What can be more alluring than summertime on the Mediterranean coast? Summertime on a stunning Mediterranean island. While the reality of overtourism pervades such places as Venice, Athens, and St-Tropez, the little island of Malta tries to keep its great appeal a secret, however open the secret may now be. With ancient archaeological sites, fascinating museums, stunning natural beauty, and a UNESCO World Heritage capital city, there is a lot to keep quiet about.
Welcome to luxurious accommodation in stylish surroundings.
One of the most critical components of luxury travel in the post-pandemic era is having space and experiences for oneself. In this regard, the legendary Phoenicia Malta lives up to its name. It rises above its supposed competition in offering the best accommodation option in the Republic Of Malta. Phoenicia Malta, a regal presence facing the monumental Triton Fountain at the entry gate to Valletta, has welcomed royalty throughout its history as the country’s premier hotel and events venue. Today, the hotel’s Palm Court Lounge is still the place for high society to enjoy afternoon tea before dipping into the ballroom for weddings and other special occasions.
As spacious as the Palm Court Lounge may be, it is Phoenicia Malta’s private garden where the value of space makes itself even better known. An expanse of botanical beauty links the hotel to its outdoor swimming pool, dramatically poised with views toward Valletta’s picturesque cityscape. There is never a sense of crowding or rushing at Phoenicia Malta, and the garden’s alcoves of greenery off to the side of the central walkway lend themselves to private conversation in the great outdoors surrounded by exotic flowers and foliage that at one time where only the privilege of Malta’s noble classes. The hotel’s Rotunda is an outdoor venue for receptions and other celebrations for locals; for visitors, just being guests at Phoenicia Malta is reason enough for celebration, though the hotel is also a favourite venue for Maltese-Australians who maintain ties with their heritage and seek to have their weddings in their ancestral homeland.
A twin room with a harbour view at Phoenicia Malta.
Upstairs, rooms and suites at Phoenicia Malta are bright and immaculate, invoking a Mediterranean style in white and blue and touches of other colours. There is a true sense of home here, a trait sometimes lacking in warmer climates where furniture and decor can run a little too casual compared to hotels in Europe’s more northerly cities. Thankfully, Phoenicia Malta gets the balance right. As if the beautiful honey-coloured buildings seen from the balcony are not evocative enough, the heavenly-scented Acqua di Parma toiletries further emphasise the Mediterranean spirit.
And then there is the food, a celebration in and of itself. Maltese cuisine elicits robust flavours from the freshest local ingredients to create highly satisfying morning, noon, and night meals. Phoenicia Malta takes pride in its afternoon tea. Still, the hotel’s new Contessa restaurant stands out for the menu’s food and drinks and the culinary experience in a lovely glass conservatory where the service is as polished as the silverware.
Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur
