Language holidays are becoming increasingly popular nowadays but, with English speaking countries located all over the world, it is extremely difficult to choose a destination which offers a quality English course together with sun, sea, sand and a lot more to offer. Until now, that is. The island archipelago of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea is a bilingual country so learners have plenty of opportunities to practise their English language skills outside of the classroom. This can be done whilst enjoying some of Malta’s breathtaking natural beauty, numerous sporting activities and vibrant nightlife ensuring that you leave Malta with more than just a sun-tan.

Malta’s colonial architecture and pre-historic archaeology are as much an attraction as the island’s fabulous seafood restaurants, lively bars and popular night clubs. Village markets also give English learners the opportunity, not only to pick up a bargain, but also to converse with locals putting into practice the newly-acquired language skills which have been learnt in the classroom.

If you prefer your island experience to be a little more sun-kissed then simply head to one of Malta’s beautiful beaches. There are a number of larger beaches which offer all of the facilities you’d expect from a tourist destination or, also well worth a visit are the several smaller, more secluded bays and coves which are only a short journey from the main islands but their peace and tranquillity make them seem a world away. The busier beaches tend to offer all kinds of water sports and many have dive schools giving divers of all abilities the opportunity to explore the crystal clear waters which surround Malta and are home to reefs, wrecks and diverse marine life.

English language teaching is regulated by the Maltese education authorities meaning a high standard is maintained, an example of which is Maltalingua English Language School which only employs teachers with internationally recognised certification to teach English as a second language. Combined with the high quality of teaching, Maltalingua boasts an extremely friendly and relaxed atmosphere and a rooftop terrace and private pool where students are encouraged to get to know each other outside of the classroom – only speaking English of course! The school’s modern facilities and air-conditioned classrooms make learning English both inside and outside of the classroom extremely pleasant! Sound good? It gets better as Maltalingua are currently offering the chance to win a free English course including materials, transfers and accommodation; simply guess how many tiles are in their swimming pool – more details can be found at www.maltalingua.com/competition/pool/

With its natural beauty combined with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife and high quality English courses, Malta is waiting to welcome you on your English language holiday.

My 3 Best Kept Travel Secrets

I was recently nominated to participate in Tripbase’s “3 Best Kept Travel Secrets” by Katie Sorene.

“Congratulations on being nominated in Tripbase’s Best Kept Travel Secrets Project! Two months on, and we’re amazed at the response we’ve had. Over 100 travel bloggers have participated so far, sharing their Best Kept Travel Secrets on far-flung destinations, hidden hotels, exotic foods and expert travel tips.” – Katie from Tripbase.com.

And so here are my ‘3 best kept travel secrets’. They were all unknown to me and I found them to be true gems…

1. Xlendi Bay, Gozo, Malta

Found on the small island of Gozo, is the fishing village known as Xlendi. Its focal point is the small sea-inlet ‘Xlendi Bay’ with its deep turquoise waters, sandy beach and surrounding cliffs. The bay is often dotted with the traditional fishing boats displaying the bright colours of blue, red and yellow, adding further beauty to this town.

Photo by stevesheriw

2. Stourhead Garden, England

For a period of six months I lived and worked in Shaftesbury, England. Every weekend was spent exploring the surrounding areas and the National Trust property of Stourhead Garden was a place I frequented. For a short period of time I worked as a groom just down the road. What a divine area of Wiltshire it was to work! I don’t expect, as a passing traveller, I would have had the time to have Stourhead on the itinery but as a ‘local’, I got to truly explore the magestic, 18th century garden with its bridges, grottos and temples.

Photo by BethM527

3. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is still the travel destination that I hold the fondest memories. I have in the past already dedicated a full post to Hallstatt. What captured my attention is that I stumbled upon it quite by chance and found it to be so lush and green, and tidy with a dolls-house atmosphere within the village. The surrounding mountains and lake, simply resembled nothing like what I would see here in Australia.

I now have to nominate five other bloggers to share their 3 best kept travel secrets.

Here are my nominations

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