InterContinental Malta announced that it has been recognised as a winner at the 30th Annual World Travel Awards. The iconic hotel was voted as Malta’s Leading Hotel Suite 2023: Highline Suites @ InterContinental Malta.

On 29th  September, the finest travel brands from across Europe were unveiled at World Travel Awards (WTA) Europe Gala Ceremony 2023 in Batumi, Georgia. The event took place at Sheraton Batumi Hotel, where industry elites from across the region attended the red-carpet evening.

Graham Cooke, Founder and President, World Travel Awards handed over the award to Marika Caruana Smith, Cluster Director of Sales – Luxury and Entertainment, InterContinental Malta, who commented:

“We are extremely privileged and honoured to have won another World Travel Award, winning such an accolade is a great source of pride for us. Thank you to the voice of the public, and the voice of our clients, we are very proud that our guests and partners hold us in such high esteem. To our owners who are extremely supportive, and our associates thank you for your loyalty and commitment in ensuring we constantly strive to deliver the IHG Promise to our valued guests”.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Last night we spent an enchanting evening at Phoenicia Malta – the ideal setting for unforgettable moments. A big thanks to the exceptional team for their warm hospitality! Here’s to cherished conversations about business, current affairs, and building stronger connections.

Yesterday, we visited the newly re-opened AX Odycy hotel in Qawra, Malta, which was originally the Seashells Resort at Suncrest. It has amazing restaurants, recreational amenities, and accommodations with sea views.

This waterfront hotel in Qawra is located on St. Paul’s Bay and offers views of the Mediterranean. It provides a kids’ area and an outdoor family swimming pool with two slides. Dedicated adult-only areas, over 11 catering establishments, conference facilities, and much more.

As one of Malta’s finest brand-new hotels, we will undoubtedly recommend this to our clients.

We appreciate the Sales team’s hospitality and the wonderful evening spent together.

The first lifestyle franchise of its kind locally, ME Malta Hotel will be housed within a second 20- floor building that flanks a public square. It follows the recent opening of ME Dubai, an iconic architectural wonder also designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

The entire project is being undertaken by Mercury Towers Ltd – owned by Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli – and promises ongoing improvements to the urban fabric of the area, and an introduction of inclusive, family oriented amenities.

Lifestyle destination project Mercury Towers will open its doors in September 2023, marking the first phase within a six month launch period which will see it go fully operational by the first quarter of 2024.

Designed by one of the world’s most prolific architects of her time, the late Zaha Hadid, the St Julian’s development consists of the restored Grade II listed Mercury House, accompanied by a 33-floor residential tower – Malta’s tallest to date – and the luxe five-star ME Malta Hotel by Meliá.

A company statement said that “the area is witnessing a gradual transformation, making it more welcoming for both residents and visitors”.

“During its inaugural phase, commencing in 2023, Mercury Towers will re-invent Malta’s retail landscape through a curated mix of over 80 multi-category lifestyle brands, setting a new benchmark in choice for the local consumer.”

It was also shared that the project’s portfolio of food and beverage concepts are highly diverse, as renowned international franchises and local artisan delights are poised to reinforce “Malta’s position as a premium foodie destination for the global traveller”.

Offering an experience that cannot be found anywhere else on the island, this curated mix responds to a growing appetite for delectable food and innovative experiential dining.

Mercury Towers will also introduce “cutting edge entertainment” to complement shopping and dining, such as “adrenaline-fueled activities” and “fully immersive, technology-driven performances”. More detail on this will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Once fully operational in Q1 of 2024, Mercury Towers promises to evolve into a vibrant new quarter encompassing accommodation, shopping, dining, entertainment, residential and wellness facilities, setting new standards for local industry.

Anchored in art, design, innovation, and community-led activity, Mercury Towers aspires to become a new cultural hub, curating lifestyle experiences which serve to inspire thought, and a sense of place. With 4,000 square meters of open public spaces, Mercury Towers has repurposed a once-gated space for public use, while paying homage to the futuristic flair of starchitect Zaha Hadid, whose work is characterized by the ever-present curve.

Article credits: https://whoswho.mt/en/mercury-towers-to-open-in-september-2023-and-be-fully-operational-by-q1-2024

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

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!