness makes it all the more endearing. Comfort is top priority: all the rooms include airconditioning, telephone, radio, TV, hairdryer and a terrace/balcony.

Just to make sure that all its guests are pampered thoroughly, the hotel also includes a spa area with a variety of services and a Jacuzzi. For the children, there is also a kids’ club and children’s play area. Finally, there are also a range of other facilities, from a well-stocked mini-market to a games room and souvenir shop. And it can also suit a variety of travellers: from business – there are three conference rooms – to romantic guests – since its numerous intimate locations also make it the perfect venue for weddings, banquets, family gatherings or friends’ reunions.

On our second day at the hotel, we woke up with refreshed and renewed energy. After a mighty buffet breakfast at the Horizon restaurant, we headed straight for the Spa Du Soleil and indoor pool area. This is an area enclosed with glass windows, so that the place is flooded with natural light. Stone nymphs, warm earth tones and the gentle sound of water create a sense of well-being. I opted for a massage and was led into a small private room. Then followed a blissful half-hour in which I was treated to the blended pleasures of gentle music, aromatherapy, soft white towels and, of course, a stimulating and relaxing massage. In summer, just to make it even better, it is possible to opt for a massage in private outdoor gazebos…

Feeling wonderfully relaxed and invigorated, I then made my way back to the pool area and promptly stretched out on the sun bed. Light streamed in through the windows. As I absorbed the peace around me, I lazily debated whether to take a swim in the pool – its waters seemed to call out to me invitingly. I was feeling way too comfortable to move, however, so I toyed with the problem at sufficient length to vest my decision with some credibility and then promptly abandoned it with relish and a contented sigh… Ah, the luxury of grappling with such decisions…

Eventually, we prodded ourselves sufficiently to make our way to the Horizon restaurant where lunch was being served, in the open air, with views of the sea and the islands. Afterwards we made our way to one of the beautiful gazebos around the hotel. Little islands of privacy, these gazebos are wonderful places for intimate conversations, romantic moments, or just blissful solitary moments with a book. Underneath its shady canopy, surrounded by sea and sky, we whiled the afternoon away… while a gentle breeze blew around us, scattering all care… there, at the tip of Malta, many things lose their importance: what matters are the light, the sun, the sea, the walks, the food…

Eventually the afternoon sun started waning… Our stay had come full circle with the sunset… We prepared ourselves resignedly to return to the world outside. As we drove off, the sun was setting benevolently behind us.

Sandra Aquilina was a guest at the Ramla Bay Resort between 6 and 7 May 2006. Ramla Bay Resort, Marfa L/O Mellieha, MLH 02. Tel: 2281 2281; Fax: 2281 2282; email: [email protected]; website: www.ramlabayresort.com