I Have A Dream
“Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.” ANAÏS NIN
NEW ALL-ELECTRIC EXPLORER
Exploring Reinvented
€29,900 (inc. government scheme and inc. scrappage)
“We’re
WOLFGANG TILLMANS,
PHOTOGRAPHER
I HAVE A DREAM
Jaipur.
LA DOLCE VITA. A Fantasy of Design and Tranquility. Villa Palladio Jaipur. Photo Atul Pratap Chauhan.
INTERIORS.
[ISSUE 354. SEPTEMBER 2024]
8
LA DOLCE VITA.
Villa Palladio Jaipur. A Fantasy of Design and Tranquility.
20 INTERIORS
IslandDreaming. Amanda Lindroth’s Breezy Tropical Aesthetic.
28 FRAGRANCE
A Philosophy of Scent–Part 5. An Anatomy Of TheSoul And TheEmergenceOfStructure. AlookatGABRIELLECHANEL EDP and GABRIELLECHANELESSENCEEDP.
32 YACHTING
MonacoYachtShow. Elegance and Innovation on the French Riviera.
42 PRIDE AWARENESS
Pride and Progress. Celebrating 20 Years of Equality in Malta and Beyond.
46 MELITENSIA
Echoes of Power. The Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu.
57 EXHIBITION
Betrayal and Vengeance. The Slaves’ Conspiracy of 1749 in 19 Historical Drawings.
60 ANNIVERSARY
ADecade ofTheMalta AirportFoundation.
63 COCKTAILS
Negroni Week. Why the Negroni Remains a Timeless Classic.
66
GASTRONOMY
Redefining Nordic Cuisine. Noma.
78 HEALTH & WELLBEING WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY Breaking the Stigma.
ON THE REVERSE COVER
Roberto Buontempo. Navigating Faith, Diplomacy, and Leadership.
Amanda Lindroth’s Breezy Tropical Aesthetic. PhotoDylan Chandler, courtesy Vendome Press.
MELITENSIA. Echoes of Power –The Inquisitor’s Palace. Photo courtesy Heritage Malta.
REVERSE COVER. Roberto Buontempo. Navigating Faith, Diplomacy, and Leadership. Photo Tonio Lombardi.
COCKTAILS. Why the Negroni Remains a Timeless Classic. Photo Marina Zaharkina.
GASTRONOMY. Noma – Redefining Nordic Cuisine. Photo Ditte Isager, courtesy Noma.
A FANTASY OF DESIGN AND TRANQUILITY VILLA PALLADIO JAIPUR
A dream country estate hidden within the Aravali Hills on the banks of Lake Kanota, Villa Palladio Jaipur marries rococo exuberance with the decadence of the maharajas in a uniquely joyful style, both equally at home in Italy as it is in India. This nine-room boutique hotel, which opened its doors in September 2022, stems from the imagination of Italian-Swiss entrepreneur Barbara Miolini and Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, the same creative duo behind Jaipur’s Bar Palladio and Caffé Palladio.
Photography Atul Pratap Chauhan, courtesy Villa Palladio Jaipur.
This page: Poolside, Pavilion bar serves Campari-based cocktails playing on the property’s red theme.
LA DOLCE VITA
Villa Palladio’s story is one of enchantment, design, and a deep connection to the landscape. The property, originally conceived in the 1960s by local nobleman Abhay Singh of Kanota, was built as a labour of love over two decades using local materials and traditional methods. Miolini discovered the property in remarkable condition, and the renovations required were minimal, focusing mainly on the construction of the back verandah and gardens. “The building has had a brief but fantastic story,” says Miolini. “ When we were first introduced (me and my business partner Indrajeet Singh Jawli) to the haveli I originally imagined it as a private country house… but how could I have kept such a beautiful place all to myself. The location, the size, the condition of the property all spoke to my old dreams.”
Above: Hidden behind hedges of blossoming hibiscus, a slate black swimming reflects the Mughal arched pool house & the candy striped sun-beds. Below: “I believe our guests feel like children when they reach Villa Palladio, wanting to explore and see and dream in each corner,” says Barbara Miolini.
The villa’s design is a vibrant celebration of colour and craftsmanship, marrying Italianate style with the grandeur of Rajasthani palaces. Hidden behind fortlike walls, Villa Palladio, with its painted verandahs and scalloped arches, opens onto lush Mughal gardens of red roses, strict geometries and central water fountains, creating an atmosphere of secluded opulence. Miolini envisioned Villa Palladio as a hotel that feels like a home –wild and wonderful, tranquil and homely. “I have always imagined it as the countryside home of a cherished aunt or fairy godmother,” she explains. “I wanted there to be a feeling of excitement, surprise, and secrecy.”
The rooms and suites at Villa Palladio reflect this vision, each uniquely decorated with canopied beds, embroidered bedsheets, inlaid marble floors, and hand-carved marble latticed screens, all fabricated bespoke in Jaipur. The four Torre Belvedere rooms, situated in the property’s former watchtowers, feature octagonal bedrooms, soaring ceilings, and private terraces, offering a magical retreat for solo travelers. The villa’s signature amenities, including block-printed bathrobes and bath products from Kama Ayurveda, further enhance the sense of exquisite detail and thoughtful design.
Above: Lunch and dinner is hosted in the Garden Verandah with its floor to ceiling mirrors and painted garlands of ripe pomegranate. Top right: Painted verandahs and scalloped arches open onto lush Mughal gardens of red roses, and courtyards with strict geometries and central water fountains. Below: Canopied beds, embroidered bedsheets, inlaid marble floors and hand-carved marble latticed screens in the nine uniquely decorated rooms and suites.
Above: “I have always imagined Villa Palladio as a countryside home of a cherished aunt or fairy godmother. I wanted there to be a feeling of excitement, surprise and secrecy.” Below left: Signature amenities such as block-printed bathrobes and bath products from Kama Ayurveda were selected to match the décor. Below right: Inside the main hall at Villa Palladio.
LA DOLCE VITA
Above: “Regarding the Red, I find it to be seductive, but never overwhelming. There are so many shades of red and so many different motifs and patterns and things to discover.”
Miolini’s love for the surrounding landscape is evident in the way Villa Palladio encourages guests to embrace nature. “The landscape around Villa Palladio is beautiful,” she says. “I love leaving the city and slowly watching the city disappear, and then suddenly these beautiful hills and village scenes come to the fore. I always feel nature is quite far removed from Indian cities, and I am lucky to have a reason to find myself in nature.”
This connection to nature is also reflected in the villa’s outdoor spaces, including a slate-black swimming pool set against the backdrop of Mughal arches and candy-striped daybeds. The poolside pavilion bar serves Campari-based cocktails, perfectly complementing the villa’s vibrant red theme. Amenities also include a spa offering purifying, nourishing and grounding rituals, a garden-side meditation and yoga room (il eremo), alongside a scarlet library, as well as a stable of six Marwari horses.
INDIA COLLECTION
Dining at Villa Palladio is a movable feast, with meals served in various exquisitely designed spaces throughout the property. Breakfast is enjoyed on the delicately painted floral Breakfast Balcony, offering views of the surrounding hills. Lunch and dinner are hosted in the Garden Verandah, where floor-to-ceiling mirrors and painted garlands of ripe pomegranates create
a dreamy dining atmosphere. The menu champions the robust flavours of Southern Italy’s home cuisine – “just like nonna made”, alongside a nightly selection (thali) of subtly spiced Rajasthani classics, offering guests a culinary journey that is both comforting and exotic. “Food at Villa Palladio is meant to be savoured languorously embraced by nature,” Miolini says, reflecting her philosophy of creating an intimate, leisurely experience.
Above: The property, originally conceived in the 1960s by local nobleman Abhay Singh of Kanota, was built as a labour of love over two decade using local materials and traditional methods.
Above: Dining at Villa Palladio is a movable feast –breakfast is served in the delicately painted floral Breakfast Balcony. Left: Villa Palladio Jaipur is an intimate dreamland where guests can escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and beauty surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens.
Villa Palladio Jaipur is not just a hotel; it is an intimate dreamland where guests can escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and beauty. Whether lounging by the pool, exploring the meticulously designed rooms, or enjoying a meal in the Garden Verandah, visitors are invited to experience the villa as a living work of art, where every detail has been crafted with care and imagination. “Regarding the Red, I find it to be seductive, but never overwhelming. There are so many shades of red and so many different motifs and patterns and things to discover. I believe our guests feel like children, wanting to explore and see and dream in each corner. Villa Palladio represents the heart I have always sought to bring to living and entertaining,” says Miolini. It is a place where the wildness of nature and the elegance of design come together in perfect harmony, offering a unique and unforgettable retreat in the heart of Rajasthan.
“Our goal is always to design interiors that have a dreamy timelessness.”
AMANDA LINDROTH
THE LATEST PROJECTS BY THE UNDISPUTED MASTER OF TROPICAL INTERIOR DESIGN, AMANDA LINDROTH
ISLAND DREAMING
AMANDA LINDROTH’S BREEZY TROPICAL AESTHETIC
Since the publication of Island Hopping in 2018, the demand for Amanda Lindroth’s airy, relaxed, indoor-outdoor aesthetic has soared, and she has completed enough commissions to fill a new volume. Her new book Island Dreaming features 20 recent projects, one more enticing than the next. Illustrated by the lushly detailed photographs of Dylan Chandler, and featuring lovely illustrations by Carlisle Burch, Island Dreaming will be coveted by anyone who wants inspiration from Lindroth’s easy-breezy tropical vibe.
Photography Dylan Chandler, courtesy Vendome Press.
Amanda Lindroth’s new book Island Dreaming, published by Vendome Press, offers readers a captivating glimpse into her signature blend of tropical elegance
and sophisticated design. Following the success of her 2018 book, Island Hopping, Lindroth presents 20 new projects that exemplify her bold yet breezy style, reflecting both her love of classical architecture and her deep connection to the vibrant islands she calls home.
Above: Aerial view of a lunch table. Giant coconuts, papayas, and palm leaves create an organic and amusing tablescape. Below left: A vintage Ficks Reed rattan sofa creates an inviting seating area on this veranda. Below right: The classical library in a Manhattan apartment designed by architect Ernesto Buch, enlivened with the clients’ objects, art, books, and furniture.
Lindroth’s journey into the world of design has been as colourful as the interiors she creates. Born and raised in South Florida in the 1970s, she was influenced by the area’s unique combination of sunny weather, striking architecture, and relaxed lifestyle. This upbringing has left a lasting mark on her work, inspiring her to cultivate an aesthetic that is at once elegant and effortlessly casual. After a career in fashion, working with Women’s Wear Daily and W magazine in New York and leading public relations for Gucci in London, Lindroth relocated to Nassau in the Bahamas. It was there, during her 30s, that her passion for interior design truly blossomed.
Initially, Lindroth applied her design eye to her own homes and then properties associated with her husband’s development company. Gradually, her friends became clients, and in 2010, she launched her design firm in Nassau. Her signature style, blending classical design with tropical elements, has since become highly sought after, and her firm now operates offices in Nassau, Palm Beach, and Charleston.
Island Dreaming brings together Lindroth’s love of indooroutdoor living, rich textures, and vibrant colours, as seen in projects from cozy cottages to grand estates. Rattan and cane seating, canopied beds, and straw matting, paired with boldly coloured fabrics, bring a sense of joyful ease to each space, inspiring readers to bring a bit of that island dream into their own homes.
Above left: A glimpse into the living room of the organically designed Blue Skies, a townhouse designed by Savin Couelle, one of the architects responsible for the distinctive style of the villas of the Costa Smeralda in northeastern Sardinia developed in the 1960s and 1970s by the Aga Khan.
Above right: Watercolours of the Bahamas hang above a vintage Bielecky Brothers sofa in this living room in The Bahamas. Left: A Lindroth bone hurricane tops this indoor dining table.
Above: The artisans of Floe Painting in Connecticut, recommended by the clients, brilliantly painted the trellis pattern on the walls for this breakfast area. The lantern is from Stray Dog Designs. Below: For this bedroom in the beautiful Pacific Heights neighbourhood of San Francisco, a de Gournay paper lines the walls, the bedding on the four-poster bed is from Leontine Linens, and the rug is by Cogolin.
While Lindroth’s aesthetic may have deep roots in the tropics, it is also has a European influence. She spent her 20s living in Paris and London, and her time abroad instilled a love for classical European design, which she seamlessly incorporates into her work. Her interiors are layered with comfort, relaxed elegance, and timeless appeal. Her new projects, as presented in Island Dreaming, demonstrate a style that has grown richer, more sophisticated, and at times, delightfully whimsical.
But Island Dreaming is not just a book about design– it’s also deeply personal. In her introduction, Lindroth shares how the book was born out of a time of great change and loss in her life. In 2019, her husband, Orjan, was diagnosed with a terminal illness. As she explains, “The unexpected terminal diagnosis of my beloved husband, Orjan, in January 2019 and his passing in July 2020 was a shocking change for my daughter, Eliza, and me.” During the pandemic, the family retreated to their home in Lyford Cay, finding solace in their tropical surroundings.
“We flung open the doors and windows and, with no airplanes flying overhead, no cars driving by, and no lawn mowers buzzing, only birdsong pierced the silence. We lived on our veranda, enjoying the gentle breezes, our gorgeous tropical surroundings, and especially being together as a family at such a poignant time.”
Even in the midst of personal hardship, work continued to provide structure and purpose for Lindroth. “Work was also a constant,” she reflects. “Blessed with wonderful clients and the most loving, loyal, and supportive teams both at home and at work, I was able to complete beautiful residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.”
Lindroth’s strength and resilience are evident in her personal journey of transformation. After her husband’s passing, she decided to embark on a new chapter, building a new home in Lyford Cay. “More change– but this time considered and elected!” she writes. Her new house, Sunningridge, named after her husband’s childhood home, promises to be a place of new memories for Lindroth and her daughter.
In Island Dreaming, Amanda Lindroth takes readers on a journey through her world of vibrant, tropical interiors, while also sharing glimpses of her personal life. It is a book that celebrates not only the beauty of island living but also the enduring power of creativity, family, and resilience.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS. DYLAN CHANDLER was born and raised, and still lives in, the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Better Homes & Gardens and the New York Times. This is his first book.
CARLISLE BURCH is a versatile illustrator whose clients are as varied as Serena and Lily, Urban Electric Company, New England Home magazine, and Chateau Miami restaurant. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona.
ISLAND DREAMING –AMANDA LINDROTH DESIGN by Amanda Lindroth. Photography by Dylan Chandler. Illustrations by Carlisle Burch. Published by Vendome Press. Hardcover. 250 colour illustrations, 336 pages.
PUBLICATION
DATE: OCTOBER 2024.
An anatomy of the soul and the emergence of structure
A look at GABRIELLE CHANEL edp and GABRIELLE CHANEL ESSENCE EDP A PHILOSOPHY OF SCENT. PART 5.
Where everything exists, the soul does not; at least in any observable and conceivable way we come to determine the world and existence itself. But despite and in spite of that, the soul is and exists in ways other things are not and do not. The soul’s being as it were and its mode, way and constituent part of being is diametrically different to existent things in our everyday life, whether they be sentient, animate or inanimate. And it could be said that the being of a soul is the metric by which we measure and define existence itself, a quantum of sorts; yet we are nowhere close to understanding or proving the existence of a soul nor its mode and way of being, writes Kris Bonavita.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY CHANEL.
This is partially an issue of semantics in that we use the term to be and to exist interchangeably without any fall out. Something tangible or observable exists but may not be per se; may not have a sentient sense of being; or even not have being in its own right. And something like a soul may have no tangible perceptible elements of its existence and yet manifestly is, in supreme ways that define being itself; such as, exquisite love, astounding beauty, ecstatic emotion, and all things we can have a notion of, and yet where do we look for them? How far can we say they concretely exist? What is their degree of being, if at all? Are they metaphysical?
When it comes to being human we can extol the perfections of the body; the imperfections and brilliance of the mind; the nuances of the psyche or persona; and the fabulous nature of each and every one of us with all our idiosyncrasies, small ways of enjoyment, quirks and affections; whether idealized and idolized in great literature and film, ingenious works of art and sculpture, scientific or cultural advancements, or just in passing, fleeting glimpses of other peoples’ lives. We are each an entity and a universe unto ourselves with infinite facets and dimensions; and yet so subtly and simply, we are all the same in our sense of being by which all other beings are measured and fall short. And yet all this; all this marvel and awesomeness of the present, the here and the now, has nothing on the soul.
If we could see a soul as it were, the world would be seen in an entirely different light. The metaphysics and anatomy of a soul are dependent upon notions and elements that go beyond the physical, even if they are very much immanently part of our everyday life and transcend our basic needs, to yearn for what can only be restlessly dreamt of. No finite bounded qualitative or quantitative states of this world can do to suffice or satiate the soul, and yet the simplest and least element can be a source of its infinite gaze and solicitation. It seems to have a nous or mind of its own, heavily intertwined with a profound heart and body of its own, nicely coupled with the heart and mind we already do possess and yet so enchantingly different, so tantalizingly out of reach when closely observed. And with a value system that goes beyond the pale of what this world requires and asks of us; indeed, quite contrary to it.
It is as if everyone is called to one act of utmost glory, one act of exceeding heroism to be defined and constituted by, whether it is lifelong service and duty or a split-second instant heart decision to give of oneself selflessly and to one’s own detriment, wellbeing or even life. We seek in popular culture heroes and heroines and glorify them, but none so heroic as those that remain unsung, unknown in their silent ways of changing the world for the better, even just with their sheer purity of heart; and yet to us outsiders they go by unnoticed. It is this unknowing but very much in the know font of heroism that defines the metaphysical life of the soul and is best proof of its existence and astounding ability to transform the world way beyond what is imagined. In this sense we should talk of the emergence of structure. If what is
known about elements or component parts do not provide with predictable patterns of a system which they clearly belong to, then we can talk of an emergence of structure. What is indeed observably and manifestly so at a macro level, an emergence of structure, points towards unknown, unobserved or unobservable underlying smaller parts. This is not to say that the very elements that provide the patterns are not there, but rather that we are unaware of them. An unawareness is not a legitimate answer but rather an admission of a lack of understanding at a deeper level but a sure sign of certainty of them being there. We can safely say if we could see and observe those parts, they would provide the pattern of predictability in a strict causality of the larger picture. In other words each element of this world has absolutely all the information required no matter how finitely small in its distinguishing characteristics to trace it back to its full origins from the beginning of time in so far as it is a distinguishable element or entity different from every other element or entity. And further still if all that information was gathered from every object, a certitude of predictability could be surmised over and above the element of unpredictability which itself is a pattern and bias of sorts (an archaeology of atoms and poetics of the world if you will).
We can safely say that any spontaneous emergence of structure is an admittance of a misunderstanding at a deeper level of component parts of the elements that make up that system. The level of unpredictability is the level to which we can hold true that we do not know but do know that those elements exist in finer but unobservable detail. If we did know and could observe, we could build more accurate models that would do away with any spontaneity or unpredictability to the emergence of structure; but rather of the manifestation of a predictable pattern of causality through time; an encyclopaedic history of future events in their making. But we are nowhere near there yet.
The soul is part and parcel an emergence of structure, both form and function. We could say this is a definition of a soul by elimination, rather than by what it is, by what it is not, but with a certainty of being nonetheless. Observed from afar the soul comes into view as something larger than life and with certitude; looked at closely, it merges and gets lost to become all but invisible and uncertain. What element of life gives life to the soul or what element of the soul gives life to life, the body as a part or a whole, is something we do not know or understand but can be seen arguably in both ways and with degrees of certainty. The modality of being of one is the existence and constituent part of the other. The soul is at once the receptacle and function of the body as part of a wider larger context; and the body itself is the receptacle and form of the soul in so far as we have choices and actions to be made; free will to dispense with; and in so far as the soul is physically part of this world – existing; or metaphysically respectively not so –being. But all along with some degree of underlying reassuring certainty, coupled with a deeper realisation and exhilaration of how profoundly little we know, yet understand.
“I decided who I wanted to be, and that is who I am.” GABRIELLE CHANEL
The bold, independent character of Gabrielle Chanel would determine her fate and change the course of history. In 2017, CHANEL created a fragrance in her honour, a reflection of her extraordinary, determined and passionate spirit: GABRIELLE CHANEL. From the scent to the bottle, both firsts in the history of CHANEL, and the choice of name, it pays tribute to the woman she was before Coco Chanel. In 2019, GABRIELLE CHANEL Eau de Parfum was reinvented with GABRIELLE CHANEL
ESSENCE, a new olfactory variation that showed a more vibrant and opulent side. Inspired by the very essence of Gabrielle’s radiance, the fragrance shines with intensity. The voluptuous scent works its magic to reveal each individual identity.
THE SOFT POWER OF GABRIELLE
GABRIELLE CHANEL edp and GABRIELLE CHANEL ESSENCE EDP
In 2017 the House of Chanel chose to create a fragrance in Gabrielle Chanel’s honour, as a reflection of her extraordinary determined and passionate spirit. Once again paying tribute in the name and essence of the perfume to the groundbreaking role model Coco Chanel was.
Harking to the liberated woman, at the time a revolutionary visionary character in the world of fashion and beauty, the perfume draws inspiration from the inner strength, avant-garde and exquisite taste and originality of Coco’s creativity and nous. Gabrielle Chanel by Olivier Polge is pure white florals in nature with exotic jasmine, fresh ylangylang, racy orange blossom and creamy voluptuous Grasse tuberose at heart. Softy textured with a luminosity and delicate richness, this is both passionately feminine and sparklingly bold with a warm depth and sensuality to enchant and endear.
Voluptuous, captivating, floral and zesty in equal measure with an irradiancy and energy all of its own; Gabrielle Chanel Essence was created in 2019 by Master Perfumer of the House of Chanel, Olivier Polge, the inspiration once again being Gabrielle Chanel herself as mistress and muse of her own destiny, mind and body.
In a delicately crafted ultra-thin glass square bottle with lame gold stopper, this bijou of a scent is all about refrained elegance, light layers of belle époque exuding decadence filled in by solar wafts of exotic flowers and some citrus for good measure.
Intense Jasmine, radiant ylang-ylang, opulent Grasse tuberose, and sparkling orange blossom are the heart and soul of this perfume. A delicate floral trail has ample volumes of soft sweet spice, fruit and some wood for the long haul with an enveloping richness to enthral.
This is dazzlingly solar and bold all at once, with a modern streak of energy and a billowing light perfection for all occasions.
CHANEL is distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd.
Overleaf and Facing page: GABRIELLE CHANEL ESSENCE, an olfactory variation of GABRIELLE CHANEL Eau de Parfum, with a more vibrant and opulent side. Composed around four white flowers revered by CHANEL (jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom and tuberose), ESSENCE gives a majestic role to Grasse tuberose. Photography courtesy CHANEL.
MONACO YACHT SHOW 2024
Elegance and Innovation on the French Riviera
Set against the glitzy backdrop of the Principality of Monaco, the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS), taking place this year from September 25 to 28, is more than just a display of superyachts –it’s a showcase of the glamorous, forward-thinking world of luxury yachting. Now celebrating its 33rd edition, the event transforms Port Hercule into a playground of elegance, innovation, and sustainability.
Photography courtesy Monaco Yacht Show.
Known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline and glamorous allure, Monaco is the quintessential location for such an event. Nestled on the French Riviera, this tiny yet immensely wealthy sovereign state offers an unparalleled mix of luxury and natural beauty, making it an ideal haven for superyachting aficionados.
Founded in 1991, the Monaco Yacht Show has grown to showcase the most spectacular yachts on the market, with over 120 superyachts and around sixty luxury tenders on display each year, all vying for sophistication and refinement. These floating palaces – some stretching over 100 metres –attract yachting connoisseurs from around the world. As the ultimate platform for yacht enthusiasts and prospective buyers, the MYS is more than just a place to admire opulent vessels – it is where dreams of yachting are realised.
This page: Perched on the French Riviera, the tiny yet immensely wealthy sovereign state of Monaco offers an unmatched blend of luxury and natural beauty.
This page: Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Principality of Monaco, the vessels on display at the Monaco Yacht Show are masterpieces of engineering and design, showcasing the latest in technological advancements and opulent interiors. Photography this page © Monaco Yacht Show.
Monaco has long been a magnet for the world’s elite. Steeped in history and known for its association with luxury, it plays a crucial role in the charm of the Yacht Show. The Principality’s ties to the sea and yachting are deep-rooted, and it’s deep water port, Port Hercule, offers a setting like no other – surrounded by the towering cliffs of the Côte d’Azur and the glittering Mediterranean it serves as the perfect venue for showcasing the world’s most luxurious yachts. With state-of-the-art facilities, this stunning natural harbour provides a picturesque and practical setting for the event. The show is held under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, reinforcing its prestigious nature.
In addition to the yachts themselves, the Monaco Yacht Show is a showcase for the luxury lifestyle that accompanies yachting. Exhibitors include manufacturers of high-end marine equipment, luxury car brands, helicopter and private jet services, and a variety of other premium products.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Monaco Yacht Show has also taken on a pioneering role in shaping the future of yachting. The 2024 edition is set to highlight the latest trends in
facing
sustainable yachting, featuring eco-innovations that are redefining luxury on the high seas. The Sustainability Hub, first introduced in 2022, will serve as a focal point for cutting-edge solutions aimed at reducing the environmental impact of yachting. The hub brings together the best in green technology, from hybrid propulsion systems to energyefficient design innovations. Visitors will be able to meet exhibitors who are leading the charge in eco-conscious yachting, offering a glimpse into how the industry is evolving to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
This and
page: First held in 1991, the Monaco Yacht Show quickly established itself as one of the premier events in the yachting calendar, presenting yachts from the most renowned shipyards across the globe, and transforming Port Hercule into a playground of elegance, innovation, and sustainability. The MYS is a celebration of not only the most exquisite yachts in the world but also the relentless pursuit of innovation that drives the industry forward. Photography © Monaco Yacht Show.
Monaco’s historical connection to yachting is inseparable from the elegance and innovation that the MYS represents. Over the years, the show has introduced new initiatives to encourage sustainable development, both in yacht design and operations. This year, the Yacht Design & Innovation
Hub returns, featuring a curated selection of 16 world-renowned designers who will showcase their latest projects. These visionary concepts push the boundaries of what is possible in yacht design, blending luxury with eco-friendly technologies and innovative solutions. From sleek exteriors that reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency to interiors that redefine elegance, the focus is on sustainable luxury.
This page: Each year, the Monaco Yacht Show features over a hundred superyachts, many of which are making their world debut. Port Hercule’s state-of-the-art facilities and stunning natural harbour provide a picturesque and practical setting for the event. Photography this page © Monaco Yacht Show.
As the yachting industry embraces sustainability, the show has become an influential platform for promoting environmental responsibility. The MYS 2024 will open with a dedicated conference on sustainability, offering insights into the challenges and solutions shaping the future of the industry.
Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, will inaugurate the conference with an overview of the operational measures the MYS has implemented to promote sustainability, both within the event and across the industry.
For anyone interested in yachting, the Monaco Yacht Show is a must-attend event. It is a celebration of not only the most exquisite yachts in the world but also the relentless pursuit of innovation that drives the industry forward. Intersecting glamour and sustainability, the MYS offers a vision of the future of yachting that is as forwardthinking as it is luxurious. It offers a rare opportunity to view and board some of the most exquisite vessels ever built, to meet with leading designers and builders, and to engage in the vibrant community that surrounds this elite pastime. Monaco’s captivating setting, sunny climate, stunning scenery, and glamorous reputation, only makes this exceptional event even more unforgettable.
This page: With an average fleet length of 50 metres and mega yachts over 100 metres, the Monaco Yacht Show invites you aboard a collection of superyachts like no other. Photography this page © Monaco Yacht Show.
LimitedOffer
*Terms and conditions for the USDXtra apply and are available from all Lombard
at
Capital Guaranteed
No fees or charges
“History isn’t something you look back at and say it was inevitable. It happens because people make decisions that are sometimes very impulsive and
of the moment, but those moments are cumulative realities.”
MARSHA P. JOHNSON, AMERICAN GAY LIBERATION ACTIVIST AND STONEWALL LEADER
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF EQUALITY IN MALTA AND BEYOND
PRIDE AND PROGRESS
FOR THE NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, MALTA HAS HELD THE TOP SPOT IN EUROPE’S RAINBOW MAP INDEX, LEADING 49 COUNTRIES WITH A REMARKABLE SCORE OF 88%. THIS ANNUAL REVIEW, PUBLISHED BY ILGA-EUROPE ON MAY 15, EVALUATES THE HUMAN RIGHTS LANDSCAPE FOR LGBTI PEOPLE ACROSS THE CONTINENT.
Pride is much more than just a celebration –it's a movement that has paved the way for profound social change over the decades. Originating from a history of struggle and resistance, the Pride movement serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to resilience –a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights across the globe.
PHOTOGRAPHY NO REVISIONS.
The modern Pride movement traces its roots back to the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, a watershed moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. When police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, the patrons fought back - en masseleading to days of demonstrations. These events would ignite a global movement, giving rise to the first Pride marches in 1970, which commemorated the anniversary of the riots. These marches were not only a celebration of identity and love but also a defiant call for equality and justice.
Over the years, Pride has evolved, becoming both a celebration and a protest - a platform for visibility, advocacy, and solidarity. Significant milestones in the LGBTQ+ rights movement include the decriminalization of homosexuality in various countries, the removal of homosexuality from the World Health Organization's list of mental disorders in 1992, and the legalization of same-sex marriage in countries like the Netherlands in 2001, the United States in 2015, and Malta in 2017.
Malta, in particular, has made remarkable strides in LGBTQ+ rights over the past two decades. This year, Malta celebrates 20 years of Pride, a milestone that reflects its progressive approach to equality and human rights. Key achievements include the 2002 decision allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the military, the 2014 recognition of same-sex couples and parenting rights, and the 2016 ban on conversion therapy. More recently, Malta has made strides in gender identity rights, including the introduction of a third-gender option on ID cards and passports in 2017, and access to free healthcare for trans individuals through the Gender Wellbeing Clinic in 2018. In 2023, Malta hosted the EuroPride celebrations, further cementing its position as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights in Europe.
Pride in Malta, as in many other parts of the world, is a vibrant and joyous occasion. The streets of Valletta, and elsewhere in Malta come alive with parades, concerts, parties, and cultural events, drawing people from all walks of life to celebrate love and equality. The atmosphere is one of inclusivity and acceptance, a stark contrast to the challenges faced by earlier generations. Yet, Malta’s Pride is also a reminder of the work still to be done, both locally and globally, in ensuring equal rights and protections for all.
Around the world, Pride is celebrated in various ways, reflecting the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and London, attracting millions of participants and spectators to Pride parades and events. These celebrations nurture visibility, and a sense of community and solidarity. In contrast, in countries where LGBTQ+ rights are still heavily restricted, Pride events can be more subdued, or even clandestine, as activists face significant risks in their fight for equality. In places like Russia or parts of Africa and the Middle East, organizing or attending a Pride event can result in harassment, violence, or imprisonment. These regions highlight the global disparities in LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of international solidarity.
For allies, supporting the LGBTQ+ community goes a step beyond attending Pride events. It's about fostering an environment of inclusion and respect in everyday life. Practical ways to support include educating oneself about LGBTQ+ issues, advocating for inclusive policies at work and in the community, and standing up against discrimination and prejudice. Being an ally also means listening to and amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, particularly those
from marginalized groups within the community, such as third country nationals and transgender individuals.
It is worth remembering that transgender individuals played a crucial role in the Stonewall Riots due to their long history of marginalization and resilience within both the LGBTQ+ community and society at large. At a time when discrimination against LGBTQ+ people was rampant, in the US people of colour and transgender individuals were often among the most vulnerable, facing both racism and transphobia on top of homophobia.
Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman, and Sylvia Rivera, a transgender woman of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan heritage, were key figures in the Stonewall uprising. Both had endured years of police brutality, homelessness, and exclusion from mainstream society, making them fearless advocates for the LGBTQ+ community. Their defiance during the police raid at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969, was an act of resistance not just against homophobia but against the intersecting oppressions of racism, sexism, and classism.
According to LGBTQ legend it was Marsha P. Johnson who threw the first brick at the Stonewall Inn in 1969, sparking the modern gay liberation movement. While it's debated whether she actually threw the first brick, her involvement in the riots, alongside Rivera's, symbolized the fight against systematic injustice. Their bravery and leadership helped ignite a broader movement for LGBTQ+ rights, which should continue to honour their legacy today.
The mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community are significant and cannot be overlooked. Discrimination, social exclusion, and the fear of coming out can lead to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s crucial to provide strong support systems, including access to LGBTQ+ affirming mental health services, safe spaces, and community networks that offer understanding and acceptance. Pride, in many ways, serves as a collective support system, offering a space where LGBTQ+ individuals can express themselves freely and find community.
As we celebrate Pride this year, we must remember that the journey towards full equality and acceptance is ongoing - we must continue to advocate for those whose voices are still silenced and whose rights are still denied. Pride is not just a moment but a movement - one that calls each of us to stand up, speak out, and celebrate the diversity that makes us all human.
ECHOES OF POWER THE INQUISITOR’S PALACE
1798, known then as the Palazzo del Sant’Officio. Over the years, the palace has seen significant alterations and renovations, with much of the original structure being transformed. After the Inquisition was abolished during the French occupation of Malta in 1798, the palace found new purposes, serving as a military hospital, a mess hall, and even a convent. In 1966, it began a new chapter as a museum, eventually becoming the National Museum of Ethnography in 1992. Today, the Inquisitor’s Palace is as one of the few surviving palaces of its kind in the world, and the only one open to the public.
Photography courtesy Heritage Malta.
BIRGU
This page: The architecturally unique Castellania Courtyard, the inner courtyard of the Inquisitor’s Palace.
The Inquisitor’s Palace in Malta serves a dual purpose: it is both a historic house museum and the National Museum of Ethnography. The building itself is a key part of the story it tells, providing visitors with a tangible connection to the power-house of the Holy Roman Inquisition, which held sway over Malta for more than 224 years.
Constructed around the 1530s, the palace originally housed the Magna Curia Castellania, a civil tribunal established by Fra Juan de Homedes y Coscónin 1543. This tribunal remained in the palace until 1571, when it was relocated to the then newly built city of Valletta.
Two years later, Pietro Dusina arrived in Malta as its first Inquisitor and Apostolic Delegate of Pope Gregory XIII. Grand Master Jean de la Cassière offered him this building and thus it got the name still in use to date.The building served as the headquarters of the Inquisition, functioning both as a residence for the inquisitor and housing the tribunal and prisons.
This page: Recently, the historic Cancelleria (chancellery) underwent a complete reconstruction, guided by detailed plans from 1700 that were discovered in the Archivo Segreto Vaticano in Rome. These plans were initially submitted by Inquisitor Giacinto Ferrero di Messerano to the Vatican to justify the increased costs from the original projected budget. The discovery of these plans provided a rare glimpse into the original furnishings of the Chancellery through one specific elevation plan.
Inquisitors in Malta served in their dual role as supreme judges of the Holy Office and Apostolic Delegates representing the Vatican’s interests in Malta. The Palace is an architectural gem, very well documented and so full of contrasts for it was fashioned to generate awe towards a powerful ecclesiastic diplomat in a sophisticated residence, and inspire reverence and repentance through a tribunal, inclusive of an austere prison complex. From the late 16th to the 18th century, the inquisitors who resided and worked in the palace made numerous significant modifications, gradually transforming it into a typical Roman palazzo with Baroque influences. The palace was expanded through the acquisition of adjacent properties, and the first major renovation began in the 1630s under Inquisitor Fabio Chigi, who later became Pope Alexander VII.
This page: The staircase at the Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu was built between 1733 and 1734 and was commissioned by Inquisitor Giovanni Francesco Stoppani. While works were undergoing in one of the main halls, a wall collapsed, the catalyst for Stoppani’s decision to construct a majestic new entrance, with the main staircase as the centrepiece of the whole Palace. The architect chosen was the well-known early modern baroque architect Romano Carapecchia.
The Inquisition was abolished by the French upon their arrival in 1798, and subsequently the building served French and British rules, as well as the Dominican Order which made use of the palace during and after WWII, until the early 1960s.
In recent years Heritage Malta, has strived to strike the
right balance between a historic house museum, reflecting the building’s past political importance as one of the three centres of power in early modern Malta and a National Museum of Ethnography, highlighting the impact of the Inquisition on Maltese society and the role of religion in everyday life. It also comprises a wing dedicated to the National Textiles Collection housed within the same building.
Above: Looking upwards from the grand central staircase.
Most recently, the historic Cancelleria (chancellery) underwent a complete reconstruction, guided by detailed plans from 1700 that were discovered in the Archivo Segreto Vaticano in Rome. These plans were initially submitted by Inquisitor Giacinto Ferrero di Messerano to the Vatican to justify the increased costs from the original projected budget. The Chancellery’s primary function was to host ‘special’ tribunal sittings and to store the corresponding trial papers, keeping them separate from the spiritual tribunal,
which took place in a different room. The discovery of these plans was a fortunate find, providing a rare glimpse into the original furnishings of the Chancellery through one specific elevation plan.
The current experience is divided in three distinct sections, the domestic and historic kitchen area at ground floor level is complimented by the piano nobile which includes both official halls and private quarters extending on two floors. The third part of the visitor’s experience are the spaces pertaining to the Holy Office itself including the tribunal chamber, torture chamber and prison
complex. The museum experience is complimented with an emphasis on a busy outreach programme of events and educational sessions.
The Inquisitor’s Palace is one of the few remaining palaces of its kind worldwide, and the only one accessible to the public. Many other buildings used by the Inquisition were either destroyed during and after the French Revolution or fell into disrepair over time. Another surviving building is Girgenti Palace, which served as the summer residence of Malta’s inquisitor and is now the summer residence of the Prime Minister of Malta.
Above: The current experience is divided in three distinct sections, including the domestic and historic kitchen area at ground floor level.
BETRAYAL and VENGEANCE
The Slaves’ Conspiracy of 1749 in 19 historical drawings
20th September 2024 - 31st March 2025 Inquisitor’s Palace and National Museum of Ethnography, Birgu
A gruesome part of history brought to life by Heritage Malta
Betrayal and Vengeance
Truth, they say, is often stranger than fiction – and this September, Heritage Malta will unveil an exhibition at the Inquisitor’s Palace that proves just that. Set against the dramatic backdrop of 18th-century Malta, this gripping tale could easily be mistaken for the plot of a Hollywood thriller. A gripping account of a devious plot shrouded in secrecy until all details were revealed; of shattered trust and vengeance; where torture and humiliation expose the darkest corners of human nature – reminding us that these chilling narratives have echoed through history time and again.
Images courtesy Heritage Malta.
The exhibition Betrayal and Vengeance: The Slaves’ Conspiracy of 1749 in 19 Historical Drawings, commemorates the 275th anniversary of the failed slaves’ revolt of 1749. It analyses one of the most intriguing periods in Maltese history through 19 drawings and more than
58 news sheets that were exchanged between the Inquisitor and Apostolic Delegate Paolo Passionei and the Vatican between 1748 and 1751.
The episode started early in the morning of 1st February 1748, when an Ottoman galley by the name of ‘Lupa’ reached Malta’s shores. A mutiny had taken place onboard, and the owner of the galley – Mustafà, the Pasha of Rhodes – was now a captive at the mercy of his own slaves, amongst them Maltese rowers who quickly handed him over to Grand Master Pinto.
This page: In 1749, Grand Master Pinto would become the centre of a foiled assassination plot in a gruesome episode in Maltese history.
EXHIBITION
This page: The exhibition analyses one of the most intriguing and tumultuous periods in Maltese history and features a collection of 19 contemporary drawings, each vividly depicting the intense and often brutal aftermath of the conspiracy. These rare illustrations serve as the centrepiece of a narrative that delves deep into the political, social, and cultural dynamics of 18th-century Malta.
Following his freedom after lengthy negotiations influenced by French political interests, the Pasha –who wished to recover his loss of face with the Sultan for having allowed himself to be captured by his underlings – lost no time in plotting a revolt to be executed primarily by Malta’s Muslim slaves. The uprising was to start with Grand Master Pinto’s assassination, and progress with the annihilation of the islands’ Catholic priesthood and the enslavement of a large percentage of the population. But fate had other plans.
As luck would have it, the plot was revealed during a brawl in a Valletta coffee shop, whose owner hurried to inform the Grand Master. Those who were most seriously implicated were brutally killed through unequalled macabre executions. The conspirators were tortured while being paraded throughout Valletta, and some were quartered in the harbour. Other conspiring slaves were beheaded, their heads displayed in metal cages at Fort St Elmo, while others still had their throats slit and their corpses burnt on a pile of wood.
Keeping in mind the cultural and social framework of early modern Malta, this event in Maltese history is truly outstanding. This is a story with so many facets to ponder, and whose ramifications echo to this day in such a wide array of spheres, that it would be impossible for Heritage Malta to overlook it. The medium through which Heritage Malta is recounting it is well worthy of study – 19 drawings that are the handiwork of an anonymous artist who must have witnessed the gruesome events firsthand, given the detail and the historical accuracy depicted. Originally a set of at least 24 drawings, the 19 on display were donated to the Malta Museum in 1909/10. They greatly assist in corroborating Inquisitor Passonei’s accounts with precision.
Visitors of this exhibition will be urged to stop and think, and to engage in discussion about human nature and respect for human life; about slavery; about torture and execution; about betrayal and vengeance; about a myriad topics thought to be confined to history books but sadly, still with us to this day.
BETRAYAL AND VENGEANCE: THE SLAVES’ CONSPIRACY OF 1749 IN 19 HISTORICAL DRAWINGS will be open to the public at the Inquisitor’s Palace and National Museum of Ethnography, Birgu, from 20th September 2024 until 31st March 2025.
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, March to December –closed on Mondays, January to February - closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF THE MALTA AIRPORT FOUNDATION
In 2024, the Malta Airport Foundation marks its 10th anniversary, as Malta International Airport celebrates its now decade-long commitment to creating shared value by investing in the preservation of the rich cultural, natural, and historical heritage of the Maltese Islands. Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has invested in numerous projects aimed at ensuring that these treasures which showcase the uniqueness of our islands are protected, writes the team at the Malta Airport Foundation.
Photography Malta Airport Foundation.
REVIVAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
The centuries-old buildings and structures surrounding the Maltese Islands, that watched the country’s rich history unfold, serve as physical links to defining moments of our past that shaped our national identity.
By supporting the restoration of important structures, such as the Torri Xutu watchtower in Wied iż-Żurrieq, the Combined Operations Room in Valletta and Villa Hay in Pietà, the Malta Airport Foundation is looking to instill a renewed sense of pride within local communities, while fostering a shared responsibility to protect it for future generations. At the same time, these wellmaintained sites which have been given a new lease of life are now serving as must-visit attractions for tourists seeking an authentic and unique cultural experience in Malta.
PRESERVATION OF MALTA’S ARTISTIC HERITAGE
As religious heritage forms an intrinsic part of Malta’s identity, the Malta Airport Foundation has also been instrumental in the preservation of sacred art. The restoration of important religious artworks in Ta’ Ġieżu Church in Valletta, St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Żurrieq and the Mdina Metropolitan Museum, as well as the commissioning of the embellishment of the Kirkop Parish Church, showcase the Foundation’s dedication to safeguarding Malta’s artistic heritage. These works, which embody centuries of faith and devotion, serve as valuable links to our past, and are now continuing to enrich both the local community and visitors seeking to explore Malta’s spiritual heritage.
The Foundation also supported Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti in undertaking the refurbishment of the Victor Pasmore Gallery in Valletta. Pasmore was a leading figure in modern abstract art, and the gallery serves as a permanent celebration of his work, as well as the invaluable contributions of Maltese artists to the story of 20th-century art in Malta.
Above: The newly restored Torri Xutu, which was built during the reign of Grand Master Lascaris in the 17th century, was reopened to the public in July 2019.
Above: The embellishment works within the Church of St Leonard in Kirkop, featuring contemporary saints and blesseds, are now in their final stages.
SAFEGUARDING MALTA’S MARINE HERITAGE
Our marine environment is central to our islands’ history, which is why the Foundation has also chosen to support initiatives that protect and promote this equally important aspect of Malta’s heritage. Amongst the most notable projects which offer invaluable insights into Malta’s maritime past are the ongoing excavation of a Phoenician shipwreck dating back to 700 BC, and the establishment of the first deep-water archaeological park, both of which are found hidden beneath Xlendi Bay in Gozo.
The Foundation has also produced documentaries on Filfla and Comino, shedding light on the islands’ great ecological significance. The Submerged World documentary series, which explores six of the Maltese Islands’ most popular diveable wrecks, followed suit, raising awareness about the islands’ marine environment while simultaneously promoting Malta’s underwater offering to tourists.
LOOKING AHEAD
Ten years on, the Malta Airport Foundation’s journey is just getting started. Through its continued investment in safeguarding the island’s unique past, the Foundation is ensuring that Malta’s rich history and cultural legacy continue to be celebrated by people from all walks of life, and, more importantly, endure for future generations.
Above: This imposing painting by Mattia Preti depicts housed within the Parish Church of Żurrieq, depicts Saints Roque, Blaise, Dominic and Nicholas of Tolentino interceding for the Plague-Stricken.
Above: Patrol boat P31 is one of the six wrecks to be documented through the Submerged World project.
THE ORIGINAL NEGRONI RECIPE 1OZ CAMPARI, 1OZ GIN, 1OZ SWEET VERMOUTH. POUR THE CAMPARI, GIN AND SWEET VERMOUTH DIRECTLY INTO A ROCK TUMBLER GLASS FILLED WITH ICE. GARNISH WITH A SLICE OF FRESH ORANGE.
NEGRONI WEEK: SEPT 16-22, 2024
Why the Negroni Remains a Timeless Classic
The Negroni has been captivating palates since its inception in Florence in 1919, and remains one of the most enduring and beloved drinks in the world. The story of the Negroni’s creation is as legendary as its taste. It began when Count Camilo Negroni, requested a bolder version of his favorite Americano cocktail at Café Casoni in Florence. Bartender Fosco Scarselli obliged by substituting the soda water with gin, creating a drink that was stronger and more aromatic. Scarselli garnished the concoction with an orange slice instead of the traditional lemon twist, and thus, the Negroni was born.
Photography Marina Zaharkina and Matheus Frade (overleaf).
THERE IS NO NEGRONI WITHOUT CAMPARI. THE INTERNATIONAL BARTENDING ASSOCIATION (IBA) RECOGNISES HOW FUNDAMENTAL CAMPARI IS TO BUILDING THE COCKTAIL. IT IS THE RED HEART OF EVERY NEGRONI.
COCKTAILS
So, what is it about the Negroni that has allowed it to remain a staple in cocktail culture for over a century? The answer lies in its remarkable balance and versatility. The Negroni’s equalparts formula of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari strikes a perfect harmony between bitter, sweet, and herbal notes, creating a complex flavour profile that appeals to both seasoned drinkers and those just beginning to explore cocktails. Its bold, unapologetic bitterness sets it apart from many other cocktails, providing a refreshing alternative to sweeter, more straightforward drinks. This depth and complexity have made the Negroni a favorite among bartenders and mixologists. As noted by Drinks International in May 2024 after Negroni was once again named the number 1 cocktail on its global best selling cocktail list, “There are plenty of easier-drinking cocktails on this list, yet the punchy Negroni, with its divisive bitterness, prevails.” This divisive quality has not deterred its popularity; rather, it has fueled a fascination with the drink, prompting both bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts to experiment with its ingredients and explore new combinations. One of the reasons the Negroni has remained relevant over the years is its adaptability. Its simple, three-ingredient structure invites endless variations, allowing bartenders to swap out any of the trio for something different, creating entirely new drinks while maintaining the essence of the original. This flexibility has given rise to numerous interpretations of the Negroni, such as the White Negroni, which uses gin, Lillet Blanc, and Suze, offering a lighter, more floral take on the classic. Other popular variations include the Tequila Negroni, Mezcal Negroni, and Rum Negroni, each bringing a unique twist to the iconic cocktail.
A popular variant, the Negroni Sbagliato, was created by accident in the 1970s by Milan bartender Mirko Stocchetto, when he mistakenly reached for a bottle of prosecco
instead of gin, resulting in a bubbly, spritz-like version of the Negroni. This happy accident has since become a favourite in its own right.
The Negroni’s appeal extends beyond its taste and versatility. It is a drink steeped in history and culture, often associated with a sense of sophistication and elegance. Sipping on a Negroni feels like stepping into another era, invoking images of faraway glamourous cocktail bars and sun-drenched Italian terraces.
Moreover, the Negroni's enduring popularity can also be attributed to its simplicity. Unlike many modern cocktails that require a lengthy list of ingredients and elaborate preparation, the Negroni’s equal-parts recipe is easy to remember and even easier to make.
Negroni’s lasting popularity lies in its ability to balance tradition with innovation. Whether enjoyed in its classic form or as a contemporary twist, the Negroni continues to captivate drinkers with its bold flavours and timeless charm, proving that some things truly never go out of style.
NEGRONI WEEK was launched in 2013 by Imbibe Magazine in partnership with Campari as a global charity initiative celebrating one of the world’s greatest cocktails, the Negroni. The event encourages bars, restaurants, and retailers around the world to mix their favorite Negroni variations.
“All of the people who work in the kitchen with me go out into the forests and on to the beach. It's a part of their job. If you work with me you will often be starting your day in the forest or on the shore because I believe foraging will shape you as a chef.”
RENÉ REDZEPI
Redefining Nordic Cuisine
Noma
Noma, the iconic Copenhagen-based restaurant led by founder and head chef René Redzepi, has from the beginning been at the forefront of gastronomic innovation. With three Michelin stars and five recognitions as the World's Best Restaurant, Noma continues to push the boundaries of Nordic cuisine, offering diners a unique culinary experience deeply rooted in the region's culture and seasons. Since its inception, the restaurant has worked to develop dishes that reflect not only the environment but also the intricacies of nature's rhythms.
Photography Ditte Isager, courtesy Noma.
This page: The Copenhagen-based restaurant Noma, led by founder and head chef René Redzepi, has long been at the forefront of gastronomic innovation.
natural landscape complete with gardens and greenhouses, it embodies a complete immersion in nature.
René Redzepi is the founder, head chef and co-owner of
He is married to Nadine Levy Redzepi, and together they have three daughters: Arwen, Genta and Ro. Top left: Large windows provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors and creating an intimate and expansive atmosphere. Below: Noma has been designed to provide a direct connection between the kitchen and the surrounding environment, including the restaurant’s gardens, which provide many of the ingredients that feature on Noma’s plates, reinforcing the idea of sourcing ingredients sustainably and locally.
In 2003, in a harbourside warehouse on the Copenhagen waterfront, head chef René Redzepi and his team set out to create a restaurant that would challenge traditional notions of fine dining –Noma. With a commitment to sourcing the freshest ingredients, the food at Noma was crafted to reflect the natural rhythms of its environment, creating a menu that was innovative and deeply connected to the Nordic landscape. This philosophy almost immediately caught the attention of the culinary world, and Noma quickly rose to fame for creative dishes that blended traditional Nordic ingredients with modern techniques. In 2006 Noma made its debut onto The World’s 50 Best Restaurants at No.33 and proceeded to claim the No.1 spot four times from 2010 to 2014. For fourteen years, Noma thrived and became a destination for food lovers from around the world. However, in February 2017, Redzepi made a bold decision and closed the doors, marking the end of an era. It was not long before the team returned with a reimagined version of the restaurant, and exactly one year later, Noma reopened in a new location, with a fresh philosophy that focused on the region’s three distinct seasons and myriad micro-seasons.
Above:
Noma.
Afundamental part of the relocation was a reimagined physical space –a culinary ecosystem, designed to be a harmonious extension of its surroundings, with a minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes natural materials and organic forms. Set within a natural landscape complete with gardens and greenhouses, Noma is a complete immersion in nature. Large windows provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors and creating an intimate and expansive atmosphere. The space has been designed to provide a direct connection between the kitchen and the surrounding environment, including the restaurant’s gardens, which provide many of the ingredients that feature on Noma’s plates, reinforcing the idea of sourcing ingredients sustainably and locally. Each season brings a new theme to the table, and besides being a culinary strategy, this seasonal approach is a statement about sustainability and respect for nature. With a menu aligned with the rhythms of the natural world, Noma reduces its environmental footprint while supporting local ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
Above: Eegetable Season 2024 –each season at Noma brings a new theme to the table. Below left: A Kohlrabi kebab with tree sap, truffle and summer pickles. Below right: Mushroom gel –smoked king oyster mushroom with a jellied mushroom broth, sancho leaves and horseradish cream.
“Sustainable practices have long served as a guiding light for our creativity, but it’s not just about the way we source ingredients or minimise our carbon footprint; it is also about establishing the best work environment possible for the well-being of our employees.”
René Redzepi, quoted from the Michelin Guide website.
Redzepi himself is a visionary leader in the culinary world. He previously founded the Nordic Food Lab, an independent non-profit research institution with the purpose of exploring the
building blocks of Nordic cuisine through traditional and modern gastronomies, and is the founder of MAD, a non-profit that aims to build a community of cooks, purveyors, thinkers and enthusiasts, with an appetite for knowledge, a passion for food, and a desire to improve the world around it.
Above: Barbecued Burbot and Clam.
Over the years Redzepi has shared his insights and philosophies in several books, including Noma: Time and Place in Nordic Cuisine, A Work in Progress, the New York Times bestseller Foundations of Flavor: The Noma Guide To Fermentation, and Noma 2.0: Vegetable, Forest, Ocean. These publications offer a glimpse into his thinking and a deeper understanding of the creativity that
goes into Noma’s ever-evolving menu. Writing in Foundations of Flavor: The Noma Guide To Fermentation, he writes “There’s a thin line between rot and fermentation, and that line might best be understood as an actual line, like the kind you’d find outside a nightclub. Rot is a club where everyone gets in: bacteria and fungi, safe or unsafe, flavor enhancing or destructive. When you ferment something, you’re taking on the role of a bouncer, keeping out unwanted microbes and letting in the ones that are going to make the party pop.”
Top Left: Noodle soup. Top right: Cod Head Tongue Eye Pie. Above left: Mussel Broth. Top right: Cod Head Tongue Eye Pie. Above left: Mussel Broth. Above right: Lightly cooked blue mussel with baked yellow beets, seasoned with a mussel caramel.
Puglia’sProudest SoIntense!
LATEST AWARDS
2024
LucaMaroni-98points
2023
MundusVini Gold
Beyond Copenhagen, and driven by a continued desire to learn, experience and expand their creativity and tastes, Noma has also undertaken three international residencies including Tokyo (2015), Sydney (2016), Tulum (2017), and Kyoto (2023). Each residency has contributed to the team’s knowledge and has enriched the way they interpret ingredients and techniques from around the world.
Under René Redzepi, Noma has remained synonymous with
innovation, creativity, and excellence, and in 2021 earned its third Michelin star as well as a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable practices. Yet, despite having received numerous awards and becoming a modern icon, Noma remains grounded in its roots, driven by a desire to celebrate the Nordic region and its culinary traditions, as well as sustainability. While it continues to inspire, challenging both chefs and diners to think differently about food and its place in our lives, it remains committed to creating a cuisine that reflects the culture and seasons of its region. And ultimately, Noma continues to delight and inspire those who pass through its doors.
Above: Whole langoustine with kelp sauce and plankton and pine powder, served with a mussel broth.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
HEALTH & WELLBEING
WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY 21ST SEPTEMBER
BREAKING THE STIGMA
SUPPORTING LOVED ONES WITH DEMENTIA IN DAILY LIFE
World Alzheimer’s Day, held on 21st September, is an important moment to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia, with 2024’s campaign focusing on breaking the stigma and discrimination surrounding these conditions. Despite growing global understanding, much remains to be done to address misconceptions about dementia, which can lead to feelings of fear and isolation, both for those diagnosed and their loved ones. Alzheimer’s Disease International’s 2024 campaign, Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s, is encouraging communities and governments to build a more dementia-friendly society. As we reflect on how to support this, it is essential to also consider the dayto-day realities of caring for and interacting with someone who has dementia.
PHOTOGRAPHY AVE CALVAR.
Dementia is an umbrella term for brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and emotions. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause, but other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and fronto-temporal dementia. Though these conditions are often associated with ageing, they are not a normal part of it. The initial symptoms are often subtle, such as memory loss or difficulty performing familiar tasks, but as the disease progresses, these can become more severe and affect the individual’s ability to recognise loved ones, communicate, and maintain independence. One of the most painful aspects of dementia, particularly for carers and family members, is when a loved one no longer recognises them. This can evoke a deep sense
of grief and loneliness, and the natural reaction is often to withdraw from interactions. However, understanding how to approach these moments can make a profound difference in maintaining a meaningful relationship with someone living with dementia. The key is to focus on the present moment rather than what has been lost.
When interacting with a loved one with dementia, patience and empathy, while sometimes very stressful emotionally in the situation, are vital. It’s important to avoid correcting or confronting them if they become confused or disoriented. Instead, gently go along with their version of reality, redirecting the conversation if necessary. Sometimes, joining in their memories or encouraging them to share stories can foster a connection, even if those memories are inaccurate or from a time long past. This helps to create an atmosphere of safety and
acceptance, where the person feels valued and understood. Remember, the emotions they experience in the moment are real, even if the facts are confused.
Physical touch, such as holding hands or offering a gentle hug, can also be very comforting for someone with dementia, as it communicates love and reassurance in a way that transcends words. Non-verbal communication, like a warm smile or a reassuring nod, can sometimes be more effective than words, especially as language becomes harder to process. Small gestures of kindness can help bridge the gap when words fail.
It’s also essential for carers to find support for themselves, as the emotional toll of caring for someone with dementia can be overwhelming. In Malta, organisations like the Malta Dementia Society provide invaluable resources for both those living with dementia and their families. Founded in
2004, this non-profit organisation promotes education, treatment, and care methods for dementia throughout the Maltese Islands. The society organises lectures, courses, and support groups to help families and carers better understand dementia and how to cope with the daily challenges it brings. Through its initiatives like the ‘Reaching Hands’ support group, the Malta Dementia Society offers a space where carers can share their experiences, seek advice, and find solace in knowing they are not alone.
Caring for someone with dementia also involves managing your own emotional response to difficult situations. It’s natural to feel sadness or frustration when a loved one doesn’t recognise you, but it’s important to remember that the relationship can still have value, even if it looks different than before. Taking things
one day at a time, finding joy in small moments of connection, and celebrating the person they are today, rather than mourning who they used to be, can help shift the perspective from loss to acceptance.
Raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with dementia can make a real difference. One of the alarming findings from Alzheimer's Disease International’s 2019 report was that 62% of healthcare practitioners globally mistakenly believed dementia was a normal part of ageing. Meanwhile, 35% of carers had hidden a diagnosis of dementia, and one in four members of the public thought nothing could be done about the condition. These statistics highlight the need for campaigns like World Alzheimer’s Month, which work to challenge incorrect beliefs and to promote a more compassionate and informed approach.
As the 2024 World Alzheimer Report is set
to examine changing attitudes toward dementia, it is hoped that more people will come to see dementia not as something to fear, but as a condition that can be managed with the right support and understanding. Just as other health conditions are approached with empathy and practical care, so too should dementia. It’s time to act – by raising awareness, fostering understanding, and supporting those whose lives are touched by Alzheimer’s and dementia. While this year's global campaign calls for action on dementia, we can all start by making small changes in our daily interactions with those living with the condition. Whether it’s learning more about dementia through organisations like the Malta Dementia Society, or simply showing more patience and kindness, every step we take helps to build a more inclusive and dementia-friendly society –and that is something we all have the power to do.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO ENHANCE BRAIN HEALTH AND REDUCE THE RISK OF DEMENTIA
With projected numbers of Persons Living with Dementia set to hit around 14,000 in Malta, and 150 million people worldwide by the year 2050, there has never been a more important time to promote Brain Health. The condition of Dementia begins with injury to the brain, either through direct traumatic events, but mostly through chemical changes within the brain that result in changes in structure. With changes in structure come changes in function, and this eventually results in difficulties performing daily familiar tasks. At this stage a person living with Dementia becomes more and more dependent on other persons in reminders and physical assistance. One might ask, if a person arrives at such a stage, is it too late for the brain? Well, the truth is that once brain structure has changed it is very difficult to reverse. HOWEVER, the rest of the brain still needs protection from future changes. Hence the importance of Brain Health and Training, says Nicole Marie Scicluna Calleja, General Practitioner, Dementia Care Directorate – Active Ageing & Community Care.
Brain Health encompasses both prevention of future damage, and protection of Brain matter which has survived damage. It thus forms an important part of management of persons living with Dementia. Moreover, it has now been recognised through various medical entities and studies from around the world that Brain Health is important to begin at an early age, especially to prevent future irreversible changes.
SO HOW CAN WE LOOK AFTER OUR BRAIN HEALTH?
The answer is directly with Brain Training and Brain Protection, and indirectly through looking after other aspects of our well-being. Brain Training involves exercises of memory, calculation, etc. that trigger us to use specific higher functions of our brain.
Many studies have shown that Sudoku, crossword puzzles, wordsearches, and other puzzles specifically ‘exercise’ the brain’s function. Children and teenagers who master these puzzles at an early age are already enhancing their Brain Health, but maintenance of these skills throughout adulthood is also important.
Additionally, learning new skills is also an effecting form of Brain Training: in learning new skills we are activating several parts of our brain to do with memory, social skills, listening, interpretation, critical thinking, logic and retention of memory among others. Learning could include a new language, an instrument, a skill, an art form, or sport. These all use all previous parts of the brain mentioned and many others, and this certainly keeps brain activity ongoing.
Finally, prevention of traumatic brain injury is also key: it is known that persons who suffer significant head trauma from sports, accidents at home or accidents on the road increase the possibility of Dementia in future. Hence, safety when possible, to protect our head is key, for example on always wearing helmets to ride motorbikes, or wearing protective head gear in areas where recommended.
Brain health is also enhanced through looking after other aspects of well-being. This involves adhering to the advice of many medical professionals rolled in prevention of other common health conditions. For example, cessation of smoking prevents Dementia, risk of heart disease and strokes. Healthy eating and moderate exercise improve blood circulation and maintains weight, thus protecting the circulatory, cardiovascular, and skeletal system from other damage. All of these, albeit indirectly, enhance individuals’ well-being and brain health, preventing future risk of development of Dementia.
It has also been recognised that protection of our vision and hearing is also directly related to brain health. The function of our eyes to consistently see and interpret, and our ears to hear and interpret the world around us, through signals of light and sound, and through analysis of all the additional details of what we see and hear, allows our brain to keep multiple of its areas and layers activated. This prevents neurochemical damage and protects against development of Dementia.
Finally, a key role player in protection of Brain Health is the consistent use of social skills. This involves language, behaviour, manners, logical thinking, interpretation, hearing, vision and speaking to name a new. Those individuals who become socially isolated for any reason create dysfunction in the brain areas involved with these processes and are therefore more at risk of damage to brain structure and therefore proper function.
Clearly, multiple factors affect our Brain Health, from what we eat, our hobbies, and even our social skills. Exercising all of them could sound taxing, but ultimately can be summarised in living a healthy lifestyle with exercise, good diet, brain training, looking after our eyes and ears, and maintaining social skills through social activities. These encompass many of our everyday activities, and so the crucial message about Brain Health is about maintenance of these activities and enhancement when we notice they are lacking, in ourselves and in those around us. In the words of the Alzheimer’s International Awareness Campaign 2024, it is TIME TO ACT as soon as possible to enhance and protect you Brain Health.
The local Dementia helpline 1771 is a helpline that provides advice to patients living with Dementia, and their caregivers, about managing the condition. It also provides information about the multiple services offered by the local Dementia Care Directorate within the Active Ageing and Community Care: aacc.gov.mt
Thriving community and engaging activities at Simblija Care Home’s Butterfly Memory Support Unit (BMSU)
At Simblija Care Home’s Butterfly Memory Support Unit (BMSU) in Naxxar, residents with dementia and memory impairments are welcomed into a supportive community designed to foster engagement and well-being. More than just a care facility, the BMSU offers a unique, vibrant and supportive environment where residents can thrive through tailored activities and initiatives that stimulate the mind, body, and spirit.
Residents participate in a wide variety of activities, including creative workshops, music therapy, and light physical exercises, all aimed at promoting cognitive function, emotional stability, and physical health. These programs are designed not only to entertain but to enhance residents’ overall quality of life.
The nurturing environment we provide helps residents feel at home. With spacious rooms and familiar surroundings, residents can maintain independence while benefiting from a community that encourages interaction and participation. Personalised spaces, with the option for residents to bring personal items, help create a sense of belonging, while clear signage and color-coding throughout the premises, helps residents navigate daily life with ease and comfort.
Simblija’s dedicated staff work around the clock to provide attentive care, ensuring that residents’ personal and emotional needs are met. From one-on-one support to group activities, the focus is on building meaningful connections and creating a vibrant community where residents feel valued and engaged.
In addition to long-term care, the BMSU provides respite services, offering families much-needed relief from caregiving duties while ensuring their loved ones are well cared for. Whether for brief or extended periods, residents benefit from compassionate and professional support in a nurturing environment. Simblija Care Home is a place where residents don’t just live - they thrive.
For more information on how Simblija Care Home can provide the care and support your loved ones deserve, visit our website: www.simblijacarehome.com/dementia-care
Empowering the mind, body & spirit of our residents with Dementia
Our Butterfly Memory Support Unit, designed for dementia care, features bright, sensorystimulating spaces that foster independence and safety. With 24/7 monitoring, we create a secure and fulfilling environment where residents can thrive.
HEALTHMARK’S COMMITMENT TO DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S CARE
LEADING THE WAY IN MALTA
AnneMarie’s mother, once the heart of every family gathering, now struggles to remember her daughter’s name. The woman who used to make the whole family laugh with her embellished childhood stories is slowly fading, a victim of dementia. For AnneMarie, watching her mother slip away has been heart-wrenching. Beyond the emotional toll, the day-to-day care became overwhelming. Managing her mother’s medications, ensuring her safety even for basic tasks such as eating, and keeping her engaged required more energy than AnneMarie could handle alone. Yet, like many family caregivers, AnneMarie struggled with the decision to seek help, fearing that no one could care for her mother the way she could, writes Charlotte Sant Portanier, CEO of Healthmark.
This is the reality for thousands of families in Malta. Living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is not just a challenge for those diagnosed, but for their entire support network. The disease slowly chips away at independence, memory, and identity, making daily living difficult and, at times, unsafe.
This is why Healthmark, Malta’s leading private healthcare provider, has made it their mission to support families like AnneMarie’s by offering affordable, compassionate, professional care that ensures both dignity and quality of life. Since trying Healthmark’s services, the only regret of AnneMarie’s family is not starting sooner.
Through its domiciliary care services, Healthmark provides families with custom programmes that offer essential relief and support, allowing loved ones like AnneMarie’s mother to remain at home while receiving specialised care. This can mean having someone else available –other than busy or burnt-out family members – to assist with daily tasks such as hygiene, eating and companionship.
In addition to home care, Healthmark also offers professional nursing services for those who need more complex or specialised care including medication
management, wound care, catheter care and enteral tube feeding. Understanding the complexities of dementia care, Healthmark’s carers and nurses are specially trained to deal with the evolving nature of the disease, ensuring that patients are safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
Now, AnneMarie is reassured that her mother is being cared for at all times so when she is with her mother, she can give her mother her undivided attention in a rested way.
ANNUAL PARTNER OF THE MALTA DEMENTIA SOCIETY
Healthmark’s dedication to dementia care goes beyond just providing services. In June 2024, Healthmark became the annual partner of the Malta Dementia Society (MDS), further solidifying their commitment to improving dementia care in Malta. The MDS has been a beacon of support and advocacy for people living with dementia and their families since its inception 20 years ago. Their work in raising awareness, educating the public, and influencing policy has helped to shape a more supportive environment for dementia patients across the country.
Through this partnership, Healthmark and the MDS will work together to create a more informed and supportive community, and we hope to make a real difference in the lives of families dealing with this challenging condition. Together, the two organisations aim to raise awareness about dementia and improve care practices for those affected.
For families like AnneMarie’s, having access to the right care can make all the difference. Dementia may take away memories and independence, but with the right support, those living with the condition can still maintain a good quality of life in the confirm of their own home. Healthmark’s range of home care services and its commitment to partnering with organisations like the Malta Dementia Society ensures that families never have to face the challenges of dementia alone.
As Malta dedicates this month to raising awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s, Healthmark’s work highlights the importance of professional care and the vital role that healthcare providers play in supporting both patients and their families. Through their partnership with MDS and their comprehensive care services, Healthmark continues to lead the way in ensuring that Malta’s dementia community receives the support it needs.
For more information visit www.healthmark.com.mt, call 22797400, email info@healthmark.com.mt or contact us on social media.
ENSURING PERSONS’ SAFETY WHILST SETTING NEW STANDARDS
In this day and age, the concept of safety in healthcare is becoming increasingly important. While history has given us lessons on safety in different industries, such as aviation, healthcare in general seems to lack this fond comprehension and acceptance to this emerging fundamental need in healthcare. The scope of understanding the importance of safety is accounted from the understanding that, above all, the protection of patient, self, and others in healthcare remains to be the preamble of why people need healthcare services. So, one can conclude the intent of understanding this phenomenon starts by primarily understanding the concept itself writes Noel Borg, Chief Operating Officer, CareMalta Group.
THE MEANING OF SAFETY
The crucial aspect is to align the understanding of what constitutes a person/patient and what is the meaning of safety. Of course, this question is pertinent to healthcare. Thus, the idea of dealing with a person supersedes that of dealing with a patient. Whilst the sociological implications of the ‘patient’ are attributed further to the paternalism constitution of oneself, in this context, the idea of the person prevails. Why? A person is distinct from his or her own identity and personhood, asserting what constitutes oneself. Should this be questioned? At face value not really, however, the concepts that we are discussing remain holistic and are set to focus on the construct of the individual within person-centered care. On the other hand, a crucial aspect is the focus on safety and what do we understand. In general, safety is related to the
preservation from potential risk, dangers and negative impacts on the person. Thus, and in turn, how one can discuss this concept, the focus on risk potential and preservation of such risk in healthcare comes across to resonate with the objective of healthcare itself and how this ought to relate with guiding principles in healthcare, which ultimately are the availability of medical and care services to society and individual alike.
THE RIGHT TO SAFE HEALTHCARE SERVICES
The basics revolve around the famous notion that ‘error is human’ whereby we should accept that all healthcare professionals are subject to error and acknowledge that the environment led to the construct of error –above all, realizing that a human is a human, with strengths but limitations at
the same time. We cannot accept that healthcare professionals are flawless or irreproachable.
At the other end of the spectrum, we must remember that every person has the right to safe healthcare services, however, the complexity of healthcare makes this a very challenging factor. Intent is not enough, and the beauty of safety considerations brings new dimensions of creativity, concern, promptness, and awareness, but above all cultural changes that traverse the manifestation of behaviour towards common collective success, be it to self and others.
So, the importance of person safety in healthcare sets new horizons on how one can ensure that the principles and common objectives in healthcare are achieved by looking at individuals as persons, through the preservation of their health by the organized provision of care services, which after all is the very definition of persons' safety in healthcare!
am grateful for every opportunity to do so.”
As I continue to navigate the complexities of my various roles, I remain committed to making a positive impact on the world around me. Whether in faith, business, or diplomacy, my journey has been one of ongoing growth, driven by a commitment to improvement and a dedication to serving others. This is what it means to lead with purpose, and I
All of this has been made possible thanks to the steadfast support of my wife, Josette, and our daughter, Filippa. They have been my constant companions in every endeavor, and their love and encouragement have been my greatest source of strength. I am profoundly grateful for their presence in my life.
However, it’s equally important to remember that we need the input of others. Leading with confidence but not seeking to dominate has been my approach, and it’s one that I believe fosters true growth and collaboration.
We should always strive to improve and reach for greater achievements, no matter where we find ourselves in life.
tegrity and mentorship - principles that I try to uphold in all aspects of my life.
cipline, teamwork, and fair play. I am a firm believer in in-
shape my approach to every role I undertake. My lifelong passion for sports has instilled in me the importance of dis-
football referee and progressing to roles such as Referee Observer, Mentor, and most recently, Chairman of the Referees Disciplinary Unit of the Malta Football Association. While this journey has come with its share of challenges, each experience has imparted invaluable lessons that continue to
Beyond my professional career, I have been deeply involved in the sports community in Malta, primarily as a top-tier
hroughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside remarkable individuals who became my confidantes. These people came from diverse backgrounds, each appearing at pivotal moments in my journey. I’ve been incredibly lucky to encounter them just when I did. It’s important to acknowledge that without the support and belief of these individuals - many of whom continued to follow me - none of my achievements would have been possible. Another privilege was that of serving as a Councilor in Birkirkara during the 2006-2009 legislative term, an experience that allowed me to directly contribute to my community.
TPERSONAL REFLECTIONS
marked a new chapter in my life. This position has been both challenging and rewarding, requiring me to navigate complex diplomatic landscapes and foster strong relationships with international counterparts. It’s a role that has deepened my understanding of global affairs and further highlighted the interconnectedness of our world.
that has allowed me to represent Malta’s interests in Central Europe and strengthen our bilateral relations. Presenting my Letters of Credence to Hungary’s newly appointed President, Dr. Tamas Sulyok, in March 2024
n October 2023, I was appointed Ambassador of Malta to Hungary, a role
IDIPLOMATIC SERVICE
y role as Co-Chairperson of the Control Committee of the Joint Office between the Government of Malta and the Vatican State has been another significant aspect of my journey. Representing the Maltese Episcopal Conference in matters concerning the Church-State agreement of 1991 has required a careful balance of legal, diplomatic, and strategic considerations. This role has underscored the importance of maintaining positive relations between religious and governmental institutions, ensuring that the Church’s interests are upheld while fostering collaboration with the State.
MBRIDGING CHURCH AND STATE: A DIPLOMATIC BALANCING ACT
Above: Procession during the Feast of Our Lady of Consolation, St Mark Church, Rabat. Photograph: Ian Noel Pace.
This foundation, a partnership between the State and the Church, represents a critical step towards social equity. It’s about more than just building homes; it’s about building futures and ensuring that every citizen has a safe, affordable place to call home.
Affordable housing is a pressing issue in Malta, and I’m very proud to be at the forefront of efforts to develop projects that provide much-needed solutions for our community.
n 2024, I took on the role of Chairperson of the Foundation for Affordable Housing, a position that aligns perfectly with my commitment to social justice.
ICHAMPIONING SOCIAL JUSTICE: AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land after a 20-year hiatus was a personal highlight, bringing us closer as a community just before global events once again shifted our landscape and conflict erupted in 2023.
The pandemic posed unique challenges, but it also highlighted our resilience. We were one of only three lieutenancies worldwide to continue organising investitures during this time, supporting around 100 Maltese families in need.
entity to a prominent force within the Order. We more than doubled our membership dan made significant strides, such as gaining custody of the historic Ta’ Doni Church in Rabat and establishing a notable office in Valletta.
Under my stewardship, together with a team of exceptional people, members on the Council and other various commissions, the Maltese Lieutenancy grew from a peripheral
Sepulchre of Jerusalem. At 45, I became the youngest Lieutenant globally and only the third to hold this position in Malta.
round the same time, I was privileged to be entrusted by the Holy See with leading the Lieutenancy of Malta of the Order of the Holy
ASEPULCHRE IN MALTA
LEADING THE ORDER OF THE HOLY
n 2019, my career took an unexpected but deeply fulfilling turn when I was appointed Head of Property for the Archdiocese of Malta. This role, overseeing the Church’s extensive property portfolio, allowed me to merge my business acumen with my personal values. I wasn’t just managing properties; I was ensuring that these assets supported the Church’s mission and served the community effectively. As Secretary of the Foundation for Church Patrimony of the Archdiocese of Malta, I worked with others to preserve and promote the Church’s rich cultural and historical assets. This role has been a reminder of the importance of heritage and the need to safeguard it for future generations.
IA NEW PATH
Above: In October 2023, Roberto was appointed Ambassador of Malta to Hungary.
Pictured here laying a wreath in Heroes Square Budapest, as the newly appointed Ambassador.
"This image captures a very personal moment as it is at that time that I truly felt the responsibility of my new post.” Photograph: Protocol Department of the Government of Hungary.
In 2015, I expanded my business interests by founding Roberto Buontempo Enterprises Limited. As Managing Director until 2022, I led the company through dynamic market environments, focusing on innovation and ethical practices. These years were pivotal, teaching me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the value of delivering consistent results to customers and stakeholders.
y entrepreneurial spirit took flight in 2013 with the establishment of Sea Breeze International Limited, a venture that marked my entry into the competitive world of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). As the Director until 2018, I learned the intricacies of balancing market competition with sustainable business practices, an experience that was both challenging and rewarding. On many occasions I brought competitors together with the aim of growing together, instead of eliminating one another.
MDIVING INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Over the years, I’ve also joined several professional organisations and have been very grate-
But I’ve never been one to rest on my laurels. In 2023, around the 50-year mark, I completed a Masters in Applied Business Leadership and Management. This experience, although not without challenges, reaffirmed my commitment to staying at the forefront of modern management practices.
Curious and concerned, I stepped out to assess the situation. As I leaned over my terrace, a series of deafening gunshots rang out, and I immediately retreated inside, very anxious. I switched off the lights, and hid under a table, trembling uncontrollably and uncertain about what might happen next. After some time, the chaos subsided, and the night grew quiet. The following morning, I discovered six large bullet holes just a metre away from where I had been standing. That day, I decided to leave Libya for good.
elimination, I was back in Tripoli after an eight-month absence. One evening after a day’s work, while relaxing in my apartment, I heard gunshots and shouts of “Allahu Akbar.”
ful to have been admitted as Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, the Chartered Management Institute, and the Institute of Supply Chain Management, among others. I believe that ambition has no rest, and I’ve always aimed to improve and strive for greater achievements, a principle that has guided me since my teenage years.
I faced a harrowing experience during my time in Libya. About a month after Gaddafi’s
However, I didn’t take a traditional academic route. Instead, my journey began with Ship Management studies, which I completed in 2004. This unconventional start provided me with the skills to handle complex operational environments, particularly during my time in Libya from 2006 to 2011. Those years were transformative, sharpening my management skills in very unpredictable circumstances.
orn on 26th March, 1973 to a family with a diverse background of cultural and intellectual contributions, Roberto Buontempo’s early years were shaped by a strong sense of responsibility and a drive to contribute meaningfully to society. “My maternal grandfather, Professor Joseph Briffa, a renowned 20th-century artist, and my uncles, Mons Prof Amante Buontempo, a poet, and John Buontempo, a former ambassador and eminent physician, were key influences in my formative years. They taught me that with privilege comes the responsibility to give back, a lesson that has guided my professional and personal endeavours.
Above: First of three meetings with Pope Francis, November 2018.
Main portrait photography Tonio Lombardi.
In today's world, where leadership often demands a seamless blend of skills across various domains, Roberto Buontempo has come to realize the importance of versatility and dedication. His life’s journey has spanned the ecclesiastical, diplomatic, and business sectors, each path intertwining to create a narrative of service and leadership that is as diverse as it is fulfilling. “Growing up in a family of seven siblings, I was always surrounded by lively discussions and debates, which I now see as the foundation of my ability to navigate complex situations,” says Buontempo.
Roberto Buontempo
FAITH, DIPLOMACY, AND LEADERSHIP
NAVIGATING
Roberto Buontempo
