Name of Advisor
Sophia Grimm
Destination
Malta
Accommodations and/or DMC/On Site
DMC: Alpine Sterling
Hotels: Malta Marriott & The Phoenicia
Sites: Iniala Harbour House, Kempinski Gozo, Xara Boutique, Rosselli AX Privilege How to get to
One-stop via Europe (FRA on Lufthansa for us) but well connected throughout Europe.
Recommended For (families, couples, corporate, celebrations, etc)
Everyone! Absolutely something for everybody in the family- wellness, food, history, culture, adventure, farms, diving, boat tours, movie sets, tuk-tuk rides, etc.
Not-to-be-Missed Experience or Activity
LOVED the boat ride between neighborhoods in Malta.
The rural farm experience and olive oil tasting were fabulous and a great way to connect with locals.
Don't miss a visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral with breathtaking frescoes and grandiose testaments to the history of Malta.
And never turn down an opportunity to drink local Maltese wine and eat the food- we didn't have one bad meal!
Favorite culinary aspect of the hotel or region
Being a geographical, cultural and historical melting pot- the food is super flavorful, versatile and fresh. Located 50 miles from Sicily, there are Italian influences but also many north African flavors and a Mediterranean simplicity to much of the cooking.
Favorite Wellness aspect of the hotel or region
Spa options, water journeys and hammams are abundant. Definitely a wellness destination, especially those that want to travel to Gozo and check into the Kempinski for an extended stay, which is not uncommon for guests that come here for regular treatments. They feature many traditional Eastern medicinal treatments and have a full multi-room hammam,
Favorite amenity
The Maltese wine was absolutely phenomenal, whenever offered. Also, each property had gorgeous spas and waking up early for a quick water journey and sauna was a great way to get ready for the day,
Also- buffet breakfasts at both Marriott and Phoenicia were AMAZING.
Kudos to: refers to a guide, chef, member of hotel team, etc. that went out of their way
Our guide, Daniela was outstanding. Super knowledgeable, fun, and flexible.
Both Mary Grace and Warren of Alpine were amazing hosts that went out of their way to spend time with us throughout.
Additional Remarks
Cannot recommend Malta highly enough. Outside of the occasional traffic jam or late-night noise from partygoers in certain areas, it's hard to imagine that this is the tenth-smallest (about the size of Martha's Vineyard) and fourth-most densely populated country.
Things are very spread out and there is plenty of rural space to explore.
I recommend keeping clients closer to Mdina or Valletta to avoid noise.
Please list the Virtuoso amenities and any other special touches they add for our clients Virtuoso Amenities For Iniala 2023:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
$100 equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay at Michelin star rooftop restaurant ION Harbour (not combinable, excludes taxes & gratuities, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
To plan a trip, contact Sophia@travellustre.com