June 13, 2025

 

Editor’s Letter

 

Spring-Summer 2025 Issue 109

It’s that time of the year when one season blends into another, the warm sunshine lasts longer, flowers are blooming—and Issue No 109 of your favourite magazine has just been born!

Springtime is a period of reawakening when we start emerging from our winter woollies and looking for ways to boost our personal wellbeing—which is why I cannot wait for the gorgeous Verdala Wellness Hotel to open. Wow! The Xuereb family certainly know how to spoil their guests!

This theme of restoration and renewal spreads further into our interiors features on Jully Khamula’s reinvention of an outdated eatery into the modern AMORA restaurant, Maria Mercieca’s transformation of an old warehouse into a stunning workplace for Good Earth, and Anthony Patrick Vella’s holistic design for a centre of peaceful worship for Missio Malta’s chapel.

I was also impressed by the mix of old and new that blend so beautifully within the house of character we are showcasing, and even more so while exploring the story behind the iconic Xlejli Tower in Gudja and discovering how MBF breathes new life into the façades of Malta’s old buildings.

The things we say and do in our lives often leave a lasting impact, even after we leave this earthly realm.

When my team and I met with the late Angela Caruana’s husband and daughter, we were left in awe at this incredible woman’s all-encompassing talents. Their house is brimming with a variety of décor and artistic items she skillfully crafted by hand throughout her entire life.

Artist Anna Nightingale regaled us with further insight into her positive way of looking at life and its struggles—and the art she creates with her deep vision—while Solange Cordina recounted how she loves painting purely for her own personal enjoyment.

Jim Dunn keeps on taking us around the world with more fascinating stories of innovation—from Malta’s shores, where Sara Attard brought her own fresh ideas when she took over Ta’ Cassia Salina restaurant from her parents; across the Mediterranean to Tangier, Morocco, where Jasper Conran transformed Yves Saint Laurent’s villa into a boutique hotel called Villa Mabrouka; all the way up north to Glasgow to discover young artist Ethan Gourlay’s beautiful works of art.

And as usual, our pages are full of brilliant lifestyle tips and creative ideas that leave no stone unturned!

Looking for a stunning venue for your next event? Choose the versatile Sky Bar Pool & Terrace at the JL Hotel.

Searching for design inspiration? Rachel Balzan Demajo gives you answers about her design process, while Stephanie Falzon offers ideas on decorating your bathroom walls.

Unsure of the right interior fragrance for the summer? Go to Stephen Cordina’s feature—and help to alleviate your allergies too!

Seeking a unique gift for that special someone—or even just to treat yourself? Visit Il-Mafkar Gift Box in Siggiewi.

Wish to impress a food and wine enthusiast? Find inspiration from Ljuana’s kitchen in Tuscany, and get the exclusive from our expert sommelier, Andrew Azzopardi.

As for me, I can finally indulge in some restorative “me time”. And what better place to do it than through the outdoor experiences offered by The Phoenicia Malta in the warmer months we are so blessed with!

Happy reading!

Sue Arnett

 Buy the online issue of Design & Decor Spring-Summer 2025 »