Malta is located roughly 80 kilometers south of the Italian peninsula.
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Renowned for its unique cultural heritage and extensive history, Malta is home to ancient walled cities and opulent palaces that date back centuries—but when it comes to luxury travel, this island nation is anything but antiquated. Across Malta’s largest cities, visitors can discover a captivating blend of Michelin-starred dining, palatial seaside resorts and meticulously preserved architecture, all of which shine a spotlight on traditional Maltese culture and its evolution throughout the years. If you’re planning an all-out luxury trip to Malta, the following neighborhoods offer a unique perspective on the country, with plenty of sightseeing and historical accounts to enjoy along the way.
Discover the Rich Heritage of Valletta
Valletta was designated the capital city of Malta in 1571.
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Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, the Maltese capital of Valletta offers opulent palaces, centuries-old churches and vibrant gardens all in one fell swoop. While there are plenty of landmarks to admire across the city, it ranks as the smallest capital in all of the European Union, with just 0.61 square kilometers to explore—and the Rosselli AX Privilege serves as the perfect base for a foray into the finer side of Valletta.
This former palazzo is home to some of the most sought-after accommodations in the capital city, with spaces like the 47-square meter Sixteen 34 Suite outfitted with a traditional Maltese gallarija balcony and a dedicated working lounge complete with its own boardroom table—but the property is perhaps best known for its exemplary dining. While the open-air Over Grain is perfect for a classic cocktail paired with stunning city views, Under Grain serves as the culinary crown jewel of the hotel thanks to its Michelin-starred dining program. While à la carte options span from passionfruit-infused mussels to local rabbit paired with a mimolette custard, the venue is also equipped with a dedicated seasonal tasting menu inspired by classic French cuisine with a Maltese flair.
Valletta is also known as “Città Umilissima,” a title that dates back to the 16th century.
Rosselli AX Privilege
While it may be tempting to spend your entire stay lounging around the hotel, Malta’s capital city plays host to a wealth of opulent attractions to explore—and for architecture aficionados, a Valletta Private Walking Tour is an ideal activity. Spanning three hours in total, this guided excursion shines a spotlight on some of Valletta’s most storied structures, with highlights including the grandiose Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and vibrant Upper Barrakka Gardens. Meanwhile, those in need of a more relaxing experience can book a luxurious spa treatment at The Phoenicia Malta, an esteemed property that comes equipped with a sauna, steam room and heated indoor pool.
Explore St. Julian’s, Malta’s Lively Seaside Getaway
St. Julian’s is home to the Mercury Tower, Malta’s tallest building.
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Located just north of Valletta, St. Julian’s has long served as Malta’s most lauded coastal resort town, equipped with upscale hotels and a thriving nightlife scene. During daylight hours, visitors flock to scenic promenades along Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay—and while the town’s Paceville district can get a little hectic at night, it also offers a sublime seaside escape in the form of The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta.
Officially opened in 1997, this palatial property operates on a 74,000-square-meter peninsula on the northeastern edge of St. Julian’s, with a wealth of lavish amenities available for guests to enjoy. To kick off the day, visitors can make their way to The Terrace—a polished restaurant that’s home to one of Malta’s most lauded breakfast buffets—before snagging a lounge chair next to the Bay View Pool, one of the property’s two outdoor swimming spots. By twilight, the ORVM Lounge & Piano Bar is a local favorite thanks to its elegant atmosphere and refreshing cocktails—but of course, it’s far from the only venue worth visiting in St. Julian’s.
St. Julian’s was named in honor of Saint Julian the Hospitaller.
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
Beyond resort limits, visitors can find a wealth of refined cocktail lounges and restaurants lining the St. Julian’s coast. For seafood fans, Caviar & Bull comes equipped with high-end lobster dishes served alongside top-quality steaks, while Rosamí showcases the agricultural prowess of Malta through its farm-to-table, produce-focused menu. However, those who prefer to stick close to Paceville can enjoy an elegant dinner at Quadro, the Westin’s flagship restaurant. Thai red curry-infused lobster, rabbit gnocchi and Maltese-style seabass are just a few of the high-end dishes up for grabs here, while the venue has also earned abundant acclaim for its extensive wine selection, providing an opportunity for diners to sample local Maltese whites alongside prestigious bottles from Italy, France and beyond.
Immerse Yourself in the Historic Charm of Mdina
Mdina is also referred to as “The Silent City” due to its low population and lack of cars.
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After periods of Phoenician, Roman and Arab rule throughout the centuries, the storied city of Mdina lives on today as one of Malta’s most dazzling tourist destinations, drawing visitors in droves thanks to its impressive architecture and prestigious museums. While hotels are few and far between inside the city walls, The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux boasts some of the finest accommodations in all of Malta, with extravagant suites and a world-class dining program available for guests.`
Operating within a 17th-century palazzo, this ornate property seamlessly blends the ancient heritage of Mdina with modern luxury, with 17 lavish rooms and suites available for guests. During a stay in one of the hotel’s Deluxe Suites, guests can spend time soaking in the jacuzzi and basking in 180-degree views of the surrounding countryside—and to sweeten the deal, the Xara Palace also doubles as a paradise for gastronomes thanks to on-site restaurant de Mondion. A Michelin star holder since 2020, this distinguished restaurant holds sustainability in particularly high regard, crafting complex dishes like turnip barigoule and veal sweetbreads with produce and ingredients sourced through the company’s Xara Gardens concept.
Mdina is bordered by Rabat, a town that serves as the administrative seat of Malta’s Western Region.
The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux
In between meals at The Xara Palace, there are plenty of other intriguing attractions to explore within Mdina’s ancient walls. During a morning stroll, visitors can encounter storied structures like the Mdina Gate and Saint Paul’s Cathedral, while Fontanella Tea Garden is perfect for a mid-morning snack in an idyllic setting—but for a truly memorable perspective on Mdina, it’s tough to beat Malta Wings. A popular choice for sightseeing flights, this local aviation company’s one-hour tour offers spectacular views of Mdina during both day and night, with additional attractions like the Dingli Cliffs, Gozo and Comino highlighted as well.
