The Best Luxury Hotels in Malta

Set on a rocky peninsula with a private shoreline, you can dive directly into the Mediterranean from the two exclusive Blue Flag beaches of the Westin Dragonara. The hotel, which lies between St George’s Bay and St Julian’s, hosts the most coveted suites in an annex on the edge of the water. Further five-star luxury comes in the form of a casino and landscaped gardens with pools and steaming hot tubs, plus restaurants, a gym and spa.

With a private marina in Marsamxett Harbour and multiple bars and restaurants, the Grand Hotel Excelsior has the most extensive hotel facilities in Malta. Picture landscaped gardens dotted with pools, sports facilities and a spa. The same can be said for the food, with belt-busting buffets featuring Maltese and international dishes. Built into the bastion walls of Unesco-listed Valletta, you can choose from basic sea-view rooms or more impressive presidential suites.

Looking for a luxury hotel in Sliema? Then book a stay at The Palace. Its minutes from the waterfront, yet enjoys a quiet setting in an upmarket residential area. From Italian chandeliers to Ayurveda spa treatments and a rooftop pool terrace, The Palace oozes five-star finesse. There are some unusual design motifs too, including a red British phone box in the restaurant and themed suites such as the ‘50s, American diner-style room.

Stay in a 16th-century bastion turned boutique hotel to experience true Maltese heritage. Built during the Knights of St John era, the Cugo Gran Macina showcases the original tunnels, arches and vaulted ceilings of the fort. The 21 suites are crafted from Maltese limestone yet decorated in a modern style, with tufted rugs, arty photos of Malta and Scandinavian furniture. Open French doors on to your balcony for Grand Harbour views and lounge on the pool deck.

If you’re looking for a pamper break in Malta, book a stay at HOLM in St Julian’s, famed for an innovative spa. Enjoy multi-sensory experiences including Himalayan salt rooms and ice cabins, steamy saunas, foot spas and a dip in the rooftop pink infinity pool. When you’re all blissed out, return to your whimsical room or suite. Some feature playful candy stripes or safari decor, while spa-bath suites have themes such as Alice in Wonderland or the Empress Room.

Built within the walls of Mdina, Xara Palace enjoys an unbeatable location. Set in a 17th-century palazzo, the hotel is entwined with the local history and has been faithfully refurbished to preserve the past. Each of the 17 high-ceiling rooms are furnished with Maltese antiques, while the more luxurious come with freestanding baths and terraced hot tubs. Don’t miss Michelin-star Mediterranean dining in the roof terrace restaurant, de Mondion.

Few hotels pull off contemporary luxury like the InterContinental. Have a cocktail with a view in the chic 19th-floor SkyHigh bar or cool off in the equally trendy SkyBeach infinity pool. With a sleek glassy design, the 30 Highline Suites on the top floors boast balconies and jet baths. You’re well-placed to delve into the clubbing scene of Paceville and can relax on a private section of nearby beach.

Live like royalty in this 1930s hotel loved by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Designed with British colonial and art deco flair, The Phoenicia occupies a star location near the Valletta city walls. At the heart of the hotel lies the regal Palm Court lounge and bar where you can order a high-class afternoon tea. Then there’s the ballroom, a heated infinity pool and 3ha (7 acres) of gardens that lead to the harbour.

The island of Gozo, which sits off the coast of Malta, is home to the five-star Kempinski. Built with local stone to blend into the landscape, it sits between the villages of San Lawrenz and Ta’ Dbiegi in semi-tropical gardens. The top feature is a spa with a steam room, therapy pool and hammam, but there are also three restaurants, sports courts and two outdoor pools.

Everything at Hotel Ta’ Cenc is an extension of the Gozo countryside location, from the natural colour palette and bird motifs to the 400-year-old carob tree in the restaurant patio. Rooms sit in low-rise limestone buildings that open on to sculpted gardens scattered with pools and beehive-roofed Trullo Suites. An emphasis on nature doesn’t mean you compromise on luxury though – the hotel also has a spa, tennis court and shuttle service to a private beach.