The luxury hotels in Malta that will make you want to book a trip
This bewitching little island in the Med punches far above its weight when it comes to history, culture, architecture and food, making it brilliant for a romantic escape. But it’s also a fantastic alternative to the likes of Ibiza, Mallorca or Mykonos for those who want to try something new for a lively girls’ getaway.
Having shaken off its image as a destination purely for retirees, it’s packed with lovely alfresco terraces, sublime boutique hotels, indulgent beach clubs – including a branch of the iconic Café del Mar – and hedonistic nightspots (especially in Paceville in St Julian’s).
The dining scene here is magnificent, too, six Michelin-starred restaurants to choose between but lots of other acclaimed bistros to discover as you amble Malta’s cobbled alleys, whether in the UNESCO-listed capital Valletta or in other places. The island’s historic highlights include the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua – the cradle of Maltese history) and the former capital Mdina, one of the finest examples of an ancient walled city in all Europe, best visited in the evening when it is lamplit and at its most atmospheric.
This is a place with an enviable array of small-scale, independent properties oozing character and authentic charm. Many of our top luxury hotels in Malta are romantic boltholes perfect for a couple’s retreats, most have sparkling outdoor pools (Malta is awash in rooftop pools and bars), and some have sleek spas too. Malta might just be your next perfect destination.
From hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants, like super-chic and extravagant Iniala Harbour House, to the restored, 17th-century Xara Palace, the best luxury hotels in Malta are worth a browse. These five-star stays include luxury Valletta hotels, couples' retreats and family-friendly places.
Iniala Harbour House, Valletta
A true stunner of a hotel, this beautifully curated space is dotted with artworks by renowned and up-and-coming Maltese and Gozitan artists, including Darren Tanti’s interpretation of the frescoes on the ceiling of nearby St John’s Cathedral. Spread over four Maltese houses and their ancient vaults, the rooms, suites and ‘residences’ (super-sized suites) are havens of one-off chic, with picture windows, Maltese balconies and, in some cases, private plunge pools on their terrace.
Everyone will have their favourite, but the Gallarija Grand Harbour View Residence sleeping up to four is particularly swoon-worthy. Iniala Harbour House’s Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant ION Harbour is by British farm-to-table chef Simon Rogan and there’s a blissful spa with a pool in the historic stone vaults.
Le Phoenicia, Valletta
Just outside the capital in superb landscaped grounds on the edge of the 16th-century bastions, this iconic property is a national treasure that has attracted stars, socialites and even crowned heads of Europe over the decades. The rooms and suites are fresh and airy, with white-washed walls, zingy blue hues, locally sourced furnishings and dreamy views; the best are the two-bedroom Panorama suites with jaw-dropping views over Valletta, Floriana and the Granaries and the Grand Harbour.
Several drinking and dining venues at Le Phoenicia include the Bastion Pool Bar & Restaurant by the infinity pool, Palm Court Lounge with its afternoon teas, and the intimate cavern of the Club Bar with its expert mixologists. Deep Nature spa has an indoor pool, a salt room, a sauna and a steam room.
Palazzo Bifora, Mdina
In the heart of the enigmatic ‘Silent City’, tucked away in the labyrinth of its medieval alleyways, this lovingly restored heritage home conceals just six charming suites with lavish wallpapers, gleaming wooden floors and bespoke headboards in colours referencing the island’s plant life - sage and clover greens and gold.
Some have deep soaking tubs, while the roof terrace has a small pool. Guests rave about the personal welcome from Palazzo Bifora’s owners – true ambassadors for their island home – and about the copious breakfasts.
Cugó Gran Macina, Senglea
Another all-suite boutique hotel, this beguiling option occupies a spectacular old harbour building and contrasts original features including exposed stone walls and high vaulted ceilings with lacquered raw steel, Carrara marble, custom tinted glass and decor that includes tufted wool rugs, Scandinavian pieces and bespoke Italian sofas and beds.
Most of Cugó Gran Macina’s 21 suites have Grand Harbour and marina views, and there’s modern Mediterranean fine dining, an expansive wine cellar and another rooftop pool with a panoramic vista of the harbour, Cospicua and Vittoriosa.
Palazzo Consiglia, Valletta
A mixture of classic and contemporary styles infuse this traditional Maltese townhouse converted into a 13-room boutique hotel in the heart of the capital. Each room at Palazzo Consiglia is different, with one focused on ecological motifs and natural materials, one showcasing Maltese craftsmanship, another inspired by the island’s coastline, one with a vintage feel, and one even incorporating mythological and religious iconography.
There’s a spa with an indoor pool and a sauna, while the roof terrace beckons with its small pool, winter sundeck and reading nook.
The Gomerino, Valletta
Set in a 17th-century baroque palace, this sleek urban retreat now offers restful, classically inspired rooms in pleasing neutral hues, with carved wooden headboards, bespoke wardrobes and marble bathrooms.
There’s also a spa with an indoor pool and sauna, romantically carved into the vaulted cellar, and a rooftop pool with Grand Harbour views. Breakfasts at The Gomerino are hearty affairs of French toast, Eggs Benedict and the like, and there’s a gleaming bar for convivial evenings.
The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, Mdina
Hidden away in the medieval fortified city, this restored 17th-century palazzo perched on centuries-old bastions is a place for indulgence. The Xara Palace's 17 luxury rooms and suites features antique furnishings and paintings, opulent Parisian fabrics and fabulous views; they include suites with a private sun deck complete with a Jacuzzi.
Guests also enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service to the seasonal outdoor pool at a sister hotel five minutes away. The Relais & Châteaux hotel's fine-dining Michelin-starred restaurant, de Mondion, hosts frequent wine-tasting events, too.
Seneglea Suites, Senglea
Stylish and idiosyncratic, this six-room gem of a hotel in a historic building is perfectly sited for exploring the Three Cities and just a few minutes from Valletta by ferry. Seneglea Suites’ large roof terrace has 360-degree views of the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities and Valletta from its loungers.
The individually decorated rooms come with slick modern bathrooms, coffee machines and a mix of original features (such as exposed stone walls and wooden beams) and classic-meets-contemporary decor and artworks: pretty floor tiles and wrought-iron-framed mirrors and bedheads. Some have balconies, too.
Lure Hotel & Spa, Mellieha
Off-the-beaten-track in the north of the island – where Mellieha Bay is Malta's largest sandy beach – Lure Hotel is an adults-only boutique hotel with an infinity rooftop pool, a spa and steam room, and a fine-dining restaurant with tables outdoors.
Rooms and suites all have emperor-size four-poster beds, a contemporary Mediterranean design of marble, brass and timber, and either French or full balconies. Some have wonderful views of the village square with its pretty baroque church, while the Master and Grand suites each have a large terrace with loungers, armchairs and an outdoor hot tub with sea views.
The Coleridge, Valletta
This boutique townhouse named for the British poet who stayed nearby and wrote extensively about his time on the island inhabits an early-1600s building within the historic bastion walls. Its six suites (all named for a Coleridge poem) are suitably striking, with one-of-a-kind antiques, rich fabrics and original artworks.
The best, the duplex Hatley, has a female nude covering a full wall behind the bed, a free-standing cast-iron bath, a marble-floored lounge and a traditional Maltese balcony. Breakfasts at The Coleridge feature largely locally sourced produce as part of the hotel’s drive for sustainability.
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