Grand Life
S um m e r 2 0 1 2 e dition
EDITORIAL
General Information about the Hotel The hotel’s outlets Level 7 Business Centre Level 6 Hotel Entrance
From moment to moment, the Grand Hotel Excelsior, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts makes your stay a memorable one. An intimate event or a family celebration. A reunion with old friends or a new business connection. Intuitive service, unmatchednattention to detail, and sophisticated style provide moments thatcreate long-lasting memories. We invite you to Live the Grand Life during your stay 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 our private tours around Malta and Gozo and discover the unique the 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 share 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 Guest Services: Room service is available 24 hours Check out time is 1200hrs noon
Norbert Grixti General Manager
Please do 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.
First among Equals
Hon Dr. Chris Said, Minister for Justice, Dialogue and Family, presenting the National Equality Mark to Mr. Norbert Grixti, General Manager Grand Hotel Excelsior, together with Ms. Maud Muscat NCPE Commissioner and Mr. Nicholas Saliba Human Resources Manager Grand Hotel Excelsior
Grand Hotel Excelsior, the first local hotel to be awarded the National Equality Mark
T
he Grand Hotel Excelsior is proud to be the first local hotel to be awarded the Equality Mark certification by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE), with the support of the European Social Fund (ESF). The National Commission awarded Grand Hotel Excelsior in recognition of the organisation’s efforts to provide the ideal work environment that is free from any type of discrimination. This achievement is another proof of the hotel’s commitment to its employees and acknowledges the its
responsibility to provide equal access to opportunities and career development based on employees’ potential, irrespective of their gender and family responsibilities. “We value our employees as the most important resource within the organisation and we are duly bound to offer a working environment where employees work without fear of prejudice or gender discriminations,” said Norbert Grixti, General Manager of Grand Hotel Excelsior. “Since opening its doors in 2007, the Grand Hotel Excelsior has always been a pioneer in gender equality within the hospitality industry and we have always maintained this position throughout all training and other human resource programmes.”
WELLNESS
Experience a Thai E
xperiencing a massage that utilises techniques performed for over 2000 years is enjoying the result of a tradition that has worked wonders on people’s bodies for as many years. A traditional Thai massage is an experience aimed at allowing the body to achieve harmony, ease aches and pains, stretch the body and provide general wellbeing. It is surprisingly different from any Western type of massage and that adds to the allure of the treatment. Thai massage therapist Artita at the Grand Hotel Excelsior’s Le Grand Spa provides first-hand information about it all. She trained at one of the leading schools of Thai massage in her country – the Chetawa Medical Massage School in Nonthaburi, Thailand. “It is believed that the traditional Thai massage could be as old as 2500 years since it is owed to the inventiveness of Bhivogamaraphajj who is considered the father doctor of this type of massage. He lived in the period of time when the Buddhist religion was founded and is credited as having been
the physician of Buddhist monks and kings of the period.” From a regal treatment, it became known throughout Thai civilisation down to becoming a treatment practically everbody learnt how to do hands on. “Family members taught it to each other as it was excellent relief for farmers’ aches and pains. Somebody from the family could relieve the pain by a simple movement and the massage movements remained popular as they were easy to administer once the proper method was known. Moreover, no expensive oils are required – only clean bare hands. The general feel of wellbeing provided by this massage is aided by the dimmed lights, the soothing music and the sound of water which is a key element in the room. However, those who expect to just lie down and enjoy it, possibly also dozing away, will soon realise that the therapist will require cooperation and a certain degree of flexibility.The stretching movements carried
S PA PA C KA G E S Time to relax • Relaxing back massage • One hour facial Price: €85 per person Duration: 75 minutes Body boost… by one or by two • Full body salt scrub • Swedish full body massage • Jacuzzi session in a private candle lit room Price: €100 per person or €180 per couple Duration: 120 minutes Neat hands and feet • Classic manicure • Classic pedicure Price: €40 per person Duration: 60 minutes / 120 minutes Le Grand Spa Indulgence
Massage out by the therapist are coupled by deep tissue treatments and other movements. The treatment is administered on a normal mattress laid out on the floor. The client is propped up when required by normal pillows and the therapist sits and squats next to the client according to the treatment movement or stretch being carried out. Lying face up, face down or on either side, the client is allowed to relax and flex muscles according to the therapist’s motions. One minute she is diligently manipulating a foot muscle, the next she is stretching the whole leg from top to bottom. Thai massage is all about getting you back in shape as soon as possible, not getting you all soft and soppy and drowsy. The aim is to resuscitate you and your body, restoring the body to its most energetic form. Thai massage is available at Le Grand Spa; prices are €35 for half an hour and €60 for an hour. Bookings are recommended.
• Basic full body massage • Basic facial • Choose from a classic manicure or a classic pedicure Price: €100 per person Duration: 150 minutes Glowing limbs • Le Grand Spa Manicure • Le Grand Spa Pedicure Price: €80 per person
EXcursions
Discover
the beauty of Gozo with our executive chauffeur driven service Gozo Tour *
From 09:00hrs till 17:00hrs (8 hour tour) • • • • • • • • • • •
Ggantija Temples* Victoria Cittadella Xlendi Marsalforn Dwejra Ta’ Pinu Basilica Qala Windmill* Calypso Cave Salt Pans, Zebbug Nadur Mgarr
Price 2 to 4 persons €180.00 Price 5 to 6 persons €200.00
Terms and Conditions: • Entrance fees to Heritage Sites and n Museums are not included. • Ferry tickets to Gozo are not included • Please enquire about our freshly prepared packed lunches
"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
Festivities
celebrating
Mnarja M
narja, or l-Imnarja (pronounced lim-nar-ya) is one of the most important dates on the Maltese cultural calendar. Officially, it is a national festival dedicated to the feast of Saints Peter and St. Paul. In fact its roots can be traced back to the pagan Roman feast of Luminaria (literally, “the illumination”), when the early summer night of June 29 was illuminated by torches and bonfires. A national feast since the rule of the Knights, Mnarja is a traditional Maltese festival of food, religion and music. The festivities still commence today with the reading of the “bandu”, an official governmental announcement, which has been read on this day in Malta since the 16th century. Originally, Mnarja was celebrated outside St. Paul’s Grotto, in the north of Malta; however, by 1613 the focus of the festivities had shifted to the Cathedral of St. Paul, in Mdina, and featured torchlight processions, the firing of 100 petards, horseraces, and races for men, boys and slaves. Modern Mnarja festivals take place in and around the woodlands of Buskett, just outside the town of Rabat. It is said that under the Knights, this was the one day in the year when the Maltese were allowed to hunt and eat wild rabbit, which was otherwise reserved for the hunting pleasures of the Knights. The close connection between Mnarja and rabbit stew (Maltese: “fenkata”) remains strong today. In 1854 British governor William Reid launched an agricultural show at Buskett which is still being held today. The farmers’ exhibition is still a seminal part of the Mnarja festivities today. Mnarja today is one of the few occasions when participants may hear traditional Maltese folklore songs “ghana “. Traditionally, grooms would promise to take their newly- or recently-wed brides to Mnarja during the first of year of marriage and, for luck, many of the brides would attend in their full wedding gown and veil, although this custom has long since disappeared from the Islands.
What to expect at Mnarja in Buskett The night of June 29 is characterised by general merry-making and its sociable atmosphere, with people bringing along instruments and making music. Local folk and ethnic-inspired bands usually turn up to play and set the scene. Families have BBQs and picnics and kids romp around. Traditionally, people take rabbit (Fenek) stew to eat. It’s a Maltese national dish and there’s even a Maltese word for ‘going out to eat rabbit’ – Fenkata! Some families and groups of friends make a complete summer night of L’Imnarja and camp out. The following day sees more organised rural pursuits: there is an agricultural show, which gets larger each year (seems to be a trend in Malta recently) as well as traditional bare-back horse and donkey races on Saqqajja Hill below Mdina. Going There We recommend that you use our private chauffer service as parking at Buskett may be chaotic. For booking please visit our Transport desk in the lobby.
S
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 and 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, walking through 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. All in all,Valletta is also a great place for shopping. Do 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 also recommend an early start to enjoy the most of Marsaxlokk fishing village and market. Here you can obtain fresh local produce and hand-crafted artisanship, and is therefore ideal for purchasing 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.
S ’ R E M M U S Flo Rida is one of the most recognizable international artists today, having toured nearly every continent. The Miami-based rapper burst onto the scene in 2007 with his record breaking hit “Low(feat. T-PAin)” from his debut album, “MAIL ON SUNDAY.” with sales exceeding 11 million downloads worldwide, making its way into the Guiness Book of World Records in 2008 for best-selling download in the United States. Additionally, the single remained at no.1 for 10 consecutive weeks on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart in 2008. in 2009, Flo Rida once again made history with his hit single, “Right Round,” when it became the highest-selling one-week digital single with more than 636,000 downloads sold in it’s debut week. In addition, “Right Round, “ from the rapper’s album “R.O.O.T.S.,” sold 1 million downloads in it’s first two weeks, making it one of the fastest-selling singles ever. Globally, Right Round” has sold nearly 12 million singles to date. In 2010, the rapper once more made worldwide noise with his party anthem “Club Can’t Handle Me (feat. David Guetta) With a combined viewing of over 200 million views on YouTube, the single’s ‘Good Feeling’ and ‘Wild Ones’ will feature on the upcoming album - ‘Title TBC ‘ to be released June 2012.
BEATS tando is a Canadian singer Nelly Fur and record er writ ong er-s sing ed own ren with her debut e fam ing gain t producer. Firs single ‘I’m first album ‘Whoa, Nelly!’ the mmy Award Gra 2 200 a her won ’ Like Bird formance Per al Voc Pop for Best Female seven countries. in 10 top the d che rea d anb e international The album produced two mor ‘Shit on the and ‘ t ligh singles; ‘Turm off the s)’. Day the ber mem (Re Radio further albums Furtado followed up with two est success bigg her se’, ‘Loo ‘Folklore’ and neater’ and ‘MA as h to date with singles suc top 10 in the g chin rea both ht’ Rig ‘Say it over fifteen countries. rit IndestrucWith her fifth album ‘The Spi 2 and the 201 e Jun tible’ set for release in (Bigger ps Hoo ‘Big le, sing lead album’s 2, Nelly 201 il Apr in g the Better)’ releasin storm the charts Furtado is one again set to worldwide.
S
- Malta Special has a TV M of le Is s r’ a ye is Th that this year’s ee nt ra ua g to nt le ta whole host of as ever! event will be as good aced the below to see who’s gr s ie ph ra og bi t tis ar r Check out ou in the past. epic Isle of MTV stage
will.i.am, a multi-faceted entertainer and creative innovator, seven -time Grammy Awar d winner and frontman and founder of the Black Eyed Peas works with some of the industry’s biggest name s including Rihanna, Usher, Nicki Minaj, David Guet ta, Britney Spears and film composer Hans Zimm er With his latest album willpower released in 2012, the first single from the album titled “T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) features Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lobez. His song and imagery have entertaine d and inspired millions and the power of his words reson ated deeply in his song “Yes We Can” that mobilised an entire generation to action during the 2008 presi dential campaign. Demonstrating that music, brand and causes can be intertwined to entertain and inform.
model, dancer and American recording artist, king hard on the wor n bee has actress Cassie gsinde producer music scene since 2006 alon company edia ic-m mus his and lie Ryan Les lie convinced Les up. Gro le NextSelection LifeSty Boy Bad his tner Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to par ut self deb her of ase rele the for Records label aboracoll iting exc this h titled album ‘Cassie’. Wit in the studio k wor to nce cha the had tion Cassie Kanye West and alongside superproducers s. iam Will rell Pha due for release in SepCassie’s second album is album single ‘King of ut deb the with 2 tember 201 . ase rele for Hearts’ already out
WHAT’s on 01/06/2012 BRIDGE BAR JAZZ SESSIONS
06/06/2012 LAPSI FEAST
03/06/2012 FEAST OF ST. AUGUSTINE
07/06/2012 SETTE GIUGNO
Cool jazz on the steps of St. Ursola The Bridge Bar - Valletta
Traditional religious festivity. Valletta
03/06/2012 FEAST OF ST ANTHONY
Traditional religious festivity. Ghajnsielem (Gozo)
03/06/2012 FEAST OF ST JOSEPH
Traditional religious festivity. Ghaxaq
03/06/2012 FEAST OF THE HOLY TRINITY
Traditional religious festivity. Marsa
03/06/2012 IN GUARDIA PARADE
Re-enactment. Fort St Elmo - Valletta
06/06/2012 TRANIA
Contemporary Maltese ethnic music Palazzo De Piro Mdina
A feast of history and folklore. Lapsi - St. Julian’s
Public Holiday commemorating the riots of 1919. Malta & Gozo
09/06/2012 GLADIATORS FIGHT NIGHT
The argest combat sports event held in the Maltese Islands MFCC - Ta’ Qali
10/06/2012 FEAST OF ST PHILIP
Traditional religious festivity. Zebbug (Malta)
08/06/2012 CHANGING OF THE GUARD
10/06/2012 FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI
08/06/2012 BRIDGE BAR JAZZ SESSIONS
10/06/2012 FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI
08/06/2012 - 10/06/2012 GHANAFEST
10/06/2012 IN GUARDIA PARADE
09/06/2012 - 10/06/2012 TRIPLE BILL
15/06/2012 BRIDGE BAR JAZZ SESSIONS
09/06/2012 LEONE GOES POP
16/06/2012 REFLEX 80’S PARTY
A formal military ceremony. St. George’s Square - Valletta
Cool jazz on the steps of St. Ursola The Bridge Bar - Valletta
Malta Mediterranean Folk Music Festival Argotti Botanical Gardens - Floriana
A contemporary ballet. City Theatre - Valletta
The 5th edition of the pop/rock concert in Gozo. It- Tokk - Victoria (Gozo)
Traditional religious festivity. Ghasri (Gozo)
Traditional religious festivity. Rabat
Re-enactment. Fort St Elmo - Valletta
Cool jazz on the steps of St. Ursola The Bridge Bar - Valletta
The Biggest 80’s Party in Europe Gianpula Fields - Limits of Rabat
17/06/2012 IN GUARDIA PARADE Re-enactment.
Fort St Elmo - Valletta
17/06/2012 FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS Traditional religious festivity. Fontana (Gozo)
17/06/2012 FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE LILY
Traditional religious festivity. Mqabba
17/06/2012 FEAST OF ST CATHERINE
Traditional religious festivity. Zejtun
22/06/2012 BRIDGE BAR JAZZ SESSIONS
Cool jazz on the steps of St. Ursola The Bridge Bar - Valletta
22/06/2012 AFM BAND DISPLAY & CHANGING OF THE GUARD Military band display and ceremony. Valletta
22/06/2012 FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PINU
Traditional religious festivity. Ta’ Pinu - Limits of Gharb (Gozo)
24/06/2012 IN GUARDIA PARADE
Re-enactment. Fort St Elmo - Valletta
24/06/2012 - 08/07/2012 VIOLIN AND FRIENDS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Jazz, Folk and New Music Valletta
24/06/2012 FEAST OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
Traditional religious festivity. Xewkija (Gozo)
24/06/2012 FEAST OF ST NICHOLAS
Traditional religious festivity. Siggiewi
24/06/2012 FEAST OF ST GEORGE
Traditional religious festivity. Qormi
24/06/2012 FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF MARY Traditional religious festivity. Burmarrad
24/06/2012 - 04/07/2012 VFIMF MASTER CLASSES
Coaching, learning and wider discovering world of music Malta
26/06/2012 ISLE OF MTV
The largest European free open air concert. The Granaries - Floriana
27/06/2012 - 08/07/2012 THE MALTA TRADE FAIR
Malta’s largest commercial showcase MFCC - Ta’ Qali
27/06/2012 BERNSTEIN AND MORE
Celebrating Bernstein’s music and West Side Story Palazzo De Piro - Mdina
29/06/2012 MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA & THE MALTA YOUTH ORCHESTRA
A concert in a spectacular open-air venue Pjazza San Gorg - Valletta
29/06/2012 BRIDGE BAR JAZZ SESSIONS
Cool jazz on the steps of St. Ursola The Bridge Bar - Valletta
29/06/2012 L-IMNARJA
Traditional harvest festival Rabat
29/06/2012 FEAST OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL
A religious holiday as well as a harvest and festival. Mdina
30/06/2012 OPEN AIR ART
Various crafts and artists along the Marsaskala promenade Marsaskala
01/07/2012 - 18/07/2012 MALTA ARTS FESTIVAL
An extensive programme of excellent artistic events Malta
A Member of
Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta Great Siege Road, Floriana FRN 1810, Malta. Phone +356 2125 0520 Fax +356 2125 0522 Email info@excelsior.com.mt Web www.excelsior.com.mt