Wine and Design with JAD Jewelry Art Design

Earlier this month, we welcomed the festive season with a cozy afternoon of sweet wine, artisanal Italian panettone and a fireside chat with JAD Jewelry designers Gioia Clavenzani & Ivano Ghinelli.

Set within Locanda La Gelsomina's jewel-box boutique, guests were treated to a fireside chat with niche jewelry designers Gioia and Ivano as they shared their brand story and eclectic jewelry-crafting experience that has taken them everywhere from Tuscany to Sydney and now Malta. Accompanying the creative conversation were generous portions of artisanal Italian panettone by historical brand Fiasconaro (that included fragrant pandoro covered in a sublime pistachio spread) and sweet wine by slow wine winery Pojer and Sandri of Trentino in Italy.

Set again a backdrop of 500-year old Maltese architecture adorned with Christmas touches, the afternoon was an intimate and delightful affair, immersing guests in a unique culinary and design experience.  

Looking back at our Yoga & Bliss Autumn wellness experience

Last month, as the temperatures cooled and the hectic rhythm of the summer months slowed down, we welcomed guests to experience a unique wellness experience hosted in collaboration with yoga practitioner Szilvia Gardian and eco-luxe spa Sanya between 27 and 30 October.

The 4-day experience offered a glimpse into the hidden gems of Malta's historical and natural sights, whilst nurtured and pampered each guest's body, mind and soul with daily sessions of yoga, sound and gong bath sessions. The programme included a day at the luxe eco-boutique spa Sanya, where weary limbs were pampered with a lush massage and facial. Participants were also treated to a magical seaside yoga and sound bath session at the picturesque Ghajn Tuffieha beach.

"Szilvia radiantly led the class and knew how to transform the experience into a fun and enjoyable one. The retreat exceeded my expectations."

To find out more about our unique and personalised wellness experiences that shall be taking place in 2018, keep an eye out for updates that will be posted in our Yoga + Wellness page.

Warming up to Autumn with Maria Shebets' aromatic chai

Image courtesy Maria Shebets

As the temperatures cool and the beach towels are folded away, there's nothing better than warming up with a cozy cup of freshly brewed chai tea in our quiet spaces.

Food lover and writer Maria Shebets has whipped up a fragrant chai recipe that is packed with aromatic spices such as ginger and cloves, making it the perfect accompaniment to home-baked biscuits by the fireplace.

For the full list of ingredients and recipe - including homemade almond milk and almond crackers - head to http://shebets.com/chai-almond-milk-and-crackers/

The glow of candles will bring to life BirguFest 2017

There are just 2 weeks to go before the historical hamlet of Birgu is transformed into a spectacular array of candelit displays all across its balconies and alleyways.

Set to take place between 13 and 15 October 2017, the annual edition of BirguFest never fails to capture the heart and imagination of visitors that travel from across the isle to bask in the glow of this magical weekend.

As the sun will set and lights turned off, thousands of candles will be lit throughout the hamlet, as the evening will be filled with historical re-enactments, food stalls, a short film festival and live local music. 

Without a doubt one of the year's main cultural and historical highlights, this is an event not to be missed. For further details, visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/birgufest