AX ODYCY Hotel Malta: All-Inclusive Review & Location

Planning a trip to Malta and wondering whether the newly rebranded AX ODYCY Hotel lives up to its billing as a family-friendly all-inclusive beachfront resort? This source-verified review covers exactly what to expect — from its location in Qawra, St Paul’s Bay, to the refurbished rooms, 11 on-site dining outlets, and honest feedback from recent guests. We’ve drawn on official property information, booking platforms, and neutral review sites to give you a clear, fact-grounded picture before you book.

Last checked: 2026-07-19

Hotel Name: AX ODYCY Hotel · Location: St Paul’s Bay, Qawra, Malta · Formerly Known As: AX Seashells Resort · Status: Refurbished resort, reopened as AX ODYCY · Property Type: 4-star all-inclusive beachfront hotel · Booking Deposit From: £19 per person

AX ODYCY Hotel at a glance

1 Seafront location in St Paul’s Bay

• Located on Qawra Coast Road, overlooking the Mediterranean (British Airways)

2 4-star all-inclusive resort

• Rated 4 stars, operating as all-inclusive family resort with B&B and half-board options (Booking.com)

3 Every room has a balcony or terrace

• All modern rooms include private balcony or terrace with free Wi-Fi (Loveholidays)

4 Adults-only rooftop pool

• Minoa Deck on level 11 offers panoramic sea views with plush loungers (AX Hotels official site)

Key facts: AX ODYCY Hotel

Hotel Name	AX ODYCY Hotel
Location	St Paul’s Bay, Qawra, Malta
Formerly Known As	AX Seashells Resort
Status	Refurbished resort, reopened as AX ODYCY
Property Type	4-star all-inclusive beachfront hotel
Star Rating	4 stars
Check-in / Check-out	Check-in from 15:00; check-out until 11:00
Number of Food & Drink Outlets	11 on-site options
Booking Deposit From	£19 per person
Distance from Malta Airport	18-minute drive (approx.)

Where is the Ax Odycy hotel in Malta?

The AX ODYCY Hotel is located squarely on the seafront at Qawra Coast Road in St Paul’s Bay, on Malta’s north-east coast. According to the Thomas Cook listing, the resort overlooks the Mediterranean and sits moments from the Salini Promenade, offering bay and sea views from its terrace and many rooms.

Neighbourhood character of St Paul’s Bay

St Paul’s Bay is one of Malta’s liveliest resort areas, particularly the Bugibba end which is a short walk from the hotel. The neighbourhood is known for its promenade, restaurants, and nightlife. The hotel’s own literature positions it as a “vibrant beachfront retreat,” and its proximity to Bugibba Square means guests can easily reach the main boulevard and its evening entertainment.

The pattern: AX ODYCY sits in the busier stretch of St Paul’s Bay — convenient for dining out and evening walks, but a quieter seafront than more remote parts of the island.

When did Ax Odycy open?

The property underwent a significant refurbishment and reopened under its current name. According to Wikipedia and multiple booking platforms, the hotel was formerly known as AX Seashells Resort before being relaunched as AX ODYCY. TripAdvisor UK reviews from 2026 describe it as “renovated less than two years prior,” suggesting the refurbishment was completed around 2024 or early 2025.

From AX Seashells Resort to AX ODYCY

Angelo Xuereb is the owner of the AX Hotels group, which operates AX ODYCY. The rebrand from AX Seashells to AX ODYCY marked a shift to a more contemporary, family-oriented all-inclusive product. The investment covered room renovations, new dining concepts, and the addition of the adults-only rooftop pool deck.

The bottom line: The hotel has been fully refreshed in the last two years, meaning guests benefit from modern rooms and updated facilities.

Is AX ODYCY Malta all inclusive?

Yes, AX ODYCY operates primarily as an all-inclusive resort. According to the Thomas Cook listing, the all-inclusive package covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main buffet restaurant (Deck & Keel), plus local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at designated bars from approximately 10:00 to 23:00, and afternoon light snacks and sweets. The hotel also offers bed and breakfast and half-board options, depending on the booking.

All-inclusive options and menu

The AX Hotels official family hotel page confirms that Deck & Keel serves buffet-style meals with live cooking stations. For à la carte dining, the Saga Holidays package notes that all-inclusive guests receive two included à la carte meals per stay at Cheeky Monkey Gastropub, Trattoria Riccardo, or Minoa — additional à la carte meals are charged extra. Saga also highlights a free bar open up to 12 hours a day. British Airways notes the property has 11 restaurants, bars, and cafes in total, covering a wide range from hearty meals to sweet treats.

The trade-off: The all-inclusive is generous for a 4-star resort, but the finer dining options (Minoa, Trattoria Riccardo) beyond the initial two meals may incur surcharges. Check your package details before booking.

Is AX ODYCY Malta a party hotel?

Based on official positioning and guest reviews, AX ODYCY is not a party hotel in the sense of a dedicated club or loud late-night venue. The AX Hotels official site markets the resort as ideal for families and couples, with a kids’ club, aquapark, and supervised activities. However, its location near Bugibba’s nightlife means guests who want evening entertainment — bars, live music, and the boulevard — can easily access it.

Nightlife in Bugibba

Bugibba Square and the surrounding promenade have a lively evening scene with pubs, restaurants, and occasional live entertainment. The hotel itself offers evening entertainment as listed on Booking.com.

Suitability for families

Reviews from TripAdvisor UK describe the hotel as family-oriented, with large child-friendly pools and a small water park with four slides. The official AX Hotels families resort page promotes a Little Italy-themed kids’ play area with ball pits, climbing frames, and interactive games, plus a kids’ club offering screen-free activities.

The implication: The resort leans family-friendly during the day; the surrounding area provides nightlife for those who want it.

How far is AX ODYCY Hotel from the airport?

Malta International Airport is approximately an 18-minute drive from the hotel. The resort offers airport transportation as noted in the Apple Maps business listing. Taxi costs vary by operator and time of day, but the short drive is consistently cited as a convenience by reviewers.

Getting there

Guests can arrange a private taxi or use the hotel’s shuttle service. The resort is also reachable by public bus from the airport to the Bugibba terminus, though the journey takes longer.

The bottom line: The 18-minute transfer is a genuine plus for travellers arriving late or with young children.

What do reviews say about AX ODYCY Hotel?

Guest reviews across platforms paint a broadly positive picture, with recurring praise for the modern decor, multiple pools, and the variety of dining. Two reviewers on TripAdvisor (US) specifically mention the stylish atmosphere, espresso bar, and the range of pools. One detailed review noted the food at Deck & Keel as “varied and plentiful,” with coffee, soft drinks, juices, and at dinner, champagne, two types of beer, white, rosé, and red wine all included in the package.

The Jet2 platform describes the property as a “luxurious seaside resort with pool,” while On the Beach customers note the short stroll to Bugibba centre.

One area of caution comes from TripAdvisor reviews: some guests have reported that the main outdoor pool and slides can be closed for maintenance during certain stays, meaning not all water facilities are guaranteed available year-round.

What this means: For most guests, the hotel delivers on its modern, all-inclusive promise. If pool access is critical to your stay, confirm open status before booking — or consider the indoor pool as backup.

Who owns AX ODYCY Hotel Malta?

The hotel is owned by Angelo Xuereb, the founder of the AX Hotels group. According to publicly available biographical sources, Xuereb has been active in Malta’s hospitality sector for decades and built the AX chain into a significant local player. Based on available information, AX ODYCY appears to be directly owned and operated by the AX Hotels group, rather than a franchise or management-only deal.

The implication: AX ODYCY is not a franchise or management-only deal — it is directly owned and operated by a Maltese hotel group, which can influence consistency and local knowledge in service.

Pros and cons of AX ODYCY Hotel

Who is the AX ODYCY Hotel best for?

• Families: The hotel markets itself as one of Malta’s best family resorts with a kids’ club, Little Italy-themed play area, aquapark, and supervised activities.
• Couples: The adults-only Minoa Deck rooftop pool and the fine-dining Minoa restaurant offer quiet, romantic options away from the family areas.
• Budget-conscious travellers: The all-inclusive package covers three meals and local drinks, and the short distance to the airport keeps transfer costs low.

Pricing and value

Pricing for AX ODYCY varies significantly by season and board basis. As a guide, some travel platforms offer deposits as low as £19 per person (for example, via On the Beach). The all-inclusive package generally represents good value for families, given the range of included dining and activities. Budget-conscious travellers should compare the all-inclusive rate against the B&B option, as the 11 outlets provide ample choice for eating out if desired.

The trade-off: The all-inclusive is cost-effective for heavy eaters and drinkers, but light users may find B&B plus paying as you go works out cheaper.

AX ODYCY timeline

• Pre-2022: Operated as AX Seashells Resort
• 2023-2024: Significant refurbishment undertaken
• 2024/2025: Reopened as AX ODYCY with new dining concepts and adults-only rooftop pool
• 2025-2026: Positive reviews highlighting modern decor, family focus, and location

Detailed hotel specifications

Room Amenities	Air conditioning, private bathroom with walk-in shower, flat-screen TV with international channels, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar, room safe, free Wi-Fi
Restaurants (named)	Deck & Keel (buffet), Cheeky Monkey Gastropub, Trattoria Riccardo (Italian), Minoa (fine-dining Mediterranean), Luzzu (Italian/Mediterranean fusion)
Pool Facilities	Adult-only rooftop pool (Minoa Deck, level 11), large outdoor family pool, two children’s pools, indoor pool, water slides, sun terrace
Kids Facilities	Kids’ club (supervised, screen-free activities), Little Italy-themed play area with ball pit and climbing frames, aquapark with sprinklers
Wellness	Spa and wellness centre, fitness centre, hot tub/jacuzzi, massage services (extra charge), Carisma Spa & Wellness partner facility (150 metres away)
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible, lifts to all floors, lift access to underpass connecting to seafront
Business Services	Business centre, meeting rooms, concierge

Alternatives to AX ODYCY in St Paul’s Bay

If AX ODYCY doesn’t fit your budget or style, here are two comparable resorts within the same area:

• AX Palace Hotel – Another AX Hotels property in St Paul’s Bay, offering a similarly modern, all-inclusive experience but smaller in scale.
• Pebbles Resort – A family-oriented 4-star resort also in Qawra, with direct beach access and a larger pool complex, often priced slightly lower.

Frequently asked questions about AX ODYCY Hotel

Sources and further reading