db San Antonio Hotel & Spa Malta | All Inclusive Qawra | GotoBeach

db San Antonio Hotel & Spa Malta: The best All Inclusive Guide & Review in Malta by Gotobeach

When it comes to all inclusive hotels in Malta, db San Antonio Hotel & Spa is one of the most talked-about properties on the island. But fame does not equal the right fit for every traveller. This is not a soft, marketing-led overview. This is an honest, expert guide to exactly what db San Antonio is, what it does exceptionally well, where it falls short — and, crucially, whether it is the right hotel for you. At GotoBeach, as the UK’s only dedicated Malta specialist, we have inspected this property first-hand and we will tell you the truth.

A Distinctive Moorish Character Unlike Anything Else in Malta

Step inside db San Antonio and you immediately understand that this is no ordinary hotel. The entire property is designed in a striking Moorish-inspired style — from the architecture and interiors of the 500-plus rooms and suites to the distinctive atmosphere of the restaurants, bars and spa. It is a bold and immersive design statement that gives the hotel a genuine character and sense of place that far too many Malta resorts lack. Whether you find the Moorish aesthetic captivating or dated is ultimately a matter of personal taste — but there is no question that it is distinctive, and that distinctiveness is something that most hotels on the island simply cannot offer.

The Rooftop Infinity Pool: One of Malta’s Most Spectacular Views is at db San Antonio Hotel

One of the most talked-about features of db San Antonio is its rooftop infinity pool on the 10th floor — an exclusively adults-only space that offers one of the most extraordinary sea views available from any hotel in Malta. Looking out across St Paul’s Bay from this elevated position is a genuinely breathtaking experience. It is the kind of view that photographs cannot fully capture, and that guests consistently describe as the highlight of their stay. For Instagram, for sunset drinks, for that defining “wow” moment — this pool delivers without question.

The ground floor pool area offers a completely different experience — a lively, sociable space with a poolside bar and a dedicated children’s splash pool complete with pirate ship, water cannons and mushroom waterfall. However, it is worth noting that this secondary pool is significantly less impressive than the rooftop. When the infinity pool reaches capacity — and in peak season it will — the ground floor pool is a functional rather than beautiful alternative.

All Inclusive db San Antonio Hotel Spa; Six Restaurants, One All Inclusive Experience

For food lovers, db San Antonio is one of the most impressive all inclusive dining propositions in Malta. The resort is home to six distinct restaurants, each offering a genuinely different culinary experience:

Gueliz Restaurant

The hotel’s main dining venue, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner through a live-cooking buffet covering an extraordinary range of cuisines and dietary requirements. This is where the majority of guests will dine most evenings.

dBistro

A Mediterranean restaurant serving fresh dishes in an indoor-outdoor setting overlooking the main pool — a pleasant alternative to the main buffet for a more relaxed lunch or dinner.

Tagine

Takes guests on a culinary journey through Indian and Moroccan cuisine in an authentically Moorish setting that complements the hotel’s overall design perfectly.

Yushan

Chinese and Asian cuisine on the top floor of the hotel, with the same breathtaking views of St Paul’s Bay that define the rooftop infinity pool experience. One of the most atmospheric dining rooms in the resort.

Q-Zins

Serves traditional Maltese buffet dinners — a genuine connection to the island’s culinary heritage and a must-visit at least once during your stay.

Rivaj

The hotel’s Indian à la carte restaurant on the 10th floor and one of the most celebrated dining experiences in the resort. Advance reservation is essential and strongly recommended.

This breadth of culinary choice is exceptional by Maltese all inclusive standards. However, à la carte restaurant visits are allocated and require advance reservation — guests expecting to dine at the speciality restaurants every evening should manage expectations accordingly.

Fancy Dinner Outside the Resort?

Malta's dining scene extends far beyond the resort gates. From the celebrated waterfront restaurants of St Julian's to the charming trattorias of Sliema and the authentic Maltese tavernas of Valletta, the island offers an extraordinary range of culinary experiences for those who wish to explore. Whether you are after freshly caught seafood, wood-fired pizza with a harbour view, or a truly memorable fine dining experience, Malta has it all.

For a full guide to the island's best restaurants, bars and nightlife — including our top picks in St Julian's, Sliema and beyond — visit our dedicated Malta Nightlife and Gastronomy Guide.

The Pearl Spa at db San Antonio Hotel: Wellness at the Highest Level

The Pearl Spa at db San Antonio is one of Malta’s most acclaimed hotel spa facilities — a comprehensive wellness centre featuring ten treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and the extraordinary private Sultan’s Bath experience. For guests who want their all inclusive holiday to include genuine rest and rejuvenation, the Pearl Spa elevates db San Antonio into a different category entirely.

db San Antonio at St. Pauls Bay, A Word on Location: The Honest Assessment

db San Antonio’s location in Qawra is simultaneously one of its greatest strengths and one of its most significant limitations — and understanding this distinction is essential before you book.

On the positive side, the hotel sits in one of Malta’s most active tourist areas, within easy walking distance of bars, restaurants, the National Aquarium, the Malta Classic Car Museum, Bugibba’s lively town centre and excellent public transport connections. For guests who want to explore Malta independently, the location is outstanding. The nearest sandy beach at Bugibba is approximately a ten-minute walk.

On the negative side, the immediate surroundings of Qawra and Bugibba are busy, commercial and loud. This is not a secluded, tranquil resort location — it is a vibrant, active tourist hub. Noise from the surrounding bars, restaurants and street activity is a genuine consideration, particularly for light sleepers and guests in lower-floor rooms. If peace, quiet and seclusion are your priority, db San Antonio is not the right choice.

db San Antonio: Advantages and Disadvantages at a Glance

At GotoBeach, we believe the best holiday decisions are informed ones. Here is our honest, first-hand assessment.

Advantages

✔ One of Malta’s largest and most comprehensive all inclusive resorts, with over 500 rooms and genuinely extensive facilities

✔ Rooftop infinity pool on the 10th floor — exclusively adults only, with some of the most spectacular views of St Paul’s Bay available from any hotel in Malta

✔ Six distinct restaurants covering Mediterranean, Maltese, Indian, Moroccan, Chinese and Asian cuisine — exceptional breadth by Maltese all inclusive standards

✔ Pearl Spa is one of the finest hotel spa facilities on the island, with ten treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, indoor pool and the unique Sultan’s Bath experience

✔ Excellent location for independent exploration — walking distance to Bugibba town centre, National Aquarium, public transport and local beaches

✔ Outstanding family facilities including a pirate-themed children’s splash pool, kids’ and teens’ club, family suites and daily animation

✔ All Inclusive Plus upgrade available — dedicated lounge, fully stocked minibar with premium spirits and late check-out

✔ Striking Moorish-inspired design that gives the hotel a genuine character unlike most other Malta resorts

✔ Full all inclusive programme that genuinely delivers — no constant upselling or restricted hours

Disadvantages

✖ With over 500 rooms, this is a large-scale resort — queues at the main restaurant and competition for sun loungers in peak season are a realistic expectation

✖ The Qawra and Bugibba area is busy, commercial and loud — not the right choice for guests seeking peace, seclusion or a quiet coastal atmosphere

✖ Noise from surrounding bars, restaurants and street activity can affect sleep, particularly in lower-floor rooms during peak season

✖ À la carte restaurant visits require advance reservation and are limited — buffet dining will be the primary experience for most guests

✖ Approximately 150 metres from the rocky shoreline — not a beachfront property, and the nearest sandy beach requires a ten-minute walk

✖ The rooftop pool becomes busy in peak season despite its adults-only status — early arrival is strongly recommended

✖ Standard all inclusive drinks are local brands — premium spirit drinkers should consider the All Inclusive Plus upgrade

✖ Moorish architectural style divides opinion — those expecting sleek, contemporary design may find it dated

Who Should Book db San Antonio — And Who Should Not

Book db San Antonio if you are:

► A couple or group of friends under 45 who want to be in the middle of Malta’s social scene

► A traveller who values a genuine, comprehensive all inclusive programme above peace and quiet

► Someone who wants that rooftop infinity pool view and is prepared to arrive early to secure it

► A family that does not mind a lively, busy atmosphere and wants excellent animation and children’s facilities

► A solo traveller who wants to meet people and be close to bars, restaurants and entertainment

► A wellness enthusiast who wants to make serious use of a high-quality hotel spa

Avoid db San Antonio if you are:

► A light sleeper or anyone who values absolute quiet — the surrounding area is genuinely noisy

► A traveller over 50 seeking a tranquil, unhurried Mediterranean escape

► A guest expecting sleek, minimalist, contemporary luxury design

► Travelling with young children who need early bedtimes in a quiet environment

► Someone expecting a sandy beach on the doorstep — the nearest sandy beach is a ten-minute walk

► A premium drinks drinker on a standard all inclusive package — you will need the Plus upgrade

db San Antonio vs Ramla Bay Resort vs Riviera Resort: The Honest Comparison

Malta’s three principal all inclusive resorts are frequently compared by travellers. Here is an honest, side-by-side breakdown.

db San Antonio is Malta’s most socially oriented all inclusive resort — lively, well-connected, with an extraordinary infinity pool view and comprehensive dining. The trade-off is noise, crowds and a commercial location.

Ramla Bay Resort sits on Malta’s quieter northern coastline, adjacent to one of the island’s few genuinely sandy beaches. The best choice for families and couples who prioritise natural beauty and tranquillity.

Riviera Resort is Malta’s dedicated adults-only all inclusive retreat — genuine peace and seclusion, outstanding sea views, and direct access to the Gozo ferry. The unequivocal choice for adults who want to completely switch off.

	db San Antonio	Ramla Bay Resort	Riviera Resort
Nightlife access	✔ Excellent	✖ Poor	✖ None
Peace & quiet	✖ Poor	✔ Good	✔ Excellent
All inclusive quality	✔ Strong (7/10)	⚠ Good (6/10)	✔ Very Good (8/10)
Pool quality	Infinity (9) / Ground (5)	✔ Good (7/10)	✔ Very Good (8/10)
Beach access	✖ Rocky (10 min walk)	✔ Sandy beach	⚠ Rocky but beautiful
Family friendly	⚠ Good (noise issue)	✔ Very Good	✔ Adults Only
Adults only	Rooftop pool only	Adults pool only	✔ Fully adults only
Gozo ferry access	✖ Transfer needed	✔ Walking distance	✔ Walking distance
Best for	Social couples & groups	Families & nature lovers	Adult peace seekers

Book Your db San Antonio Malta Holiday with GotoBeach

As the UK’s only dedicated Malta specialist, GotoBeach offers exclusive all inclusive packages at db San Antonio Hotel & Spa that you will not find on any comparison site or generalist operator. Our Malta specialists have first-hand knowledge of the property and will advise you on the best room types, the optimal board basis, and exactly what to expect during your stay.

We do not just sell you a hotel. We make sure it is the right hotel for you. If db San Antonio is not your match — we will tell you, and we will find you the property that is.

Do not settle for a generic booking experience. Book with the specialists who know Malta inside out. Your perfect Malta holidays start here to db San Antonio Hotel Spa.

db San Antonio Hotel & Spa Malta FAQ

Where is db San Antonio Hotel & Spa located?

db San Antonio Hotel & Spa is located in Qawra, in the St Paul’s Bay area of northern Malta. The hotel is approximately 40 minutes by road from Malta International Airport and within walking distance of Bugibba town centre, the National Aquarium and local beaches.

Is db San Antonio Hotel & Spa all inclusive?

Yes. db San Antonio operates on a comprehensive all inclusive basis, covering all meals across six restaurants, unlimited drinks including spirits and cocktails until 23:30, access to all pools and facilities, and daily entertainment. An All Inclusive Plus package is also available, offering a dedicated lounge, fully stocked minibar with premium spirits and late check-out.

Does db San Antonio have a rooftop pool?

Yes. The rooftop infinity pool on the 10th floor is exclusively adults-only and offers breathtaking panoramic views over St Paul’s Bay. There is also a large outdoor pool at ground level and a dedicated children’s splash pool.

How many restaurants does db San Antonio have?

db San Antonio has six restaurants covering Mediterranean, Maltese, Indian, Moroccan, Chinese and Asian cuisines. The Rivaj Indian à la carte restaurant on the 10th floor is particularly celebrated. À la carte visits require advance reservation.

Is db San Antonio good for families?

Yes — the resort offers a pirate-themed children’s splash pool, a kids’ and teens’ club, family suites and daily animation. However, the surrounding Qawra area is busy and noisy, which may not suit families with young children who need early bedtimes.

Is db San Antonio good for couples?

Yes, for couples who want a social, lively atmosphere with excellent dining and an extraordinary infinity pool view. For couples seeking peace and seclusion, Riviera Resort or Ramla Bay Resort would be a stronger choice.

How does db San Antonio compare to Ramla Bay Resort?

db San Antonio is better for social travellers who want nightlife, urban convenience and the infinity pool experience. Ramla Bay Resort is better for families and couples who want peace, a sandy beach and proximity to the Gozo ferry. The all inclusive quality at db San Antonio is slightly stronger.

How does db San Antonio compare to Riviera Resort?

Riviera Resort is a fully adults-only property with a much quieter, more secluded setting and a higher overall all inclusive quality rating. db San Antonio is the stronger choice for those who want social energy and nightlife access. Riviera Resort is the stronger choice for those who want complete peace and a genuinely adults-only atmosphere.

How far is db San Antonio from the beach?

The hotel is approximately 150 metres from the rocky shoreline. The nearest sandy beach at Bugibba is approximately a ten-minute walk from the hotel.

Editorial Disclaimer

This article was written and published based on the knowledge, experience and information available to the GotoBeach team at the time of writing. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, hotel facilities, board options, pricing, services and operational details are subject to change without notice. GotoBeach accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions that may have occurred following the date of publication. We strongly recommend confirming all details directly with your hotel or with a GotoBeach travel consultant prior to booking.

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Published by GotoBeach.co.uk on 7 May 2026 — The UK’s Only Malta Specialist