After a smooth, nearly effortless flight from Heathrow with Malta Air, I arrived at The Phoenicia Malta—a name whispered with quiet admiration by those familiar with the island. Situated right at the entrance of Valletta, the hotel is an institution. Its warm limestone façade, the elegant sweep of its driveway, and the gentle sense of ceremony upon arrival immediately draw you into its orbit. This is a place that bears its history lightly, blending grandeur with the relaxed rhythm of Mediterranean life. Opened in 1947 as Malta’s first true luxury hotel, The Phoenicia quickly became the island’s social heartbeat, welcoming artists, royals, writers, and dignitaries. Its ballroom has hosted glittering galas, its hallways echo with quiet diplomatic conversations, and its terraces offer countless stolen sunsets. Today, after a careful restoration, its original soul remains intact—only polished, refreshed, and very much alive. Walking inside feels like entering a Mediterranean-inspired version of a traditional European palace hotel. High ceilings, marble floors, Art Deco details, and sunlight that seems to follow you from room to room create an atmosphere of subtle elegance. However, what impressed me most was the warmth. There’s a softness here, a sense of ease that gently dissolves whatever pace you’ve brought with you. Time elongates. Shoulders relax. The island reveals its charm. Just beyond the hotel’s gates, Valletta’s honey-coloured streets beckon with Baroque architecture and the hum of Maltese life. But within Phoenicia's seven and a half acres of gardens, tranquillity takes over. Paths weave between lawns and ancient trees, opening up to glimpses of harbour and horizon. It feels like a private world.
ONAIR M i LL i
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