The Phoenicia Malta is thrilled to announce that is has been selected to become a member of Virtuoso, one of the most prestigious luxury travel networks in the world.

The Phoenicia Malta has long been recognized as one of the island’s finest hotels. From the day it started welcoming guests in 1947, the hotel has presented refined and luxurious experiences. Over recent years the owner has invested considerably despite the quiet Covid years, resulting in new or improved amenities such as the beautiful Deep Nature Spa, rejuvenated gardens, the new look of the much-loved Club Bar, as well as the newly created Pegasus Junior Suites. All this, combined with the world-class service offered by The Phoenicia Malta team ensures that guests leave the hotel with beautiful memories and a desire to return.

Virtuoso is the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, with more than 20,000 advisors and partnering with the world’s best hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and more.

Robyn Pratt, General Manager, says ‘We are proud to have been accepted by Virtuoso to join their network of luxury properties worldwide. Together with our owner we are constantly improving on both the product as well as guest experiences. It is therefore gratifying to be recognized officially by such a prestigious organization, and we look forward to being represented by exceptional travel consultants working to deliver memorable experiences to the world’s most discerning travellers.’

AX Hotels, part of the wider AX Group, announced the launch of its brand-new destination concept AX ODYCY Hotel, at the former site of the Seashells Resort at Suncrest in Qawra.

The group says that the new hotel will welcome its first guests in the “coming weeks” and has been designed as a “year-round destination” which is set to “revitalise” the seaside promenade with a multi-million Euro investment.

Spearheaded by AX Group and designed by architecture firm Box Concept Studio, the group says that the destination will reignite interest in the area, create employment opportunities, and also contribute significantly to the local economy.

The extensive redevelopment and rebranding of the former renowned Suncrest adds four storeys to the existing structure, making it one of the largest hotels on the island and increases the number of hotel rooms to 600. These range from family-friendly and economy options, to luxurious, unique suites, along with other facilities and dining options. These include Medusa, a new level 10 skybar, Sidestreet, a new sophisticated lobby bar, the hotel’s new buffet restaurants, Deck and Keel, and other amenities.

“Everything about this project will do things differently, with quality and genuine character infused in every step,” AX Group Chairman Angelo Xuereb said.

“We’re excited to share it with the public and add another landmark to our portfolio that our team can be proud of. After all, it is thanks to them and their loyalty that we have achieved all this, together with the many people who have been part of the Suncrest story over the decades,” he added.

“We hope this new venture is one that will be enjoyed by generations to come, as we breathe new life into Qawra once again,” he concluded.

Article credits: https://whoswho.mt/en/ax-group-to-launch-new-600-room-hotel-at-former-site-of-seashells-resort-at-suncrest-in-qawra

Restoration work on the façade of the Oratory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mosta began in August 2022, and are expected to be completed by the end of May 2023. The Restoration Directorate were responsible for this project, from the documentation to the work on the Oratory itself.

The Oratory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was completed in 1935 and inaugurated in 1940, based on the design of architect Nettu Mifsud Ellul. During World War II, a bomb fell in the square in front of the chapel, causing some damage to its façade, which can still be seen today.

Mosta mayor Chris Grech noted how Mosta has changed over the years from an agricultural village to a large residential city and an important commercial centre.

“We cannot make the advances we have achieved without appreciating the legacy left to us by our predecessors, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Mosta is a cradle of civic, religious, dramatic and sporting culture for the whole generations of ‘young people and adolescents. For them the Oratory was their second home”.  Concluded the Mayor.

Read the full article here: https://lovinmalta.com/culture/mosta-oratory-being-restored-from-ww2-damage/

The conclusion of 16 years of restoration work on the set of the 300-year old 29 tapestries for St John’s Co-Cathedral will be commemorated with a unique opportunity for the public.

For a month and a half from the beginning of next month, the full set of hanging tapestries at the Co-Cathdral can be admired by the public for their artistic masterpiece with a religious significance. Preparations for this occasion are at an advanced stage.

he last occasion when the tapestries were hanged on the Co-Cathedral walls was in May 1990 when Pope John Paul II visited St John’s Co-Cathedral.

With a history of 300 years, damage on the tapestries was evident on their wool and silk, damage caused through light and the UV rays.

Preparations are currently underway at the Co-Cathedral for the mounting of the full tapestries set to be exhibited for a month and a half…..an occasion with the tapestries which will be exhibited for the first time following their restoration.

The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation chief executive, Tonio Mallia, said the hanging system of the tapestries had to be slightly changed as a result of the restoration.

The tapestries set, which was a gift by Grand Master Ramon y Perellos to the Order’s Conventual Church, were woven in Brussels and arrived in Malta in 1702. The Co-Cathedral’s curator Cynthia Degiorgio, said that the full set contains 29 masterpieces that together measure 870 square metres. During the Order’s time, they were hanged inside the Co-Cathedral for the feast of Corpus Christi and remain there till the feast of St John the Baptist on 24 June.

The tapestries restoration was carried out by an expert team in the De Wit laboratories in Belgium. Ms Degiorgio stated that the restoration process, mostly on the pure wool and silk, was long because of the tapestries size and the cleansing operation with special equipment.

The public exhibition of the tapestries from 5 May till 24 June will also be the first time that the tapestries will be exhibited after their restoration in a process that lasted 16 years at a cost of €1.3 million euro for the Foundation.

Read the full article here: https://tvmnews.mt/en/news/unique-opportunity-for-the-public-to-admire-knights-era-hanging-tapestries-at-st-johns-co-cathedral/

Photographer Daniel Cilia explores Malta’s water reservoirs for new book. Daniel Cilia waded through toxic sewers and scuba-dived into water reservoirs for a new book, 8000 Years of Water. He tells Daniel Tihn the stories behind six photographs that show a side of Malta never seen before.

Tas-Silġ reservoir, Marsaxlokk
“This had never been photographed before,” Daniel Cilia said about his venture into the Tas-Silġ reservoir. Although the site had been scanned by a floating drone while the reservoir was full of water, “nobody had actually gone down there”.
Cilia and his partner Louise Calleja – who helped with many of the book’s photographs – had to be lowered by crane into the dry reservoir along with all the heavy and expensive equipment. “That gives you that kind of excitement. You say, ‘Oh my God, I’m somewhere where nobody’s been for a lot of years.” The photo had to be taken during the summer months as the hot period left the reservoir dry and, therefore, explorable. “Some places you would like to have some water, but in some others, like this, it’s not safe to go down there with water because there could be holes. In fact, in many places we used walking sticks so, if there’s a hole, you can feel it before you put your foot.”

Għar Ħarq Ħammiem, St Julian’s
“The challenge in Għar Ħarq Ħammiem was to light up the whole cave, which is above water, but also light up underwater in one photograph,” Cilia said. In Għar Ħarq Ħammiem, this meant first finding a vantage point on rocks that fell “thousands of years ago, if not millions.” With the tripod set up, Cilia set about lighting the cave, a problem with two solutions. He could either take a series of photos, lighting each one accordingly and then stitch them together into a 180° panorama, or he could take a single shot with a long exposure time and go around the cave with a torch to light everything.
Cilia went for the first option, taking a panorama made up of eight photographs, which meant that the photo could be captured without using a fisheye lens, a lens “I personally hate,” he said. This lens distorts light to capture a wider image at the price of an alien look, bending the edges to create a rounded aesthetic. “The result is very unnatural, it’s something we never get to see with our own eyes. I like doing photography which is like if you are standing in the place where I am so people see the same thing that I’m seeing”. To show the scale of the cave, he placed people in the image so that viewers could “realise immediately the size of the place.”

Fort St Elmo, Valletta
One of “the most amazing experiences” the photography couple had was when they were taken down into an extremely large reservoir under Fort St Elmo in Valletta, lit only by tiny holes in the roof. “When I saw it for the first time, I was like: ‘How am I going to light this?’” The answer: an inflatable kayak. Cilia, like in a few other photos in the book, took the kayak into the reservoir for a “reconnaissance” to figure out how to light the photo and check if there are any issues such as oxygen levels.
In the book, however, the photos look extremely well-lit which does not convey the reality of how dark the capital’s cavern was. “To go with a kayak and you hear the echo of the water, you have a depth of about five metres under you, you look up and see these wonderful, vaulted roofs that the knights built… it’s an experience in itself.” One of the many hidden and unexplored gems in the book, few know of the historical structure’s existence. “I had photographed Fort St Elmo many times, but I had never seen this place before.”

Fort Madliena, Swieqi
Now a headquarters for the St John Rescue Corps, the newly-restored Fort Madliena was a unique experience for Cilia. He had wanted to photograph the reservoir for months but was denied access due to silt leading to possible injuries. The opportunity arose, but with terrible timing. His partner was in hospital undergoing surgery when Cilia received a call from the Rescue Corps telling him that rain had shifted some silt to allow for a quick photograph. As the book was days away from being printed, Cilia decided to grasp the chance for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “At the end of the day, Louise is in the operating theatre, she’s not going to know whether I’m out here or not so I ran home, got the equipment […] and went there, did the photograph, got it into the book, went back to the hospital in time, and by the time Louise came up I said: ‘I wasn’t here all the time!’ “It’s one of those stories that I’ll remember for all my life.”

Drainage tunnel, Fgura
Photographing drainage tunnels introduced more problems to the ever-growing list, Cilia said as he and Calleja had to wear goggles, oxygen canisters and special suits to avoid toxic gasses. “There is, obviously, the smell which is connected to any kind of drainage, but because of that smell you end up not smelling the gas that is very dangerous. “It knocks you out and you are dead within minutes” – a scenario that sadly played out some 22 years ago when three public works department employees succumbed to the poisonous gas.
An experienced scuba diver, Cilia knew how to use the oxygen tanks as the couple explored the waste-filled catacombs with closed masks. “You are actually walking in sh**, but you don’t smell anything because you are taking oxygen,” he said.

Nigret, Żurrieq
One of the stunning photographs in the book was taken with a smartphone, chosen because it is waterproof and easily portable while diving. The shot shows the Nigret drinking water reservoir which is near a playing field so wind tends to carry a lot of rubbish into it. When this happens, a scuba diver is asked to plunge into the fresh pool to clean it up and on one occasion, Cilia joined to observe from behind the lens. Before going in, Cilia had to clean himself thoroughly as the water is drinkable.
Also a panoramic, five photos were stitched together vertically to include the diver deep in the reservoir’s water while simultaneously showing off the ceiling’s architecture. “It was quite an experience.”

Article credits: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/underground-malta-never-seen.1006057

A meno di due ore di volo dall’Italia, l’arcipelago maltese vi aspetta per una vacanza indimenticabile!

Se siete anche pronti a fare il grande passo, e volete chiedere ufficialmente di suggellare il vostro amore con una proposta di matrimonio indimenticabile, eccovi una lista di alcuni tra i luoghi più adatti a Malta dove rendere speciale la vostra promessa d’amore.

Soprattutto in primavera l’atmosfera dell’isola è tranquilla: il mare diffonde i raggi del sole, le insenature della costa accolgono le barche che cercano un rifugio appartato, le spiagge di sabbia tiepida si infiammano di tramonti infuocati e i vicoli dei pittoreschi centri storici sono pronte per passeggiate ideali per incorniciare momenti emozionanti, come una proposta di matrimonio. Ecco 10 suggerimenti di location perfette.

Crociera in Dhajsa – Queste tipiche imbarcazioni maltesi ricordano le gondole veneziane, ma servono a muoversi all’interno del grande porto monumentale della capitale Valletta. Complice il tramonto, è possibile organizzare una crociera intima che vi porti ai piedi di alcuni maestosi monumenti che si affacciano sul grande fiordo che costituisce il Grand Harbour, come Forte Sant’Angelo alla base del quale si trova una spiaggetta isolata.

Gardjola a Senglea – Una piccola torre di avvistamento incastonata tra le mura fortificate che circondano la città di Vittoriosa, conosciuta anche con il nome di Senglea. Dalle sue feritoie affacciate sul mare si gode una vista straordinaria. Un luogo tranquillo quanto suggestivo dove offrire al vostro amore la promessa di cura e protezione, proprio come quella che offrivano alla città gli imponenti bastioni su cui si trova la Gardjola.

Scogliere di Dingli – Sono il punto più alto di tutta l’isola di Malta. Qui la roccia si affaccia in mare gettandosi per 250 metri. Al volger della sera questo angolo dell’isola regala sempre avvolgenti tramonti. I sentieri, che percorrono le scogliere, sono circondati dalla quiete della campagna e, prospicente sul punto panoramico più celebre dell’area, si trova una piccola quanto pittoresca cappella che sovrasta il panorama.

I giardini San Anton – Ad Attard, un grazioso villaggio dell’entroterra maltese, si trova il palazzo dove risiede il Presidente della Repubblica di Malta. A circondare il palazzo di grandi mattoni color del miele, un rigoglioso giardino all’inglese risalente alla metà del 1600. Il giardino è chiuso da mura di cinta, ma vi si accede liberamente. Costellato di piccole serre, aiuole rocciose fiorite, alberi di frutta e ad alto fusto, laghetti e fontane, questo luogo incantato cela anche una piccola cappella riccamente affrescata.

Mdina by night – L’antica capitale maltese che di giorno è diventata una tappa fissa degli itinerari turistici, la sera si svuota per rivelarsi in tutto il suo romanticismo. I vicoli silenziosi si snodano attorno i palazzi nobiliari fino a portare sulle grandi mura che circondano la cittadina e da cui ammirare la vista di tutta l’isola. A Mdina si trova anche uno dei ristoranti stellati più eleganti di Malta, cornice ideale per una serata perfetta.

Ghajn Tuffieha – Questa è una delle spiagge sabbiose più belle di Malta e si trova a nord dell’isola, collocata in una baia tondeggiante riparata da due promontori rocciosi. Da qui si avvistano tramonti di fuoco che vi suggeriamo di ammirare accoccolati su un plaid.

Saline di Xwejni – Le antiche saline di Gozo risalgono all’epoca romana e sono tutt’ora in uso. Naturalmente affacciate sul mare, sono caratterizzate da un paesaggio che ricorda un po’ il profilo della Luna. Il consiglio è di organizzare qui un pic nic serale per aspettare anche il sorgere della Luna in cielo.

Mixta Cave a Gozo – Un superlativo affaccio sulla grande spiaggia di sabbia rossa di Ramla e sul mare che circonda l’isola di Gozo. Questa caverna è posta sul fianco di un colle e concede all’improvviso il brivido di un emozionante panorama.

Comino – Comino la si raggiunge in barca. Per un’escursione ad alto tasso di romanticismo, suggeriamo di noleggiare uno yacht o una barca a vela privati, per cenare in una delle baie e, se le temperature già lo concedono, un tuffo in quelle acque turchesi immortalate in numerosi film per la loro strepitosa trasparenza.

Immersione di coppia – Il silenzioso abbraccio dell’acqua tiepida di Malta è ciò che vi aspetta decidendo di immergervi attorno l’arcipelago. Mete amatissime dai diver di tutto il mondo, Malta, Gozo e Comino offrono anche numerosi relitti sottomarini da esplorare in coppia.

Article credits: https://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/viaggi/europa/verso-l-estate-le-location-piu-instagrammabili-di-malta_62341943-202302k.shtml

The gateway to luxury in Malta, is thrilled to announce the completion of a sustainable friendly project whereby the hotel’s main outdoor swimming pool now features year-round heated fresh water.

With its state-of-the-art water heating system, the Dragonara’s open-air pool can maintain a comfortable temperature no matter the weather outside!

This means that guests can enjoy an invigorating swim or a relaxing soak in the water, even on the coldest of days.

It also offers a generous swimming area that can accommodate both proficient swimmers and families looking to have fun. A spacious deck area for sunbathing and relaxation and kid-friendly features, including a shallow area and accessible design. Also includes access for wheelchair users.

“We are excited to be able to offer this new heated outdoor swimming pool to our guests. Whether our guests are after a pool to exercise in, have fun with family, or simply bask under the sun, our Bay View pool has something for everyone,” said Michael Camilleri Kamsky, General Manager of The Westin Dragonara.

“We are consistently investing in upgrading our offerings thereby delivering elevated experiences. This new development, which is unique in the five star offering in Malta, will allow our guests to enjoy year-round outdoor swimming,” he said.

Standing apart on a natural peninsula fringed by the sea, The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta brings warm-hearted, luxurious Mediterranean living to a vibrant, historic island. A jewel of the Mediterranean, it is where fabled dragons roar, giving the peninsula and property their distinctive name.

Maximising on its exclusive and enduring appeal, the property has an enviable beachside position and is accessed via private gateway, inscribed with Virgil’s thoughtful proverb, “God made this gem for us”.

Article credits: https://lovinmalta.com/sponsored/the-westin-dragonara-resort-malta-announces-its-new-heated-open-air-pool/

From today the 15th March 2023, ION Harbour in Valletta will welcome the internationally-renowned and multi award-winning chef Simon Rogan as Chef Patron, becoming ION Harbour by Simon Rogan. Rogan has a total of eight other restaurants to his name across the UK and Hong Kong, including L’Enclume in the Lake District which currently holds three Michelin stars, five AA Rosettes and is the number one listed restaurant in the Good Food Guide. In 2021, his efforts towards sustainability were also recognised with the newly introduced Michelin Green Star, awarded to both L’Enclume and Roganic Hong Kong.

Simon Rogan comments “When presented with the opportunity to take on ION Harbour, there was no question that this was the perfect spot for our next restaurant opening. My love for Malta, its history and climate, people and not least its ingredients and producers were all part of our decision to open ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, where we look forward to creating dishes that are inspired by our signature style whilst using the best of the Maltese larder.”

As one of the pioneers of the farm-to-table movement, British chef Simon Rogan’s menus are strongly guided by hyperlocal ingredients that are harvested, fished and foraged by the best and most sustainable local producers. Simon and his team have already begun exploring what the island has to offer and the menus at ION Harbour will utilise ingredients in their prime, so that each dish can champion the abundant produce found in the Maltese countryside and in the island’s Mediterranean waters.

To complement the menu, the sommelier team at ION Harbour has created both alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings. Like the menus, the unique drinks list highlights sustainable producers and lesser-known ingredients sourced from the island. In a bid to minimise waste, the bar team work with the chefs to utilise surplus ingredients from the kitchens that would usually go to waste, such as peels, stalks and stems.

ION Harbour, which was previously helmed by Chef Alex Dilling, is situated on the rooftop of 5 star luxury Hotel Iniala Harbour House and offers unrivalled views of the UNESCO Grand Harbour. The restaurant’s Front of House team will be led by restaurant manager, James Christie as well as assistant food & beverage director, Melissa Sambugaro. In the kitchen, executive chef Oli Marlow, who has amassed over six years working alongside Simon, will be joined by head chef Eoin Smith.

ION Harbour owner Mark Weingard quoted: “I am really looking forward to working with Simon Rogan and his team and undertaking this exciting journey together. I know that Simon, Oli and our chefs have created an amazing seasonal menu which celebrates our wealth of local farmers, fishermen, growers and producers.”