Location:Mdina, Malta's walled
medieval city.
Why go:Want fairytale romance? You've
got it. Perched atop a hill, with no cars, a population of just
300, and surrounded by a moat (yes, an actual moat), taking a trip
to Mdina is like stepping back in time. Every room and every
corridor of The Xara Palace - a 17th century aristocratic residence
built in Mdina's walls - is imbued with history.
What's the story:With each of its 17
rooms and suites packed with incredible paintings and antique
furniture, the Xara Palace can't be beaten when it comes to
seclusion and atmosphere. It's so romantic, everyone from Brad and
Jen to, er, Brad and Angelina has visited while filming in
Malta.
The room:Each room is different -
ours was crammed with antique rugs, paintings and furniture, and
was staggeringly grand in size, boasting a huge living room with a
spiral staircase in the corner, leading up to a cosy bedroom and
bathroom on a mezzanine level above. Swish.
Eating and drinking:Breakfast at de
Mondio is just heavenly, served on white tablecloths and - weather
permitting - dished up on the outside terrace, with panoramic views
over Malta. In the evening, there's fine dining at de Mondio
restaurant, which specialises in gourmet Mediterranean fare, such
as poached then roasted wild boar tenderloin. For a cheaper, more
relaxed meal, tuck in to great, fresh-tasting pizza at the
Trattoria.
Out and about:Malta's capital Valetta
is just six miles away, and from its beautiful harbour to
fascinating rabbits' warren of palaces (now converted into museums,
such as Casa Rocca Picola) it more than justifies a day or two's
sightseeing. Elsewhere on the island there's nightlife at St
Julien's bay - from chic restaurants to banging beach bars - and
plenty of beaches for sunbathing. Golden Sands is the locals'
favourite.
What's the crowd:Well-heeled,
old-school British smoothies.
Pack:Flat shoes for pounding the
cobbled streets of Valetta; a fabulous frock (and pashmina if it's
breezy) for dinner at de Mondio.
Rate:From €185 per room on a room only
basis. xarapalace.com.mt
Like this? Then you'll love: Making
like a maharaja amongst the turrets and four-poster beds of the
ancient Roopangarh Fort, in Rajistan,
India.
City Secret:Don't miss one of Malta's
busiest eateries, Da Pippo, a frenetic little spot where the
waiters scowl and practically throw food at you. Sounds horrendous?
Trust us, it's more than worth the abuse, for cheap and incredibly
yummy hearty dishes, from prawn pasta to sausage spaghetti.
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