Known for its rich history, sunny climate and stunning coastline, this stunning destination completely exceeded every one of my expectations.
My first stop was
AX Rosselli Privilege. Tucked away in the very heart of Valletta, this boutique gem is perfect for a short city break. Boasting a Michelin star restaurant and a rooftop bar with plunge pool, this chic escape was the ideal stay. We enjoyed sundowners there before heading out to explore Valletta by evening.
The next day, we discovered Valletta by day, which was just as lovely. Prepare to get your steps in, as there are plenty of stairways and hills, but its so beautiful and you could spend hours simply wandering the streets and soaking in the views. Make sure to check the opening times for John's Co-Cathedral, home to one of the most internationally recognised works by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. For a truly unforgettable experience, we can even book you an exclusive private tour before it opens to the public!
At noon, we headed down to the Saluting Battery. I recommend getting there early to secure a good view from the balcony, or you can pay a small fee for a front-row position on the terrace to see the famous cannons fired over the Grand Harbour. From here, we took the Barrakka Lift down to the waterfront and caught a local "dghajsa" boat taxi across to the Three Cities. I wish we'd had more time to explore here as it was so charming, but we enjoyed a wander and a great waterfront lunch before heading back. It's now the perfect excuse for me to go back!
Next, we moved to our second hotel
, Iniala Harbour House, which is set across four restored townhouses and palazzos. We stayed in the spectacular Grand Harbour Penthouse Suite, which has so much space and a long balcony with views over to the Three Cities. The hotel is even better now that the new rooftop bar and pool are open. However, the real highlight is ION Harbour by Simon Rogan. We had an unbelievable twelve-course tasting menu presented as a wax-sealed scroll. The dishes were mouth-watering, and having the Grand Harbour and festival fireworks as our backdrop made it feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The following morning, we took a short taxi to AX Rosselli's sister hotel,
Verdana Wellness Hotel, which opened in summer 2025. With a wonderful spa, a tempting outdoor pool, and gorgeous views over the countryside, it is a great choice for a peaceful wellness break.
A short walk from there brought us to Rabat, where you'll find Serkin, which locals recommended as the best place for a pastizz. A mouthwatering the local speciality, each flaky pastry was full of either piping-hot, creamy ricotta or a rich, savoury mushy pea filling that lived up to the local acclaim. While the cheese is tempting, don't dismiss the pea too quickly as it was delicious! Right next to Rabat is the hilltop medieval town of Mdina. It is well worth an afternoon of exploring the catacombs and the cobbled streets, followed by lunch with views over the island.
For our final evening, we stayed at the iconic
Phoenicia Malta. This property is the "grand dame" of Malta, and it is easy to fall in love with it. Located by Valletta's city walls, it is a short walk into the heart of the city while remaining a peaceful oasis. It has an extensive spa and a beautiful infinity-edge heated pool set within manicured gardens.
On our final full day, we went a little further afield to see the famous Blue Lagoon. The clear blue waters and nearby caves are beautiful to explore by boat. We then visited Gozo to get a taste of Malta's scenic neighbouring island.
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