Last 10 years: 2 Awards
In the island's less developed interior, a charming 18th-century villa offers a portal to a world of citrus groves, noble estates, and centuries of history.
National Geographic, September 2026The decor is fittingly sumptuous—think Sicilian tiles, frescoes and bespoke wallpapers—and it’s protected from the hubbub of Valletta in a country town, 15 minutes’ drive away. All but one of the 17 rooms have their own outdoor space, but one is a real jaw-dropper: suite 5, where the bathroom has been sensitively created out of the original family chapel.
Robb Report, July 2026Best New Hotels in The World 2026
The editors of acclaimed magazine National Geographic list the 21 best new (or newly renovated) properties around the globe for an unforgettable journey.
National Geographic
The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth 2026
The editors of luxury magazine Robb Report select "the classic hotels around the world that transcend trends to achieve genuine greatness".
10th place
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Hotels own information
An 18th-Century Mediterranean Retreat
Hidden in one of Malta's most romantic quarters, Casa Bonavita is an 18th-century architectural gem restored with an exacting eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the Mediterranean art of living. Intimate and quietly elegant, it is a house designed to reward lingering—the kind of place where the beauty lies as much in the details as in the overall atmosphere.
A Contemporary Mediterranean Table
At the heart of the house, the restaurant celebrates a refined interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients taking centre stage. Classical European techniques are combined with a deep respect for seasonality, allowing the freshness and natural character of each ingredient to shine through. The result is thoughtful, understated cooking that captures the generous flavours of the Mediterranean with clarity and precision.
Dining Beneath the Orange Trees
The garden is a collection of shaded corners and secluded spaces, with tables that can be arranged privately among the greenery. In the flagstone courtyard, guests can dine beneath orange trees by candlelight, surrounded by date palms and ancient olive trees. As evening settles over the house, the distant sound of church bells adds an unmistakably Maltese soundtrack to dinner.
Wellness in Quiet Surroundings
Wellness follows the same understated philosophy as the rest of Casa Bonavita. A tranquil spa, sauna and cold plunge provide space to unwind and restore, complemented by a selection of treatments. Lined with patterned Moroccan tiles, the spa spaces are cool, shaded and intimate—a serene counterpoint to the warmth and energy of the Mediterranean outside.
The Art of Mediterranean Living
Casa Bonavita is ultimately less about grand gestures than atmosphere: historic architecture, seasonal food, secluded gardens and moments of quiet. It offers a beautifully intimate expression of Malta, where the pleasures of good food, warm evenings and unhurried living take centre stage.
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