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 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.

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!

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

Summer 2022’s well on track to be the season where travel makes a huge comeback, so it’s no surprise that competition in the hospitality industry’s just growing fiercer and fiercer…

The latest honour which hotels and restaurants around the globe have been fighting for is none other than the Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) Star Award.

Every year, this internationally followed travel site gathers the best and most luxurious hotels, resorts, restaurants, and spas from all over the world into one list. Every listed establishment then receives one of three ratings: recommended, four-star, or five-star – the latter being the most prestigious.

This year saw FTG publish its 64th annual list, in which critics reviewed establishments from a handful of new destinations, such as the Canary Islands, Greece, Ibiza, and Malta!

It’s safe to say that Malta kicked off its entry into the FTG Star Awards with a bang, as seven hotels around the islands were deemed good enough to make it onto the list. Here are the seven local hotelswho won the FTG awards as follows:

• Corinthia Palace Malta – 4-Star
  “Like a set from the 1960 movie ‘La Dolce Vita’, the Corinthia brand’s first hotel – with 147 rooms, including nine suits, six Executive Suites, and two Palace Suites – is a place for those who enjoy classic architecture, traditional décor, formal service, and culinary excellence.”
• Hyatt Regency Malta – Recommended
  “With more than 10 stories, plus a ‘barrier-free’ roof deck (it’s surrounded by glass panels), Hyatt Regency Malta has one of the best views in town.”
• Iniala Harbour House – 5-Star
  “Like a place you’d imagine Romeo and Juliet holding secret rendezvous, the Malta hotel’s ancient vaults are magical. The best way to enjoy one of these vaults is a soak in the spa’s indoor pool.”
• Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz – Recommended
  “Kempinski San Lawrenz makes a wonderful base from which to explore the island’s beaches, bays, and historical sites. If you need a ride, the hotel offers a complimentary bus to capital city Victoria and Ramla Beach.”
• Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa – Recommended
  “Throughout the property, from the open dining terraces to the seafront-facing rooms, you are treated to a view of Balluta Bay, the beach, and the stunning neo-Gothic architecture of the Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, along with landmark art nouveau and art deco buildings.”
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands – Recommended
  “Everywhere you look at Radisson Blue Resort & Spa, Golden Sands, the beautiful Mediterranean Sea calls, with gentle waves of pristine saltwater lapping against the shore of Golden Bay Beach.”
• Rosselli – AX Privilege – Recommended
  “Each of the rooms is striking and uniquely decorated in black, white, and grey hues. Furnishings look like they were curated by the Museum of Modern Art.”

Click here to see the full list of international winners.

Article credits: https://www.guidememalta.com/en/these-seven-maltese-hotels-won-forbes-travel-guide-s-2022-star-awards

The walled city of Valletta, founded in 1566, is the capital and was built on a peninsula between two natural harbours. It’s full of Baroque character and was recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

If you want to take in the full majesty of the city, then you need to see the Grand Harbour in all its splendour – and if you want to also enjoy a great meal whilst doing so, then you should consider making a booking at ION – The Harbour, a proud holder of a MICHELIN Star.

It’s found on the 4th floor of the Iniala Harbour House hotel and, when you are a restaurant fortunate enough to be able to offer tables on a terrace that provide such spectacular views, then it makes sense to use it as much as possible – and that’s exactly what it does.

However, don’t think that your eyes will simply stay focused on the vista – the stunningly presented food directly in front of you will compete equally for your attention.

It’s fairly clear that this a kitchen that was classically trained but it is also one that understands elegance and refinement. The balanced and appealing set menus all make great use of the finest produce from nearby countries, be it lobster from Brittany used for the pithivier or Sicilian red prawns served with aged Kaluga caviar. The best local ingredients are also showcased and these include line-caught lampuki which here comes with dill and smoked cream. From the delicate canapés that kick off proceedings to the exquisite desserts, this is food that tastes as good as it looks.

And it’s not just the cooking and the setting that make ION – The Harbour such a special place. The service also ensures you feel truly looked after – it’s attentive and detailed but never overbearing or starchy. Similarly, the wine service is helpful, engaging and enthusiastic and the wine list itself offers plenty of depth, which includes an interesting selection by the glass.

Read the full article: https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/features/michelin-guide-malta-ion—the-harbour-valletta?fbclid=IwAR3Knx0YRhMVYU9TRcE1edUyXvzaot0drbn9RoSXYfnLj8uQCxy8UgPZp_8

Mike Xuereb, the owner at Hotel 19 Rooms in Valletta, is working together with his team towards becoming the first carbon neutral hotel in Malta.

This was shared by Singular Places, a berlin-based, impact and sustainability driven travel booking site, which said the company is proud to be part of Hotel 19 Rooms’ journey, “as they continue to grow towards sustainability and on to regeneration”.

19 Rooms is the only Maltese hotel to be listed on the sustainability-focused booking site, and has passed a set of criteria to make it onto the platform. Criteria assessed include power saving initiatives, water saving measures, plastic avoidance, ecological construction, waste policy, use of local suppliers and more.

In comments shared with Singular Places, the hotel’s owner, Mike Xuereb, remarked:

“Hospitality for me is about exceptional service and being an enabler for your guests’ experience to help them get the most out of their holiday or business trip.

“Sitting on top of that is the need to have an eco-friendly and sustainable operation, were we recognise the realities of climate change and focus on reducing our footprint and being a responsible part of our community.”