One Holiday, a Thousand Memories: Feeling at Home in Gozo
Malta’s peaceful island Gozo enchants not only with its natural beauty but also with the heartfelt stories it hides within. One such story comes to life in a small hotel that blends the warmth of Italian roots with Gozo’s gentle breeze.
Run by Sonia and her family, this place is not just accommodation — it’s a home filled with care in every detail and a smile in every corner. As soon as you step in, you begin to move to the calm rhythm of Gozo.
Sonia and Victor have created a place where people can truly feel at home. The coolness of the stone walls, the aroma of fresh coffee, the wonderful breakfast service, and the family’s attentive care make every moment spent here unforgettable.
When Sonia’s warm touch meets Gozo’s slow-paced time, a fairytale-like stay begins. The genuine family warmth felt in every detail makes you more than just a guest — it makes you part of a beautiful story.
Now, let’s dive into the spirit of this special place and the beauty the island offers through our exclusive interview with Sonia.
A Family Warmth in Gozo
- Hotel’s location: On Malta’s enchanting island, Ghasri – Gozo
- A cozy and welcoming place run by a Gozitan family
- Garden, breakfast area, and sea view if available
The Best Maria’s BnB Destinations for Your Next Adventure
A short story about Sonia and Anna and how they decided to open this hotel.
We have been somehow involved in the hospitality industry since a very young age when our mother used to run a family hotel. Our mum was a chef for 45 odd years. Myself and my twin sister Anna were basically brought up in a hotel kitchen.
We grew up in Gozo under the care of our mother Maria — a stalwart in the hospitality sector. In 2003 we ended up with our grandma’s family home in our hands and decided to renovate it into a five-bedroom hostel.
This was literally a converted family home with just five bedrooms, a dream patched together with savings, late nights, and borrowed furniture. Tourists came for the warmth, attention to detail, and the personal touches we poured into every corner.
Due to the growing demand, in 2007 we made a major renovation to this family home and ended up with a 15-bedroom guest house — Maria Giovanna, named after both our late Grandma and Mama, two strong pillars to whom we owe who we are today. We attribute our success in life to the moral and intellectual education we received from them.
With passion, enthusiasm, and the pinch of authentic local touch, we like our guests to experience an unforgettable holiday — replying to their needs and wishes, surprising and exceeding their expectations.
In the meantime, our family owned a farmhouse in the country which felt very much like a home — faded, forgotten, but filled with memories. We wanted to turn it into a bed and breakfast, not the fancy kind with marble counters and silent lobbies.
We imagined something warmer — where our guests could indulge on homemade jams and pastries, taking them back in time and offering them a complete experience of Gozitan life.
As time rolled by, we felt the need to keep the business going for the winter months. Gozo suffers from double insularity, hence winter months could be difficult to survive. So we decided to open up our third place right in the heart of the city — Rabat.
Located in the center of the city within the shadows of the impressive Citadella, the nine-bedroom townhouse is an ideal escape within the Gozitan capital. Gemelli is the Italian word for twins.
https://www.tamariagozo.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mariasbnb
