With more and more boutique hotels in Malta, the destination is becoming ideal for smaller exclusive incentive and event groups. We check out three of the best new boutique hotel additions to the Mediterranean archipelago’s growing luxury boutique hotel portfolio…

Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour
Last year saw the opening of the all-suite Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, offering 21 suites and rooftop pool with stunning views, in a historic building in the fortified city of Senglea. A member of Design Hotels, the property’s large communal spaces and high vaulted ceilings allow for ample natural light to play off the property’s minimalistic design, while its restaurant provides a modern take on traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

For celebratory events, the Sheer Bastion roof terrace provides panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and across to Valetta, accommodating up to 1,000 guests for a reception or 300 seated. The Cugó Gran Maċina Grand Harbour also has a small meeting room accommodating up to ten for presentations or board meetings.

Domus Zamittello
Another new player on the luxury scene in 2018 was Domus Zamittello, which offers 21 luxurious rooms and suites housed in a beautiful 16th-century restored palazzo. The property is loacated in the island’s stunning capital city Valetta, close to the magnificent parliament designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, and a few steps from the open-air theatre, formally the Royal Malta Opera House.

This elegant 17th Century home had originally been part of the earlier estate of the Auberge D’Italie, one of the langues of the Order of St John. Recent research dates the palazzo back to 1633 when it was used by various knights of Italian descent. The hotel also features a distinctive 125sqm open-air terrace on the 3rd floor overlooking Republic Street, which enjoys magnificent views of the Gateway to Valletta and Freedom Square, and two meetings spaces, the largest of which can accommodate up to 80 delegates in theatre style and can also cater for cocktail receptions and gala dinners.

Iniala Harbour House
Originally expected to open in 2018, Iniala Harbour House is now slated to open in late 2019. Located on the prestigious and historic St. Barbara Bastions, overlooking Malta’s famous Grand Harbour, the second property from British entrepreneur Mark Weingard is a bespoke boutique hotel spread over four Maltese townhouses and several ancient vaults.

Iniala Malta’s 23 rooms and suites will cater to all, varying in size from 21 square metre Deluxe Rooms to Signature Suites measuring up to 162 square metres. While some suites feature their very own plunge pool, the hotel itself incorporates an indoor pool as well as a gym, a yoga room, a spa, an exclusive bar for guests and members only, and the rooftop restaurant Esenzi.