Tag Archives: accommodation in malta

Traditional Malta Summer Feasts

What comes to mind when you think of Malta during summer? Feast, food, fun, sun, holidays, relaxing, fireworks…. Oh the list is endless!

It is widely known that during the summer months there is a feast almost every week. But one of the biggest feasts in Malta is that of Santa Maria which is celebrated on the 15th August. Several towns and villages around Malta celebrate Santa Maria, namely Mosta, Attard, Mqabba, Qrendi, Gudja, Ghaxaq and Victoria Gozo. Besides it is also a religious and public holiday in Malta so even the Maltese are out to celebrate.

Mosta_Feast And if you happen to be in Malta enjoying a short break during the Santa Maria Weekend you can surely enjoy one of the Santa Marija feasts somewhere around the island. Be part of the festa fever; join the locals celebrating in the town or village square, enjoy the amazing fireworks displays, savour some of the traditional festa food, and witness children squeal with joy throwing confetti to one another as they follow the band marching after the local statue.

So if you would like to enjoy a Malta Summer Festa the Grand Hotel Excelsior is offering a Special Package for the Santa Maria Weekend which includes:

• Accommodation in a Deluxe Partial Sea View Room
• A 20% OFF the Bed and Breakfast Rate
• Welcome drink upon arrival
• Daily Buffet Breakfast
• Daily Dinner at the Tiki Terrace per person (food only)
• Two way transfer from the hotel to Mdina and back on the 14th August (evening) to enjoy the fireworks displays
• Two way transfer from the hotel to Mosta and back on the 15th August (evening) to enjoy the Mosta Santa Maria Feast celebrations
• Use of indoor and outdoor pool and fitness centre
• Complimentary pressing service during your stay.

Terms & Conditions Apply.

VIEW OUR MALTA SUMMER FEAST SPECIAL PACKAGE

Should you wish to experience a typical Maltese Feast during your holidays in Malta contact the Concierge Desk at the Grand Hotel Excelsior and they will organise the excursion for you. And if you would like to enjoy a special summer break, stay at one of the superior Malta Hotels and enjoy a selection of superior Accommodation in Malta.

Do you love Maltese History? The Story of Caravaggio in Malta

Leave a reply

Chalk portrait of Caravaggio
by Ottavio Leoni , circa 1621

Michelangelo Merisi was born in the town of Caravaggio (about 30 kilometres from Milan) in 1571. Caravaggio was, in fact, the first great representative of the Baroque movement. He was the archetypal rebellious artist and led a turbulent life. His life, it is said, matched the high-drama of the chiaroscuro style that his paintings became famous for.

In 1606 whilst working in Rome, one of his many brawls resulted in Caravaggio killing a young man called Ranuccio Tomassoni. With a price on his head, Caravaggio fled and headed for Naples where he would be outside the Roman jurisdiction and under the protection of the Colonna family. After just a few months, despite a successful period in Naples where he was given a number of important church commissions, Caravaggio left for Malta, the headquarters of the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, arriving on the island in July 1607.

Portrait of Alof de Wignacourt, the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta. Caravaggio

Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt invested Caravaggio as a knight of magistral obedience so taken was he at having an artist of such calibre as official painter of the Order. It was during this time that Caravaggio was commissioned to paint ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ and ‘St Jerome Writing’, both of which are on display in St John’s Co-Cathedral. This period of relative calm in his life was short lived, and by late August 1608, Caravaggio was arrested for causing trouble once again, this time badly wounding a high ranking Knight in another fight. Imprisoned at Fort St Angelo, disgraced and unable to paint, he used his inventive powers to plan his escape. Caravaggio’s incredible break-out took place in October 1608 and once again he was on the run. The Council, informed of his escape, immediately expelled him from the Order.

The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (1608)
St. John’s Co-Cathedral

After a nine month stay in Sicily, during which time he was trying to secure a pardon from Pope Paul V, Caravaggio returned to Naples and the protection of the Colonna family. His style and technique as an artist was still evolving and he enjoyed a productive time in his second spell in Naples. An attempt was made on his life, and an incorrect account of his death was reported in Rome. Although Caravaggio survived the attempt, his face was left seriously disfigured.

In an attempt to build bridges, Caravaggio painted ‘Salome with the Head of John the Baptist’. He depicted his own head on the platter and sent the work to de Wignacourt as a plea for forgiveness.
In 1610, Caravaggio took a boat north to receive a pardon, thanks to powerful allies in Rome. What happened then is shrouded in mystery. The artist was reported as dead in a private newsletter (an avviso) dated 28th July. Three days later, another newsletter declared that the artist had died of fever. His body, however, was never found.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior is located outside Valletta, the capital city of Malta and offers superior Accommodation in Malta with great harbour views. So if you would like to experience some of the rich history of Malta during your holidays, contact the Concierge Team at one of the top Luxury Malta Hotels and they will help you enjoy a memorable Malta Experience.

Photos courtesy of www.viewingmalta.com

A Relaxing Holiday in Malta

Leave a reply

Are you in need of a good break this Summer? If you are planning a summer holiday, look no further; Malta is your holiday destination. A 5 Star Beach Resort hotel on the doorstep of Valletta is definitely inviting. Below are some of the reasons why you should experience a holiday at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta.

Whether on a business or a leisure trip this City Malta Hotel is ideally located on the doorstep of Valletta, the capital city of Malta. Valletta – a UNESCO World Heritage site offers sightseeing attractions, amongst which St John’s Co Cathedral and a range of restaurants, shops and cafeterias.

During the summer months guests can enjoy some great relaxation and leisure time. The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers a small private sandy beach available only for its in-house guests. And for those that are more active they can enjoy some great outdoor sports such as scuba diving both in open waters and in our outdoor pool.

With a great selection of outlets this superior Malta hotel offers great dining options throughout the day, ranging from Our Main Restaurant Spice Island which specialises in buffet style cuisine to the Admirals Landing which offers A La Carte Dining. And during the summer months diners can enjoy the picturesque sea views whilst dining at the Tiki Restaurant & Bar.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers breathtaking sea views of Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island. Whilst relaxing by the outdoor pool or having a dip in the sea you can also enjoy the boats sailing by. And when you stay in a Deluxe Seafront Room you can enjoy lovely panoramic views from the comfort of your hotel room balcony.

Superior Accommodation in Malta – This Luxury Hotel in Malta offers a range of accoommodation ranging from Standard rooms to the Presidential Suite. All rooms and suites enjoy a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary design mixed with modern 5-star convenience including multi-channel flat screen TV.

Le Grand Spa Malta is managed by a team of professional therapists, and offers a range of services from beauty to specialized spa treatments. Our therapists have a wealth of experience in local and international spas, and are committed to creating the perfect ambience, ensuring that each treatment exceeds our clients expectations.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior’s central position allows for easy travel to all parts of the Maltese islands. In fact buses leave Valletta to all areas around Malta all throughout the day. The Excelsior Hotel Malta also offers the opportunity to discover the beauty of Malta & Gozo with our executive chauffeur driven service where you can choose one of our self-guided Malta tours and excursions to enjoy during your holiday in Malta.

Malta is considered as a superior Mediterranean Cruising Destination and it has one of the finest marina locations in the world. Besides it is only a few hours flight from most European cities. The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers a private 30-berth marina for its guests. Thus guests travelling to Malta in their own private yachts can berth their yacht at the Excelsior Marina and enjoy a luxury stay whilst keeping an eye on their boat.

Photos courtesy of Visit Malta and Reporting Globe Network.

There’s a lot to see and do in Malta during your stay so if you’re still unsure on what to do in Malta during your holidays contact Our Concierge and they will ensure you enjoy an unforgettable Malta holiday.