During their two-year romance, singer Max George and actress Maisie Smith have been on some fantastic holidays, but one destination surprised them more than any other.

On a Jet2holiday to Malta, set in the heart of the Mediterranean, the couple found the perfect destination for romance.

‘I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was,’ says Maisie. ‘I literally was saying to Max, doesn’t this feel like it’s not real, like we’re on the set of a vintage movie.’

The busy couple took some time out to enjoy a break together and loved soaking up the atmosphere on a cultural trip.

They stayed at AX The Palace in Sliema, just north of Valletta, famed for its rooftop pool and spectacular views. With Jet2holidays, their hotel, return flights from Manchester, 22kg baggage and transfers were all included in one simple package. And with availability for this summer, it’s not too late to book your own Mediterranean escape.

The couple loved nothing more than strolling the storied streets of Valletta, a glorious walled city built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century and perched above the Grand Harbour with lovely sea vistas.

‘We wanted to take in the culture on this trip,’ says Max. ‘One night we found a spot where we could sit on some rocks facing the sea and watch the sunset, we had to clamber down a bit. If you walk around, you’ll just find interesting things to do.’

Maisie adds: ‘We just got up, left the hotel and didn’t come back until night-time, it was very spontaneous. It’s nice not to have to get a car anywhere. You could just walk everywhere.’

One thing both Max and Maisie enjoyed was the chance to chat to the locals and hear more about the island from them.

‘The locals are so proud of their history, telling you about what happened in the war,’ says Max.

‘Yes, the local people were so nice and had so much to say about their culture,’ adds Maisie. ‘It’s crazy how much history is around just one area.’

‘There are these old palazzos and forts that are still standing,’ explains Max. ‘And the locals were excited to tell us about how underneath there are these tunnels that they used as air raid shelters in World War Two.’

Dining delights

‘There were a few places we ate at that we’d really recommend in Valletta,’ says Max, when talking about some of the dining experiences they enjoyed during their stay.

‘We went to Beef Bar in the Phoenicia Hotel for dinner and that was stunning. It was a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth and I genuinely had the best steak I’ve ever eaten in my life there. It was unbelievable.

‘There was also this little coffee and ice cream place called Sunday in Scotland that was great.’

‘Yes,’ agrees Maisie. ‘There were just so many quaint places tucked down side streets. They were the kind of places that would be rammed if they were in London.

‘I think I had an Aperol spritz in every single restaurant,’ she laughs.

‘Yes, she became a bit of a connoisseur in that,’ adds Max.

The couple enjoyed plenty of good seafood and loved trying all the different restaurants, sampling something new every night.

‘In Valletta, there are just so many beautiful restaurants and places to eat,’ says Max.

A romantic escape

Just across the Grand Harbour from Valletta are the Three Cities, little fortified towns set on peninsulas that jut into the water. They’re famed for offering an authentic slice of local life with their cobbled streets and honeyed stone buildings.

One of the best ways to get there is hopping on a traditional dgħajsa boat across the water.

‘The gondola is just €2 and I felt like I was in a movie, it was like going back in time,’ says Maisie.

‘Not many tourists know about that area so it was quiet,’ adds Max. ‘You’d find people just sitting reading a book on their doorstep, it was so chilled.’

‘I’d definitely recommend getting the boat. It was so stunning, it was one of those things you never forget. It was such a romantic moment,’ says Maisie.

‘It was just me and Max on a boat going to the Three Cities, wandering the streets and bumping into locals who were all so polite and all said hello.’

The perfect trip

The couple flew direct to Malta from Manchester Airport and, with Jet2holidays, their return flights, accommodation, return transfers~ and 22kg baggage were all included.

‘Jet2holidays were absolutely brilliant with everything,’ says Max.

‘I think it was the quickest I’ve ever gone from house to getting on a plane,’ laughs Maisie. ‘Nothing went wrong, which is saying something with us. And when you arrive, you get a number to text if there is something you need.’

It’s like a Jet2holidays butler service,’ laughs Max.

Having discovered Valletta and the Three Cities, the couple are eager to return and see more of Malta, perhaps the coastline and the other picturesque cities that dot the archipelago.

‘It was like being in a film,’ says Max. ‘It wasn’t like anywhere I’ve been before. It genuinely wasn’t. I’d love to go back and I don’t say that about most places.’