The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux originally served as the 17th-century residence of noble family Moscati Parisio and sits tucked away within Mdina’s medieval walls. Most recently, the hotel has completed a two-year refurbishment project – taking the meaning of “fit for royalty” to a whole new level. 

Each of its 17 rooms and suites have been elegantly redesigned to include double glazing and new flooring, while pale yellow walls gave way to neutral tones that let the handpicked period furniture and colourful oil paintings take centre stage within the bright and airy ambience. Underfloor heating and shiny freestanding bathtubs were also added to selected suites, like in my huge, tasteful room with windows facing out to the distant sea.

Among its most notable development is the new presidential suite, which I was reliably informed had played host to an actual royal family. No doubt this two-storey haven will offer the most impressive stay here, boasting antique dark-wood furniture complemented by plush Parisian drapes, royal blue armchairs and the renowned Hastens bed. Step out onto the balcony and the regal French baroque architecture of the historic Vilhena Palace will be right in front of you.

Another standout was the food, little wonder given rooftop restaurant de Mondion has a Michelin star and oodles of panoramic views to go with the exquisite dining. My Mediterranean-inspired tasting menu included squid ink cracker with caviar, snails with Jerusalem artichoke, suckling pig and “kannol”, a Maltese dessert with ricotta, pear and Grand Marnier.

Head chef Kevin Bonello also masterminded the menu at ground-floor casual eatery Trattoria AD 1530, where visitors can feast on the best pumpkin ravioli dish they may have ever tasted.

There is a small gym but if clients want to exercise they would be better off walking or jogging around the car-free city of Mdina to take in its incredible sights. 

How to book it

The presidential suite starts from €600 per night; room rates from €236, xarapalace.com.mt