Verdala Wellness Hotel debuts in Malta

Malta’s first dedicated wellness destination, Verdala Wellness Hotel in Rabat by AX Hotels, has opened its doors.

Billed as a premier integrated wellness hotel, the five-star adults-only wellness resort is the latest addition to the AX Privilege Collection.

At the heart of the project sits V SPA. The 1,500sqm wellness space boasts seven treatment rooms offering traditional practices integrated with advanced therapies.

Facilities include a hammam, salt cave, steam room, infrared sauna, experience showers, hydrotherapy pool and spa lounges. There is a cave-inspired indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub, meditation room, consultation suites, an IV room and a movement studio and gym.

Spa Connectors, led by founder Kathryn Moore, were the consultants across the entire project.

“Wellness is the future of hospitality,” adds Amber Gauci Ward, head of wellness at Verdala Wellness Hotel. “It’s embedded in every layer of Verdala, from holistic, science-backed V SPA therapies to leading-edge facilities.

On the menu

Signature rituals draw from inspiration from Malta’s herbalist roots. More modern offerings include contrast therapies, energy healing, physiotherapy and advanced facials.

Skincare brands used in treatments include Seed to Skin Tuscany, Ground Wellbeing and Preime.

Additional suppliers include Dolphin pools, ASPA for thermal areas and Gharieni for treatment beds. Technogym and Norhd supply fitness equipment, while towels and spa linens are by Alfred Arpa and Gourmoosh.

Five Pillars of Wellbeing

Verdala’s wellness philosophy is built around five pillars of wellbeing – nutrition, movement, rest and recovery, emotional wellbeing, community and connection. These pillars have guided the spa design and service approach.

Wellness experiences integrate healthy eating, movement, community and social wellness, mindfulness practices and recovery.

Holistic offerings also include Emotional Freedom Technique, tapping and shamanic healing experiences.

There are Signature, Seasonal and Bespoke retreat offerings tailored to each guest’s unique needs using advanced diagnostics. Available as a three, five or seven-night immersions, the retreats weave together wellness elements with Maltese cultural experiences.

A focus on sustainable wellbeing

Communal spaces include the Drawing Room for quiet reading, the Phoenix Hall for workshops and the Elixir Bar offering light meals with functional wellness blends.

The Nest is for reflection while the Echoes meditation zone provides a still, cave-like retreat for mindfulness and contemplation.

The team spans a range of specialties including certified coaches, yoga teachers, a spinal energetics practitioner and a sound healer. There is also a movement specialist and resident physiotherapist.

Claire Xuereb, director of hospitality and care at AX Group, described Verdala as “a place that nourishes the soul rather than vanity. As Malta’s first wellness hotel it supports overall wellbeing and longevity. Our focus is on balance and sustainable wellbeing rather than rigid limitations.”

Inside the Verdala project

The 46-room property has been designed by C&K Architects, with interiors by Dubai-based studio LW. The AX Group’s Development and Construction team, led by director Denise Xuereb, carried the project from permit stage to completion.

Spa Connectors worked on the whole hotel from design and tech services to concept, programming, procurement, recruitment, training, simulations, sales and marketing strategy.

The hotel and its residences are a redevelopment of the former Grand Hotel Verdala, which originally opened in 1971.

There are restaurants, led by head chef Brady Dalli, with a on anti-inflammatory Mediterranean cuisine and seasonal, locally sourced produce.

Sign up here to receive our weekly news delivered direct to your inbox