Christmas Calm and New Year Fireworks. A Malta Story Worth Repeating
Why you should consider Malta for a fabulous seasonal escape … and only a short flight away.
Valletta NYE Fireworks
We spent Christmas and New Year in Malta and left already planning our return. What unfolded over those two weeks was a rare balance of stillness and celebration, grounding and joy, delivered through two very different but beautifully complementary stays.
Our festive base was Verdala Wellness Resort, part of the AX Privilege Group. Relatively new and confidently contemporary, Verdala has an open, flowing ambience that immediately settles you. During Christmas it was dressed with real care, crowned by a striking tree in the foyer that brought warmth without overwhelm.
Verdala Resort Malta Infinity Pool Area
Space, Light, and Views That Amazed
Our Junior Suite was vast in the best possible way. The balcony alone felt big enough to host a wedding, opening onto sweeping views across the Maltese landscape that stretched for miles. Mornings and evenings from that vantage point became quiet rituals rather than moments to rush through. Verdala invites you to stay in, slow down, and feel held.
Food With Intention
Dining at The Grill was consistently outstanding. Each dish felt considered and balanced, curated by Michelin-level chefs who clearly care about flavour, nourishment, and experience rather than theatrics. It was food made with love, and you could taste it.
Wellness That Gets It Right
Verdala’s spa and wellbeing spaces are a highlight. A well-equipped gym sits alongside a truly beautiful yoga and mindfulness area, calm, light-filled, and thoughtfully designed. The staff were exceptional. Attentive, warm, and instinctively supportive without intrusion. The massage therapies and classes hit exactly the right note for us, delivering deep relaxation and a sense of genuine restoration. This was wellness done quietly well.
Verdal Spa Pool Area
A Magical Christmas in Rabat
Spending Christmas in Rabat itself was unexpectedly special. We joined local processions, wandered through the streets, and spent time chatting with welcoming locals who were generous with their stories and traditions. It felt authentic and human, a reminder that festive travel can be about connection as much as escape.
From Stillness to Celebration in Valletta
Amazing Valletta Vibes at Christmas
After a week, we moved to The Rosselli, another AX Privilege property with a completely different rhythm. Right in the heart of Valletta, its central location made it the perfect base for New Year celebrations. History on every corner, energy in the streets, and a city alive with anticipation.
The highlight came at midnight on New Year’s Eve. An extraordinary fireworks display over the Grand Harbour, a moment of shared celebration that felt genuinely moving. It was the perfect contrast to the calm of Rabat and a powerful way to welcome the year ahead.
Why We Will Be Back
Malta surprised us. In the best way. Rich in culture, generous in spirit, and endlessly varied, it offers far more than a single visit allows. Verdala delivered deep rest and renewal. The Rosselli brought vibrancy, history, and celebration. Together, they showed us how beautifully Malta holds both.
We left knowing we had only scratched the surface of this jewel of an island and fully intend to return soon to explore more of what it offers.
If you are considering Malta and want stays that balance calm, character, and a strong sense of place, these two properties set an exceptionally high bar.