- Pre-launch exclusive
Malta with Marianne Jones
Far from simply a sun, sea and sand tourist destination, Malta is rich in baroque beauty, bastions and battles. Its complex layers of living history, exquisite artisan craftmanship and reputation for generous hospitality make it an intriguing island stay for the discerning and curious luxury traveller - and the perfect short break for the first ever Avandra members’ trip!
This carefully curated trip encompasses some of the island’s greatest cultural and historic experiences, including exclusive access that you simply won’t be able to get anywhere else.
You’ll stay at one of its most unique luxury properties, and enjoy some of its finest hospitality as you tour the island.
And to mark this very special first trip, all guests will also become founder members of Avandra – a one-off opportunity to be one of the first women in the Avandra community, to enjoy a lifetime of Avandra benefits, and to travel the world on your terms, without compromise.
Merħba, Welcome, to Malta!
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Meet your Host
There could only be one host for this trip: Avandra’s very own lifestyle director and joint features director at YOU magazine Marianne Jones. Prepare for a few days of spirited conversation and wry insights with Marianne as she leads this very special inaugural Avandra trip. A multi award-winning journalist, podcast host and former editor of the Telegraph Magazine, The Sunday Telegraph’s Stella Magazine and deputy editor of Grazia, Marianne is also part Maltese.
“Malta is in my blood and for me it’s the most special place on earth,’ she says. ‘It’s where my mum was born, and it was my first holiday abroad. I still vividly remember celebrating my ninth birthday there with tons of loud, friendly cousins after a trip to The Blue Grotto. We explored the ancient walled town of Mdina and swam in the turquoise waters of Comino. Valletta to my mind is the most historically rich and beautiful capital in Europe.”
A world of Avandra exclusives
This inaugural trip is an incredible introduction to Avandra – and to Malta, too. It encompasses all our brand values: off-season stays, luxury accommodation, solo room occupancy, private transfers, money-can’t-buy access and experiences, and most importantly, the company of like-minded women.
From a meticulously renovated hotel with history, to experiences rich in art, fashion, fragrance and culture, this will be a five day whirl like no other (with plenty of time to yourself, too).
The expertly curated itinerary includes exclusive visits to cathedrals, palaces, and even private homes; one-to-one experiences with artists, perfumers and birds of prey; and of course, private dining in some of Malta’s most stylish bars and restaurants, we are offering you Malta reimagined – part of our world without compromise.
The Phoenicia Malta
Your base for the trip is the historic Phoenicia Malta, a recently restored island landmark set in 7.5 acres of fragrantly landscaped gardens just outside the capital city of Valletta.
The hotel first opened to guests in 1947, and fast became a symbol of post war pride and modern Maltese hospitality (you can still trace wartime tunnels underneath the hotel grounds). Since then it has been a meeting place for the island’s beau monde, Hollywood A-lister and even royalty.
The hotel walls double as gallery spaces, devoted to established and up-and-coming Maltese artists, and a monthly Artist in Residence programme.
As our guest you will have your own Deluxe Harbour View Room – Avandra trips are sole occupancy only, remember! – The Deluxe Harbour View Room grants you a window to Malta’s maritime charm allowing you to immerse yourself in the Maltese sun.
Beyond the scenic allure, the room boasts a decor of Mediterranean-inspired design, creating an atmosphere that goes beyond mere accommodation.
Your itinerary
Your Avandra experience starts in the way it will continue – a personal welcome at arrivals and assistance collecting your luggage whilst you wait in the VIP area. From here, you’ll be escorted to the hotel.
15:30 Your host will meet you in the hotel lobby to take you for a private visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral.
Built in the 16th century, this baroque jewel is more than just a place of worship; it is a
visual symphony of art and architecture. The austere exterior of the cathedral gives
way to a breathtaking interior adorned with ornate gilded embellishments, as well as
Caravaggio’s largest and only signed masterpiece – The Beheading of St John the
Baptist.
19:00 You will then be taken to the inside the historic city walls of Valletta for a sophisticated dining experience at Rampila, beneath Maltese stone arches and vaulted ceilings. Its modern takes on local specialities, combined with stunning views of Valletta’s fortified walls, provide the perfect sense of place for your first evening in Malta.
Today’s highlights
Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Valletta as you wander its historic streets and explore the world of the Knights of St John.
- Luke Azzopardi Designer Studio Exclusive Visit
- Manoel Theatre
- Luxury Perfume Experience
- Lunch at King’s Own Band Club
- Upper Barrakka Gardens
- Grand Master’s Palace – Private Visit
- Included Dinner at 59 Republic
09:00 You’ll be met in the hotel lobby, from where you’ll set out on foot with your guide to explore Valletta.
First stop: Enjoy a private visit to the Luke Azzopardi Designer Studio, where fashion meets art. Known for deconstruction and concept-based designs, the studio reflects the creative director’s academic background in costume history. Luke Azzopardi fuses powerful visuals, academic research, and artisanal craftsmanship, creating unique fashion pieces that elevate fashion as an art object, making the studio one of Malta’s premier fashion houses.
Onto the Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest operating in Europe. It was constructed in 1731 by the Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena for the enjoyment of the Knights of St John. With its intimate setting and rich acoustics, the theatre has played host to myriad performances, from plays and operas to contemporary productions, and its walls still thrum with performances past and present.
Then it’s time to get creative, with a fragrant experience at an exclusive perfume workshop hosted by Stephen Cordina, a member of the Société Française des Parfumeurs and recognized as the first Maltese perfumer.
Over lunch at King’s Own Band Club, you’ll have the opportunity sample typical Maltese delicacies and local wines, whilst your host spills the secrets of the band club – a community-focused organization that provides a space for musicians to practice, perform, and socialize and which play a significant role in Malta’s cultural and social life. As the name suggests, King’s Own Band Club was named after George, the Prince of Wales, who became King in 1937, and it holds living memories of British rule in Malta.
After lunch you’ll visit the breathtaking panorama that is Upper Barrakka Gardens. Perched on the edge of the Grand Harbour, it offers an unparalleled view of the Mediterranean’s only natural harbour, framed by the historic Three Cities. This is a mindful, peaceful start to the day, surrounded by greenery, fountains, and some captivating scenery.
17:30 Before dinner, you’ll be treated to an exclusive private visit of the Grand Master’s Palace, the prestigious seat of the Office of The President. Your exclusive access to this newly restored building, that presides majestically over St George’s Square includes its extensive armoury, a testament to the Order’s illustrious past and enduring heritage.
19:30 Dinner at 59 Republic will have a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative flavour combinations, from exquisite seafood dishes to hearty meat entrees and flavourful vegetarian options.
- Today’s highlights
Take a journey through Malta’s medieval past as you meander into the winding streets and historic landmarks of the old capital region.
- Private falconry experience
- Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples (private visit)
- Lunch at Alka
- Local Artist- Stephanie Borg
- Mdina Exploration by Night Mdina Palazzo (private visit)
- Mdina Bastion Drinks
- Dinner at De Mondion
09:00 Today is a meeting of the goddesses, as your guide takes you and your fellow Avandra members from the hotel lobby to a special exclusive access visit to the temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, UNESCO prehistoric temples thought to have been built to worship the goddess of fertility. The temples are thought to be around 1000 years older than the pyramids of Giza, and even Stonehenge, making them the oldest, free-standing temples in the world.
Your falconry experience will immerse you into another centuries-old feature of Malta – a moving encounter with birds of prey as, under the supervision of an expert handler, they fly onto your (leather gloved) hand.
You’ll be ready for lunch by now – seafood, anyone? Alka is famous for fish and traditional Maltese cuisine, and its location by the azure waters of Blue Grotto takes some beating too.
Local artist Stephanie Borg – known for colourful and intricate works inspired by Malta’s heritage – will be ready to greet you all for a private studio experience at her studio. See her at work and discuss how she makes her art come to life, before heading back to the hotel for some down time.
16:00 As the sun sets on its honey-coloured limestone walls, the old capital city of Mdina transforms into a mesmerizing haven known as the “Silent City”. But you won’t just get the chance to soak up its stunning architecture from outside – with just a couple of well-paced knocks, you’ll be invited behind one of Mdina’s noble palazzo doors. A member of the family will take you around their home, show you their most prized possessions and tell you the stories behind them.
And then how about dinner perched atop the historic walls of the Mdina?
De Mondion has breathtaking views of the Maltese countryside – and the Michelin-starred food’s not bad, either. Prepare for an elegant evening experiencing some of Malta’s richest heritage.
Today’s highlights
Malta’s artisan scene is a rich tapestry of tradition and innovation, where master craftsmen preserve age-old techniques while modern artisans redefine their craft.
- Classic Car Ride
- Private Lunch at Markus Divinus Winery
- Drinks at Private Palazzo
- Farewell Dinner at ION Harbour
From art preservation, to hand crafted pottery to wine making, arts and crafts are at the heart of Malta’s history.
9:30 From the hotel, embark on a nostalgic journey through the charming streets of Malta aboard a meticulously preserved classic car from the 1900s. You’ll be transported back in time to an era of elegance and sophistication with the rhythmic purr of the vintage engine, creating a sensory experience that resonates with the sights, sounds, and scents of Malta’s storied past.
Lunch will take you to the very vines that make some of Malta’s best wines. In the high planes of the village of Dingli, you’ll have a private lunch at Markus Divinus’s boutique winery and sample some of his best vintages.
16:00 After some time at leisure in the hotel, you’re invited to drinks at Number 14 Home, a stunning renovation that has been lovingly restored to retain fascinating glimpses of bygone eras and Malta’s history. You’ll be joined by homeowners Jim and Arthur, and perfumer Stephen Cordina, before a special, exclusive invitation to drive through the twilit streets in a meticulously preserved classic car from the 1900s.
It’s then on to ION Harbour and its stylish terrace with panoramic views of the harbour for your Michelin-starred farewell to Malta.
What's included
TRIP INCLUDES:
- Arrival/departure transfers
- Expert guiding and chauffeur service for touring days
- Hotel on a b&b basis
- Meals as indicated
TRIP DOESN’T INCLUDE:
- Attractions and meals not identified in the itinerary
- Round-trip airfare and medical/travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Shopping!
Are you ready for this exclusive experience?
Price £6,700 per person
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This trip is operated by TravelSeen. Please refer to full T&C’s here.