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As the island’s first five-star hotel, The Phoenicia Malta has set the standard for timeless luxury and heartfelt hospitality from the day it opened its doors just outside Valletta several decades ago. Each year, as the grand Christmas tree rises in the lobby and the scent of spiced mulled wine drifts through the warm and stylish Palm Court Lounge, this iconic hotel transforms into a haven of festive charm. Celebration at The Phoenicia Malta feels effortless, with every detail touched with magic – and not just because it is Christmas. The landmark restaurant, Contessa, is ideal for both business lunches and daytime dining – think of an elegant end-of-year lunch with your team, or that special December birthday gathering with friends and family. Here’s where Mediterranean flavours and refined presentation meet the joy of conversation and delight in the detail, ready to mark another year’s successes, raise a glass to new beginnings, or simply share delicious food in great company. With the temperature dropping outdoors, there’s never been a better excuse to linger among friends within the luxury and comfort of The Phoenicia Malta for just a little longer. At the hotel’s ‘Festive Sparkling Brunch’, mornings blend into lunchtime with ease. Here, you and your guests can toast the season with your favourite festive fizz, while savouring a cleverly varied menu that bridges the gap between breakfast and lunch. Delight in pastries, fruits, seafood, a cheese board and cold cuts as you build towards lunchtime, where hot dishes such as a classic carvery roast with a festive five-star twist and assorted mouth-watering desserts await. Afternoons at The Phoenicia Malta offer another ideal moment to press ‘pause’ for a calming catch-up amid the Christmas rush. Palm Court Lounge – with its stylish decor and Art Deco aesthetic – provides a refined setting for a ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’, complete with freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, daily handmade pastries, a curated selection of teas and, of course, prosecco and Champagne. As evening falls, the festivities need not end. The Club Bar invites guests to select from the menu of expertly crafted classic cocktails and seasonal signatures, relax into its plush vintage setting and unwind for a post-work get-together, a festive nightcap or pre-dinner drinks. And if you’re making a thoughtful gift of your The Phoenicia Malta festive moment, here the hotel can also add a touch of festive magic for under the tree. The newly launched gift voucher site makes Christmas gift shopping easy, with vouchers for many of the hotel’s unique experiences, from delectable afternoon teas to luxurious spa treatments. Beyond its celebrated dining destinations, The Phoenicia Malta boasts a collection of elegant spaces for private events. From the grandeur of the Grand Ballroom – once graced by royalty – to the intimate Maryanski Porch, every venue combines heritage, sophistication and the hotel’s exceptional service. The dedicated events team ensures that every gathering reflects the host’s vision, whether it’s an end-of-year party, an anniversary dinner or a festive cocktail reception beneath twinkling lights. For those wishing to extend the celebration, there’s no need to rush home. With 132 rooms and suites, guests can wake up to stunning views of the harbour or of the hotel’s seven-acre landscaped gardens, savour a leisurely breakfast, or kick-start their New Year’s resolutions in style at the Phoenicia Spa & Wellness. “The festive season is a time to reconnect, to celebrate achievements and create memories together,” Robyn Pratt, The Phoenicia Malta general manager, says. “We take pride in offering experiences that bring people closer and mark the moments that matter. If it’s important to you, it’s important to us. Every experience here is defined by the care, quality and warmth that have made The Phoenicia Malta a cornerstone of Maltese hospitality for so long. We look forward to celebrating the season with you.” For more information, visit www.phoeniciamalta.com.
