When the Suncrest Seashells Resort in Qawra introduced the all-inclusive portfolio three years ago, it did not know how the market would react. But today the complex is happy with the outcome, as more and more tourists are choosing this kind of holiday, and it seems that the Maltese are following suit as well.
The all-inclusive option means that clients simply wear a tag on their wrist – blue for adults and purple for minors – and they can eat and drink as much as they like, at any time of day right up to 11pm. This includes lunch and dinner, a wide array of snacks as well as a good selection of alcoholic drinks and cocktails.
This is when the colour tags are important; alcohol is not served to young people aged under 18, and a quick look at the tag makes the distinction clear to waiters and bar attendants. For those with a sweet tooth, ice cream is also available.
Clients can choose from different buffets that are displayed in the hotel’s restaurants and, for those who are keen to maintain their physical shape, one of the restaurants offers a healthy breakfast. Those who prefer the usual, sausages, bacon and eggs, will not be disappointed as this breakfast is served in another restaurant.
It-Tokk restaurant offers a typical Maltese-style menu, with ravioli and rabbit as its most popular dishes. Clients who prefer the traditional food offered in barbecues can choose the Sun and Surf open-air restaurant, situated close to the hotel pool with a lovely view of the sea. In this particular restaurant, entertainment is provided every evening, and many Maltese and tourists alike turn up to enjoy the lively shows.
The all-inclusive option makes it easier for guests as a fixed price is set for all the food, except for extras that are taken after 11pm, without having to look at the price of the food and drinks. Just order a cola or a sandwich if you’re hungry, or simply wait for the lunch and dinner buffet hours and choose from the menu available.
In the last three years, the hotel has also upgraded its animation and entertainment team. A group of young people encourages hotel guests to take part in aerobics, water aerobics and pool volley. Most of these activities take place by the poolside. The pool area also includes a shallow pool for young children and a slide where teenagers, and adults who are still young at heart, can have fun too.
The Carisma Spa
The Carisma Spa and Wellness Centre opened just before summer, and in the past months has served as a relaxation point for many Suncrest’s guests, as well as for many Maltese who make use of their services.
The original company was set up in 1990 and is now present in several countries. Its first centre in Malta opened at the Intercontinental Hotel, but now it is also available at the Suncrest Hotel in Qawra.
Its manager, Liudmila Culeva, of Moldovan origin, says that the centre offers a wide selection of services including different forms of massage provided by skilled masseuses and also beauty treatments namely facials, pedicures and manicures. The centre also boasts of an experienced hairdresser, who is also an expert at what is called eyebrow threading.
Today, Liudmila says, more and more people are finding time to pamper themselves, and this also includes a number of men.