The Phoenicia Malta

Character and identity

Originally built in 1939 for Lord and Lady Strickland, The Phoenicia is Valletta's art-deco grande dame, perched just outside the walls of the UNESCO-listed capital with sprawling gardens running down toward Marsamxett Harbor. A multimillion-dollar refresh by U.K. designer Peter Young brought colonial-chic interiors in cheerful Mediterranean patterns with blue and pink accents across 132 rooms. Palm Court Lounge anchors the ground floor with daily high tea, Contessa cooks garden-to-table from the on-site vegetable patch, and The Club Bar runs live music most nights. Phoenicia Spa & Wellness adds an indoor pool, sauna, steam and salt rooms.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The draw here is the setting: a 1930s landmark with proper gardens and a harbour-view infinity pool right at the gates of Valletta, which no modern competitor in Malta can replicate. Book a balcony room (skip the third floor) facing the harbour, come for the shoulder seasons when the gardens and terrace dining are at their best, and budget time for high tea at Palm Court.