For a festive escape that combines the best of British traditions with the magic of the Mediterranean, Malta is the answer. Stay at the stylish Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta this December for under £90 per room per night* for a Christmas treat to treasure, and with direct flights available from as little as £118 return**, you can create a week-long break for under £450 per person, including return private airport transfers.

The majestic property offers a packed programme of events, starting with the annual carol concert by a local children's choir, performing on the hotel steps whilst guests enjoy roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.  There's a festive afternoon tea on offer every day in the Palm Court Lounge as well as a host of banquets, live music, historical talks and visits from Santa.

Other special events in Valletta include candlelit carols at St John's Co-Cathedral and the seasonal pantomime at the spectacular Manoel Theatre from 21st December, with this year's performance being Little Red Riding Hood.

Many guests return to the Phoenicia every year to celebrate Christmas and one of its best-loved traditions is the early Christmas Day breakfast at 1am, with live music, following on from the Christmas Eve celebrations which include carols by the Amadeus choir and a choice of sumptuous dinners in the hotel's acclaimed restaurants.

Phoenicia is also offering guests a guided tour of the Maltese Christmas cribs on Boxing Day, providing a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this tradition. Cribs are visible across the island throughout December and some are incredibly elaborate, with mechanical moving figures and wonderful artistic displays.

Prices at Phoenicia Hotel in December start from just £88 per room, based on two adults sharing for seven nights. To book visit www.phoeniciamalta.com or call 0800 862 0025.

Fly to Malta from a host of UK departure airports, with airlines including Air Malta, easyjet and Ryanair, with fares in December from under £118 return.

ENDS

For further information and images please contact Dee Gallagher or Dawn Comber at Spice PR on 0845 0940 396 or email: dee.gallagher@spicepr.co.uk or dawn.comber@spicepr.co.uk

Notes to editors

*Based on online winter special rate of €103/ £88 per room for two adults sharing for seven nights from 17th December, excluding breakfast, plus private airport transfers at €22 each way. Sterling price may vary with exchange rate.

**Based on travel 17th to 22nd December with easyjet from London Gatwick to Malta, including taxes and charges. See www.easyjet.com

Christmas Day at Phoenicia Hotel - guests can enjoy an optional early breakfast at the Phoenix Restaurant with live entertainment whilst for lunch guests can choose either a buffet lunch in the Phoenix (€53) with live music and a visit from Santa or a three-course Christmas lunch in the Pegasus Brasserie (€35).

New Year's Eve at Phoenicia Hotel starts with champagne and canapés in the Palm Court Lounge followed by either a five-course gala dinner in the Phoenix (€150pp) with entertainment, or a four-course dinner in Pegasus (€60pp). There's also a band performing in the Palm Court Lounge from 10pm to bring in the New Year.