Verdala Wellness Hotel Honours Its Grand Past with Nostalgic Exhibition and Reunion

This past weekend, the Verdala Wellness Hotel took a heartfelt journey back in time, celebrating the legacy of the original Grand Hotel Verdala. The event served as a bridge between generations, bringing together former employees and honouring the role the historic hotel once played in shaping Malta’s hospitality landscape.

At the heart of the get-together was an intimate exhibition of memorabilia from the old hotel. Guests explored vintage room keys, brochures, black-and-white photographs and other artifacts that told the story of this iconic destination once known for its glamour, elegance, and world-class hospitality.

AX Group Chairman Angelo Xuereb reflected: “The Grand Hotel Verdala has always held a special place in my heart our family’s hearts. As we set out to reimagine this iconic property, it was important for us to preserve its legacy while creating something entirely new. W aim to honour the past and ensure that the new Verdala remains firmly rooted in its history. In the spirit of the original hotel, we remain committed to delivering a unique hospitality experience, one that blends old-world charm with modern luxury, in the historic town of Rabat.”

As well as an opportunity to reconnect with old colleagues and share fond memories, this was also an opportunity for guests to experience the transformation of the property, now reborn as a boutique hotel wellness retreat, the first of its kind in Malta. As they toured the hotel’s interiors, designed with natural-inspired aesthetic that reflects the calmness of the surrounding Rabat countryside, they saw how the new Verdala blends modern wellness with the same core values that defined the original hotel, those of quality service, attention to detail, and an utmost commitment to guest wellbeing.

Together with members of the Xuereb family and the hotel’s senior leadership team, former employees were treated to a sit-down meal at The Griffin restaurant. Now led by AX Privilege Culinary Director Victor Borg, best known for his work at the Michelin-starred Under Grain in Valletta, Chef Borg has brought his signature approach to Verdala, offering a menu that strikes a careful balance between health-focused dining and refined indulgence. In another nod to the hotel’s legacy, The Griffin takes its name from the original Griffin Tea Rooms, once a popular gathering spot in the former Grand Hotel Verdala.

Frederick Clark, a long-serving former employee of the Grand Hotel Verdala, shared his thoughts at the event: “It was such a lovely day seeing so many familiar faces after all these years. Back then, we weren’t just colleagues, we were like family. Everyone has a story from their time at Verdala, and it brought back so many memories. I spent a good part of my life working here, and I’m glad to see the hotel brought back to life with such care. It’s different, of course, but you can still feel the spirit of the old place in the air. I think the new Verdala is a beautiful continuation of what we started all those years ago.”

Opened in 1971, the Grand Hotel Verdala quickly became a symbol of Maltese hospitality. Known for its elegant service and sweeping countryside views, the hotel attracted high-profile international guests, from film stars and political dignitaries to global business leaders. It played a key role in positioning Malta as a destination for refined travel, hosting diplomatic conferences, television shoots, and even entire film crews. For over two decades, it was the setting for stylish social events and historic moments until closing its doors in 1997.

Today, that legacy enters a new chapter with the Verdala Wellness Hotel, Malta’s first fully integrated 5-star boutique wellness resort. Part of the AX Privilege Collection, the reimagined property blends mindful luxury with professional wellness therapies. From its serene setting overlooking the Rabat countryside to the expert-led V SPA, every element has been thoughtfully crafted to help guests reset, recharge, and reconnect.