For years, the Mediterranean island state of Malta existed quietly, living mostly off its fishing trade, and gradually developing a modest tourism industry in the 20th century before the more significant investments of recent decades. That at least is how the story goes. However, Malta has always had something special to offer the “top two percenters”…
Going back to the eleventh century, the Knights Hospitaller took up residence in Malta. The island always kept attracting Dukes, Princes and other dignitaries from across Europe right up to present day Europeans looking to catch some winter sun.
Tourism and gambling – a heady mix
Malta grew as a tourist destination in the late 20th century, but the island really started to evolve in the early 21st century. An influx of online gambling firms decided they liked the combination of year-round sunshine and favorable taxes. Soon enough, practically every European casino and sports betting brand worth knowing had its headquarters in Malta.
Big business has brought more revenue to the island, as well as more wealthy visitors who only want the best and are ready to pay for it. Over the past decade, Malta has become the perfect destination for those who enjoy the finest things in life. Let’s look closer.
Five-star luxury abounds
Malta boasts more than a dozen five-star hotels dotted around the island. All the familiar chains such as Marriot, Hilton and Kempinski are in attendance. For the ultimate VIP experience, the Westin Dragonara is a magnet for the top two percenters. It has a reputation for the very best in customer service and attention to detail.
Ron Harrison is a retired police detective and has been flying in from the UK to the Dragonara every year for the past 20 years. He describes it as his second home and says: “You can’t beat it for luxury, nothing is too much trouble. I used to bring my Mum here and they treated her like a Queen, I’ll never forget it. Now it’s just me. I often come here for Christmas and New Year. Look at it, what could be better?”
Fine-dining a la carte
The mixture of well to do tourists and business executives looking to impress clients adds up to some world class culinary experiences in Malta. Here are three examples:
- The Medina – one of those places you will talk about for years afterwards, The Medina is tucked away down a narrow lane beneath the Mdina Fortress. Set in a picturesque stone courtyard, you will be treated to traditional Mediterranean ingredients given a novelle cuisine twist.
- The Blue Elephant – situated at the Hilton, this award-winning restaurant is reputed to be the most romantic in Malta. Judge for yourself on that, but the food gets rave reviews from top critics.
- Caviar and Bull – no messing here, just top ingredients such as Wagyu steak given top treatment by acclaimed chef Marvin Gauci. You can’t go wrong.
Nights out with the high rollers
It’s not just the business travelers who are focused on gambling. There is nothing quite like a night at the casino for sophisticated entertainment. There are four casinos in Malta, and the most luxurious by far is back at the Dragonara resort.
The Dragonara Casino is situated within the walls of the 1870 palace and is an imposing sight. Inside, the wide selection of table games includes roulette, blackjack and poker. There are also hundreds of slot games.
The casino offers a VIP area that is exclusively for the use of VIPs and high rollers. It has exclusive VIP games plus dedicated VIP hosts and dealers. There is also a bar and lounge area within the VIP section where high rollers can relax, and maybe even count their winnings.
Getting around in style
Malta’s public transport network of buses and taxis is functional and efficient, but not the most comfortable way to get around. If you are staying at one of the luxury hotels, the concierge can arrange limousine transportation for your night out or sightseeing expedition.
Alternatively, Dacoby is a chauffeur service with 15 years’ experience transporting VIP visitors around Malta. The cars and drivers are available by the day or the hour and can also help with your airport transfers. Just give them your flight details and the driver will be there and waiting for you on arrival or will drop you off at the appropriate spot at departures.
A luxury limo isn’t the only way to see Malta’s 122 square miles in style. Malta Wings is a private helicopter company that offers a choice of tailored services, plus standard one-hour tours.
Get pampered
We all deserve a little pampering from time to time, and if you are in Malta for a few days, set at least one aside for some spa treatments. Again, you have plenty of choice, and it really depends on exactly what you want.
Carisma has an impeccable reputation with all the treatments you can imagine including a range of massages and Turkish hammam. There are different full-day spa packages available as well as single treatments.
