Luxury Hotel · Malta
The Phoenicia Malta
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At a glance
The Phoenicia Malta is a five-star Art Deco grande dame at the gates of Valletta, set in seven acres of private gardens above the harbor.
Malta’s first five-star hotel opened in 1947, and The Phoenicia has been setting the island’s standard ever since. Built from Maltese limestone in confident Art Deco lines, it stands just outside Valletta’s City Gate, close enough to walk into the UNESCO-listed capital in a few minutes.
Seven acres of private gardens roll down from the terrace toward the Bastion Pool, an infinity edge that looks across the yacht basin to the 16th-century walls. Inside, 132 rooms and suites pair the building’s black-and-white bones with warmer, brighter touches from a recent restoration.
The royal history is real, Princess Elizabeth danced in the Grand Ballroom in 1949, but so is the welcome. The Phoenicia features same-sex couples in its own marketing and hosts LGBTQ+ weddings, which makes it an easy choice for two travelers who want grand without the stuffiness.
Highlights
- Malta’s first five-star hotel, at the gates of Valletta
- Seven acres of private gardens above a bastion infinity pool
- Warm LGBTQ+ welcome and same-sex weddings by the harbor
Accommodation
Superior Room
Double Bed, Complimentary Mini Bar, Accessible Features
Two Bedroom Deluxe Room
Two Double Bedrooms, Twin Beds, Views of The Grand Harbour
Further information
Dining
Contessa is the main event, a garden conservatory named for Countess Strickland, serving Southern Mediterranean cooking that leans on Maltese ingredients and seasonal menus. Tables spill onto a terrace above the gardens, best at dusk when the lights come on below. The Palm Court lounge handles afternoon tea and cocktails under the Art Deco ceiling, and poolside service keeps lunch easy on the Bastion Pool deck.
Wellness
The underground spa is a cool, quiet counterpoint to the gardens above. Alongside a fitness center, there’s an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, salt room and multi-jet showers, plus treatment rooms for bodywork, facials and water therapy. Couples can book the thermal suite privately for two hours, which is the move if you’d rather not share. In warm months, ask about a massage out in the greenery.
Location
Location is the whole pitch here. The Phoenicia stands right at Valletta’s City Gate, so the UNESCO-listed capital is a five-minute walk from the lobby. That puts St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace and the Baroque backstreets on your doorstep, along with Valletta’s low-key bar scene after dark. The Triton Fountain marks the entrance, and Malta International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car.
Malta
Malta’s official languages are Maltese and English, the latter spoken fluently across the islands, making it one of the most straightforward destinations in the Mediterranean for English-speaking travelers. The currency is the Euro, and tipping is appreciated but not expected in luxury properties where service charges are typically included. The country operates on Central European Time, one hour ahead of GMT in winter and two hours ahead in summer.
Our Experts
Malta is a gem that too many people overlook when planning their dream Mediterranean getaway. My favorite area is the island of Gozo and its tranquil Blue Lagoon.
I first went to Malta to discover more about the country's fascinating history; little did I know it's also home to some of Europe's most gorgeous and unspoiled beaches.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in tailor-made vacations and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury vacations, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalized experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with traveling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveler, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalized service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ vacations?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalized itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first inquiry to homecoming. No call center, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.