Hospitality, entertainment and lifestyle group Eden Leisure has teamed up with hospitality entrepreneur Mark Weingard to bring Anantara, a luxury hotel brand, to Malta, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Eden Leisure Group is owned by the De Cesare family, who have, together with Mr Weingard, submitted the highest bid to take over the Evans Building in Valletta. The concession is meant to see the renovation of the building into a top hospitality establishment, with the aim of attracting more tourism activity to the lower end of capital.

The parties involved have yet to confirm any details about the deal.

Eden Leisure is behind a number of brands like Eden Cinemas, Eden SuperBowl, Cynergi Gym, Eden Esports, a radio station (89.7 Bay), a casino (Casino Malta) and two hotels – the InterContinental Malta and the Holiday Inn Express.

Mr Weingard is the founder of Iniala Group, a group of hospitality companies with luxury offerings in Thailand and Malta.

The Thai connection might have been crucial to this deal – Anantara is a high-end hotel brand finding its beginnings in Thailand. It forms part of Minor Hotels, a company based in Thailand operating over 500 hotels around the world.

The joint venture, named Valletta Luxury Properties, put in a bid worth €78 million – far higher than the second-highest bid by Katari Hospitality Joint Venture, which came in at €41 million.

Last week, it was the Katari bid that was reported to be the highest.

However, it has since been reported that Valletta Luxury Properties’ bid was for the amount to be paid annually (€1.2 million). When calculated over the full term of the concession period (65 years), the total comes to €78 million.

Article credits: https://whoswho.mt/en/eden-leisure-and-mark-weingard-partner-up-to-bring-luxury-hotel-brand-anantara-to-malta

The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux are thrilled and honoured to be nominated for the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 – a testament to their commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Visit the CN Traveller website to find out more: https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-hotels-resorts-europe

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.’

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/

The Forbes Travel Guide has returned for another year, awarding the world’s best hotels, restaurants, spas and cruises. And as for the luxury hotel department, one Maltese destination nestled right in the capital managed to yet again win the highest possible honour: a five-star rating!

Malta had 10 hotels featured in the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide, with five making the Recommended List and another four being awarded Four Stars. But in the end, the top honour went to only one: Iniala Harbour House, overlooking Valletta’s Grand Harbour.

Last year, the luxurious boutique hotel became Malta’s first and only to receive the top rating, with everything from beautiful bedding and helpful housekeeping to memorable drinks and thoughtful guest room amenities being among the things taken into consideration.

More than 2,000 properties in 70 different countries are asseessed, with up to 900 standards being taken into consideration. “Only the best of the best achieve the coveted five-star, our highest rating,” Forbes Travel Guide editor Jennifer Kester had said back in April 2022.

With 23 rooms and a Michelin-star restaurant, Iniala Harbour House offers everything from private plunge pools and jacuzzis to fully-equipped kitchens… and it sure looks like it’s managed to retain the top honour it won just last year!

Meanwhile, the Corinthia Palace Hotel managed to retain its four stars from last year, while the Hyatt Regency was bumped up from the Recommended list to four stars. The Phoenicia and The Westin Dragonara Resort, meanwhile, debuted on the list with the impressive four-star rating.

Situated in The Strand, Gzira, opposite the Manoel Island, this 106-roomed hotel strategically enjoys easy access to a plethora of nearby top-notch cafés, bars, and eateries for all tastes and budgets and is only a few minutes walk from Sliema, the leading shopping and dining centre in Malta. Guest rooms dimensions vary from 28 square meters for Superior Double Rooms to the 47-square-meter Deluxe Suite Double.

Facing the sea and a popular walking promenade, enjoying a Valletta backdrop and a vibrant Marsamxett Harbour Area, Hotel Verdi can be said to command a relaxing sight to view and enjoy. The Ferry service to Valletta is within a short walking distance.

Naturally, the Food and Beverage Areas have been entrusted to Corinthia Caterers for their operation, including the all-day dining restaurant and 24/7 room service.

Hotel Verdi includes two fully equipped boardroom-style meeting rooms which accommodate up to 12 guests.

Guests can enjoy a fully equipped fitness centre, a decked wooden sauna together with an indoor heated splash pool and an outdoor pool.

The management of Hotel Verdi will be incorporated within Corinthia’s centralised structure at the Peninsula Hotels.

Take in stunning views of the Portomaso Yacht Marina whilst relaxing in your own private hot tub located on the spacious terrace furnished with sunbeds and dining area. The room features a large king-sized Hilton Serenity bed and an elegant bathroom with walk-in shower or bathtub. Watch a movie on the 43-inch LCD TV or catch up with work at the desk with WiFi access.

Special touches include a fully stocked minibar, a welcome amenity, complimentary bathroom amenities and tea and coffee making facilities.

The Terrace Spa Suits will be completed in the coming weeks!

The Phoenicia Malta Ambassador Neville Juan Cardona featured on BBC World News on Monday morning, discussing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s visits to the hotel during her time on the island.

Mr Cardona spoke to BBC reporter Lucy Williamson about the Valletta hotel’s Grand Ballroom, where Prince Philip and the then-Princess Elizabeth “danced away many moons ago”.

He showed Ms Williamson the guestbook from the Queen’s stay at the hotel, featuring a number of photographs, during a time when “her signature simply read, Elizabeth”.

Queen Elizabeth II spent two years living in Malta while Prince Philip served as a Royal Navy Officer, a time that she described as some of “the happiest days” of her life. Just two years later she returned to London and prepared to become Queen, yet Ms Williamson remarked that while she will be remembered as “Britain’s longest-serving monarch, Head of the Commonwealth, and Queen, to Malta, she’s simply Elizabeth”.

Following her death on Thursday, The Phoenicia Malta recalled the Queen’s fondness for Malta, which “has long been known”, also expressing its condolences with The Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning her loss.

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World organisation, The Phoenicia Malta is an iconic 136-bedroom hotel located on Valletta’s doorstep that has “long been regarded as a national treasure”.

Article credits: https://whoswho.mt/en/phoenicia-malta-recalls-queen-elizabeth-ii-s-dances-in-its-grand-ballroom

AX The Saint John, a boutique hotel in the heart of Merchants Street, Valletta, is the recipient of Booking.com’s Traveller Review Award 2022 with a score of 9 out of 10!

A Traveller Review Award is won by having an average review score between 8 and 10 with at least three reviews left by Booking.com travellers by 1^st December of the previous year. AX The Saint John managed to obtain a fantastic score, rendering the boutique hotel a recipient of this prestigious award.

Once a former merchant’s residence and shop, the accommodation was reformulated as the successful and hospitable setting that it is today but never losing its rich history. Rooms at AX The Saint John combine luxury, technology and style – ideal for the smart and independent traveller.

Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa has been recognised by parent company Marriott International for its customer service delivery through a distinction for its Intent to Recommend score for July 2022.

Marriott International was full of praise towards the Malta-based hotel for the achievement, a sign of a “truly outstanding performance”.  It also thanked Malta Marriott for the service it provides to customers, with a priority on making them feel “safe, secure, and welcomed”.

“Lasting memories are created through great customer service, and we have a team that cares about that as much as you do,” Malta Marriott said.

“We are proud of our associates for their dedication to delivering hospitality and creating experiences that will last a lifetime,” the hotel added.

The hotel launched in January 2020 after an investment of €30 million for extensive refurbishment, and he has since become known for the “joyful experience” it offers its guests every time they visit.

Similar to other hotels, Malta Marriott was forced to halt its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lockdown restrictions just a few months after its launch, before it reopened at the start of September of that same year.

Article credits: https://whoswho.mt/en/malta-marriott-hotel-spa-recognised-for-excellence-in-service-delivery-by-marriott-international