Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536906
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri said the milestone follows years of ef- fort. "After working tirelessly four years ago to make Gozo a full member of the International Island Games Associa- tion, we are now ready to participate for the second time in these prestigious games," he said. During Gozo's debut at the 2023 Games in Guernsey, the island won four medals: one gold, two silver, and one bronze. Camilleri emphasized that sport re- mains central to Gozo's development strategy, highlighting ongoing invest- ment in infrastructure projects, includ- ing the Sports and Aquatic Pavilion, which is in its final stages and will be- gin opening in the coming weeks. The facility has already received praise from international experts and is expected to transform the local sports landscape. He also announced a strategic collabo- ration with Malta's Ministry for Educa- tion and Sport aimed at attracting inter- national sporting events to the islands. "This is being done for the sports com- munity that works tirelessly to repre- sent Gozo," he said. Camilleri thanked all those involved in making Gozo's participation possible and reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to funding and supporting sporting initiatives that both develop local talent and promote Gozo internationally. The Internation- al Island Games were first held in 1985 and are now held biennially, with 24 member islands from around the world taking part. More information is available at https://www.orkney2025.com and on the Gozo Island Games Association's Facebook page. 4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 27 JUNE 2025 NEWS Gozo's boutique resort: Reef Hotel & Spa opens its doors in Marsalforn A new four-star superior hotel, the Reef Hotel & Spa, officially opened on 23 June 2025, offer- ing accommodation, dining, and leisure facilities on the island of Gozo. Located with panoramic views over Marsalforn Bay, the Citta- della, Tas-Salvatur Hill, and, on clear days, the coast of Sicily, the hotel aims to provide guests with a calm, well-equipped base for their stay. The property includes 120 rooms, from standard doubles to family-sized accommoda- tions. All rooms are equipped with walk-in showers, bathrobes, smart TVs with Netflix capa- bilities, espresso machines, and high-speed internet. In addition to overnight accom- modation, the hotel plans to ex- pand its facilities later in the year. A 250-square-metre conference hall is scheduled to open, with a capacity of up to 175 people for corporate events, meetings, and retreats. In winter 2025, the hotel will al- so open its Amber Spa, which will feature a heated indoor pool, four treatment rooms, a sauna, four whirlpools, and a gym. Dining is available across sev- eral on-site venues. The Olive Kitchen Restaurant offers break- fast, lunch, and dinner with in- door and outdoor seating. The Aquaterra rooftop bar provides drinks with sunset views, while the Green Grove Garden Bar serves guests near the outdoor countryside pool. A Lobby Bar offers light refreshments in a qui- eter setting. The hotel also includes two main pool areas: a 20-metre rooftop pool and a landscaped ground-level pool known as the Green Grove, where water flows beneath poolside sunbeds. The Reef Hotel & Spa is posi- tioned to cater to both tourists and business travellers, offering modern amenities and expanded wellness and event services with- in Gozo's growing hospitality sector. Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri said the milestone follows years of effort (Photo: MGP) 51 athletes will represent Gozo at the games