One of the most glamorous options for accommodation on the island of Malta, the private home known as Indulgence Divine lives up to its name with ease. The wow factor already takes effect one step inside the front door. That step back in time and into the future simultaneously greets guests upon entrance through the pretty front door of this beautiful property in Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, one of the historical Three Cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. While the tiny Maltese capital has been coping with a considerable increase in visitor numbers this year, the equally picturesque (and even older) Three Cities are comparatively tranquil places to appreciate similarly inspiring Baroque architecture, excellent restaurants, and the same Mediterranean climate. The quiet streets of Birgu are incredibly atmospheric; the Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu is one of Malta’s most impressive attractions yet remains far less visited than the palaces of Valletta simply because tour groups rarely venture to this side of the harbour.
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- Indulgence Divine lives up to its name.
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- Indulgence Divine.
After enjoying an abundant lunch at one of Birgu’s waterfront restaurants, returning to Indulgence Divine, following a meal out, and exploring some local places is akin to leaving Earth and entering a chic private biosphere. The gorgeous entrance is a soaring atrium with plants and flowers lining the honey-coloured stone staircase to the accommodation itself. Good taste in decor is immediately discerned once inside the house. An ultramodern kitchen flows into a multi-use space primarily serving as a dining area. There is exciting art everywhere. The sleeping area has tapestries and other works that imbue the space with an enviable sense of style. Paying closer attention to detail, the themes of the various artworks are related to the Inquisition and other aspects of the Maltese life of a bygone era. Knowing what the Inquisitor commanded in the past, it is a good thing that era is over; today, Malta is one of Europe’s most charming travel destinations. Off the bedroom is a large bathroom sporting a spacious dual-head shower and a stained glass window that spreads colourful light across the walls and floor. Up the spiral staircase, one level is the living area, and another half-staircase leads to not one but two private rooftop terraces to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine. Also off the bedroom is a secret stone staircase leading to a library.
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- The entrance to Indulgence Divine.
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- Indulgence Divine living room.
Sometimes, a traveller wants to have a different accommodation experience than what is offered at a hotel. Thanks to the privacy and high style in decor, Indulgence Divine is a favourite place to stay among cultured LGBTQI+ travellers in the know. The Malta Tourism Authority‘s enthusiastic support of last year’s EuroPride festival has seen Malta become a popular destination with this segment of the travelling public, not least because Malta has transformed itself in recent years to become one of the most open-minded countries in the world. The Inquisitor would no doubt be apoplectic, but thankfully, today, Malta is a much more accepting society, so much so that LGBTQI+ tour operator Q Travel is constantly busy leading tours focusing on food, wine, and culture as well as the previously suppressed gay, lesbian, and trans history of Malta.
Indulgence Divine is the brainchild of Maltese graphic designer Aldo Gatt and is maintained to an immaculate standard. Aldo lives in London, but a particular phone installed in the house provides an immediate connection between his guests and him at the touch of a button. It is akin to having a private hotline to the anti-inquisitor whose visionary plan for a formerly derelict home has become a reality, to the great satisfaction of the lucky few who experience Indulgence Divine.
