It is not easy being the best. Not only is it tough to outdo the competition to become number one, but maintaining the pinnacle of excellence can be even more challenging once that status is achieved. At The Phoenicia Malta, a member of The Leading Hotels Of The World, the commendable efforts of the management and staff to maintain its position as the leading hotel in Malta seem effortless, and such is the ease in performing their roles to optimal levels.
Contessa at night.
The latest improvement in Phoenicia Malta is Contessa, its superb new fine-dining venue. Serving guests at tables indoors and in a fantastic glass conservatory reminiscent of a European orangery, Contessa epitomises genteel Mediterranean refinement in style, substance, and service. The airy conservatory creates a beautiful environment where you can enjoy the sublime options on the food and drinks menus. Using local ingredients from the farm and fresh from the sea, the culinary team at Contessa creates innovative appetisers, main courses, and especially desserts to be remembered long after the meal.
The drinks are no less an adventure; several delectable cocktails are on the list, but even a special off-menu request can be accommodated with a smile. Speaking of accommodation, Phoenicia Malta is renowned worldwide as The Republic Of Malta’s foremost choice for luxurious accommodation on this jewel of an island amid the Mediterranean Sea. It is convenient to spend a few hours over delicious aperitifs and a grand dinner, then take the lift to a comfortable bed in a well-appointed room or suite waiting above.
The elegant dining room at Contessa.
Not that Contessa is The Phoenicia Malta’s only venue for eating and drinking well. On the contrary, guests are spoiled for choice here in this beautiful building just outside Valletta’s City Gate, the main entrance to Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage Site capital. Most visually exciting is the Bastion Pool Bar & Restaurant adjacent to the swimming pool, dramatically sited at the other end of the hotel’s lush garden.
Back indoors, deft servers in the central Palm Court Lounge serve afternoon tea in the circular space that once was an open-air courtyard but is now a domed vision in white with lavish splashes of colour. Ever considerate of contemporary diets, vegetarian and vegan versions of afternoon tea are available at The Phoenicia Malta. In this property, management makes every effort to ensure guests’ needs are met and expectations are exceeded.
Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur
