Carisma Spa & Wellness

On the north coast of Malta, the Riviera Spa Resort looks out over Marfa Bay, with the islands of Gozo and Comino on the horizon. Carisma Spa & Wellness operates the spa here, so a visitor staying in the north, or crossing to Gozo on the ferry nearby, can fit in a massage and a long soak without going back to the busier resorts. It is listed in our spas in Malta directory, and the surrounding area is covered in our Mellieħa guide.

What the spa offers

Facilities here include an indoor pool, a thalasso pool, an indoor jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room, an ice room, a relaxing room and a couples' massage room. Opening hours run from 10am to 7pm every day of the week, including public holidays.

Carisma is the island's largest spa chain, with eight venues. Its therapists are certified, and they are trained directly by Phytomer, the French marine skincare house whose products are used in treatments. Most guests make an afternoon of it, moving between the pool, the heat rooms and the treatment suite.

Massages worth knowing about

The menu is built around named traditions. Hot stone uses heated basalt stones along the lines of tension, Indian Ayurvedic uses warm herbal oils, Lomi Lomi uses long forearm strokes, Balinese combines acupressure with stretching, Thai is performed without oils and with guided stretching, and Japanese Shiatsu works with finger pressure on set points. Each runs from 55 to 110 minutes.

For something simpler, an anti-stress massage uses slow strokes and no deep pressure, and a therapeutic massage is shaped around wherever you carry tension. Deep tissue starts from €109 and the Carisma Signature, a 110 minute blend of several techniques finished with detox tea, starts from €149. Full sessions from €99 include use of the facilities, and 30 minute express treatments such as Indian head massage or foot reflexology start from €59.

Facials, hammam and packages

Facials start from €55 and include options for blemish control, hydration, brightening, soothing sensitive skin and a men's facial. The chain's hammam rituals, which start from €59, belong to venues with a Turkish bath. The facility list for this venue does not include one, so ask before you book if a hammam is the reason for your visit.

Packages include a spa day, couples' days, a spa day with lunch and group parties, and a membership scheme opens the chain's venues to regular visitors. Gift vouchers are delivered by email. If you plan a day out in the north, our guides to Blue Lagoon on Comino and the best beaches in Malta show what else is nearby, and hotels in Mellieħa lists places to stay.

Specialist sessions, comforts and gifts

Some Carisma venues offer targeted sessions such as osteopathy, lymphatic drainage, reflexology and cupping, delivered by qualified practitioners at selected locations, so check what is available here when you ask. Robes, towels and slippers are provided, so a swimsuit and a good book are all you need to bring. Guests are asked to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before their booking.

A gift voucher can be bought for a set amount or for a specific treatment, personalised with a message and sent by email, and it can be used at any of the eight venues. Overseas guests often give them to relatives living in Malta, and the same voucher works at the Hyatt, InterContinental and Valletta venues as well. Weekends and public holidays fill up first, so try to give a little notice when you plan your day.

Planning your visit

Tell us the treatment you would like, your dates, how many people are coming and whether you want the couples' room. Use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Carisma Spa & Wellness at Riviera Spa Resort.