April 2022 - The Phoenicia Malta

6 Things to do in Malta this Summer

With most of the local Covid-19 restrictions being lifted on Monday 2nd May, it’s now easier than ever to travel to the beautiful islands of Malta and Gozo.

Despite their small size, the Maltese Islands have many sights and activities for you and your travel companions to enjoy. Below, we have put together a few activities you may wish to experience whilst in Malta.

1. Spend a day in Valletta

Step out of The Phoenicia Malta hotel and walk into Valletta, the capital of Malta. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site, well known for its incredible churches, palaces, and museums. Enjoy the day visiting the new Parliament building, Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, limestone streets, MUZA art museum, and then stop at one the many restaurants and cafés for lunch or coffee.

2. Day Trip to Gozo Island

Gozo, with its spectacular scenery, gorgeous beaches, and fascinating historical sites, is an island worth visiting. Walk through Citadel, a fortified city like Mdina in mainland Malta, or Marsalforn, the main resort town, with its excellent outdoor cafes and restaurants. Ir-Ramla il-Hamra (Ramla Bay) is the largest sandy beach on Gozo Island.

3. Diving

The Maltese islands offer some of the best diving in the Mediterranean and even in the world. With its numerous caves, reefs and wrecks, which can be reached from either the shore or by boat, diving in Malta is suitable for beginners, advanced and technical divers. Dive shops may be found across both main islands.

4. Day Trip to Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon, located on the island of Comino, the smallest of the Maltese archipelago, is one of Malta’s not-so-hidden gems. It is a must-visit spot known for its crystal-clear blue waters and jagged cliffs. The beach is very easily accessible via boat crossings located in the North, or even day trips departing from the Sliema area. Facilities are limited on the island, however one can find a number of food trucks which provide all you need for a day at the beach.

5. Visit the Best Beaches in Malta

Given that Malta is an island, beaches are expected. Across the coast, one can find numerous picturesque beaches, some of which are rocky whilst others are sandy. The most popular sandy beaches to visit in Malta include Ghar Tuffieha, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, and Paradise Bay. The best rocky beaches include Ghajn Lapsi, St Thomas Bay, St Paul’s Bay and Sliema seafront.

6. Attend a summer festival or concert

Malta hosts a number of summer events, including music festivals and concerts covering an array of genres. From the Malta International Music Festival (6 June – 14 July) to the yearly Isle of MTV (19 July) and even the popular Lewis Capaldi (2 July), you may rest assured that there is an event for you! And best all of all, most events are a stone’s throw away from The Phoenicia Malta!

Base yourself at The Phoenicia Malta, perfectly situated just outside the capital city of Valletta, and take advantage of our Offers & Packages.

A chat with Sue Gregory

This month’s Artist in Residence welcomes Sue Gregory, a relatively new painter who discovered her love for art during Covid times. The tight restrictions across the island meant that people found themselves spending more time at home. In certain instances, this also gave people the opportunity to explore activities they previously never found time for, such as the case with Sue Gregory.

Sue explains that she had always been good at drawing and that as a child she was constantly with a sketch pad and pencil in hand. She adds, ‘I never, however, attended art lessons and never ever tried painting using a paintbrush. I only tried during the Covid lockdown, using a small notebook and children’s watercolours.’

A former children’s teacher for 30 years, Sue took the leap and decided to venture into being a full-time artist. Not for a lack of passion for teaching, but because she had discovered a new passion for painting. ‘I felt that I could not give my 100% to both. So, with the support of my husband, I took the plunge and called it a day, and started a brand-new way of life,’ she shares.

Walking through Sue’s first exhibition at The Phoenicia Malta’s Palm Court Lounge, titled A Mélange of Moods, one will quickly notice that the artist explores a number of different styles and techniques. She shares that the most time-consuming would be her ink and watercolour buildings, as they are very difficult and detailed. When asked whether she has a favourite style, Sue explains, ‘I don’t really have a favourite, because I have many different styles which reflect my personality and mood on that particular day. But I do love painting flowers!’

When asked what inspires her and how she seeks inspiration when this is lacking, Sue shares that she tends to find inspiration everywhere. ‘Anything can inspire me: a tree, a person walking in the road, a picture on a magazine, a quaint house, a beautiful antique building. Just about anything! Depending on what I feel like painting on the day.’ Sue adds that she likes to take photos wherever she goes, which she keeps in a folder named ‘Pictures to paint’, this way she’s never out of inspiration.

Sue’s opening night proved to be a very successful launch, with Palm Court Lounge buzzing with excitement and positive energy. ‘I was amazed at the feedback’, Sue admits. ‘I was fortunate to sell a third of my paintings on the first day and have since replaced them with new paintings which I luckily had already framed. I was thrilled and very proud of my success. I am grateful to everyone who helped make my launch a success.’

Discussing her plans for the future, Sue shares that she will definitely continue to learn and plans to take more online courses, develop techniques and continue to paint as long as her health allows. ‘I also teach art to children, and I intend to develop this path further,’ she adds, a clear demonstration that her passion for teaching children is still very much alive. ‘I shall start working towards my next exhibition!’ she concludes enthusiastically.

We would like to thank the talented Sue Gregory for choosing The Phoenicia Malta as the venue for her first exhibition, and we would like to wish her every success in her new journey.

The Top 15 Reasons to Choose The Phoenicia Malta for your next MICE Event

Being an island in the Mediterranean, Malta is known for being a popular holiday destination. But did you know that Malta is also ideal for MICE events? Here are 15 reasons why these beautiful islands and The Phoenicia Malta are ideal for your next MICE event.

1. Connectivity. Malta is located in the middle of the Mediterranean and is serviced by an extensive network of international flight connections, with daily flights to and from major cities in Europe.

2. Climate. With 300 days of sunshine a year and mild temperatures throughout autumn and winter, this Mediterranean Island offers many possibilities throughout the year. Who says you cannot work and simultaneously catch up on some Vitamin D?

3. Location. The Phoenicia Malta is centrally located and is just a 15-minute drive from the Malta International Airport as well as the island’s main attractions, meaning no time is wasted commuting. The property is also located on the doorstep of the Capital City of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only does this make it the island’s cultural and historical hub, but it is also brimming with attractions, shops, bars and restaurants.

4. Class. Malta’s first 5-star hotel, The Phoenicia Malta is iconic and elegant. Adorning the hotel are high ceilings, natural light, marble floors, stylish textiles and fresh flowers.

5. Meeting Spaces. The hotel offers a number of different spaces, suitable for various group sizes, be it a group of 10 or a group of 250 guests. From the Knights Room and Green Lounges for smaller groups, to the Maryanski and Grand Ballroom for larger groups, The Phoenicia has all the amenities to accommodate your party.

6. Hotel Facilities. The Phoenicia Malta’s hotel facilities are second to none. With a number of dining options, a luxurious Deep Nature Spa, 7 acres of manicured gardens and a luscious infinity pool, one can experience various ways to relax after a day of meetings.

7. Catering. Our highly talented kitchen brigade will ensure that all meals satisfy your group’s requirements, be it during breakfast, lunch or even a quick night-time snack. Special menus can also be crafted for your group, according to your needs.

8. Staff. Our staff are renowned for their great hospitality and professionalism, constantly ensuring maximum satisfaction of all our guests. And with our diverse team comprising of over 30 nationalities, you can rest assured that there won’t be any language barriers!

9. Local connectivity. Being located right outside the city means numerous connections. Besides the taxi stand located right on our street, just a few metres away one can also find Malta’s main bus terminus, servicing all parts of the island. For those who love the sea, why not hop onto a ferry? Taking you to Sliema, the Three Cities, or Gozo, these ferries provide a fast and scenic way to reach your destination.

10. Experiential Experience. Both The Phoenicia Malta as well as the Maltese Islands will provide you with an unforgettable experience, through different sights, tastes, feelings and sounds. Malta is unique, and so is The Phoenicia Malta, which has long been regarded as the island’s most iconic property.

11. People. The Maltese are famous for their Mediterranean warmth and hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms. This is also the reason why the island has attracted several expatriates, together with the fact that locals are generally bilingual, so communication is very easy.

12. Diverse culture. The Maltese welcome is as warm and deep as the country’s 7,000-year-old culture, embracing eras of influence from the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Europeans and more. It all adds up to a rich brew and fascinating backdrop for events.

13. Gaming HUB. Malta was the first EU member state to regulate the online gaming market in 2004 and has established a significant gaming hub with global relevance. Since 2004, the gaming industry in Malta has mushroomed and technological advancements have paved the way for new products.

14. Yacht /Jet registration. Sitting right in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea and a booming European Union member state, the island is perfect to register yachts and aeroplanes. Apart from a brisk registration process, it offers a favourable regime for vat minimisation through a leasing setup.

15. Film industry. Filmmakers from all over the world are drawn to Malta’s amazing topography, old cities and seaside locations as a backdrop for their plots and stories. The ever-growing film industry in Malta has brought the likes of Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Sean Connery, Russell Crowe, Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt (and many more) to our shores.