Malta Blue Lagoon

Grand hotels and the iconic Malta Blue Lagoon

by | Luxury travel guides

The almost otherworldly blues of the iconic Malta Blue Lagoon instantly come to mind when you think of this beautiful Mediterranean archipelago. But it’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Malta has a plethora of secrets to uncover as well as some of the best, and most unique, luxury hotels anywhere in the world.

But first – the Malta Blue Lagoon. Located on the west coast of Comino, the smallest Maltese island between Malta and Gozo, the Malta Blue Lagoon is like something straight out of a movie and has, in fact, been used as a location in plenty of Hollywood productions, including Troy, starring Brad Pitt, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Swept Away, starring Madonna.

Its crystal-clear aquamarine waters, white sand and outcrops of rock rising from the sea all around has attracted visitors all the way back to the 1500s, when the Knights of St John used to come here to take a dip and cool off.

Very few places on the planet have a history as rich as Malta’s, with people living here as far back as 5000 BC. And its history isn’t confined to the halls of museums and galleries either. It’s everywhere you walk, sit and look.

Valletta is an obvious place to start. Malta’s beautiful capital has two elegant natural harbors, Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbor, with the impressive St John’s Cathedral, which was commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassiere to serve as the church for the Order of the Knights of St John, at its heart. As well as being an incredible spectacle itself it’s also home to one of Caravaggio’s most famous works of art, ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’. His biggest ever painting was hailed as “one of the most important works in Western painting” by author Andrea Pomella.

Heading out of the city the ancient island of Gozo, with its pristine beaches and temples dating back to 3500 BC is also a must-see, as is the awe-inspiring Medieval hilltop town of Mdina. But wherever you tread in Malta it will feel like you’re stepping back in time.

With all there is to see and do in Malta hoteliers have recognised the need for luxury retreats for visitors to relax, unwind and recharge in between excursions, and you can now find a collection of outstanding places to stay which intertwine Malta’s unique heritage with modern design and opulent luxury. We’ve listed some of the best Malta luxury hotels below.

Have you been to Malta? Where did you stay? If you had the trip of a lifetime let us know so we can add the hotel to the list of the best Malta hotels below. Tell us about your experiences and let’s raise the profile of the places that are truly unforgettable. Contact us and let us know.

Wild Bay Co is as much a celebration of the people who make these incredible experiences possible, as it is a celebration of the luxury resorts and hotels themselves. If you’ve stayed somewhere outstanding that deserves recognition for its exceptional attention to detail as well as its stunning setting then contact us and let us know.

A 5-star hotel housed in a beautifully restored 17th century palazzo.

The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux

The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux is a 5 star hotel in the heart of Mdina.

Comfort and class

The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, opened in 1999, and is inextricably linked to the history of Mdina, its walls forming part of the bastion walls that surround this hilltop city.

Upon their arrival in Malta, the Knights of St John were granted Citta Notabile, (Noble City) as Mdina was then known. The Xara Palace was built in the 17th Century as a residence for the noble family Moscati Parisio. During their 268 year stay in Malta the Knights embellished, fortified and rebuilt Mdina.

The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux incorporated their exclusive, Michelin Star restaurant, the de Mondion, into the bastion walls – with breathtaking views of the island. It also operates a casual restaurant, Trattoria AD 1530 in the Piazza, in the front of the hotel, offering casual dining in a picturesque setting. This is a truly unique establishment, full of charm, character and calm for the pleasure of the discerning visitor. Whether you are after a honeymoon, a wedding, a cultural stay or simply an exclusive getaway, The Xara Palace has it all. An ideal base to explore the archipelago and see the beautiful sights and attractions like the Malta Blue Lagoon.

The Macina, a 16th century, Maltese landmark, meets modern interior design.

Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour

The Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour – the new icon of Senglea harbour.

History meets luxury

The Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour is truly a hotel with a difference.

Constructed by the Order of Saint John in 1554, the Macina formed part of a bastion which was to protect Senglea from invaders over the centuries to come and was an important landmark in the city. At the start of the 16th century, an enormous wooden construction – the “Macina” – was added to the building. This was a sheer crane able to lift heavy loads or entire parts of sailing ships onto land. In 1864 the wooden sheers were replaced by a heavy and even more powerful iron construction. In 1927, as the “Macina” was being dismantled following its closure, it fell into the sea creating a 5 ft-high wave. From the 1970s to the mid-1990s, the Maltese Labour Party used the building as their headquarters. In 2018, the Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour Hotel opened its doors – and with it a landmark had been brought back to life.

Historical fortress walls contrast with modern interior design and bespoke luxury fittings. The 21 suites range from 40 square metres to an impressive 130 square metres. Most have unobstructed views of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding marina, high vaulted ceilings and ample natural light. The Hotel offers a swimming pool, tucked discreetly on the rooftop of the annex building with a terrace looking out across the water to Vittoriosa and Cospicua. Other features include airy communal spaces, a fully fledged bar, a fine dining modern Mediterranean restaurant, an events rooftop with panoramic harbour views and a boardroom for small conferences.

A timeless classic reinvented for modern times.

The Phoenicia

The Phoenicia is a landmark and a luxury 5 star hotel located in Valletta, Malta’s picturesque capital city.

Mediterranean Luxury

Both a landmark and a luxury retreat, beloved by islanders and cherished by visitors, The Phoenicia is one of Malta’s most iconic hotels.

Located in a superb spot, just outside the vibrant capital of Valletta on the edge of the city’s 16th Century bastions, The Phoenicia has long been regarded as a national treasure. Stars, socialites and the crowned heads of Europe have enjoyed its 5-star environs for over 60 years.

Expect picture-perfect views, innovative cuisine, the discreet service of a bygone era and a smooth portal into the best that Malta, with its 6,500 years of history, has to offer. Beaches and the Malta Blue Lagoon, cathedrals and collonaded squares, Baroque masterpieces and open-air theatres, Malta is widely being recognized as one of Europe’s hidden gems. And if the weather doesn’t deliver there’s always the sensational spa.

From the much loved Palm Court Lounge to the beautifully lush infinity pool, at every step of the way, like Pegasus, those at The Phoenicia aim to elevate your experience to something beyond the norm.

A 5 star superior hotel.

The Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa

The Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa is located metres from Balluta beach, alongside a tranquil seafront promenade within the bustling, cosmopolitan St. Julian’s town and a 20-minute drive from Valletta, a European capital of culture city.

Luxurious charm and the relaxed feel of a Mediterranean spa

The €30M refurbished hotel, combines luxurious charm and the relaxed feel of a Mediterranean spa, with well-appointed premium category rooms and luxury suites.

With four diverse restaurants and three bars, the hotel has something for every palate. The Villa serves as the hotel’s signature restaurant, dating back to the 19th century, it is one of the oldest structures in the Balluta area. The M Club lounge offers spectacular views and the ideal space to work or relax. A roof top pool gives leisure travelers time to soak up the sun, whilst the spa provides an array of treatments, including a Jacuzzi, sauna, fitness center and squash court. The hotel also provides 15,000 square feet of versatile meeting & banqueting space.

 

A small luxury boutique hotel …where you can have your every whim catered for, where design is in every detail and detail is in every design, where luxury is the norm.

Casa Ellul

In the midst of Valletta’s grand palaces, Casa Ellul is a Victorian townhouse restored into a luxury boutique hotel.

Chic elegance

Casa Ellul is one of the most luxurious Valletta boutique hotels, situated right in the heart of Malta’s capital city. Located on a quiet street, yet within walking distance to all attractions, this boutique hotel offers its guests the perfect location to explore Valletta – a City rich in history, architectural splendour and religious iconography.

Originally a Victorian-period Palazzo, this small luxury boutique hotel in Valletta expresses a classical yet stylish design, inspired from a combination of past Baroque influence and present chic elegance.

This upscale sophistication is reflected throughout…restored patterned tiles, walls soaked in art and plush, prestigious antiques, traditional Maltese wooden balconies and contemporary private terraces with breathtaking views.

With only nine suites, Casa Ellul caters for the discerning guest, offering a highly personalized service including exclusive amenities, discreetness and individual attention. This is what essentially makes this Valletta boutique hotel one of the best hotels in the city.

Another fantastic base to explore Malta’s sights and the Malta Blue Lagoon.

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