Malta: A Mediterranean Destination Filled with Authenticity and Curated Exclusive Experiences and a Jewish Heritage dating back to the Roman Times

Malta, an archipelago located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, has been acclaimed for its luxurious accommodations, warm climate, and 7,000 years of history. A visit to Malta is to immerse oneself in centuries of history while enjoying the very best of modern life and curated experiences to meet each traveler’s personal desires. At a time when luxury travelers are looking for more private experiences in a safe environment, Malta is especially attractive because it is less crowded than mainland Europe offers luxury for less, and is English speaking.

Jewish Heritage Malta

Malta is now promoting its Jewish Heritage which dates back to the 4th and 5th centuries during Roman Times.  Today, a community of about 150 Jews, although the smallest in the Mediterranean Basin, is very active with a small synagogue led by Rabbi Reuben Ohayon, a third-generation Maltese. There are several Jewish Catacombs and three Jewish Cemeteries, the oldest surviving Jewish burial site dates back to 1784.  The Maltese Government commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day and was the only country during WW2 that allowed Jews to come without visas. Today there are non-stop flights between Tel Aviv and Malta (only 2 ½ hours). For a New York Jewish Travel Guide story on Jewish Heritage Malta  click here: http://newyorkjewishtravelguide.com/2017/04/28/the-hidden-gem-discovering-the-jewish-heritage-of-malta-and-its-history/

 

Menorah – Photo Courtesy Malta Tourism Authority

Luxury and Private Accommodations

Malta has been acclaimed for its luxurious accommodations, including luxury hotels, historic boutique hotels, Palazzos, private villas, and historic farmhouses.  Stay in a restored 16th or 17th-century palazzo, delight in luxury accommodation built into fortifications of an ancient city, with views across the Grand Harbour, or seek out the character of the many beautiful boutique hotels dotted throughout Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage capital, as well as throughout Malta and its sister island of Gozo.

Curated Private Experiences

Taste of History

Heritage Malta has introduced a gastronomic twist to its historic sites.  Taste of History is an opportunity for guests in a group to indulge in traditional Maltese food with original recipes from history. The menus are carefully curated by a team of professional Maltese chefs, coming together for a private dining experience where the chefs recreate culinary delights in the actual venues where Inquisitors, Corsairs, Knights, and Libertines once dined.

Gastronomy

In addition to 5  Michelin Star Restaurants, Malta offers travelers a diverse culinary experience, from the traditional plate of eclectic Mediterranean food curated by a relationship between the Maltese and the countless civilizations that occupied the island, to the never-ending vineyards delivering the finest wine. One can also enjoy gourmet meals cooked by a private local chef at your luxury villa or historic farmhouse in Gozo.

 

Valletta, Capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site- Photo Courtesy Malta Tourism Authority

Experience Wine Exclusivity 

Malta’s vineyards invite their elite visitors to enjoy exclusive access to their tasting rooms. Guests can step onto one of their terraces and enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards and striking scenery of the Maltese countryside, with the Mediterranean coast or the medieval city of Mdina shimmering in the distance. Now winning accolades in international competitions, Maltese vineyards are renowned in particular for their high-quality boutique wines. Connoisseurs will especially appreciate the indigenous Maltese grapes – the girgentina and the gellewza.

Private After Hour Tours of Historic Sites

Many historic sites can be booked for after-hour private tours.  St. John’s Co-Cathedral Tours is one example. Completed in 1577, The St. John’s Co-Cathedral was designed by Girolamo Cassar, a praised Maltese architect also responsible for building the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta. Other historic sites that can be booked: Hal Salflieni Hypogeum, The Ġgantija Temples, Manuel Theatre (Teatru Manoel)

Historic Palazzos

Owners of grand Maltese residences have opened their doors to allow visitors exclusive, behind-the-scenes access. There are opportunities for visitors to gain privileged access to historic palazzos as well as to learn the history of Malta’s most prominent noble families. Examples include  Casa Bernard, Casa Rocca Piccola,  Palazzo Parisio Palace Gardens, Palazzo Falson  

 

“Mdina, a walled city and the original capital of Malta, also known as “the Silent City” Photo Courtesy Malta Tourism Authority

 Authentic Gozo, One of Malta’s Sister Islands

Travelers are able to enjoy the island of Gozo while staying in one of their historic luxury farmhouses. The advantage of staying on this island is that it’s small compared to its sister island of Malta, with beautiful beaches, historic sites, a great variety of local restaurants, and nothing is more than a short drive away.  Not your usual farmhouse, there is a wide range of options with modern amenities,  most with private pools and stunning views. They are ideal getaways for couples or families seeking privacy. For more information, visit here.

Sailing Private Maltese Yacht Charters

The secluded bays, warm waters, and uninhabited islands of Malta are a perfect combination for a private day on a beautiful Maltese charter. Private boat charters are an opportunity for the luxury traveler to explore the caves and rock formations of Gozo Island, sail South of Malta to Marsakala Bay, take a dip in St. Peter’s Pool, or even explore the Blue Grotto before sunset.

For more information, visit  https://www.visitmalta.com/en/home, @visitmalta on Twitter, @VisitMalta on Facebook, and @visitmalta on Instagram.

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere.  Valletta built by the proud Knights of St. John is one of the UNESCO sites and was a European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious, and military architecture from the ancient, medieval, and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife, and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.

New York Jewish Travel Guide