I never quite understood the attraction of an all-inclusive resort, until I stayed at the db Seabank Resort + Spa. I'd think, “Why would I limit myself to having all my meals and spending most of my time in one place?” Well, as I discovered, the answer is simple: there is no limitation. With free access to seven restaurants offering different cuisines, several bars, myriad entertainment and activities for adults and kids, enticing indoor and outdoor pools, and of course the spa, there really is no time for boredom at the db Seabank Resort + Spa. Sometimes, having it all under one roof is just what you need!

Working in hospitality for 15 years has taught me that there are five key areas by which every hotel should be distinguished, and here's how db Seabank ticked all the boxes for me. I was impressed by what this hotel has to offer and, by all means, it should be known!

1. The location

I'm sure most people would agree that Mellieha is one of the most gorgeous parts of the island - you know, just in case being situated literally across the road from Malta’s largest beach is not enough. Mellieha lies at the northern edge of cosmopolitan Malta and a ferry crossing from sleepy Gozo and wild Comino. It's a typical Maltese village boasting a number of places of interest, ample countryside and several sandy beaches - actually, you never really need to leave this place!

2. The food & drink

You can have a different meal in a different place every night of the week! The db Seabank deal is this: you can have a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner at the main Coral Restaurant any time and, in addition, you can make one visit a week to each of six themed restaurants. Five of these offer an Asian, American, Italian, Brazilian or Mediterranean buffet and one is an a la carte restaurant. I was impressed by the fancy booking stations in the lobby: pre-booking here is automatic and easy!

Apart from your main meals, snacks are available throughout most of the day. And most importantly, special dietary requirements, such as gluten free and vegan options, are easily attended to by pre-order. Being a vegetarian, I was pleased to discover that what was available on the buffet or menu was enough for me. When it comes to drinks, you can have tea, coffee or an ample choice of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and cocktails at four bars. No limitations and so much opportunity for indulgence!

3. The room

I was delighted to discover that, apart from the mandatory bed and en suite, our room included a living area and a large terrace. The room was a standard sea view (they also have pool view and inland rooms, with twin, double and family rooms available). The rooms are decorated in a nautical theme so it feels like you’re in a ship’s cabin, and they all include a private balcony, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, safe, AC, ceiling fan, flat LCD satellite TV, WiFi and even combination plugs. I was also able to request my preference of pillows and mattress!

4. Things to do

One of the best things about this place is that there's something to do, whatever your mood! On a lazy day, you might enjoy soaking up the sun by the hotel’s impressively large outdoor pool. When you're feeling more active, you could have a go at crazy golf, table tennis, beach soccer, beach volley, archery, bowling or darts. And if you're in the mood for pampering (because who wouldn't be, on holiday?), you can indulge yourself at the spa, with its lovely indoor pool and jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym. There's also massage therapy, hairdressing and beauty treatments available for an additional cost.

And if that weren't enough, there are varied animation programs for both adults and kids six days a week, and daily evening entertainment comprising anything from cinema to live bands and plays. And, despite not having little ones of my own, I found it refreshing that parents can relax on holiday here, while their teens enjoy the db Teens hangout and their kids are entertained under supervision at the Kids’ Club, with daily themed animations and their very own kids pool and play area.

Anything, from babysitting services to car hire, is available on request. The mini market and souvenir shop also ensure that almost anything can be acquired without leaving the resort. You can literally even get married and have your reception right here!

5. The service

Booking was easy to do online, and I found that by booking direct with the hotel, free airport transfers are included, if required. Meanwhile, if you're renting a car during your stay, there's space for that too - thanks to the hotel's 200-slot car park.

When checking in, you're given what we called an 'access-all-areas' bracelet - your pass to all kinds of food and fun! And with such excellent service, it's even more wonderful to never have to think about the bill!

Suffice to say I’m now a big fan of the all-inclusive deal (if the hotel is anything like db Seabank Resort + Spa, that is!)