Capital or Countryside: Which Malta luxury hotel is on your bucket list?

When it comes to Malta luxury hotels, AX Hotels doesn’t offer one definition of indulgence.

For some, it’s the romance of a centuries-old palazzo in the heart of Valletta, where culture, Michelin dining, and history surround you at every turn. For others, it’s the restorative calm of a countryside wellness retreat, where every detail is designed to bring you balance and renewal.

Between the 5-star Rosselli AX Privilege, one of the most celebrated Valletta luxury hotels, and the 5-star Verdala Wellness Hotel in Rabat, Malta’s first purpose-built wellness sanctuary, you can experience two completely different, yet equally unforgettable, sides of luxury on the island.

Rosselli AX Privilege is more than just a 5-star hotel in Malta, it’s a story brought to life. Housed in a meticulously restored 17th-century palazzo, this luxury boutique hotel in Valletta combines timeless architecture with modern elegance. With only a select number of rooms and suites, Rosselli offers exclusivity and intimacy, enhanced by personalised butler service and thoughtful touches that make every guest feel like nobility.

Staying in Rosselli means immersing yourself in the very soul of Malta’s capital. Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage City, brims with cultural treasures, from the opulent St John’s Co-Cathedral to charming side-street cafés. Step outside the palazzo onto Merchants Street, where history, architecture, shopping, and nightlife collide. Few Valletta luxury hotels place you so perfectly in the middle of the city’s pulse.

Rosselli AX Privilege tailors every stay to the guest, making this Malta luxury hotel the perfect starting point for the very finest experiences on the island. Indulge in private excursions in the capital, or venture further afield with curated island tours. Back at the hotel, expect discreet butler service, private concierge recommendations, and spaces designed for refined relaxation, like the internal courtyard with its 400-year-old fountain, a haven of calm in the bustling city.

As a leading Malta luxury hotel, dining is central to Rosselli’s luxury promise. At Under Grain, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Chef Victor Borg presents menus that merge French culinary techniques with modern creativity, set within an intimate vaulted cellar setting. For something more relaxed, Grain Street offers Bib Gourmand dining with Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates served al fresco on Merchants Street, a true Valletta experience. Meanwhile, Over Grain is a summertime rooftop lounge which pairs skyline views with fine wines and crafted cocktails, perfect for rounding off an indulgent day in Malta.

Where Rosselli celebrates heritage, Verdala Wellness Hotel redefines what a Malta luxury holiday can mean today. As Malta’s first purpose-built wellness retreat, Verdala places wellbeing at the very centre of the guest experience. With calming architecture, soft natural light, and hand-curated interiors, this 5-star hotel in Malta creates a space where mind, body, and spirit can find balance.

Located on the edge of Rabat, where the historic town meets peaceful countryside, and just a short stroll from the ancient walled city of Mdina, Verdala Wellness Hotel offers an entirely different luxury from Valletta hotels. Here, tranquillity reigns. Guests can wander Rabat’s winding streets, explore historic treasures like St Paul’s Catacombs, or enjoy mindful walks through the lush Buskett Gardens. With panoramic views stretching to Dingli Cliffs, this is the quieter, more restorative side of Malta.

Verdala is built on a philosophy of five pillars of wellbeing: Nutrition, Movement, Rest & Recovery, Emotional Wellbeing, and Connection. Every guest begins their stay with a personalised consultation, leading to a custom journey of spa rituals, fitness sessions, and holistic therapies. From hammam rituals and contrast pools to IV drips and sound therapy, each experience is designed by qualified wellness professionals to help guests restore equilibrium, promising a Malta luxury hotel experience like no other.

At Verdala, even dining is part of the wellness journey. The Griffin Brasserie, helmed by the very same Executive Chef Victor Borg behind Michelin-starred Under Grain, transforms nourishing cuisine into an indulgent experience. Expect seasonal Mediterranean flavours, creative plating, and menus that strike the perfect balance between health-conscious and decadent. Whether enjoyed after a spa treatment or as part of a retreat package, every meal enhances the sense of renewal Verdala promises.

Together, Rosselli AX Privilege and Verdala Wellness Hotel represent the twin faces of modern luxury. One celebrates the rich heritage of Valletta luxury hotels, immersing you in Michelin dining, cultural treasures, and boutique elegance. The other is a retreat into nature, redefining what a Malta luxury holiday means with personalised wellness programmes and serene countryside views.

Whether your dream escape is sipping fine wine in a historic palazzo or finding balance through yoga at sunrise over Rabat’s valleys, AX Hotels offers the best 5-star hotels in Malta for you luxury holiday in the Mediterranean.