Grand Life - August

S um m e r 2 0 1 2 e d itio n

Grand Life

EDITORIAL

General Information about the Hotel The hotel’s outlets Level 7 Business Centre Level 6 Hotel Entrance

During every moment of your stay, the Grand Hotel Excelsior, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts is committed to making your stay a memorable one.

An intimate event or a family celebration; a reunion with old friends or a new business connection. We promise intuitive service, unmatched attention to detail, and sophisticated style providing moments that create long-lasting memories.

We invite you to Live the Grand Life at the Grand Hotel Excelsior. With this hotel as your home you are only two minutes away from Valletta, Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a unique opportunity to re-live Malta’s rich history whilst unwinding during a Mediterranean Luxury Escape.

Our prime location allows for easy access to all tourist locations around the Maltese Islands. We highly recommend that you take advantage or our private tours around Malta and Gozo and discover the unique and Truly Mediterranean experience in style.

Le Grand Spa compliments our luxurious accommodation, with excellent spa and wellness facilities. Its relaxing atmosphere is the perfect starting point for the journey toward equilibrium between your body, mind and spirit. We offer an indoor (heated) and outdoor swimming pool and also have the only private sandy beach in the capital city Valletta.

We wish you a pleasant stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, and look forward to with you the Grand Life.

Our reception desk is manned and at your service round the clock and can be reached by dialing 0 Harbour View Lounge serving a selection of hot and cold beverages, wine, alcoholic and non alcoholic cocktails 24 hours, 7 days a week Chartroom Lounge serving Traditional Afternoon Tea daily between 1500 and 1700hrs Level 5 À la Carte menu and Themed Buffet nights served in Admiral’s Landing between 1830 and 2230hrs Level 4 A lavish spread is available for Breakfast in Spice Island, level 4, between 0630 and 1030hrs Level 1 Le Grand Spa is open daily between 0900 and 1900hrs Tiki Bar is open daily between 1900 to 2300hrs Yacht Club is open daily between 1900 to 2300hrs Guest Services: Room service is available 24 hours Check out time is 1200hrs noon

Norbert Grixti General Manager

Please let us know whether there is anything else you require during your stay. Nothing is impossible and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure your ultimate comfort and wellbeing.

Grand Hotel Excelsior

EarnsTripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

H

onoured as a Highly Rated 5 star Property as Reviewed

by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site Grand Hotel Excelsior has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

“Grand Hotel Excelsior is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said General Manager Mr.Norbert Grixti. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience during their stay in Malta, and this accolade is evidence that we really believe our hard work is translating into positive traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.”

“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travellers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijingto remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers agreat customer experience.”

Festivities

the Santa Marija Convoy

SS Ohio entering the Grand Harbour - 15th August 1942

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he Feast of Santa Marija is celebrated on the 15th of August, and for the Maltese population this religious holiday bears a very deep, historical significance. Santa Marija is the perfect day for you if you love festas, food, colour and joyous noise all meshed up in a magnificent display of fireworks and revelry. Santa Marija is however also celebrated solemnly and with gusto in the following localities whose parishes honour her: Â Attard, Mosta, Mqabba, Qrendi, Gudja, Ghaxaq, and Victoria, Gozo.

During World War II, the Maltese population was saved from starvation and provided with enough supplies to sustain the islands thanks to a food convoy that arrived during the week of the feast day.

This convoy arrival is seen by many to have been a big turning point of the war in the Mediterranean as otherwise the Maltese would have had no alternative but to surrender.

In August 1942, Operation Pedestal was mounted from the United Kingdom with the aim to relieve Malta. The convoy was intercepted by the Axis who deployed 20 submarines, 19 motor torpedo boats and over 850 aircraft. Hence they faced a gruelling five-day ordeal which saw nine out of fourteen merchant ships succumbing to the relentless round-the-clock attacks.

Four of the ships that survived reached Malta on the 13th and 14th of August. However there was no sign of the sturdy tanker Ohio, which was loaded with vital oil, fuel and kerosene supplies without which Malta could not hope to survive. The tanker had been singled out from the start and faced ferocious attacks and was lying crippled some kilometres off Malta. The ship had been torpedoed and holed,

a series of fires were started and controlled, her boilers blew up and her engines failed; twice abandoned and twice rebounded- the tanker would not sink- as if aware that Malta’s survival depended on her!

On August 15th 1942 on the feast of Santa Marija, the Ohio towed by two destroyers, Ledbury and Penn, and one minesweeper, Rye- entered the Grand Harbour. She discharged her cargo and no sooner were the 10,000 tons of precious fuel oil and kerosene extracted from her mangled hull, the Ohio sank and rested on the bottom.

This epic convoy is recorded in Malta’s National War Museum where many items are on display, which include photographs of the fourteen ships; a graphic plan showing the route by the convoy and the locations of where the ships were sunk; the helm and nameboard of ‘Ohio’ amongst many other fascinating historical artefacts.

For more information on how to get to the National War Museum or about the celebrations in different localities in Malta, please do not hesitate to ask members of our staff.

Maltese getting their food rations

1. Soldiers searching rubble after another Axis air raid attack upon the island. (Photo by British Official Photo/British Official Photo/Time & Life Pictures/***** Images)

Life During the

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he role of Malta in the Second World War reflects the strategic position that it held in the Mediterranean as it acted as a gateway between the continents of Europe and Africa seeing as it was Britain’s most important Mediterranean naval base. Hence, when Mussolini plunged Italy into the war in 1940, Malta knew that it was destined to play a frontline role. In fact, Malta holds the record for the heaviest, sustained bombing attack: some 154 days and nights and 6,700 tons of bombs.

The people in Malta faced many challenges.

Those who lived in the capital Valletta and “The Three Cities” had to be evacuated because of the danger of bombing and were also forced underground into a network of bomb shelters that could reportedly house nearly half of the island’s population. Due to the ferocious bombing, many towns and villages were reduced to rubble and hence, most people were spending long periods in the shelters as a form of protection.

When their morale was at its lowest, there came a glimmer of light, of hope, of joy for such a long-suffering people. The bravery and courage portrayed by the Islands population was not gone unnoticed and on the 15th April, 1942, King George VI awarded the island the George Cross, which is considered to the highest civilian medal, for its peoples bravery and heroism.

“To honour her brave people, I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that long be famous in history” Once the war ended, the Islands were economically and physically devastated. In 1947, the Islands were granted around £30 million to help rebuild. However it took several decades and further restructuring once the British forces left Malta completely in 1979, to rebuild the economy.

War

1. MALTA - MAY 1942: Soldiers and civilians clear rubble from ruins of the famed Upper Baracca, which was hit during an Axis air raid attack. (Photo

by British Official Photo/British Official Photo/Time & Life Pictures/***** Images)

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tay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, two minutes away from Valletta, and relive the Knight’s of St. John legacy.Visit the medieval city of Mdina, one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city which is extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture. Head north to enjoy Mediterranean sun, sand and sea. Experience Gozo where tranquillity is still a way of life. Enjoy Malta’s religious ‘festas’, adorned churches and glittering firework displays. Discover megalithic temples, rugged countryside and dramatic cliffs or submerge into a diver’s paradise. Wine and dine in stylish surroundings and party in lively evening venues.

If you have only three days in Malta, do not attempt to see it all.

Although the area covered by the Maltese Islands is just 316 km², there is plenty to see and do so we recommend you experience just a few of Malta’s highlights to get a feeling of the island’s character

300 days of sunshine, crystal clear Mediterranean waters, 7,000 years of history, thriving local traditions and laidback rural villages, delicious cuisine and a vibrant nightlife – Welcome to Malta!

Photos courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority

Day 1 – Valletta & Sliema With the Grand Hotel Excelsior as your home the Capital,Valletta, is probably the most obvious place to start. With the entire city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, exploring its streets is nothing short of walking through an open-air museum.

Walk along Republic Street to St John’s Co-Cathedral, the jewel of Valletta, with its gilded interior enough to make one’s jaw drop. Look out for the Caravaggio’s only signed painting, The Beheading of St John. Exit the Catheral and dive into the open-air market in Merchants’ Street. Valletta is also a great place for shopping.

Take the time to wander through the alleyways, up and down the slopes and stairways, and to sit under the sun with a coffee watching the pigeons. In whichever order you choose to do these, try to be at the Upper Barrakka Gardens at noon for the re-enactment and shooting of the cannon, and enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Malta, that of the Grand Harbour.

For the afternoon we recommend a Harbour Cruise which takes you to see the the Three Cities from a unique perspective and which offers an insight to the essence of Maltese History.

Day 2 – Gozo You cannot really understand Maltese culture without a visit to Gozo, Malta’s more traditional and peaceful little sister. Be at Cirkewwa early to take the ferry across, so as to make the most of your day. The crossing takes only half an hour and passes by Comino island and you can catch a glimpse of the Blue Lagoon.

Victoria’s main square is home to a daily market selling all sorts of things. Check out the tiny shops around the area which sell handicrafts, and make sure you get lost in the back streets! Head up the hill to the Cittadel, the Medieval walled city, and visit the Old Prisons and some of the other interesting museums it houses. Finally walk to the bastions to get a 360 degrees bird’s eye view of the whole island!

Have lunch in one of the several restaurants or cafes that offer traditional food and then head off to the village of Xaghra . Xaghra has plenty to offer, starting with Ggantija Temples, the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Not far off is Ta’ Kola Windmill which has been lovingly restored and turned into a museum, and in the heart of the village you will find Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Grotto with a marvel of stalactites and stalagmites.

Weather-permitting, now would be the ideal time to head to Ramla Bay for a swim. Ramla Bay is remarkable for its dark orange sand. But the real must-see is Dwejra with its Azure Window being the most photographed view in the Maltese Islands. This is the location of the Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea, as well as the Blue Hole, a worldfamous diving spot. It is really striking to watch the sunset from this point, and offers a myriad of photo opportunities!

At the end of the day you can dine in one of many restaurants in pretty

Xlendi Bay nearby, and don’t worry about catching the ferry back... it runs regularly till late and occasionally through the night!

Day 3 – Marsaxlokk & Mdina On your third day we recommend an early start to enjoy the most of Marsaxlokk fishing village and market. There you can obtain fresh local produce and hand-crafted artisanship, so it’s an ideal place to purchase souvenirs. All this to a backdrop of colourful local Luzzu’s (traditional fishing boats) bobbing up and down in the sheltered Marsaxlokk harbour.

Enjoy the fresh catch of the day for lunch at one of the restaurants lining the promenade.

In the afternoon head to the Blue Grotto for a boat trip to the caves.

Also in the area are the megaliths of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, and further down the road still is Ghar Lapsi, a cave with two rocky beaches which offer fantastic snorkelling opportunities.

Spend your last evening in Malta wandering the streets of one of its favourites with visitors and locals alike: experience the enchantment of Mdina by night. Dine in one of its fine restaurants, wine bars or cafes to conclude an evening to remember.

At the Grand Hotel Excelsior we offer tailor-made excursions with our private chauffer service. If you would like to plan your excursions in advance kindly email us on transport@excelsior.com.mt and Josette and her team will take care of your requirements.

You can also book your excursions during your stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

1O Grand things

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to do at

Grand Hotel

Excelsior

1)

A Grand Private Breakfast on your room terrace

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Relaxing by the Pool

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Lunch at the Yacht Club

4)

Private Chauffeur driven Tours around Malta

5)

Afternoon Tea at the Chartroom

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Spa Treatment at Le Grand Spa

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Cocktails in the Harbour View

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Themed Nights at the Admirals Landing

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A la Carte dining at the Admiral’s Landing

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3

10) Tiki Sizzler Evenings by the water’s edge

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5

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Discover the

Mediterranean

touch

Spa Luxury Escape Rates start from €70 per person per night sharing in a Double Delux e Inland Room (minimum 3 nights stay ).

Upgrade to a Seaview from just €15 per person per night.

The Spa package includes • Welcome drink upon arrival • Daily buffet breakfast • Spa treatment (neat hands and feet ) per person booked • Use of our Leisure facilities dur ing your stay • Use of private beach

Bring about a “body revival” and induce absolute relaxation, on the Mediterranean Island of Malta.

With a sea of turquoise blue, a spectacular coastline and megalithic structures pre-dating Stonehenge.

This is an island of hidden secrets.

LIVE THE GRAND LIFE

Comino The tiny Island of Comino is situated right in the middle of the channel which separates mainland Malta from the island of Gozo. The unspoilt island is a haven for all those who love swimming, snorkelling, diving, wind surfing and other water sports. The Blue Lagoon, with its crystal clear blue sea, provides one of the most spectacular sights of the Maltese archipelago. The natural caves surrounding the Island are also awe inspiring and are not to be missed.

Discover the most beautiful parts of our islands. Call extension 2229 to book your transport Departure from Marfa by ferry boat - 9.00 till 15.00 hrs (every hour) Departure from Comino by ferry boat - 9.30 till 18.00 hrs (every hour) Transfer to ferry â‚Ź35.00 each way (2-4 Persons) â‚Ź40.00 each way (5-6 Persons)

WHAT’s on LAURA PAUSINI IN CONCERT 01/08/2012

Italian singer Laura Pausini will be performing in Malta on August 1. The concert, part of Pausini’s Inedito 2012 World Tour, will be held in the open air grounds of the MFCC, Ta’ Qali. This will be Pausini’s second visit to Malta, after a successful concert at the Luxol Grounds in 2009.

Kinemastik Short Film Festival 04/08/2012

The 8th edition of the Kinemastik Interntional Short Film Festival will be held at several venues all over Malta. The highlight of the festival are open-air screenings held on the Valletta and Floriana bastions overlooking the Grand Harbour.

Feast of St. Joseph 05/08/2012

Traditional religious festivity in Qala

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes 05/08/2012

Traditional religious festivity in San gwann

Feast of St. Peter 05/08/2012

Traditional religious festivity in Bizebugga

Smokie Live in Concert 07/08/2012

Ghaxaq Smokie will perform Live in a Concert in Malta on the 7th of August, 2012 in Ghaxaq. Come and listen to this great rock band from the 80s that had great successes in their repertoire. Living Next door to Alice, I’ll Meet You at Midnight and Lay Back at The Arms of Someone need no introduction, so make sure to leave this evening free to rock all night long.

Feast of St. Lawrence 12/08/2012

Traditional religious festival in San Lawrenz, Gozo

AVICII - World Tour - Malta 15/08/2012

Avicii will be performing live in Malta on the 14th of August, the eve of a Public Holiday. This event will start from 18:00 all through the night at Gianpula Fields, so make sure to get your party feet to dance all night! Early bird tickets are out on Friday 1st June.

Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady 15/08/2012

Traditional religious festival in Victoria, Gozo; Mqabba; Qrendi; Mosta; Gudja; Attard; Ghaxaq

Feast of St. Leonard 19/08/2012

Traditional religious festival in Kirkop

Festa of St Helen 19/08/2012

Traditional religious festival in Birkirkara

Feast of Our Lady Star of the Sea 19/08/2012 Traditional religious festival in Sliema

Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady 19/08/2012 Traditional Religious festival in Mgarr

Antonello Venditti in concert 24/08/2012

Putting it Together 26/08/2012

Antonello Venditti will be performing live in concert on the 24th of August at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in Ta’ Qali. This popular Italian singer was born in Rome in 1949 and has had several hits including Buona Domenica, In questo mondo do ladtri, Ricordati di me, Benvenuti in Paradiso, Amici Mai and Grazie Roma became the unofficial anthem of AS Roma, Venditti’s favourite football club, and is played before every game they play. The concert will be organized

by Standout Events and the popular local band Winter Moods will also take part in this concert

A unique musical cabaret with great artists. Putting it Together is a musical theatre cabaret where Hollie Cassar (Graduate from the Royal Academy of Music) joins Michael Riseley (Graduate from the Royal Welsh College of Music) and Alexander Vella Gregory (from Napier University, Ediburgh) for a two hour concert in the theatre of St. James Cavalier in Valletta. The artists involved in Putting It Together all have excellent talent and experience, so this concert promises to be a unique one with very high quality. Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment!

Feast of St Dominic 25/08/2012

Feast of Our Lady of Loreto 26/08/2012

Traditional religious festival in Birgu

Traditional religious festival in Ghajnsielem

Feast of St Julian 26/08/2012

Traditional Religious Festival in St Julians

Feast of Maria Regina 26/08/2012

Traditional Religious Festival in Marsa

Feast of St. Bartholomew 26/08/2012

Traditional Religious Festival in Gharghur

Feast of St Paul 26/08/2012

Traditional Religious Festival in Safi

"Intelligence is something we are born with.

BBQ’ing is a skill that must be learned" - Edward de Bono Gentle laughter, like a summer breeze, floats across the warm night air.

The Aroma of fresh fish and sizzling Rib Eye Steaks gently grilled while the Pastry Chef’s creations patiently await your dessert. Enjoying the diverse Cocktails or sipping on a chilled wine or champagne.

For more detailed information and bookings contact us on 2125 0520 or info@excelsior.com.mt.

www.excelsior.com.mt