AFTER Steven Spielberg had docked his £143million super-yacht in the Port of Valletta, he instantly fell in love with Malta.
So much so, the legendary director was back less than a year later to film his 2005 blockbuster Munich.
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Looking out at the Grand Harbour from the great heights of the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Mr Spielberg and I are on the same page — this island is beautiful.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Malta but the white limestone streets look familiar, I’d bet my bottom dollar that you’re a Game Of Thrones fan, because what you see before you is the backdrop of King’s Landing (aka the home of Cersei Lannister).
Just opposite Valletta in Fort Monoel is where one of the most famous scenes from the entire series was filmed — Ned Stark’s beheading.
Our guide Audrey Marie Bartolo, who offers five-hour-long Game Of Thrones tours, played a Dothraki in the HBO series and worked alongside Emilia Clarke. “I had no idea who she was at the time,” she tells me.
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Audrey’s real passion is history, so it’s not long before she moves us on to her favourite building on the island — St John’s Co-Cathedral.
From the outside, the 16th-century church is rather plain, but it’s quite a different story on the other side of the towering doors.
Decorated in 24-carat gold, the Baroque art and architecture makes the cathedral feel more like a palace than a place of worship.
Following a long day exploring Valletta, it’s time to refuel and we’re taken to a casual fine-dining restaurant in Attard called The Golden Fork. It’s my new favourite place to eat.
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For couples, there’s a balcony with just one small table for two outside, lit up by fairy lights. The perfect place to pop the question — or a bottle of bubbly.
More culinary delights awaited us on day two, starting with Immanuel Grima’s olive grove in the village of Wardija. Here, we sampled the oil his family produces from fresh hand-picked Bidni olives before tucking into a delicious feast in his sun-drenched hilltop garden.
With our bellies full, we then headed to old capital, Mdina. Dating back 4,000 years, it’s known as the silent city with only 300 residents.
Its gorgeous, narrow alleyways are very Instagram-friendly. But my favourite thing about of the city is its panoramic views of Malta.
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Although afternoon tea is traditionally an English custom, the Maltese too are fans and the five-star Corinthia Palace Hotel is one of the best places to get your fix.
Not only are the sandwiches and cakes unbelievable, but the hotel caters for gluten-free guests.
During my visit, I stayed at the five-star Westin Dragonara in St Julian’s.
The resort has its own restaurants, bars, pools and private beach.
I would say there’s no reason to leave, but Malta has way too much to offer.
Will I return to this island? Put it this way, Queen Elizabeth has visited countless countries, but the only place she has lived apart from Britain is Malta.
If I were to move abroad, I’d follow Her Majesty’s lead — although our budgets may differ.
Go: Malta
GETTING THERE: Flights to Malta from London Gatwick are from £172pp return. See ba.com.
STAYING THERE: One night’s B&B in a Deluxe Garden View Room at The Westin Dragonara Resort is from £76pp based on two sharing. See marriot.com.
MORE INFO: See maltauk.com.
