10 Unique Places to Stay in Malta
Malta’s lodging scene ranges from medieval palaces to eco-pods on tiny Comino. You’ll find historic boutique hotels within fortified city walls, waterfront fortress retreats over the Grand Harbour, contemporary design lodges in Valletta, and off-grid cabins on Comino. Upon arrival you will discover that Malta generally offers good prices, however, don't sacrifice your accommodation. These 10 stays not only deliver Instagram-worthy views, rooftop pools, clifftop panoramas, and subterranean spa suites, but also embody Malta’s millennia-old architecture and modern sustainability ethos.
Here you'll find a list of Malta's best boutique hotels for travellers discovering Malta. And don't worry, all hotels include air conditioning friendly staff and easy access to Malta's untouched beauty to make sure to provide you with a refreshing and worthwhile stay.
1. Check In At A Traditional Farmhouse in Gozo
Farmhouses represent rural Maltese heritage which are usually found on the Gozo island. These farmhouses date back centuries, many have been lovingly restored into tourist retreats that balance original character with modern comforts.
Key Features of Gozo’s Traditional Farmhouses
Limestone Architecture & Wooden Beams
Private Pools & Outdoor Living
Spacious Layouts
Rural Locations
Local Hospitality
Whether you choose the panoramic pool of a Sannat farmhouse or the intimate B&B charm of Il-Bàrrag in Nadur, Gozo’s rural stays promise authenticity, space, and a front-row seat to Maltese island life. Book early, these 300-year-old properties have limited availability.
Our preferred choices:
Ta’ Monterra Farmhouse, Xewkija: Situated in the quiet side-streets of Xewkija, Ta’ Monterra is a fully modernized, three-bedroom razzett just 1 km from the iconic Rotunda church. Xewkija lies at Gozo’s geographic center, offering easy drives to the island’s north and south coasts
Gozo Break Farmhouses, Kerċem & San Lawrenz: A cluster of rustic-chic villas in Kerċem and San Lawrenz, Gozo Break Farmhouses sit amid farmland just 3 km from Victoria. San Lawrenz is close to Dwejra’s Inland Sea and Fungus Rock, while Kerċem overlooks the lush valley toward Nadur.
2. Eco-Lodges and Glamping Sites
Perfect for people seeking heritage stone lodges with Green Key certification or luxury camping under the stars. Malta offers solar-powered off-grid pods to eco-certified boutique hotels and luxury “glamping” tents, creating a combination between comfort and sustainability. The eco-lodges and glamping sites are renowned for utilizing renewable features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting and more.
Our preferred choices:
Samudra Retreats on Comino Island: You can enjoy the common area, the pool and outdoor terrace, surrounded by nature, looking out to Comino Island.
Glamping Gozo Bus: Come on board and enjoy our fully equipped famous old bus for a unique stay. Situated in the quietest part of Xlendi and on the edge of a national park and just a 10 minutes walk to the center of Xlendi.
3. Boutique Hotels in Historic Buildings
Malta's rich history is reflected in its boutique hotels, they transform historic spaces into artful retreats, where every corner tells a story.
Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, Mdina: Century Palazzo
The Xara Palace is the only hotel inside Mdina’s fortified walls, offering perfect views across the country's interior from its bastions and rooftops. Expect impeccable service from the hotel which was built in the 1600s and sensitively restored, it features seventeen understatedly luxurious rooms and suites, each with original limestone arches and hand-painted ceilings. Order anything from an extra bed to dinner to the room.
Cugó Gran Macina, Senglea Fortress Hotel
Located at Senglea bastions, overlooking the Grand Harbour. Cugó Gran Macina occupies a restored part of the 450-year-old Senglea fort, where Knights once stood guard against Ottoman incursions. Its 21 bespoke suites marry exposed stone walls with contemporary fittings, and the terrace outdoor swimming pool appears to spill into the harbour.
Others to consider
The Phoenicia Malta, Floriana (Valletta Gateway)
Palazzo Consiglia, Valletta hotel
Casa Ellul, Valletta hotel
The Barrakka Suites, Upper Barrakka Gardens
4. Houseboats and Yacht Stays
Staying on a houseboat or yacht provides with many advantages like the ability to dock alongside historic harbours or cruise between hidden coves at your own pace. Options in Malta range from luxury “hotel boats” permanently moored in Ta’ Xbiex or Sliema, to private bareboat and skippered yacht charters that allow 6–12 guests. They all come with Wi-Fi, en-suite baths and sun decks.
By choosing a houseboat or yacht stay, you combine accommodation and transport into one seamless maritime experience—anchoring at sunrise spots or harbour-side restaurants without checking out of a hotel. Whether you choose for the hotel-style convenience of Johnny M Yacht, the charm of a Vittoriosa houseboat, or the freedom of a bareboat charter, Malta’s waters await.
Our preferred choices:
Johnny M Yacht, Ta’ Xbiex / Gżira: A boutique yacht with three en-suite cabins, sun terrace, and free Wi-Fi. Located just 600 m from Rock Beach, it offers air-conditioned living areas, a fully equipped kitchenette, and 24-hour front-desk service for a hotel-style stay on the water.
Valletta Grand Harbor Sailing Boat, Birgu (Vittoriosa): This houseboat moored at IX-Xatt tal-Forn pontoon A31 in Birgu offers self-catering suites with kitchenette, laundry facilities, and free parking. With panoramic views of the Three Cities skyline, its waterfront location places you steps from Seafront restaurants and the Inquisitor’s Palace.
Elite Sailing Overnight Yacht Charter, Malta Coastline: Charter a 50-ft skippered sailing yacht for up to 8 guests in four private cabins, each with en-suite head and shower. Perfect for those who prefer to explore secluded coves—snorkel over Posidonia meadows or anchor off Comino’s Blue Lagoon—and return to your floating suite at dusk
5. Monastery and Convent Stays
For travellers with focus on budget and religion a monetary or convent stay offers clean, affordable lodging within historic religious complexes. Within the country these date back more than 1,500 years, now being open to all faiths and backgrounds, they combine modest private rooms or dormitories with shared prayer chapels and refectories, often at rates far below hotels. Whether in the suburbs of Birkirkara, the cliffs of Dingli, or the hilltop town of Rabat, each location invites restful stays and a glimpse into Maltese monastic traditions.
Our preferred choices:
Rivotorto Retreat House, Birkirkara: Situated in suburban Birkirkara, just 5 km from Valletta, it is run by the Conventual Franciscan Order and accommodates up to 42 guests in ensuite, air-conditioned rooms. The friars actively manage the property alongside lay staff, ensuring warm, service-oriented hospitality and daily breakfasts in the communal dining room. Guests can unwind on the terrace or explore nearby St. Helen’s Basilica and winding alleyways.
ŻAK House & Flatlet, Birkirkara: It offers residential retreats for up to 40 persons in simple rooms and a separate flatlet for small groups, with full wheelchair access and ensuite facilities. It comes with a large common room for prayer and a rooftop overlooking the town. It’s a popular choice for church groups and individual pilgrims alike.
Savio College Retreat House, Dingli: It offers 32 residential rooms with shared bathrooms and dormitory style options for retreat groups. Surrounded by pinewoods and limestone cliffs, it’s ideal for silent retreats and nature walks, with on-site chapels and meeting rooms.
6. Seaside Villas and Bungalows
Seaside villas and bungalows in the country offer an escape for traveler's who look for exclusivity, privacy and space with direct access to the coastline. They are normally equipped with private pools, fully equipped kitchens, BBQ areas, sun decks and more.
Our preferred choices:
Villa Desiderata, Mellieħa: Bungalow that is perfect for families with children. Includes a private garden, swimming pool and BBQ area. Guests praise its tranquil residential setting and the owner’s on-site presence for local tips and assistance.
Villa Alexandra, Mellieħa: Villa Alexandra sits in an elevated spot in Mellieħa, offering panoramic sea views from its balcony and garden. It includes an outdoor pool, indoor Jacuzzi, and private sauna.
Lellux Holiday Home, Nadur, Gozo: a four-bedroom seaside villa just 2 miles from San Blas and Ramla Bay beaches, offering easy access to Gozo’s northern shore.
7. Converted Palazzos and Heritage Homes
These accomdations are old noble residences that are transformed into tourist retreats. These properties hold their historic character. Each stay immerses you in Maltese history while providing all the comforts of a five-star escape.
Our preferred choices:
Madliena Hills Mansion, Is-Swieqi: A six-bedroom manor-house with two outdoor pools, direct access to Pembroke Bay’s beachfront, landscaped gardens with BBQ terraces, and panoramic sea views from sun-loungers on the rooftop.
Palazzo Parisio & Gardens, Naxxar: An 18th-century Sicilian-Baroque palazzo set within three acres of Italianate walled gardens and home to a fine-dining restaurant and legendary Victorian-style afternoon tea.
Casa Rocca Piccola, Valletta: A 16th-century palazzo-museum where five guest rooms have been restored with antique Maltese cabinetry and carved limestone fireplaces, hidden courtyard garden, and family heirlooms spanning five centuries.
8. Rural Retreats and Countryside Lodges
Rural retreats and countryside lodges in Malta offer travelers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, perfect for those seeking serenity, authenticity, and cultural immersion. With access to hidden beaches, hiking trails, and charming villages. They offer a more meaningful way of exploring the island, perfect for a city break.
Our preferred choices:
Holiday Home, Żebbuġ (Suburb of Rabat): Floor-to-ceiling windows blur indoor/outdoor living—perfect for stargazing on cool evenings in a Moscatel-coloured sky. Comes with a spacious bedroom suite with luxury en-suite bathroom, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a large terrace framing the Maltese countryside.
Country View Retreat, Ħaż-Żabbar: Blend archaeology and agritourism, explore UNESCO temples by day, then return to roast local goat’s cheese in the wood stove at night. Comes with two double bedrooms, three bathrooms, a rooftop with 360° views, a private heated pool, wood-burning stove, and fully fitted kitchen.
9. Art and Design Hotels
Art and design hotels in Malta offer a culturally rich stay, perfect for travelers who appreciate aesthetics and creativity. These accommodations feature curated interiors, local artwork, and innovative architecture that reflect Malta’s culture. These hotels usually attract design lovers, photographers, and creative minds seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Our preferred choices:
Valletta Vintage: a nine-suite hotel made out of old town houses. It feautures rotating exhibitions of Maltese and international artwork.
Rosselli, Valletta: A minimalist boutique , where pale-wood interiors meet bespoke ceramics, knotted-wool rugs, and a sunlit rooftop showcasing local design pieces.
10. Wellness and Spa Resorts
Malta’s wellness and spa resorts offer amid lush gardens or views overlooking the Mediterranean. Whether you seek Victorian-era elegance, cliff-side relaxation, or thermal therapies by the sea, these properties deliver restorative rituals, world-class therapists, and wellness-centric amenities that cater to both mind and body.
Examples:
Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa (Attard): A 19th-century neoclassical villa set within seven landscaped gardens, featuring a Victorian-style glass conservatory, award-winning thermal spa with Rasul mud chamber and Himalayan salt grotto, plus three outdoor pools and extensive treatment menus ranging from aromatherapy to reflexology.
The Westin Dragonara Resort Spa (St. Julian’s): Perched on its own peninsula, this spa center offers 14 treatment rooms, steam rooms, vitality pools, a traditional Turkish hammam, and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking yachts and azure bays—perfect for combining seaside swims with deep-tissue massages or serail-style sauna rituals.
Xara Spa at Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux (Mdina): Tucked within Mdina’s fortified walls, Xara Spa occupies vaulted 16th-century vaults transformed into candlelit treatment suites; therapies include local clay body wraps, Mediterranean salt scrubs, and rooftop yoga sessions at sunrise, all framed by panoramic island views.
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Conclusion
Regardless of the reservation you make, we assure you that you can't go wrong with any of these options. From Mdina’s torchlit palazzo to Comino’s solar-powered eco-pods, Malta’s unique stays cater to history lovers, design aficionados, eco-travelers, and digital nomads alike. Book early, check departure dates, pack smart, and let Firsty be your digital travel companion as you discover Malta’s most unforgettable accommodations.
