January 2022 - The Phoenicia Malta

Getting to know Kenneth Zammit Tabona

Over the past weeks, Palm Court Lounge at The Phoenicia Malta has hosted Kenneth Zammit Tabona’s beautiful watercolours, in an exhibition titled ‘Mediterranean Dreams’. We sat down with Kenneth to learn about his artistic journey and what inspires him.

When asked how his passion for art came about, Kenneth explains that he believes a person is born with that passion. He goes on to recount how as a young boy he used to enjoy scribbling everywhere, including on walls and especially in his schoolbooks. He smiles and describes how his father used to call him ‘his Picasso,’ whilst his mother used to get angry as his scribbles meant that they would not be able to resell his schoolbooks.

Kenneth’s first medium was pen and ink, which is a far cry from the colourful works we see today. Kenneth reminisces how a sketch he drew for fun was soon followed by an invitation to illustrate Nicholas de Piro’s ‘Lost Letters’. This event truly brought out Kenneth’s artistic side and, one could say, is what influenced him to truly delve into his talent. Feeling a bit more adventurous, Zammit Tabona eventually introduced another medium to his works: gouache.

This led to him hosting his first big solo exhibition in 1992 and another at the Melitensia Art Gallery in 1995. Both were sell-outs. ‘It was quite extraordinary!’ he declares. ‘That’s how it started, how I found myself to be an artist,’ he says, adding that it is something he still finds it hard to believe. ‘Who, me? An artist?’ he exclaims.

Since then, Kenneth plucked the courage to move onto watercolours, which is a harder medium to master since it allows no room for error. ‘Watercolour always scared me a little bit. Gouache is more static, more obedient. As a medium it behaves. You want it there and it stays there. Watercolour tends to do things, so until you actually get round to how to how to used it, you can’t make mistakes.’

We talk about his current exhibition, ‘Mediterranean Dreams’, and he explains that he was inspired by his friend Marquis Anthony Cremona-Barbaro’s garden in Tarxien. Talking about the red walls that can be admired in this garden and is featured in a number of his paintings, Kenneth explains ‘To me the red is something so beautifully Mediterranean. It goes so well. That red which contrasts with the limpid blue skies of Malta and the green – it’s so vivid! It creates such a beautiful splash of colour.’

Chinese porcelain is also featured heavily in this exhibition. ‘Actually it was also Anthony who encouraged me to go into it. I then realised how beautiful it is. It truly is a fascinating study,’ he explains. Between gardens, red walls, blue and white porcelain, and Kenneth’s cat Felic gazing through the window, these paintings portray a wonderfully idyllic setting worthy of the term ‘Mediterranean Dreams’.

A Chat with American Mezzo-Soprano Jennifer Larmore

Earlier this month renowned mezzo-soprano Mrs Jennifer Larmore visited the Maltese Islands for a Masterclass in Valletta, made possible thanks to local mezzo-soprano Ms Clare Ghigo. We sat down with Mrs Larmore, a guest of The Phoenicia Malta, to learn more about her career and her first impressions of the island.

Hailing from Atlanta (USA), Jennifer Larmore reveals that her voice was noted at an early age. As a child she would come home with little notes pinned to her clothes, which would read ‘Encourage Jennifer to sing. She has a wonderful voice’. She adds that her parents discovered she had this voice by the time she was 12 and then started participating in a number of state competition and also won an ‘All-State Competition’. ‘By the time I was 15 that is all I wanted to do!’, she exclaims.

Describing how her international career kicked off, Mrs Larmore explains that it came about quite unexpectedly. Her former husband, who was also a singer, was booked for an audition with Opera de Nice. She took the plunge and asked whether she could sing at the end of his audition and his agent agreed, subject to time being available. There was indeed enough time to spare so Jennifer went on to sing. Not only was she given the job, but she was given 7 contracts on the spot!

Jennifer’s career went from strength to strength, which saw her travel and perform across the world. When asked about her favourite performance, Jennifer admits that this is always a very hard question to answer as there are many magic moments in Opera. She adds, however, that if she really had to choose, she would go for a night at the Metropolitan Opera. She describes the moment she went up on stage, sick and running a fever. Before she even sang a note, everyone starting applauding. It was her first performance back in her own country in some time and it was clear that everyone was keen to watch her perform. She reveals that she was overwhelmed by the response and went on to sing with such abandonment and such joy that it was one of the most amazing memories of her whole career.

We wrap up our chat by asking about her impression of Malta and the hotel. Mrs Larmore explains that this was her first visit and that her expectations of this Mediterranean Island were met and that she would describe Malta as ‘Magical’ and ‘Exotic’. She recounts how on her first day, after settling into The Phoenicia Malta, she walked out to Valletta and wondered, ‘Where am I? Am I in Italy? Am I in an Arab Country? Am I in England?’. She added that she loves the mix and of course also the fact that everyone on the island speaks English.

As for The Phoenicia Malta, Jennifer smiles and says ‘My first impression was luxury. There is a fast rhythm to a Masterclass so you need somewhere where you can come back and feel at home and be comfortable. This hotel is exactly that. It is a fantastic base being so close to Valletta and staff are very attentive and give careful detail to what we actually want.’

It was a pleasure having the talented Mrs Jennifer Larmore stay with us and, more so, hosting a recital with her students at The Phoenicia’s Palm Court Lounge at the end of her Masterclass. It was a spectacular performance which took everyone’s breath away.

Mrs Larmore and The Phoenicia Malta Hotel Manager, Mr Silvan Camilleri

Enjoying the view from one of The Phoenicia Malta’s suites

The Benefits of Salt Rooms

The luxurious Phoenicia Spa & Wellness located at The Phoenicia Malta offers a number of services. These range from beauty treatments, massages fitness classes to a sauna and steam room as well as a salt room. Salt therapy has been in existence for quite some time; however, its popularity has especially increased in recent years.

This blog will delve into the history behind salt rooms as well as their benefits.

How did salt rooms come about?

In the 12th century, the practice of visiting salt caves for therapeutic reasons, or speleotherapy, was common in Eastern Europe. In the 1800s, salt miners in Poland found a more modern version of what’s now halotherapy. Despite working in mines all day, the Polish miners didn’t have any respiratory conditions and were unusually healthy. They weren’t likely to get the colds or coughs that were common among other people.‌

Research showed that the salty air the miners breathed helped keep their lungs free from infection and allergies. Over time, Eastern European salt mines or caves became popular tourist destinations. People from all over the world visited to inhale the salty air and ease their lung problems.

So what exactly is Halotherapy?

Dry Salt Therapy, also known as Halotherapy, is an alternative treatment that involves breathing salty air. Halotherapy benefits adults and children alike, as well as athletes and animals. It is natural and safe and there are no harmful side effects. Halotherapy is very beneficial for overall wellness by removing the toxicity from the respiratory system, improving the function and appearance of the skin, and boosting the immune system. Some claim that it can treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and allergies. Others suggest it can also treat depression and anxiety, cure some skin conditions, and more.

Types of Halotherapy

‌Salt therapy is usually done in salt rooms, which can be active or passive.

Active salt room. This room has a machine called a halogenerator, to which salt is added. The equipment breaks down the salt into tiny particles that circulate in the room.
‌Passive salt room. This type of room does not have a machine to break down the salt. Instead, the room is filled with different types of salts, such as Himalayan salt. It looks like a salt cave, with controlled temperature and humidity.

At Phoenicia Spa & Wellness, the passive salt room is offered.

What are the benefits of salt therapy?

The benefits of salt therapy are wide-ranging. Salt levels affect our cell activity, energy and blood sugar levels. A natural disinfectant, salt is antimicrobial, and antibacterial. Some of the benefits include:

The negatively charged ions in salt improve our health and mood. Inhaling particles may reduce inflammation and mucus in the lungs, improving respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinus congestion and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Scientific studies show that people with asthma and other ailments breathe easier after halotherapy.
The calming and detoxifying effects of halotherapy can support the immune, nervous and lymphatic systems. Additional benefits are reduced stress and headaches, increased energy, and better sleep patterns. Salt ions purify the air and may increase lung capacity and reduce physical ailments for adults, children and athletes. Treatments are recommended to help keep the body healthy during flu or allergy seasons.
Skin conditions can also be improved with halotherapy (psoriasis, rashes, eczema, acne). Table salt, sodium chloride, is dehydrating, but pure mineral salts have natural moisturizing properties and support the skin’s water balance and barrier function by attracting moisture to the skin. Minerals are necessary for cell function and detoxification, so mineral salts have strong rejuvenating properties.

Ask our staff at The Phoenicia Malta to direct you towards Phoenicia Spa & Wellness and book yourself a session in our therapeutic salt room, or speak to one of our members of staff for more information.

Five places to relax in Malta

Malta is a highly populated island with plenty of things happening all year round. This doesn’t mean, however, that it cannot be a relaxing destination. In this blog we shall be listing 5 spots where you can switch off and take a break from the hustle and bustle of life.

1. Dingli Cliffs

Dingli cliffs are located within the village of Dingli, on Malta’s Western coast. They form the highest point of the Maltese Islands at around 253 metres above sea-level. The cliffs propose a majestic sight, particularly if viewed from a boat while cruising, but also from the top – the views are breath-taking, overlooking the small terraced fields below, the open sea, and Filfla, the small uninhabited island located a few miles off the coast. At Dingli cliffs you can enjoy hours of walking or relaxation. The views are particularly attractive during sunset, especially on a calm summer evening.

2. Mdina

Malta’s old capital city and entirely surrounded by ancient ramparts, Mdina is a magical place, where the modern age seems far away. This medieval walled city has a special enchantment, found in the enclosed labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets. Known as the Silent City, walking through Mdina is peaceful, enjoyable and captivating. Walk towards the bastions and enjoy 180-degree views of the island. Stop for a coffee or relax in one of the many coffee shops within the city, alternatively make your way through Greeks Gate and take a stroll through the Mdina Ditch Gardens.

3. Gozo Salt Pans

The Salt pans in Gozo’s northerly coast just up from Marsalforn are a transfixing landmark and of vital importance, upholding an ancient trade and skill, whilst harvesting one of Gozo’s important natural raw materials – Salt. Apart from being a place of work, these salt pans are stunning to look at due to their picture-perfect square patterns hewn out of the ground. Take a stroll by the coast or sit down and enjoy the reflections in the puddles of water, the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks and the smells of the sea.

4. At sea

Chartering a boat is not the cheapest option to get away from the crowds and relax, but it’s certainly an effective one! Once out on that calm and vast Mediterranean water, you’ll feel free and at one with the clear blue sky and water below. With a number of boat charter options, you may easily find the type of boat you want, be it a speedboat, rib or sailing boat. Head out, soak up some vitamin D, jump in the sea and feel your worries melt away.

5. The Phoenicia Malta gardens

With 7 acres of landscaped gardens, The Phoenicia Malta offers something few properties can. Walk through the beautiful gardens, stop at the relaxation garden to read a book, enjoy the views of the harbour or enjoy sunset by the infinity pool. There are numerous private spots around the garden to relax and unwind. And when you’re relaxed enough, you can head inside for a delectable dinner at The Phoenix restaurant or your favourite cocktail at The Club Bar!

Speak to The Phoenicia Malta concierge for more advice on any of the above locations and excursions.