As expected of a chic Mediterranean property, The Phoenicia Malta‘s glamorous yet relaxed vibe attracts a sophisticated clientele that appreciates a perfect balance of friendliness and professionalism.  The genteel aura found today at this prestigious hotel, with not one but two Australian connections, can be traced back to its earliest associations with the powerful Strickland family.  A portrait of the Hon. Mabel Strickland hangs in The Phoenicia Malta’s lobby.

Valletta Suite at The Phoenicia Malta

Still, it was her father, Sir Gerald Strickland, a Maltese/British peer who served as prime minister of Malta as well as governor of three Australian states at the beginning of the 20th century, who empowered the family dynasty.  Most people are surprised to learn that Malta has only been an independent country since 1964.  As a favourite escape for the British aristocracy and other royal families of Europe, The Phoenicia Malta has retained an air of exclusivity, now balanced with a more universal welcome to locals and visitors.

The Phoenicia Malta’s current general manager, Australian wonder woman Robyn Pratt, made a point of opening the hotel’s beautiful gardens to the public, and many of the country’s most important social events take place in the hotel’s ballroom.  After many years under construction, The Phoenicia Malta opened its doors for business in 1947 and remains the last word in Maltese accommodation 76 years later.

Q Travel founder Artúr Lengyel

Not that the hotel is lost in the past.  Very much to the contrary, The Phoenicia Malta embraces modernity with gusto.  This week, the hotel plays a central role in Valletta’s coming out party as the Maltese capital hosts EuroPride Valletta 2023 from 7-17 September.  Perhaps surprising to those with perceptions of Malta as a conservative society with little acceptance for people living alongside the mainstream norms, the country in recent years has become a leader in LGBTQI rights, setting an example for other nations in the European Union and elsewhere in the world.

Just as Malta has become an island of acceptance, EuroPride guests at The Phoenicia Malta will find the 132 rooms and suites here provide sublime refuge from the outside world.  More urban resort than a simple hotel, The Phoenicia Malta’s guests can happily spend their entire stay in Malta within the property and still feel like they have had an authentic Maltese holiday.

Comfortable accommodation, atmospheric dining venues, Maltese cuisine on the menu, and outstanding service ensure guests leave the hotel wishing they could stay longer.  And all that is just on the inside; outdoors, The Phoenicia Malta’s luxuriant gardens and dramatically situated swimming pool enrich the guest experience.  The spa adds another layer of excellence, where relaxing treatments administered by the most professional of therapists only increase the desire to cancel the return flight home.  The Malta Tourism website provides a bounty of information to clarify why it is so hard to say goodbye to this alluring destination.

Caravaggio works in St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Among the most essential sights for EuroPride visitors are the works of Italian artist Caravaggio found in the imposing St John’s Co-Cathedral.  This brilliant, lousy boy of the art world lived in Malta for a short yet prolific period when he produced two of his most formidable paintings on display in the cathedral’s oratory.  Having a local guide give insight into this and Valletta’s other attractions is worthwhile.  Q Travel is a tour operator specialising in excursions for LGBTQI+ travellers.

Effervescent Q Travel founder Artúr Lengyel and his informative team of guides enhance the visitor experience with their insightful knowledge of Maltese history and LGBTQI+ past and present topics.  Walking tours along Valletta’s atmospheric streets are popular outings. Still, Q Travel can also arrange day tours to the island of Gozo, private boat charters for friends to enjoy the incredible colours of the aptly named Blue Lagoon, or arrange memorable moments for special occasions with that special someone in one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful destinations.

Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Traveller Deluxe

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