Best kept secret
01-Jun-08
Malta may only be a small group of picturesque islands, but its luxury offering is growing fast and thus it has been working hard at changing any outdated perceptions abroad over the past couple of years. The new advertising campaign adopted by the Malta Tourism Authority, which uses the slogan "The Mediterranean's Best Kept Secret", sought to add a little bit of "mystery" to the destination - and so far it seems to have worked, since visitor numbers are on the increase (up 12% in 2007 over 2006).
The island's tour operator business, which traditionally attracts the "sun and sea only" tourist, has remained constant during this period, with a few decreases in certain areas; however this has been more than matched by an increase in direct, more upmarket bookings.
More than 482,000 of Malta's 1.2m foreign visitors in 2007 were from the UK. According to Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) director Chris Fenech: "Ironically, it has been the introduction of low-cost airlines to Malta - such as easyJet and Ryanair - which has resulted in more upmarket tourists visiting the island; according to research made by MTA, the increases in numbers have been mainly in the 25-40 year-old age segment (www.visitmalta.com). Many of these people are seeking short breaks, which include spa and wellness treatments and cultural and lifestyle activities, such as Maltese gastronomy." Classic Collection, Kuoni and Cox & Kings have all featured the island in their brochures for the first time in the past year.
The introduction of five-star hotels from major international brands such as Hilton, Starwood's Westin, Preferred Hotels and InterContinental has substantially raised the product offer in Malta. "All of these hotels were built and geared up towards the conference and incentive market, which has flourished in Malta since the mid-1990s," says Fenech. "As a result, the high level of service is passed on to the individual client who chooses to stay at these hotels, where, compared to European standards, prices are still affordable."
The introduction of spas and health centres to most of these hotels has further enhanced the image and was highlighted by the launch of Malta Healthcare, a medical tourism initiative, in November last year; and the new Grand Excelsior (www.excelsior.com.mt), with its own marina, is aimed atthe posh yachting community.
For the time being, Malta doesn't fall into the Monte Carlo or Sardinia's Porto Cervo category of travel, since these areas attract the VIPs for whom "spending" is part of the luxury experience. Malta appeals to a more "middle-class" visitor who still seeks luxury, but at affordable prices, says Fenech.Festivals (festas) play a big part in Maltese life, but there is more than just religious events to tempt the upmarket visitor. The Malta Arts Festival (www.maltaculture.com) is in its third year and will run from the 1 -17 July. Mediterranea Festival (20-31 October)is an annual event on Gozo. Music concerts dominate the celebrations, but there are also international conferences, walks and talks in ancient/historic places, field trips, food and drink events and art exhibitions (www.mediterranea.com.mt).
Famous fans of Malta include comedian Billy Connolly, who has a home on Gozo, as well as HM The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh who visited last November as part of their 60th wedding anniversary celebrations; the royal couple lived here for two years at the start of their married life.
WHAT'S NEW TO DO
Learn how to make gbejniet (a local speciality sheep's cheese) with a hands-on demonstration on a farm run by the Ager Foundation in Gozo. Basic accommodation is also on offer for those seeking a truly authentic rural visit. www.agerfoundation.com
Film buffs and families will enjoy a trip to see the real Maltese falcon, the bird of the eponymous Humphrey Bogart film. The Malta Falconry Centre in Siggiewi, which opened at the end of 2007, runs an education programme for children and a British falconer (below) is on hand for flying demonstrations by the Maltese falcon (in fact a peregrine), as well as eagles, vultures and hawks. www.malta falconrycentre.com
Book a private tour of 19th century palace Casa Rocca Piccola, the home of the Piro family whose history dates back 400 years on the island. The stunning summer dining room overlooking a small garden courtyard (below), is available for private hire. www.casaroccapiccola.com
Art lovers should visit 16th century St John's Co-Cathedral, Malta's most impressive church, which boasts a rare, signed Caravaggio, as well as other Baroque art, architecture and sculpture. Book a private guided tour with Maria Buckle. +356 21672663
Experience the taste of indigenous olives and home-produced olive oil at the mill of Sammy Cremona and his wife, local celebrity chef Matty, who also runs private seasonal, Maltese cooking sessions. Email: matty@vol.net.mt
Take in a play or a concert at the Teatru Manoel, Valletta, one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. Season runs Sept - May. wwwteatrumanoel.com
Take a scenic tour on a sea plane to Gozo www.harbourairmalta.com (below). Or hire a yacht for a private day's sailing to the 2sqkm island of Comino for great snorkelling or diving. www.nautica.com.mt
Wine tasting at the Meridiana Wine Estate, the largest in Malta, is a must for oenophiles. Private tours are available of its winery and 19 hectares of vines, which are mostly Chardonnay. Its 2007 white wine Astarte is a huge success. www.meridiana.com.mt
Historians will find plenty of interest on the latest 'Sex and the Courtesan tour' of the tiny capital, Valletta. The two-hour walk traces the history of the 'underclass' in medieval Malta. Ask for expert guide Christine Muscat. www.malta touristguides.org
Enjoy homemade cakes at Fontanella Tea Gardens - a Maltese institution - in walled, historic town Mdina, with panoramic views from its terrace. +2145 4264
HOTELS
- The 136 room, 14-suite Phoenicia Hotel (www.phoeniciamalta.com) in Valletta is now under new ownership, with Dublin-based Heuston Hospitality, an Irish brand managing luxury and boutique hotels in Europe. A refurbishment programme has just begun with a new brasserie restaurant (opened in December 2007), a refurbishment of the pool and new elevators. Room refurbishment, including its popular Harbour View Suites and its 56sqm, two-room Superior City View Suites, will begin in autumn 2008. A new penthouse suite and hotel spa is also under consideration.
- On Gozo, the 122-room Kempinski San Lawrenz (www.kempinski-gozo.com) has opened a third, freshwater pool this year in its 30,000sqm gardens. Its award-winning spa boasts marine, Ayurvedic and ailment treatments.
- A small boutique hotel will open in 2011 in the celebrated gardens of the Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, Malta (www.palazzoparisio.com). A conversion of an existing 19th century building, it will offer 10 rooms with views of the gardens that surround the palace.
- Private boats can now be hired at the Radisson SAS Golden Sands to visit the small bays nearby, giving access to quiet beaches only accessible by sea. The hotel has a rare, 100sqm stretch of sandy beach for guest use only, as well as a 90m pool, the largest on the island.
- The Xara Palace is now a member of Relais & Chateaux. Dinner at the Xara Palace's recently refurbished De Mondion roof top restaurant is de rigueur for gourmets and gourmands (www.xarapalace.com.mt). Al fresco diners have a great view of the firework displays for festas, such as Santa Maria in August. Popular with celebs, it features in a new film, A Previous Engagement, which stars Juliet Stevenson.
- The Westin Dragonara Resort has recently launched its refurbished executive club lounge, exclusively for executive room guests. www.westinmalta.com
- InterContinental Malta offers four Insider's Packages this summer, such as its 30-minute, seaplane flight. Its concierge desk has specially designed info leaflets for sites of special interest. www.malta.intercontinental.com
- Corinthia Beach Resort now offers various watersports for guests: such as parasailing, self-drive speedboats and jet skis.Scuba diving is also available. www.corinthiahotels.com
BEST ROOM IN THE HOUSE
TRULLO SUITE
Ta' Cenc, Gozo
Client fit: Celebrity-followers, seeking to unwind.
Why: Eight domed suites with corbelled ceilings and local stone floors. Each has a view of the rural setting.
Price: £75-£100 per person, B&B.
Contact: www.vjborg.com
DELUXE JUNIOR SUITE
Kempinski San Lawrenz, Gozo
Client fit: City-types on short breaks seeking a great spa.
Why: Six 50sqm Deluxe Junior Suites each consist of a bedroom and sitting room with a very large balcony overlooking the resort's garden and pool area.
Price: A special promotional rate starts from £218 B&B.
Contact: www.kempinski-gozo.com
SPA SUITE WITH SEAWATER POOL
Fortina Spa Resort, Sliema
Client fit: Spa enthusiasts seeking privacy.
Why: 'The world's first spa bedrooms'; with Jacuzzi by the bed or on the patio, Dermalife machine, therapeutic bath, stressbuster, steam shower/sauna and seawater pool.
Price: From £210 per night.
Contact: www.hotelfortina.com
GRAND MASTER'S SUITE
Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Mdina
Client fit: Film star guests - most recently, Bruce Willis.
Why: Part of this restored 17th century palace, a richly furnished suite with two bedrooms, overlooking the hotel's courtyard, with a dining table for six people.
Price: EUR1,000 (£796) for room only.
Contact: www.xarapalace.com.mt
HEAVENLY SUITE COLLECTION
Radisson SAS Golden Sands, Mellieha
Client fit: Those seeking the same stylish living as the Presidential suite's first guest, the Sultan of Brunei.
Why: Two presidential suites and four penthouses, with private pool and views overlooking sandy Golden Bay.
Price: From EUR200 (£159) per night, B&B.
Contact: www.islandhotels.com
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
RUBINO
Valletta
Setting: In an old confectionery shop, hidden behind the original shopfront. A must for clients in search of authentic, local cuisine.
Chef details: Owner Julian Sammut is an expert enthusiast for Maltese gastronomy.
Best dish: Asparagus with cheese, almonds and prawns in breadcrumbs. It's also famous for its Cassata Siciliana dessert, which it serves exclusively on Sundays.
Best table: One at the front of the restaurant.
Contact: +356 2122 4656
LULU
St Julians
Setting: A modern, refurbished, glass-fronted restaurant.
Chef details: Joseph Mizzi and owner's wife, Caroline.
Best dish: Deboned rabbit with a dried fruit stuffing or sea bass with garlic and olive oil.
Best table: On the new terrace in the summer.
Contact: www.lulurestaurant.com
IL CARRUBO AT TA' CENC
Gozo
Setting: In the grounds of this iconic hotel, adjoining 160 hectares of rural wilderness. Much-loved by celebs.
Chef details: New Venetian chef, Denis Cecchino.
Best dish: Filet au poivre with foie gras.
Best table: Outside, under the natural shade of a 400 year-old carob tree.
Contact: + 356 2155 6819
GIUSEPPI'S
Mellieha
Setting: A stylishly rustic decor.
Chef details: Malta's popular TV chef, Michael Diacono.
Best dish: Fresh fish is reliably good, but king prawn dishes are celebrated in the region.
Best table: The few downstairs, booking recommended.
Contact: + 356 2157 4882
PALAZZO PARISIO
Naxxar
Setting: Amid the walled gardens of the historic, 18th century stately home; its four lawned gardens are half a mile long, and rank among the finest in Malta. Open only during visiting times (Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm).
Chef details: Catering is under the personal supervision of the Baronessina of Tabria, daughter and niece of the two current owners of the palace.
Best dish: Rocket risotto with sauteed king prawns.
Contact: www.palazzoparisio.com; +356 214 1 2461
VENEZIA
Vittoriosa
Setting: On the top floor of the plush Venezia Casino. Best dish: Any Mediterranean and Italian dishes.
Best table: Outside terrace, overlooking Grand Harbour.
Contact: www.casinodivenezia.com.mt
INSIDER'S GUIDE: John Joinson, head of sales, Prestige Holidays
Many years ago I visited Malta and joked "It will be nice when it is finished!" This year in May, I returned to find the Maltese Islands not just finished, but to a standard well beyond my imagination and at a price that makes luxury more affordable.
Shopping in Valletta's Republic Street with its prestigious shops and the parallel Merchants Street where the daily morning market is held never fails to liven my spirits. Of course sitting out in one of the busy, now cosmopolitan squares with a coffee is equally enjoyable. For the more active, Malta has over 40 registered diving schools catering for novices and experts. Malta Outdoor Activity Organisers can arrange abseiling, climbing, sea kayaking, mountain biking etc.
There is also the Royal Malta Golf Club, laid out by British consultants, which now has over 50 sand bunkers designed by David Llewellyn. Enjoying the island's food is easy at many high quality restaurants; if clients want to try something a little different, visit The Rickshaw found within the Corinthia Palace Hotel (www.corinthiahotels.com) - excellent high quality varied cuisine from Far Eastern countries - at a great price too.
Making the short ferry or seaplane trip to Gozo offers the delights of Xlendi Bay and the Zafiro restaurant. Food to die for and desserts that please both eye and palate. By far the best suites/apartments I have found are the bay suites at the Westin Dragonara Resort. All have flat screen TV,DVD/CD player and surround sound, a Jacuzzi bath, large balcony and concealable kitchen with oven, hob, dishwasher, and fridge freezer.
Lastly and perhaps not widely appreciated are the island's spas, Athenaem by Algotherm at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, or my particular favourite the Hideaway Spa at the Kempinski San Lawrenz, Gozo (www.kempinski.com). Here you can indulge in Indian Ayurveda, Marine Care and St Barth's treatments. www.prestigeholidays.co.uk
BUYER'S COMMENT: Sally Booth, sales & marketing director, Seasons in Style
Picturesque harbours, scenic bays and compelling histories make Malta and Gozo irresistible choices. The islands are perfect for all; families, couples looking for a little escape, old and young alike.
After almost 150 years of British rule, Malta also ranks as one of the region's oldest civilisations. It's Arabic, Turkish, French and Spanish heritage add an intriguing mix of influences to the island.
In Malta, choose between seaside resorts such as St. Julian's or visit the old capital city of Mdina with its quaint cobbled streets and historic buildings. Malta offers year-round sun, azure blue waters and many activities. The Marsa sports club, south of Valletta, has an 18 hole golf course, squash courts, swimming pools and a cricket ground. Water sports include paragliding and scuba diving.
Great for families, we recommend staying at the Hilton Malta; many rooms and suites overlook the Mediterranean Sea and Portomaso yacht harbour and it is convenient for Malta's prime attractions. For the children there is a creche, two paddling pools and supervised club during the prime summer months.
The charm of Gozo is apparent from the moment you arrive. This small, quiet island has unspoilt scenery and a slower pace. It offers award-winning restaurants in picturesque settings with ocean views and like Malta, is a haven for divers. This island can boast 11 dive sites, with underwater caves, wrecks and reefs.
For somewhere to hide away, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is perfect. Set in landscaped gardens and pools, with a spa offering Ayurvedic treatments, Pilates and yoga, such a secluded setting and facilities is conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation. www.seasonsinstyle.com
MALTA FACTS
Vaccinations: None are required for travel to Malta.
Currency: Malta converted to the euro as its national currency in January 2008, doing away with the Maltese lira. Dual pricing was mandatory until June 30.
Gateways: Malta International Airport, 8km south of the capital, Valletta. National airline is Air Malta (www.airmalta.com).
Flight time: Approximately 3.5 hours.
Best time to visit: A year-round destination, though high season for flights is June to September. July and August can be very hot, January/February can have a cold NE wind.
Time zone: One hour ahead of the UK, two hours ahead of GMT from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October.
Religion: Malta is a conservative country, with attitudes similar to nearby southern Italy. Roman Catholicism is the official state religion and plays an important part in daily life. Malta has more than 400 churches, for a population of c.400,000.
Native language: Mati or Maltese. English is spoken by everyone, since the British declared it as one of the islands' national languages in 1934.
Electricity/plug: 240V, three flat pins as in the UK. www.visitmalta.com
INSIDER'S GUIDE: Doug Mathieson, Head of Product & Commercial, Cadogan Holidays
The Maltese islands are a fascinating place for luxury visitors interested in history, with architecture, monuments and historic relics dating from the Phoenicians to the more recent British rule.
I would recommend visiting Malta's capital cities, past and present, to get a taste of the region's heritage. (We have just launched a half-day 'Tour of the Two Capitals' that guides clients round the most impressive sights.)
Valletta, the present day capital, is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, but clients must see the St John's Co-Cathedral and the famous Caravaggio painting. Mdina, the ancient capital, is a fabulous example of a medieval town and has some of the best Norman and Baroque architecture on the island. The red sands of Ramla Bay, on the island of Gozo, are also worth visiting, having recently been acknowledged as one of the finest beaches in the world.
For those looking to stay in Valletta, the Grand Hotel Excelsior (www.excelsior.com.mt) is based just a short walk from the vast array of sites and experiences that the capital is famous for. This hotel also has some of the best views of the magnificent Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island. It has recently been revamped into a stunning luxury five-star hotel, with its own marina, tennis courts, two swimming pools and dive centre, as well as three fantastic restaurants serving a range of dishes from modern Mediterranean and Maltese, to Asian and Caribbean flavours.
Gourmets who want to experience something different will find plenty to tempt them in both Malta and Gozo. The cuisine is a fascinating mixture of influences from Sicily, Greece, North Africa and Britain.
Fish as you would expect is a speciality, traditionally freshest on Wednesdays and Fridays. One of the best places on the islands to sample the local seafood is Zeri's Restaurant in the heart of Paceville (19 Paceville Avenue, T: 2135 9559).
www.cadoganholidays.com.
