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 Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne has announced that all restrictions on weddings and events will be lifted from 2nd May. That means that person limits, vaccine requirements and mask-wearing will no longer be mandatory at weddings and events. Malta will also remove obligations for a passenger locator form for anyone arriving into the country from 2nd May.

Fearne made the announcement along with several changes to mask-wearing rules, quarantine, and the opening of English Language Schools. He said he expected all measures to be lifted soon, but did not give a date.

The PLF has been controversial, given the backlog and queues it creates at the Malta International Airport. PLFs will be needed for the red and dark red zones only.

The only people who will need to remain in isolation and quarantine are positive cases. The quarantine period will be seven days. This will apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated. Primary contacts will no longer need to quarantine. People who live in the same household as a positive case will not be obliged to quarantine, but it is recommended if they are showing symptoms.

When it comes to masks, they will no longer be obligatory except in hospitals, clinics, elderly homes and flights. However, it is recommended that masks be used on public transport and in closed spaces.

Read full article here: https://lovinmalta.com/news/watch-weddings-and-events-completely-back-to-normal-from-2nd-may-chris-fearne-announces/

From Monday 11th April, the Covid-19 requirements upon entering Malta, are as follows:

A negative PCR test or rapid test valid to enter into Malta – According to the notice both the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test will be accepted, although the latter can be done earlier. For RATs, the test has to be performed “not more than 24 hours prior to arrival in Malta”. Those opting for the PCR test, which in some countries is pricier and the result takes longer to come out, can do the test up to 72 hours before arriving in Malta. Guidelines published by the public health authorities explaining the legal notice state that the RAT tests must be ones that are included on a special list by the European Council. The result must also be in English, the authorities note. If unavailable in English, an English translation certified by the laboratory or a medical doctor is to be presented. RAT tests are not accepted unless on the EU digital COVID certificate format. Results from self-testing are not accepted. The passenger locator form, used for contact tracing purposes, will still be needed.

A recovery certificate permits entry to Malta – According to the legal notice, a certificate of recovery is accepted for 180 days after a person first tested positive for COVID-19.

Quarantine free – Individuals travelling from Red Countries who have recovered from COVID-19 within the past 180 days, or those who can present a negative PCR test (no older than 72 hours), will be allowed to enter the country quarantine-free.

It is the first Air Malta flight to Madrid in 10 years!

Air Malta celebrated its return to Madrid for Summer 2022. The flight to the Spanish capital restarted on the 4th April 2022 with up to three times a week operation every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

These services have been announced as part of over 125 return flights per week to 18 key European destinations which are being served by Air Malta this summer.

Read the full article here: https://whoswho.mt/en/welcome-to-madrid-air-malta-inaugurates-route-to-spanish-capital?fbclid=IwAR1e6Zcy1Wox3jaCSUDhV234wpm_3Xk4wxv1BU34PwWxuQk-j-E0InsXCn4\

Malta is well-connected to Europe and beyond, with multiple airlines offering direct and connecting flights to Malta. Here’s an overview of some key routes:

Direct Flights to Malta

• • Zagreb, Croatia: Ryanair operates direct flights from Zagreb to Malta.
  • Parma, Italy: Malta Air offers direct flights from Parma.
  • Dubai, UAE: FlyDubai provides four weekly flights, with two direct and two with a stop at Catania.
  • Warsaw, Poland: LOT Polish Airlines will launch a new route in April 2025.
  • Greece: Direct flights from Athens, Chania, Corfu, and Thessaloniki with various airlines like Aegean and Ryanair
  • Istanbul: As of June 2025, KM Malta Airlines will offer direct flights from Malta to Istanbul, which is a significant route for connecting to Turkish Airlines’ network.

Air Malta Routes

Air Malta connects Malta to numerous European destinations:

• • London: Multiple daily flights to Heathrow and Gatwick.
  • Paris: Flights to both Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports.
  • Rome: Regular flights to Fiumicino.
  • Munich: Flights with Air Malta and Lufthansa.
  • Vienna: Direct flights with Air Malta.
  • Zurich: Flights with Air Malta and Swiss International Air Lines.
  • Madrid: Direct flights with Air Malta.
  • Lisbon: Offering new flights to Malta.
  • New Routes for Summer 2023: Tel Aviv, Nice, Palermo, and Naples.

UK Connections

Include direct flights from multiple UK airports such as:

• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Edinburgh

Uncover the Charm of Malta

As you plan your trip to Malta, let us help make your journey seamless. Whether you’re looking for assistance with booking flights or organizing a complete travel package, our team at Colours of Malta is here to help. 

Let Us Plan For You

Whether you want to spend your golden years on a Caribbean beach or European village, the idea of retiring abroad sure is appealing. But how should you decide where to settle down? We suggest you check out the 2022 Retirement Index from International Living, an annual list of destinations where a retired couple can live comfortably on as little as $2,000 a month.

Now in its 31st year, the Retirement Index pulls information from hundreds of on-the-ground editors and correspondents around the world. Along with the editors’ personal accounts, the countries are quantified across 10 categories: Housing, Benefits & Discounts, Visas & Residence, Fitting In/Entertainment, Development, Climate, Healthcare, Governance, Opportunity, and Cost of Living. The goal is to find locations where retirees can spend less money, live happily and healthily, and experience a new country without straying too far from all that is familiar.

The top 10 countries for 2022 are a mix of cultural hubs in Europe and outdoor havens in Central and South America. View the full list here.

Why retire in Malta?

About 50 miles south of Sicily, Malta is the tenth smallest country in the entire world—but don’t let its lack of square milage deter you. The archipelago nation compares to the best of other countries: the beaches and ancient cities of Italy, the aromatic spices and seafood-focused cuisine of North Africa, the language and tea culture of England. It’s no wonder that 15 percent of the residents here are expats.

Much of the population is packed in the capital city of Valletta, which is a two-hour flight from most European capitals. The city is filled with museums and delicious tapas restaurants, with snorkeling spots, hiking trails, and ruins older than Stonehenge just a quick car or ferry ride away. The gloriously warm climate, abundance of activities, and aforementioned English-speaking locals make Malta a great place for retirees.

Cost of living: Malta is by no means the cheapest country in Europe, but it still offers lower prices than the U.S. and Canada. Modern, one-bedroom apartments in Valletta can reach up to $1,600 per month, but you can find options as low as $800 in smaller fishing villages. Factoring in rent, utilities, groceries, healthcare, and transportation, you can expect to spend around $2,330 per month here.

Healthcare: Unfortunately, expats cannot access Malta’s excellent public healthcare system, but the private insurance options are high-quality and inexpensive (some Maltese citizens even opt for private insurance over the free public healthcare). Premiums range from around $50-300 per month, but out-of-pocket costs are quite low—around $20 for a basic visit and $65 for a specialist, and medications at a fraction of what they cost in the U.S.

Visa requirements: The Malta permanent residence visa is the best option for non-EU nationals. To qualify, you must earn an annual income of at least $25,263, open a Maltese bank account, and either purchase a house worth at least $329,514 or pay $10,984 in annual rent. Residency permit applications can only be submitted in person at the Department for Citizenship and Expatriates Affairs in Valletta.

For more detailed information about residency requirements, click here.

A new apron is to be developed at Malta International Airport to handle future growth, MIA said.

The €40 million project was given the go-ahead by the board of directors of Malta International Airport on Tuesday.

The Apron X project will see the development of an area measuring around 100,000 square metres, which is roughly comparable to the size of 14 football pitches. It will significantly improve the airport’s aircraft parking capacity and its ability to better handle mixed-fleet operations, particularly during peak hours in summer.

Apron X will be able to accommodate up to seven medium-size aircraft or three larger ones.

The airport has an additional 20 stands for aircraft on Aprons 8 and 9.

At this critical juncture, we have the responsibility to start taking long-term decisions, even if they may appear to be at odds with the current aviation environment, that will determine the future of the local tourism industry. Today’s approval of the Apron X investment is Malta International Airport’s strongest statement yet about its confidence in the industry’s ability to recover to pre-pandemic levels, as well as its potential to grow further and achieve new records,” said Malta International Airport Chief Executive Officer Alan Borg.

The project will include a taxiway to the new apron, and a staging area housing facilities for ground handling operations.

The Apron X project is also envisaged to support Malta International Airport in honouring its environmental commitments through the construction of a 10,000sq metre reservoir for better rainwater harvesting and the installation of LED floodlighting systems.

Additionally, the project will provide for preparatory works for the electrification of parking stands, in line with a European Union plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project will supply parked aircraft with an electricity supply.

Works on the project are expected to commence in the coming weeks once the local Planning Authority issues a permit. While the company is eyeing the start of summer 2024 for the completion and utilisation of the first parking stands, the full project is expected to be concluded in 2026.

Article credits: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/malta-airport-to-invest-40m-in-new-apron-and-taxiway.936383

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.”

Respected local architecture firm Archi+ has released the first photos from a project it worked on, establishing Malta’s first branch of the well-known multinational ibis hotel chain.

The project was worked on in collaboration with Archi+ partner construction firm Elbros.

Delving into the design process, the architecture firm. which worked as Design Consultant on the project, reflects that while the architectural shell was set, it was briefed to work alongside ibis’s “proven guidelines and standards to ensure that the hotel’s interiors are “perfectly functional” and “elevated with a confident design aesthetic.”

This aesthetic was largely informed by the rugged textures and warm colour palette of natural Maltese landscapes, Archi+ reflects, with exposed off shutter concrete.

Additionally, steel mesh furniture was softened with the use of arched elements and a recurring prickly pear theme, achieving an interior space that acknowledges the sensibilities of the tourism sector whilst retaining a “strong design narrative.”

This will be the first time the economy hotel chain has come to Malta, although its parent company, Accor, does already have a presence on the island’s shores, with its Mercure St Julain’s establishment.

Additionally, in mid-2020 it was reported that the group had signed an agreement with local Stivala Group to develop a new hotel in Sliema, although this does not yet seem to have materialised.

Ibis is one of the world’s leading hotel brands, with 2043 hotels worldwide, across all six inhabited continents.

Article credits: https://whoswho.mt/en/archi-gives-glimpses-of-project-bringing-first-ibis-to-malta-s-shores