Live the Grand Life
S um m e r 2 0 1 2 e d ition
EDITORIAL
Our
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, unmatched attention to detail, and sophisticated style provide moments that create long-lasting memories. We invite you to Live the Grand Life at the Grand Hotel Excelsior. The hotel is situated 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. The Grand Hotel Excelsior is blessed with magnificent views of Marsamxett Harbour & Fort Manoel. Marsamxett Harbour is the northern of Valletta’s two natural harbours on the island of Malta and is dedicated to yachting and sailing and also hosts the Msida Yacht Marina. The Grand Hotel Excelsior boasts its own yacht marina which is exclusive, to its hotel guests and is home to Malta’s Annual Boat Show. Our prime location allows for easy access to all tourist locations around the Maltese Islands. The main bus terminus provides services to all towns and villages and is only a few minutes away from the hotel. For the more discerning traveller the hotel offers its own private tours with our executive cars. The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers elegant and luxurious suites and a portfolio of deluxe rooms enjoying magnificent sea views which only Malta can offer. Free Wi-Fi internet is also available in the hotel lobby and other public areas. 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 look forward to welcoming you at the Grand Hotel Excelsior to share with you the Grand Life.
Norbert Grixti General Manager
ur throne rooms & their guests
Robin Gibb
David Guetta
LMFAO
Sir Cliff Richard
Lady Gaga
Rod Stewart
Sir Tom Jones
WELLNESS
time to unwind Do you need a Luxury Escape?
P
amper yourself with our Special Spa & Wellness Escape. Put the troubles of your week behind you and relax - let us take care of you. Take advantage of our superb facilities, indulge in the pleasure of fine hospitality and lose yourself in the magical surroundings of the Grand Hotel Excelsior. Rates start from €70 per person per night sharing in a Double Deluxe Inland Room (minimum 3 nights stay). Upgrade to a Seaview from just €15 per person per night.
The Spa package includes • Accommodation in a room type of your choice (price varies according to room type booked) • Welcome drink upon arrival • Daily buffet breakfast • Spa treatment (neat hands and feet) per person booked • Use of our Leisure facilities during your stay • Use of private beach
S PA PA C KA G E S Time to relax
Le Grand Spa Indulgence
• Relaxing back massage • One hour facial
• Basic full body massage • Basic facial • Choose from a classic manicure or a classic pedicure Price: €100 per person Duration: 150 minutes
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
Glowing limbs • Le Grand Spa Manicure • Le Grand Spa Pedicure
Price: €100 per person or €180 per couple Duration: 120 minutes
Price: €80 per person Duration: 180 minutes
Neat hands and feet
Journey to India
• Classic manicure • Classic pedicure Price: €40 per person Duration: 60 minutes / 120 minutes
• Indian Head Massage • Hopi Ear Candle treatment Price: €70 per person Duration: 75 minutes Durga Mata Massage • Four handed massage Price: €80 per person Duration: 45 minutes
MARINA
the Sail @ the Marina Are you cruising the Mediterranean this Summer? Berth your boat between May and October 2012, in our exclusive Marina and take advantage of the following Marina package. â‚Ź180 per day which entitles our guests to:
Berthing space (for a boat up to 18 meters) Water & Electricity
Double Deluxe Sea view room on Bed & Breakfast Free Wi-Fi Internet in Public areas of hotel Complimentary use of Indoor & Outdoor Pool, Gym, Whirlpool and Private Beach Promo code: Marina Offer is subject to availability and not related to any other offer. For more information please contactor Firas Aboulezz on +356 7906 6105 or sascha.sammut@excelsior.com.mt on +356 9989 2133
Swing Away! M
alta is the ideal location for Golfing. It’s centrally located in the Mediterranean and just a few hours away from the major European cities. In addition the favourable mild weather during winter, make the island of Malta an ideal venue for golfing breaks. A fully-equipped Golf Club is located in Marsa. The Royal Malta Golf Club dates back to 1888 when golf was first played in the ditches formed by the fortification walls of Valletta. One of the founding members was the Duke of Edinburgh who was serving in Malta at the time and from whom the club received royal patronage... Golfing in Malta today The Royal Malta offers 18 holes of golf in a very well maintained course. Today at par 68, the course is a good test of golf without being unkind to the novice. There are some very interesting par 3s, the most memorable of which, is the 6th – nicknamed “The Maid’s Bedroom” by the members. The two par 5s present a daunting challenge in the prevailing winds, as do some of the longer par 4s. A PGA qualified teaching professional is always on call for those who wish to learn the game or improve their skills. For nongolfing partners the adjacent sister club Marsa Sports Club offers facilities which include 19 tennis courts, 5 squash courts, a mini golf piste, bowling alley, swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Reservations are required.
Malta Golf Package The Grand Hotel Excelsior and the Royal Golf Club are offering you an attractive 3 day Malta Golf Package starting from £389. The Royal Malta Golf Club is just a 10 minute drive away from the Grand Hotel Excelsior. This Malta Golf Offer includes: 3 Nights accommodation for 2 people in a Deluxe Room (based on Double Occupancy) Welcome drink upon arrival Daily buffet breakfast 1 round per person booked of 18 Holes
VALLETTA
Malta - Valletta Fireworks Festival 2009 04 by Clive Vella
a tale of
four Cities V alletta can be described as a living experience of Baroque architecture, dotted with quaint cafes, and over 25 churches, testament to the centuries-old grained Catholic faith of the Maltese nation. With its fortifications and history-filled streets, is probably the best known place in Malta and gems such as St. John’s CoCathedral justify its reputation.
Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour is one of the most spectacular ports in the world separating the capital city of Valletta from the historic cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. The harbour has been a hive of activity for over two thousand years. With its imposing fortifications and vast panorama, Grand Harbour is Malta’s principal maritime gateway and a popular port-of-call for ships that are cruising the Mediterranean.
The Three Cities of Cospicua,Vittoriosa and Senglea are three of the oldest towns on the island of Malta. The town of Vittoriosa played an important role in the 1565 Great Siege of Malta. Vittoriosa was the town in which the Knights of Malta settled in on their arrival from Rhodes in 1530.Vittoriosa together with Cospicua and Senglea form three important walled cities along one side of the Grand Harbour. The town of Kalkara is located close to the Three cities. The town gets its name from the latin word calce (lime) since a lime kiln was located here during the Roman times. In Kalkara one finds the quaint hamlet of Santu Rokku and Fort Ricasoli which over the years has been used for the construction of film sets for important blockbusters like Gladiator and Troy and the recent Agora.
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.
1O
Kinnie
things to
taste?
Best described as one of Malta’s most distinct soft drinks, Kinnie is formed from an aromatic blend of bitter oranges, sweet spices and pungent herbs. While sounding like something a child might cook-up in their mother’s kitchen, Kinnie’s curious composites mysteriously align to form a devilishly tasty dark-amber nectar.
Hobz biz-zejt Mqaret
Twistees Famously found in lunch-boxes around the island (adults included!), this popular snack helps to keep the wolves at bay between meals. Found in cheesy, chicken and bacon flavours, Twistees are the local version of naughty-but-nice nibbles.
Gbejniet Traditionally made from goats cheese you can find them pickled an plain or pickled and coated in black pepper. For a milder taste try them fresh. Enjoy them with Malta’s popular crackers known as Galletti. Nowadays these are available seasoned with sea salt and black pepper, herbs and even sun dried tomatoes in ready prepared packets.
Sweet and tasty, these deep-fried pastries are truly divine (so long as you don’t count all their calories!) Stuffed with dates and served as a warm dessert, often accompanied with ice cream, these fragrant and softly spiced treats are worth ditching the diet for.
Fenek Often typified as the national dish, stewed rabbit has become synonymous with Malta’s cultural identity. Almost as important as the soft and succulent meat, however, is the act of going for the meal itself. Known traditionally as a ‘fenkata’, this festive feast is not only an excuse to gather all the friends and family but has become a seasonal occasion for most Maltese.
The literal translation, being bread with oil, just doesn’t do this dish justice. A better description would be ‘ a rustic Mediterranean loaf ’. For this specialty, fresh crusty bread is fervently lavished with olive oil and stuffed with a combination of ingredients that include capers, olives, garlic, tuna, anchovies and sweet tomato paste. However, Gbejna –peppery cubes of succulent goat’s cheese, in my opinion, really takes the Hobz-Biz biscuit as the best addition to this delicious bread!
Timpana Amalgamating two beloved dishes, Timpana gives you the ultimate pasta-pie. Made from macaroni pasta and bolognese meat, this traditional platter is baked in a puff pastry layer until lightly golden brown. A word of warning, however, this dish is best served with a subsequent nap.
Cisk
of oft ed d et rbs.
A premium lager, Cisk is one of Malta’s most significant exports. Locally brewed with a light and refreshing taste, Cisk can be enjoyed without fear of any beer-belly retribution. Unless, that is, you decide to down ten in row; then are making no such promise.
ght her’s ous sly hly ar.
Bajtra Liqueur Formed from the flesh of the local prickly pear fruit (Bajtra), and shimmering in a translucent red, this luminous liqueur looks deceptively close to a cough mixture medicine. However, far from a revolting remedy, this sweetened solution slips down very easily as an after dinner treat. Some might even call it salubrious for the soul, (I said might…)
Themed Cuisines from around the World Monday
latin american tuesday
indian wednesday
maltese
thursday
middle eastern friday
asian
Pastizzi With its very own Facebook page (complete with over 36,000 likes) Pastizzi can be easily deemed the nation’s favourite. Cut into diamond shaped pastries, these local delicacies are lovingly oven baked with a warm ricotta or a spicy pea filling. Transforming into an indulgent treat or tasty snack, Pastizzi perfectly epitomizes the sumptuous Maltese palette.
saturday
mediterranean flair
Also serving a vast selection of à la carte dishes
WHAT’s on Malta International Fireworks Festival Special Edition 23/04/-01/05/2012
Held inside the Grand Harbour Area as well as in other locations. The Malta International Fireworks Festival (MIFF) will be taking place again in and around Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour, definitely the perfect setting for this event. Both local and foreign pyrotechnic companies will be participating in a competition that will confirm the best fireworks display world-wide. Following 11 previous editions, the MIFF is now recognised as one of the main events in Europe’s pyrotechnic calendar. This year, the MIFF will be spread over a whole week of events. The grand finale display will be held on May 1 and will be presented by world renowned Parente FireworksCompany of Italy on the 1st of May.
Lejlet Lapsi 18-20/05/2012 Victoria, Rabat Gozo
The capital city of Gozo, comes alive with a wide variety of performances as well as entertainment and exhibitions. Reenactments and street performances feature prominently in the narrow winding streets of the city, with concerts and recitals taking place in churches, chapels and other venues around the town centre.
L-Imnarja: Summer Folk Festival 29/06/2012 Rabat/Mdina/Buskett Gardens
The origins of this festival date back to before the arrival of the Knights of St John in 1530. It acquired its name from the bonfires that usedto light up the festivities in Mdina and Rabat. Today, the feast is marked by various events. On the eve, families and friends gather at Buskett Gardens, Malta’s largest woodland area, for a picnic which normally carries on into the night. The traditional rabbit dish and wine are at the top of the day’s menu, accompanied by the singing and music of local folk bands. The morning after, the day of the feast proper, the celebrations continue with an agricultural show, followed by bareback horse and donkey races at Saqqajja Hill, just below Mdina.
Isle of MTV Malta Special 2012 last week of June Floriana and other venues
The Isle of MTV Concert is the apex of a week-long festival of live music. The annual Isle of MTV music event in Malta is an MTV Networks International (MTVNI) production. A world class line up of artistes will perform in a free live concert on the Granaries in Floriana in front of a crowd which annually tops the 50,000 mark. Once again this promises to be one of the summer’s must-see musical events. The Isle of MTV Malta is unique in offering young people across Europe an exclusive opportunity to experience some of the worlds best new and established artistes here in Malta, and for free. This event has become an important annual destination for music lovers. Previous attractions included Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, N*E*R*D, One Republic, Maroon 5, Akon, Enrique Iglesias, Kid Rock, David Guetta, Metro Station, Snoop Dogg, and LMFAO amongst others.
Malta Arts Festival 01 - 18/07/2012 Valletta & Floriana
The Malta Arts Festival comprises a wide variety of art forms, including theatre, dance, music and painting. Performances are staged in various venues in Valletta and Floriana. Other venues in the capital include the Mediterranean Conference Centre, the MITP Theatre and the St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity.
Farsons Great Beer Festival 27/07/- 05/08/2012 National Park, Ta’ Qali
Comprising of ten days of fun and open-air entertainment, this festival has become a much sought-after annual event that attracts locals and visitors alike. The festival naturally celebrates Malta’s famous brews, whilst allowing the crowds to appreciate a wide array of immensely talented local musicians.
Notte Bianca 29/09/2012 Valletta
Notte Bianca is an all-night event held in Malta’s capital city. The event embodies the spirit of an ‘open city’ where, for one whole night, Valletta’s monuments and important buildings are open and accessible to all until the early hours. Many different and original vents are organised throughout the night in Valletta, shops open till late and restaurants serve food all night long. Literally tens of thousands of locals and visitors alike flock to the capital for this much awaited event.
Malta International Airshow 29-30/09/2012 Old Malta International Airport
Spend an enjoyable day with family and friends visiting the static display of aircraft and helicopters at the old runway in Luqa. Around lunch-time a spectacular aerial display is held over the airfield.At the show one should expect to find a variety of aircraft from the ultra-light to sleekfighter jets and giant transport planes
BirguFest 19-21/10/2012 Vittoriosa (Birgu)
Birgu is one of Malta’s oldest and most historically-important cities. During the Birgu by Candlelight event the streets are lit up by the gentle glow several of thousands of candles. However, Birgufest has developed further, offering a varied programme of entertainment and vents held in both indoor and outdoor locations. The historic reenactments, museums with extended opening hours, cheaper entrance fees and the opening to the public of other venues including churches, emphasize the immense historic value of this city. In addition, food stalls offeringMaltese and other food, various musical concerts and various exhibitions make this event truly outstanding and a must-visit.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race Beginning 20/10/2012 Malta–Sicily–Malta
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly-rated and internationally renowned offshore classic.The Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club co-founded the race in 1968. In recent years, the number of entries has risen to around 70 boats. The race is a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often variable and demanding conditions. On the other hand, the race is blessed with unsurpassed scenery with its course taking competitors close to a number of islands.
Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem First weekend of December 2012 to the First weekend of January 2013 Ghajnsielem (Gozo) The organisation of a large animated crib in Gozo spanning 20,000 sqm of fields and buildings promises to bring the timelessChristmas story to life as never before. The atmosphere is simply unique. The stretch of land known locally as Ta’ Passi is slowly changed into a large living crib, where horses turn mills, villagers go about their jobs, shepherds inhabit caves, animals roam in enclosed spaces and a poor unknown couple tend their newly-born in a stable.
Live the Grand Life in Malta at the Grand Hotel Excelsior
T
o live a life that is full of grand experiences and grand sensations. To travel, to explore and discover new influences. Set in a tranquil area near the Historical Capital,Valletta and enjoying stunning views of the Grand Harbour, the Grand Hotel Excelsior will fill your senses with the pleasures of fine hospitality. To experience the Grand life, call us on (+356) 2125 0520 or book directly on www.excelsior.com.mt now. Rates starting from ÂŁ51 per person per night for double room occupancy including breakfast. *Terms and Conditions apply
www.excelsior.com.mt