Spread the love

Post Views: 31

It is said that good things come in small packages, so it is at Cugó Gran Macina, the crown jewel in the IBB Hotel Collection’s portfolio of properties. Positioned on the waterfront in atmospheric Senglea, one of Malta’s oldest cities, this small boutique hotel with only 21 rooms and suites certainly deserves its ‘gran’ designation.

After decades of forlorn abandonment, a painstaking restoration transformed a dilapidated fortress into a showplace of a hotel discreetly tucked into the honey-coloured façade along the Senglea harbourfront. It is difficult to imagine such prime real estate going unloved for so long. Still, Cugó Gran Macina is making up for lost time by taking good care of the historical building now that it has been repurposed and rejuvenated. The beautiful panorama of the Grand Harbour that separates Malta’s Three Cities is reason enough to stay here. Room 205 is a lovely suite with a balcony looking over the harbour and across the water to Birgu, aka Vittoriosa, which, with Cospicua, completes the trio known as the Three Cities. Cleverly designed to make the best use of the original architecture, the vaulted ceilings in this suite and others have been maintained while providing separate living and sleeping areas in the property’s larger accommodation categories. The largest is Room 207, the two-bedroom Grand Harbour Suite that can be expanded to include the adjacent junior suite (Room 213).

: A pool with a view at Cugó Gran Macina

: Cugó Gran Macina Suite 205 living room.

Given its waterfront location, it is no surprise that Cugó Gran Macina has its own pontoon for private arrivals and departures by boat. Upon entrance into the stylish lobby, the casual luxury vibe is immediately apparent, reinforced by a young team of enthusiastic staff whose smiles are as bright as the Mediterranean sun. To the left of the Reception desk is an immense staircase of black lava stone that serves as a fitting backdrop for brides in white who love the contrast in tones when taking their photos. In this chic member of Design Hotels, every detail is considered meticulously.

: Cugó Gran Macina’s dramatic black lava staircase.

: Cugó Gran Macina lobby.

Cugó Gran Macina’s in-house restaurant, The Little Bastion, has an appetising menu for every meal of the day, including breakfast, which is offered not as a buffet but rather with an à la carte menu and full service in the welcoming space on the ground floor. From bottom to top, the hotel’s rooftop pool is a favourite place to spend an hour after breakfast or an entire afternoon taking in the spectacular view, quintessentially Maltese.

Stylish and delicious dining on board KM Malta Airlines.

Although Malta’s capital, Valletta, merits all the attention it receives as one of Europe’s most evocative cities, other areas on Malta are comparable in their appeal. The Malta Tourism Authority‘s comprehensive website for travellers, Visit Malta, provides valuable information for making the most of one’s time in the country, whose small size, like Cugó Gran Macina, belies the grandeur now making Malta one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. One reason for this is the flight network of KM Malta, Malta’s sleek national airline, which connects the country with cities across Europe. The KM Malta Business Class experience is especially memorable; the distinguished red leather seats are comfortable, the in-flight service amiable, and the catering second to none. Regarding the latter, KM Malta takes great pride in Maltese cuisine and serves meals highlighting the nation’s culinary heritage on plates that uniquely coloured tiles enhance the dining experience.