With uninterrupted sunshine in summer, turquoise blue waters and a rich history, Malta should definitely be on your travel bucket list. We had the perfect first taste of Maltese culture and cuisine staying at beautiful, The Phoenicia Malta.
The Hotel
Set amongst 7.5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, The Phoenicia Malta sits at the entrance on the ancient capital city’s walls in Valletta. A member of the Leading Hotels of The World, the Art Deco hotel is the ideal base for exploring all that Malta has to offer.
Built by the British in the 1930s, The Phoenicia Malta was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II (I mean…if it’s good enough for the Queen!) and has seen the likes of actors, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joaquin Phoenix as guests.
The circular Palm Court Lounge is the hotel’s heart that leads into the Phoenix restaurant. The lunch and dinner menu is inspired by traditional Maltese and European flavours and is also where breakfast is served. There is also a lovely terrace that overlooks the gardens and the bastion walls of Valletta.
The Palm Court Lounge is a lovely spot for a morning coffee, afternoon tea or cocktail with attentive and friendly service with a smile.
The Room
The Phoenicia Malta has retained many of the original architectural features of the rooms but with an updated, more contemporary look and feel including my favourite detail, the original tiled floors. #ihavethisthingwithtiles
The Deluxe Room features a balcony which overlooks the island’s historic buildings and harbour. You’ll find The White Company Noir toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, Jing tea and coffee to make you settle right in.
Rooms start from €306 with free Wi-Fi.
Click here to book your stay.
The Pool
Definitely my favourite part of the hotel and one of the coolest swimming pools I’ve ever seen. The infinity pool overlooks the city’s ancient bastion walls with sweeping views of the Marsamxett Harbour.
The pool bar serves drinks, ice cream and bites if you’re feeling peckish. I can vouch the jalapeño fries are pretty damn good!
It was such a delight to find a friendly staff walking around the sun loungers offering complimentary fresh melon as a refreshment in the heat.
The Breakfast
The buffet breakfast at The Phoenicia Malta is a dream because they have a whole honeycomb, which is literally one of my favourite things.
You’ll find ham carved directly from the bone, smoked salmon, a variety of local cheeses and cold cuts, fruit, freshly squeezed juices along with the usual eggs, bacon, cereals and bread. You won’t be short for choice.
Take a seat out on the terrace to enjoy breakfast with a view. I love that they use loose-leaf teas served in cute blue and white ceramic pots to match the teacups.
Exploring the Neighbourhood
The Phoenicia Malta sits at the tip of Valletta. The island’s central bus terminus is just a minute walk away, making it a great spot for exploring.
A short walk will get you to the Upper Barrakka Gardens where you can ride the lift down to the harbour. Here you’ll find the ferries and water taxis servicing the Three Cities and Sliema.
The Mall, Floriana FRN 1478, Malta
