Set above the Grand Harbour in the historic heart of Valletta, Iniala Valletta is a design-led collection of restored Maltese palazzos, townhouses and residences where heritage architecture meets contemporary creativity. Spread across the city’s atmospheric St Barbara Bastion and surrounding streets, the property combines dramatic harbour views, highly individual interiors and intuitive service with a distinctly residential feel. It is a stay for those who like their luxury with a sense of place – and a little theatre. The Hotel Rather than a single traditional hotel building, Iniala Valletta unfolds across a collection of historic spaces, each with its own character. Rooms, suites and private residences range from intimate harbour-facing rooms to expansive residences with private terraces and plunge pools. Original limestone, vaulted ceilings and Maltese architectural details are paired with sculptural contemporary design, curated art and richly considered materials, with interiors created by a roster of international designers including Autoban and A-Cero. The result is eclectic without feeling overdone, and distinctly connected to Valletta. Amenities Gastronomy is a major part of the experience, led by ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, the property's two-Michelin-starred restaurant perched above the Grand Harbour. For something more intimate, ION at Sea takes the experience onto the water aboard a Riva 44 yacht, while the Ark Lounge offers a more relaxed setting for cocktails, coffee and afternoon drinks. The hotel also has the subterranean Essensi Spa and a state-of-the-art gym, with personalised treatments and wellbeing experiences woven into the stay. Beyond the hotel, Iniala’s position makes exploring Valletta effortless. Step outside and you are immediately amongst the city’s honey-coloured limestone streets, historic churches, independent boutiques and lively cafés, while the Grand Harbour provides an ever-changing backdrop. For travellers who want Malta’s history and culture, but with an unapologetically contemporary edge, Iniala Valletta offers the city at its most immersive – part private residence, part design hotel and part gastronomic destination.

Hidden behind the limestone walls of Attard, one of Malta’s historic Three Villages, Casa Bonavita is an 18th-century house turned intimate 17-room hotel, created by The Rug Company founders Christopher and Suzanne Sharp. Restored over several years with a deeply personal eye, the property feels more like an elegant Mediterranean home than a traditional hotel, filled with antiques, art, textiles and original architectural details. Surrounded by lush gardens and citrus trees, it offers a quieter, more considered way to experience Malta. The Hotel No two rooms at Casa Bonavita are alike. Spread across the Main House and Dower House, each has its own character, combining original 18th-century features with hand-selected furnishings, artwork and distinctive decorative details. Rooms range from 24-square-metre Standard rooms to spacious Suites, while the standout Folly Suite occupies its own historic oval-shaped building within a private gated garden, complete with its own swimming pool. Amenities The house revolves around its gardens and dining spaces, with a restaurant set within an exquisitely frescoed room and opening onto a flagstone courtyard beneath orange trees. Mediterranean cooking takes a contemporary approach, with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and a strong emphasis on simplicity and freshness. There is also a spa with sauna, cold plunge and treatments, alongside two swimming pools and quiet garden spaces designed for lingering. Much of Casa Bonavita’s charm lies in its sense of discovery – a tucked-away courtyard here, a frescoed room there, or an unexpected piece of art around the next corner. With its intimate scale, highly individual interiors and residential atmosphere, Casa Bonavita feels less like somewhere you check into and more like being invited into an exceptionally stylish Maltese home. It is a particularly compelling choice for travellers looking beyond the island’s larger resorts and seeking somewhere with genuine character, creativity and a strong sense of place.