Promotional Feature

June 17, 2025 – Published in Design & Decor Spring-Summer 2025 issue

Verdala Wellness Hotel - Malta’s premier integrated wellness hotel

Photography Andrew Mizzi

Nestled in Rabat’s picturesque countryside, just moments from the historic walls of Mdina, the Verdala Wellness Hotel is redefining luxury hospitality with a profound emphasis on holistic wellbeing. 

As the latest addition to the AX Privilege Collection, the Verdala Wellness Hotel offers a refined selection of unique experiences and exceptional services that immerse guests in the heart of Malta and the Mediterranean. Opening soon, this exclusive destination blends heritage, luxury and innovation to create transformative stays, complemented by extensive facilities and bespoke offerings that set it apart.

Ms Claire Zammit Xuereb, Director of Hospitality and Care at AX Group, describes the Verdala Wellness Hotel as “more than just a hotel; it is a place that nourishes the soul rather than vanity. As Malta’s first wellness hotel with a holistic approach, it integrates healthy eating, movement, community and social wellness, mindfulness practices and recovery to support overall wellbeing and longevity. Our focus is on balance and sustainable wellbeing rather than rigid limitations.”  

Every detail within the hotel has been intentionally curated to reflect a harmonious blend of nature, wellness and unique interior design that speaks understated luxury. Earthy tones, raw textures and natural materials create an environment that is effortlessly sophisticated yet deeply calming, offering an invitation to slow down and savour the present moment.

At the entrance of the property, common spaces are set within a striking three-story structure, sculpted to evoke the raw beauty of a natural cavern. This architectural form seamlessly frames breathtaking views of the valley beyond. Subtle terracing defines the ground plane, sheltering and cocooning guests through delicate changes in elevation. The material palette is warm and understated, featuring raw, natural elements such as granite, marble, textured carpets and raw wooden elements.

The wellness destination is structured around the Five Pillars of wellbeing, seamlessly integrating ancient healing traditions with the latest advancements in wellness technology. The design reflects this philosophy, offering tranquil spaces that encourage relaxation, self-discovery and holistic rejuvenation. From the warmth of the Hammam to the revitalising contrast therapies of the Hot and Cold Baths, every element has been meticulously designed to foster renewal.

A signature feature of the Verdala Wellness Hotel is its ability to bridge the gap between innovation and tradition. The Meditation Zone, aptly named ‘Echoes’, enveloped in a cave-like setting, provides a refuge for stillness and mindfulness, while the Salt Cave harnesses the healing power of mineral-rich air to promote respiratory health and relaxation. 

The domed ceilings above the indoor pool and vertical planes within the space have been crafted with natural plasters, embracing the imperfect nature of hand-applied finishes.

The heart of this transformative experience is the ‘VSPA’, where guests embark on a tailored wellness journey under the expert guidance of our team led by Ms Adriana Kruhonja, Head of Wellness. Spanning 1,500 square metres, VSPA embodies a holistic approach that integrates both time-honoured practices and cutting-edge therapies. Signature treatments draw inspiration from Maltese herbalism traditions, offering rituals that are designed for deep restoration.

“Wellness is not a luxury but a necessity in today’s fast-paced world,” Adriana reflects. “At VSPA, we meet guests where they are and guide them toward where they aspire to be, ensuring every experience is both deeply personal and profoundly effective.”

The guest accommodation at the Verdala Wellness Hotel reflect the same thoughtful design philosophy, blending natural materials and custom craftsmanship to create an atmosphere of refined comfort and sophistication. Textured natural stone walls, raw wood and raw concrete form the foundation of each room’s design, celebrating material authenticity and tactility. At the pinnacle of this concept is ‘The Observatory Suite’, the hotel’s signature designer suite, embodying both the raw beauty and organic imperfections of nature while offering a serene retreat with breathtaking views over the Rabat Valley. The other rooms follow the same philosophy, seamlessly blending contemporary elegance with natural elements to provide a serene and restful environment. Every space has been designed to cultivate stillness and relaxation, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the Verdala experience.

The Verdala experience extends beyond the spa, with The Griffin Brasserie promising wellness through gastronomy. A celebration of Mediterranean flavours, where purity is preserved and ingredients shine, 

The Griffin Brasserie offers a vibrant menu that balances wellness with indulgence, featuring inventive salads, raw and hot starters and fresh mains crafted from the finest local and seasonal produce. “We use fresh, natural ingredients to create dishes that nourish both body and mind,” says AX Privilege Culinary Director Victor Borg. Once Malta’s favourite tearoom and later a beloved nightclub, The Griffin now embarks on a new chapter as the flagship dining establishment of the Verdala Wellness Hotel, where wholesome food, nourishing ingredients and a focus on wellness come together.

Verdala is a space where timeless wellness traditions meet the latest research, offering a mindful balance between everyday luxuries and wellness, nature and innovation, international practices and Maltese traditions to inspire a more balanced and fulfilling way of living.