Rosemarie Meleady recommends Gozo as an option for couples wanting their wedding as an opportunity for a family reunion or somewhere both families can bond in a relaxed environment rather than somewhere with a high energy nightlife.
Often referred to as the island of Love and Honey, Gozo is the smaller sister island of Malta. Only nine miles by five the island is surrounded by crystal clear water and the maze of streets of its capital Victoria are wonderful to get lost in.
I visited two beautiful villa clusters which would be ideal for a relaxing family get together – Villagg Ta Sheiha and Villagg Tal-Fanal. The villas, or farmhouses, are built around a large pool. Each villa can accommodate 2 to 6 adults and with prices starting at about 50 euro per villa per night this is a cost effective solution to accommodating a wedding party of up to 100 or so guests in the one area.
The beauty of these complexes is that a wedding party could easily book the complex exclusively for their stay – so you have your very own wedding village! As the friendly owners own the best restaurant in the Maltese islands (and beyond in my estimations – more about this later!) evening bbqs, buffets and pizza parties are an option for every evening for your guests. There are lots of other restored farmhouses with their own pools dotted around the island which offer the perfect venue for a small wedding party or the perfect honeymoon hideaway for the ‘do not disturb’ couple. Of course the villas/farmhouses can be booked individually or for smaller groups also.
If you do decide that the relaxed Gozo is for you, there are spectacular churches to choose from – small historic churches such as the one in the Beautiful Lunzjata Valley which would hold no more than 50 people to splendid baroque St George’s Basilica with its extraordinary main altar – a copy of Berini’s at St Peter’s in Rome. In Xewkija you’ll find a church whose gigantic dome is one of the biggest in the world. And for your reception I must tell you about Ta’Frenc Restaurant. This beautifully restored farmhouse surrounded by fragrant gardens has a variety of indoor and outdoor areas where a romantic candlelit reception can be held. If food is important to you this is the place to go! It is one of the finest establishments I have ever dined in, in the world! Mario is the chef extraordinaire who has been with the restaurant for 25 years and is a magician in the kitchen, conjuring up the most fabulous cuisine. The management regularly send their staff for extra training with world renowned chefs to increase their repertoire of gastronomic delights! A must try is their marinated smoked salmon, water melon sorbet, seafood soup and any one of their numerous flambe specialities. The restaurant boosts a selection of 700 wines but a must try is their own label wine from their vineyards in France. Another must try is their herbal infusion – an alternative to after dinner coffee. Made at your table from fresh mint, rosemary and lemon balm from the restaurants herb garden, the tea is the perfect ending to a perfect meal. And Gozo in my estimation is the perfect destination for the perfect rustic wedding.
