You feel like royalty from the moment you arrive at this unique 17th-century former palazzo, hidden away in the romantic, medieval walled city of Mdina.
The Xara Palace, pronounced “shara”, is the ultimate in refined glamour and luxury and has welcomed everyone from Madonna, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to Prince Charles and Camilla.
The five-star boutique property is within the stunning ancient stone walls of Malta’s former capital, instantly recognisable to Game of Thrones fans as it was used for scenes in King’s Landing.
We take a look at everything you need to know about this hotel - check out our review below.
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The style
Part of the Relais & Chateaux family, all 17 rooms are different with their own memorable features and antiques. Four must-have rooms are over two levels with their own hot tub on a private terrace.
Feel pampered with modern luxuries of monsoon showers, air conditioning and huge beds amid historic grandeur.
Charming original stone carvings and even a confession box from its previous life as a palace are at every turn in this chic haven. Excellent service from the friendly hotel team allows you to feel carefree.
Food and drink
On the top floor is Michelin-starred De Mondion restaurant. It’s one of only five in Malta to currently have the Michelin seal of approval. Chef Kevin Bonello is a homegrown talent who has been with the hotel for 21 years.
Dine under the stars with his beautifully plated farm-to-fork five-course tasting menu that looks like artwork, tastes superb and caters for vegans in an exciting way.
The hotel has a passion for helping the environment too, winning an Innovation in Sustainability Award for its ground-breaking aquaponics system.
It uses 40% of its kitchen waste to help create a super fertiliser to grow vegetables, which are then used by the hotel’s restaurants.
Take in the sun
Malta’s nearby capital, Valletta, is the sunniest place in Europe, with 2,957hours of sunshine a year.
Take in the rays from the hotel’s roof sun terrace with a pink cocktail that uses the flourishing prickly pear cactus plant grown around the island, or grab a local lager, Cisk.
The hotel has a good-sized pool with deck chairs outside the city walls, a few minutes’ drive away at Xara Gardens. Staff will drive you over and pick you up for free whenever you want to go.
What to do
Get lost in the meandering alleyways of Mdina’s beautiful old city. It’s called the silent city as cars belonging to anyone other than residents are banned within the walls.
The bakery at the Crystal Palace bar is renowned for making Malta’s best pastizzi pastries, filled with ricotta and other delights. Or picnic on hobz biz-zejt, Maltese snacks, in an olive grove owned by Ivan Galea.
Wine tasting
The only place to indulge in superb Maltese wines is in Malta as a limited amount means they don’t export. Take a tour of the 400-year-old cellars at Marsovin Winery. There are four of Marsovin’s wines to taste including a full-bodied 15% red from this fourth generation family business. They are paired with delicious local food in a 75-minute wine-tasting experience for £50pp. Find out more at marsovinwinery.com.
A day out
Nicknamed the 20 minute island as you can always reach the sea within that time, it’s an easy trip to enjoy the stunning blue waters.
There are 150 bottlenose dolphins in this area and Eco Marine Malta takes you on a bio-sailing tour to see pods in the wild. Passionate experts Patricia and Francesca make it a fun day with tales about protecting nature and their adventures, including a calf they track and have named Harry Potter. Find out more at ecomarinemalta.com.mt.
Best of all, there’s time to jump in the Med to swim in a blissful grotto surrounded by white cliffs. Definitely a tranquil way to get your mojo back.
Book the holiday
Stay there: Rooms at the Xara Palace hotel in Mdina, Malta, start from around £200 a night. Find out more at xarapalace.com.mt.
Get there: Air Malta flies from Heathrow to Malta from £134 return. Regional flights available from across the UK. Find out more at airmalta.com.
More info: Head to visitmalta.com.
