The Xara Palace Hotel

Checking into the sole hotel among Mdina’s honey-hued, palazzi-lined streets feels like quite the honour. The Xara Palace channels its aristocratic past – perched on age-old bastions, it’s immaculately restored; original art, spiral staircases, ornate mirrors and intricate headboards evoke elegant grandeur in 17 rooms and suites. Depending on your choice, views stretch out over the countryside, the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral, the hotel’s glass-roofed courtyard or the baroque Vilhena Palace. Stay in the Executive Duplex Suite to take it all in from the Jacuzzi on your private terrace. Or take a seat at Michelin-starred, Mediterranean rooftop restaurant The de Mondion – don’t miss their Gozitan octopus with unagi, swede and capers, Maltese wine to match. Next door, Trattoria AD1530 is the go-to for casual lunches – platters, pizzas and pastas – with Palazzo Falson, The Carmelite church and Domvs Romana a stone’s throw away.

Doubles from £211. 00 356 2145 0560, xaracollection.com

Words by Jas Matulewicz.

This review was taken from the August/September 2022 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.