Feasts in Malta - The Santa Marija Convoy

The Feast of Santa Marija is celebrated on the 15th of August, and for the Maltese population this religious holiday bears a very deep, historical significance. Santa Marija is the perfect day for you if you love festas, food, colour and joyous noise all meshed up in a magnificent display of fireworks and revelry. Santa Marija is however also celebrated solemnly and with gusto in the following localities whose parishes honour her: Attard, Mosta, Mqabba, Qrendi, Gudja, Ghaxaq, and Victoria, Gozo.

Maltese History – the story of Santa Marija

During World War II, the Maltese population was saved from starvation and provided with enough supplies to sustain the islands thanks to a food convoy that arrived during the week of the feast day. This convoy's arrival is seen by many to have been a big turning point of the war in the Mediterranean as otherwise the Maltese would have had no alternative but to surrender.

In August 1942, Operation Pedestal was mounted from the United Kingdom with the aim to relieve Malta. The convoy was intercepted by the Axis who deployed 20 submarines, 19 motor torpedo boats and over 850 aircraft. Hence they faced a gruelling five-day ordeal which saw nine out of fourteen merchant ships succumbing to the relentless round-the-clock attacks.

Four of the ships that survived reached Malta on the 13th and 14th of August. However there was no sign of the sturdy tanker Ohio, which was loaded with vital oil, fuel and kerosene supplies without which Malta could not hope to survive. The tanker had been singled out from the start and faced ferocious attacks and was lying crippled some kilometres off Malta. The ship had been torpedoed and holed, a series of fires were started and controlled, her boilers blew up and her engines failed; twice abandoned and twice rebounded- the tanker would not sink- as if aware that Malta’s survival depended on her!

On August 15th 1942 on the feast of Santa Marija, the Ohio - towed by two destroyers, Ledbury and Penn, and one minesweeper, Rye- entered the Grand Harbour. She discharged her cargo and no sooner were the 10,000 tons of precious fuel oil and kerosene extracted from her mangled hull, the Ohio sank and rested on the bottom. This epic convoy is recorded in Malta’s National War Museum where many items are on display, which include photographs of the fourteen ships; a graphic plan showing the route by the convoy and the locations of where the ships were sunk; the helm and nameboard of ‘Ohio’ amongst many other fascinating historical artefacts.

For more information on how to get to the National War Museum or about Malta Events during your holidays please speak to Our Transport Desk.

Spa Malta - Discover the Mediterranean Touch

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Bring about a “body revival” and induce absolute relaxation, on the Mediterranean Island of Malta.

With a sea of turquoise blue, a spectacular coastline and megalithic structures pre-dating Stonehenge.

This is an island of hidden secrets.

 

Should you wish to experience one of our Special Malta Spa Packages kindly contact us on spa@excelsior.com.mt or on +356 21250520.

What is the Order of Malta and how does one become a member?

Link to original article: http://bit.ly/NSd3eX

An interesting article for the History Enthusiasts... And if you would like to find out more about Malta’s history whilst on holiday check out Our Valletta Package.

Maltese History & Fortifications

A glance into the Maltese history and fortifications... See what this experienced traveller has to say about Malta and its history!

http://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/malta-attractions-historical-defense/

And if you would like to experience one of our unique Malta tours contact us on +356 21250520.

Holidays Malta - 10 Grand things to do at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta

Superior Accommodation Malta

A Grand Private Breakfast on your room terrace

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Luxury Malta Holiday

Relaxing by the Pool

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Outdoor Dining in Malta

Lunch at the Yacht Club

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Malta Tours

Private Chauffeur driven Tours around Malta



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  Dining in Malta

Afternoon Tea at the Chartroom

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Spa Malta

Spa Treatment at Le Grand Spa

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Our Malta Restaurants

Cocktails in the Harbour View Restaurant

Themed Nights at the Admirals Landing

A la Carte dining at the Admiral’s Landing

Tiki Sizzler Evenings by the water’s edge

Should you wish to experience the Grand Life at a superior five star Luxury Malta Hotel kindly contact us on info@excelsior.com.mt or on +356 21250520.

Luxury Spa Malta - Experience a Thai Massage

Experiencing a massage that utilises techniques performed for over 2000 years, is enjoying the result of a tradition that has worked wonders on people’s bodies for as many years. A traditional Thai massage is an experience aimed at allowing the body to achieve harmony, ease aches and pains, stretch the body and provide general wellbeing. It is surprisingly different from any Western type of massage and that adds to the allure of the treatment.

Thai massage therapist Artita at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta’s Le Grand Spa provides first-hand information about it all. She trained at one of the leading schools of Thai massage in her country – the Chetawa Medical Massage School in Nonthaburi, Thailand. “It is believed that the traditional Thai massage could be as old as 2500 years since it is owed to the inventiveness of Bhivogamaraphajj who is considered the father doctor of this type of massage. He lived in the period of time when the Buddhist religion was founded and is credited as having been the physician of Buddhist monks and kings of the period.”

From a regal treatment, it became known throughout Thai civilisation down to becoming a treatment practically everbody learnt how to do hands on. "Family members taught it to each other as it was excellent relief for farmers’ aches and pains. Somebody from the family could relieve the pain by a simple movement and the massage movements remained popular as they were easy to administer once the proper method was known. Moreover, no expensive oils are required – only clean bare hands."

The general feel of wellbeing provided by this massage is aided by the dimmed lights, the soothing music and the sound of water which is a key element in the room. However, those who expect to just lie down and enjoy it, possibly also dozing away, will soon realise that the therapist will require cooperation and a certain degree of flexibility. The stretching movements carried out by the therapist are coupled by deep tissue treatments and other movements. The treatment is administered on a normal mattress laid out on the floor. The client is propped up when required by normal pillows and the therapist sits and squats next to the client according to the treatment movement or stretch being carried out. Lying face up, face down or on either side, the client is allowed to relax and flex muscles according to the therapist’s motions. One minute she is diligently manipulating a foot muscle, the next she is stretching the whole leg from top to bottom.

Thai massage is all about getting you back in shape as soon as possible, not getting you all soft and soppy and drowsy. The aim is to resuscitate you and your body, restoring the body to its most energetic form.

Thai massage is available at Le Grand Spa. Should you wish to book your Luxury Malta Spa Treatment kindly contact Le Grand Spa at spa@excelsior.com.mt or on 00356 21250520. Bookings are recommended.

Things to do in Malta - Farsons Great Beer Festival

The summer brings with it one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year: the Farsons Great Beer Festival, the largest and most diverse beer and music festival organized in Malta. Enjoyed by people of all ages, the open-air festival caters for all tastes and preferences, making it a great family outing or night out with friends.

Organised at Ta’ Qali Park for the last few years, the festival has grown in size, attendance, with a greater number of performances, and variety of beers offered. However, one thing remains the same: entrance is always free.

The festival attracts both Maltese and tourists who flock to Ta’ Qali Park to support local musicians and artists while appreciating a variety of local beer brands, from the award-winning Cisk range of beers: Cisk Lager, Cisk Export, Cisk Excel and Cisk XS, to the classic beers, Hopleaf and Blue Label – special ales brewed with passion since 1928. International beer brands such as Carlsberg, Budweiser, Guinness, Kilkenny, John Smith’s Extra Smooth, Beck’s and Corona Extra are also available at the festival, as well as cider brands Strongbow and Bulmer’s Original Cider.

A food court offers a mix of international dishes to complement the selection of beers.

Beer takes the centre stage at The Farsons Great Beer Festival, however this hugely popular event is also an important showcase for top Maltese talent. A selection of popular and talented local artists and bands perform on two stages every night, and in fact, the festival is known to be a starting platform for the many up-and-coming artists who are given the opportunity to perform to a large and appreciative audience.

A limited edition official Beer Festival mug, collected by many year after year, is sold at the bars with the beer of choice or at the souvenir stall selling other branded merchandise.

The festival opens from 8pm onwards each night.

For more information about Malta events check out the Grand Hotel Excelsior's website.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta EARNS 2012 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

Honoured as a Highly Rated 5 star Property as Reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site.

VALLETTA, MALTA, July 2012: Grand Hotel Excelsior has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

“Grand Hotel Excelsior is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said General Manager Mr.Norbert Grixti. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience during their stay in Malta, and this accolade is evidence that we really believe our hard work is translating into positive traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.”

“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travellers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijing to remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers agreat customer experience.”

Should you wish to experience a luxury holiday at this superior Malta Hotel contact us on info@excelsior.com.mt or on 00356 21250520.



Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta - First among Equals

VALLETTA, MALTA, June 2012: Grand Hotel Excelsior, the first local hotel to be awarded the National Equality Mark.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior is proud to be the first local Malta hotel to be awarded the Equality Mark certification by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE), with the support of the European Social Fund (ESF).

The National Commission awarded Grand Hotel Excelsior in recognition of the organisation’s efforts to provide the ideal work environment that is free from any type of discrimination. This achievement is another proof of the hotel’s commitment to its employees and acknowledges its responsibility to provide equal access to opportunities and career development based on employees’ potential, irrespective of their gender and family responsibilities.

“We value our employees as the most important resource within the organization and we are duly bound to offer a working environment where employees work without fear of prejudice or gender discriminations,” said Norbert Grixti, General Manager of Grand Hotel Excelsior. “Since opening its doors in 2007, the Grand Hotel Excelsior has always been a pioneer in gender equality within the hospitality industry and we have always maintained this position throughout all training and other human resource programmes.”

Stay updated with events taking place at this Luxury Malta Hotel.

72 Hours in Malta continued - Marsaxlokk and Mdina

Some Great Places you must see during your Malta holidays. Today we will be giving you some tips on Things to do in Malta on Day 3.


Day 3 – Marsaxlokk & Mdina

On your third day we also recommend an early start to enjoy the most of Marsaxlokk fishing village and market. Here you can obtain fresh local produce and hand-crafted artisanship, and is therefore ideal for purchasing souvenirs. All this to a backdrop of colourful local Luzzu’s (traditional fishing boats) bobbing up and down in the sheltered Marsaxlokk harbour. Enjoy the fresh catch of the day for lunch at one of the restaurants lining the promenade. In the afternoon head to the Blue Grotto for a boat trip to the caves. Also in the area are the megaliths of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, and further down the road still is Ghar Lapsi, a cave with two rocky beaches which offer fantastic snorkelling opportunities. Spend your last evening in Malta wandering the streets of one of its favourites with visitors and locals alike: experience the enchantment of Mdina by night. Dine in one of its fine restaurants, wine bars or cafes to conclude an evening to remember.

At the Grand Hotel Excelsior we offer tailor-made excursions with our private chauffeur service.

Should you wish to plan one of these Exclusive Tours during your Malta holidays kindly contact the chauffeur driven service at this Luxury Malta Hotel on: +356 21250520 or on transport@excelsior.com.mt.

Photos courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority.

72 hours in Malta continued - Gozo

If you're planning a short visit to Malta we recommend you check out a few of Malta's highlights. Today we will be giving you some tips on what to do in Malta on Day 2.

Day 2 – Gozo You cannot really understand Maltese culture without a visit to Gozo, Malta’s more traditional and peaceful little sister. Be at Cirkewwa early to take the ferry across, so as to make the most of your day. The crossing takes only half an hour and passes by Comino island and you can catch a glimpse of the Blue Lagoon.

Victoria’s main square is home to a daily market selling all sorts of things. Check out the tiny shops around the area which sell handicrafts, and make sure you get lost in the back streets! Head up the hill to the Cittadel, the Medieval walled city, and visit the Old Prisons and some of the other interesting museums it houses. Finally walk to the bastions to get a 360 degrees bird’s eye view of the whole island! Have lunch in one of the several restaurants or cafes that offer traditional Maltese food and then head off to the village of Xaghra.

Xaghra has plenty to offer, starting with Ggantija Temples, the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Not far off is Ta’ Kola Windmill which has been lovingly restored and turned into a museum, and in the heart of the village you will find Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Grotto with a marvel of stalactites and stalagmites. Weather-permitting, now would be the ideal time to head to Ramla Bay for a swim. Ramla Bay is remarkable for its dark orange sand. But the real must-see is Dwejra with its Azure Window being the most photographed view in the Maltese Islands. This is the location of the Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea, as well as the Blue Hole, a worldfamous diving spot. It is really striking to watch the sunset from this point, and it offers a myriad of photo opportunities! At the end of the day you can dine in one of many restaurants in pretty Xlendi Bay nearby, and don’t worry about catching the ferry back... it runs regularly till late and occasionally through the night!

Tomorrow we will be highlighting what to see and do in Marsaxlokk and Mdina. Two places that are distinct and with their own personality. Definitely worth visiting during your Malta Holidays! So visit the Blogs of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta to stay updated.

Should you wish to experience one of these Exclusive Malta Tours during your holidays kindly contact the chauffeur driven service at this Luxury Malta Hotel on: +356 21250520 or on transport@excelsior.com.mt.

Photos courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority.



72 hours in Malta

300 days of sunshine, crystal clear Mediterranean waters, 7,000 years of history, thriving local traditions and laid-back rural villages, delicious cuisine and a vibrant nightlife – Welcome to Malta!

Stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, two minutes away from Valletta, and relive the Knight’s of St. John legacy. Visit the medieval city of Mdina, one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture. Head north to enjoy Mediterranean sun, sand and sea. Experience Gozo where tranquillity is still a way of life. Enjoy Malta’s religious ‘festas’, adorned churches and glittering firework displays. Discover megalithic temples, rugged countryside and dramatic cliffs or submerge into a diver’s paradise. Wine and dine in stylish surroundings and party in lively evening venues.

If you have only three days in Malta, do not attempt to see it all. Although the area covered by the Maltese Islands is just 316 km², there is plenty to see and do so we recommend you experience just a few of Malta’s highlights to get a feeling of the island’s character.

We will start by giving you information about Things to do in Malta on Day 1.

Day 1 – Valletta & Sliema

With the Grand Hotel Excelsior as your home, the Capital Valletta, is probably the most obvious place to start. With the entire city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, walking through its streets is nothing short of walking through an open-air museum. Walk along Republic Street to St John’s Co-Cathedral, the jewel of Valletta, with its gilded interior enough to make one’s jaw drop. Look out for the Caravaggio’s only signed painting, The Beheading of St John. Exit the Catheral and dive into the open-air market in Merchants’ Street. All in all, Valletta is also a great place for shopping.

Do take the time to wander through the alleyways, up and down the lopes and stairways, and to sit under the sun with a coffee watching the pigeons. In whichever order you choose to do these, try to be at the Upper Barrakka Gardens at noon for the re-enactment and shooting of the cannon, and enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Malta, that of the Grand Harbour.

For the afternoon we recommend a Harbour Cruise which takes you to see the the Three Cities from a unique perspective and which offers an insight to the essence of Maltese History.

Tomorrow we will be giving you some tips on what to do in Malta on Day 2. So visit the Blogs of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta to stay updated.

Should you wish to experience one of our exclusive tours during your Holidays in Malta kindly contact our chauffeur driven service on: +356 21250520 or on transport@excelsior.com.mt.

Photos courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority.



10 Things to Taste during your Malta holidays

Kinnie

Best described as one of Malta’s most distinct soft drinks, Kinnie is formed from an aromatic blend of bitter oranges, sweet spices and pungent herbs. While sounding like something a child might cook-up in their mother’s kitchen, Kinnie’s curious composites mysteriously align to form a devilishly tasty dark-amber nectar.

 

Twistees

Famously found in lunch-boxes around the island (adults included!), this popular snack helps to keep the wolves at bay between meals. Found in cheesy, chicken and bacon flavours, Twistees are the local version of naughty-but-nice nibbles.

 

Mqaret

Sweet and tasty, these deep-fried pastries are truly divine (so long as you don’t count all their calories!). Stuffed with dates and served as a warm dessert, often accompanied with ice cream, these fragrant and softly spiced treats are worth ditching the diet for.

Hobz biz-Zejt

The literal translation, being bread with oil, just doesn’t do this dish justice. A better description would be ‘ a rustic Mediterranean loaf ’. For this specialty, fresh crusty bread is fervently lavished with olive oil and stuffed with a combination of ingredients that include capers, olives, garlic, tuna, anchovies and sweet tomato paste. However, Gbejna – peppery cubes of succulent goat’s cheese, in my opinion, really takes the Hobz-Biz biscuit as the best addition to this delicious bread!

 

Gbejniet

Traditionally made from goats cheese you can find them pickled and plain or pickled and coated in black pepper. For a milder taste try them fresh. Enjoy them with Malta’s popular crackers known as Galletti. Nowadays these are available seasoned with sea salt and black pepper, herbs and even sun dried tomatoes in ready prepared packets.

 

Fenek

Often typified as the national dish, stewed rabbit has become synonymous with Malta’s cultural identity. Almost as important as the soft and succulent meat, however, is the act of going for the meal itself. Known traditionally as a ‘fenkata’, this festive feast is not only an excuse to gather all the friends and family but has become a seasonal occasion for most Maltese.

Timpana

Amalgamating two beloved dishes, Timpana gives you the ultimate pasta-pie. Made from macaroni pasta and bolognese meat, this traditional platter is baked in a puff pastry layer until lightly golden brown. A word of warning, however, this dish is best served with a subsequent nap.

Cisk

A premium lager, Cisk is one of Malta’s most significant exports. Locally brewed with a light and refreshing taste, Cisk can be enjoyed without fear of any beer-belly retribution. Unless, that is, you decide to down ten in row; then are making no such promise!

Bajtra Liquer

Formed from the flesh of the local prickly pear fruit (Bajtra), and shimmering in a translucent red, this luminous liqueur looks deceptively close to a cough mixture medicine. However, far from a revolting remedy, this sweetened solution slips down very easily as an after dinner treat. Some might even call it salubrious for the soul, (I said might…)

Pastizzi

With its very own Facebook page (complete with over 36,000 likes) Pastizzi can be easily deemed the nation’s favourite. Cut into diamond shaped pastries, these local delicacies are lovingly oven baked with a warm ricotta or a spicy pea filling. Transforming into an indulgent treat or tasty snack, Pastizzi perfectly epitomizes the sumptuous Maltese palette.

If you would like to taste some mouthwatering dishes visit one of the top Malta Restaurants at the Grand Hotel Excelsior!

Outdoor Dining in Malta - Chill with your colleagues!

Come chill and let the summer breeze carry away all the stresses and formality of your work!

Enjoy a sumptuous BBQ under the stars with your colleagues and let the capable staff at the Grand Hotel Excelsior indulge you with a truly unique dining experience!

An enticing staff BBQ menu offered at €23.50 per person is being offered on the hotel’s historic Bastion Terrace on the following dates only:

* Friday 27th July,

* Friday 3rd August,

* Friday 10th August,

* Tuesday 14th August and

* Saturday 18th August 2012

CLICK HERE TO VIEW BBQ BUFFET MENU

So book your table now in order to avoid disappointment!

Live the Grand (relaxed) Life.

For more information or should you wish to book your staff barbeque kindly contact Valentina from our Events Team on 2319 1890 or by email on valentina.briffa@excelsior.com.mt.