May 20, 2023

 

Editor’s Letter

 

Spring-Summer 2023 Issue 105

The spring season always breathes new life into our days after the dreary winter months, and we have really been enjoying the brighter weather while driving around to finalise issue number 105!

These warmer days were a great incentive to explore the newly rejuvenated gardens and outdoor facilities of The Phoenicia Malta. The splendour of this palatial building never ceases to leave me in awe, and strolling through its beautiful grounds offered me a lovely interlude from our busy world – with amazing vistas to boot!

Celebrating the rebirth of spring, my thoughts turned to restoration projects, one of which involved a much-needed facelift for a 17th-century church in Qrendi by the Restoration Directorate. 

I must say, I learnt so much about what such an extensive project entails – not to mention the ancient secrets that were uncovered during the works! 

Vintage Ages transforms unwanted furniture into unique pieces with incredible designs. I was deeply inspired by this earth-friendly measure. I think I will start scouring house sales and searching for preloved furniture to reuse at home. This is definitely a practical way of reducing waste – even in interior décor!

The travel bug always stirs at this time of year, as James Dunn takes us all on a journey through the alluring and colourful sights of Morocco. Closer to home, his friend Tess island hops between her two beautiful homes in the countryside of Noto, Sicily, and the village of Żebbuġ in Malta, while a retired British couple welcomed us into their idyllic life in Gozo.

At her exclusive gallery, Christina Thompson showed us her prime collection of classic antiques and artwork, eager to share her fascination for beauty and creativity with the world. 

I hope you will be inspired to try out the delicious recipes by our in-house chefs, Ljuana – who offers a taste of North Africa – and Romeo, with his innovative twist of garnishing food with edible flowers. With spring in the air, it is time to emerge from the depths of winter and turn your faces to the warm sun, as you pore over the captivating features we are so happy to be sharing with you.

In the meantime, the brightly coloured blooms at Villa Frere gardens are beckoning me for another peaceful escape from the madness of the Maltese roads.

Happy reading,

Sue Arnett

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 Design & Decor Spring-Summer 2023 »