Insider Magazine - Autumn / Winter 2020

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Insider M AGAZ I N E

Autumn 2019 Winter 2020

MAGAZINE

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DISCOVER

Sue Mifsud S

ue Mifsud is a Ceramics Designer and teacher based in Malta, working from her self-sufficient Rabat studio. Her relationship with clay started in 1993 and has been a constant in her life since then; studying at Glasgow School of Art for her design degree and more recently, in 2015, turning her part time business into a full time career.

Her days are long and varied and she relies on her diary to keep track of what each week entails, this includes teaching at her studio and at schools, commission work for private clients, chefs and fine dining restaurants and off-the-shelf creations available to clients who organise appointments to visit her workshop gallery.

Colour is a trademark of her work, Sue mixes all her own ceramic glazes in the studio, preferring not to buy them read made and giving her more versatility over the palette that she uses. Restaurants tend to want subdued, neutral colours as a backdrop to their culinary creations, whereas private clients lean towards the more adventurous; wanting to add vibrancy to their homes or compliment the interior design.

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Most of the bespoke work is personalised with designs that are unique and have a connection with the client and with the space in which they are being used. This includes not only the form but also meaningful surface texture which is an element found quite frequently in the artist’s work. Maltese bread, prickly pear vein and a snake skin are some of the textures which she has captured and woven into the fabric of her functional ware.

Many chefs and fine dining restaurants around Malta own collections of her dinnerware, as does a Parisian restaurant. Her ceramic functional ware and art works are also owned by private clients in America, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Israel and around Europe, including collections in Italy and the UK. To get to know more about Sue Mifsud, you can visit her website www.suemifsud.com and/or her Instagram and Facebook pages @suemifsudceramics.

You can also contact her directly by email at

suemifsudceramics@gmail.com.

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l’ h e u r e d u d i a m a n t C O l l e C t i O n

The journey to sustainable luxury so far 6

TChopard

he luxury jewellery and watch house, , was taken over by the Scheufele family in 1963. Since then, the Scheufeles have put ethics at the heart of the Maison. More than 30 years ago, the family had the vision and determination to develop vertically integrated in-house production, and to invest in mastering all the crafts, from a rare in-house gold foundry founded in 1978, to the skills of high jewellery artisans and expert watchmakers. This meant that Chopard was able to manage all the processes from manufacturing to final product.

Since then Chopard has continued with its commitment to sustainability. Chopard has been a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council since 2012, having joined in 2010.

In 2013 Chopard launched the Journey to Sustainable Luxury, looking at its key impacts and improving sourcing and production processes to create a more responsible supply chain, from mine to the product.

The Journey is Chopard’s commitment to a multi-year program to achieve sustainable luxury. The goal is to improve the environment and the lives of those at the very beginning of the supply chain.

The Journey to Sustainable Luxury began when

Chopard forged a philanthropic partnership

with the influential South American mining NGO, the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM).

The luxury watch and jewellery manufacture became the world’s first brand in the industry to enable mining communities to reach Fairmined certification as well as provide training, social welfare and environmental support. To date, two mines in Latin America (in Colombia and Bolivia) have now achieved Fairmined certification through Chopard’s direct support.

Over the last five years, Chopard has continued to build on its promise, achieving a number of landmark steps including: creating the incredible Green Carpet Collection of High Jewellery using only sustainably sourced and traceable precious materials; the Palme Verte Collection, the first diffusion lines in Fairmined gold; the world’s first watches in Fairmined gold in the L.U.C Collection; not forgetting the mythical Palme

d’Or which has been crafted from Fairmined gold since 2014.

Chopard defines “Ethical Gold” as gold acquired from responsible sources, verified as having met international best practice environmental and social standards and measures impact against UN Global Goals for sustainable development.

Chopard announced that by July 2018,

Chopard will use 100% responsibly sourced gold in all jewellery and watches sourced from one of two traceable routes: 1. Artisanal freshly mined gold from small-scale mines participating in the Swiss Better Gold Association (SBGA), Fairmined and Fairtrade schemes.

2. RJC Chain of Custody gold, through Chopard’s partnership with RJC-certified refineries.

In order to further increase its contribution in artisanal gold miners’ improvement initiatives and therefore contribute to a further growth of volumes of ethically extracted gold, Chopard joined SBGA (Swiss Better Gold Association) in 2017. Chopard’s vision is to increase, as much as it possibly can, the proportion of artisanal gold the Maison buys as it becomes more available on the market. Today Chopard is the largest buyer of Fairmined gold.

As a responsible company, Chopard wanted to go above and beyond compliance and measure how the Maison can contribute to the achievement of the ambitious and much needed UN Global Goals; including contributing to decent work, reduced inequality and responsible resource consumption.

The Sustainable Development Goals (or Global Goals), launched in 2015, are a set of interrelated 17 global goals set out by the United Nations, which cover an array of social and economic development targets to be reached by 2030. These goals have the power to end poverty, fight inequality and stop climate change. Guided by the goals, it is now up to all of us, governments, businesses, civil society and the general public to work together to build a better future for everyone.

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FESTIVE SEASON

White Christmas

at InterContinental Malta

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e're dreaming of a white Christmas here at InterContinental Malta and we want to share it with you. Why not treat yourselves this Christmas to an evening of festivities suitable for everyone. No matter what kind of evening you're planning we can cater for you, with our specially crafted menus perfect for the festive season we offer a range of set menus, buffets and party packages.

We're offering a great deal for those who choose to bring their family where children up to the age of 6 are welcome free of charge and those between 7 and 12 years will receive the menus for half price. We're also treating adults to a welcome drink, half a bottle of foreign wine, half a bottle of water, tea and coffee with any of our festive menus.

All the Christmas parties will include festive decor, chair covers and ribbons, dance floor, stage and complimentary WiFi meaning you can share to your Instagram stories whilst you get groovy! Complimenting our range of specially designed menus we'll be offering beverage packages to really get the party started because Christmas is a time to be merry.

If it's a party you're searching for, InterContinental Malta have planned the most fitting packages for any event. We specialise in the art of organising and catering from intimate family gatherings to large corporate groups so whatever your needs, we're here to cater for them.

Starting on Christmas Eve through to New Year's Eve, whatever the occasion, InterContinental Malta has you covered. Make sure to check with a concierge whether we're hosting any other special Christmas events at the hotel and they can guide the way. Christmas is a time for sharing and we can't wait to share this years festivities with our esteemed guests.

For full menus & packages, please visit: malta.intercontinental.com/christmas/

LOYALTY PROGRAM

“Easy rewards, just for you.

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e like to make sure that our members’ stay with us is extra-special. IHG Rewards Club members get to experience the best in terms of service and amenities, such as complimentary internet worldwide. Simply select your personal stay preferences to customize your hotel stays just the way you like them. And, when you either redeem or earn more points within a 12-month period, your points stay active in your account. Every time you stay in one of our hotels anywhere around the world, we treat you like family. We’re waiting to welcome, inspire and reward you. As valued family members, we want to make your travel experiences even more rewarding, with even more choices and exceptional benefits for you to enjoy.

We make it easy for you to enjoy your rewards. We will give you more points toward your rewards when you stay with us, when you travel, shop and dine with our partners, and when you take advantage of our exclusive offers. So go ahead and enjoy all we have to offer to experience an even more rewarding experience. Your points are yours to enjoy. To keep collecting points toward great rewards, simply earn more or redeem some points within a 12-month period.

Ways to earn We have 5,000 hotels worldwide, so earning rewards with us is easy. It’s no secret that IHG is the world’s largest hotel company, which makes it easy to stay with us and easy to earn points for yourself.

Promotions We constantly find ways to give our members more advantages, from bonus points to discounted room rates, we are constantly increasing our rewards.

Partners When you travel, dine and shop with our partners, you will be able to watch your point total grow.

Earn Up to 5,000 Bonus Points With a Bonus Points package at a participating hotel.

Airline miles We also offer members the facility to earn miles with their airline’s frequent-flyer club, instead of offering points during every qualifying stay.

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www.ihg.com/rewardsclub

Highline Suites

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eautifully designed with understated elegance, all 30 Highline Suites range between 90 and 120 metres squared, offering contemporary and chic décor and custom-made bed linen and furnishings. Thanks to the seamless décor, these suites also offer an uninterrupted transition between its indoor and outdoor environments, enabling you to enjoy unparalleled luxury.

Being a guest at our Highline Suites comes with an exclusive array of benefits that take our excellent service a notch higher, exceeding all expectations, as our skilled Club team caters for your every whim.

Luxury comes with high attention to detail, with all services and facilities of the hotel to be enjoyed within a personalised environment, against the stunning views of St. Julian’s and of the Mediterranean Sea afforded by the Suites. A rooftop infinity pool puts a very decadent cherry on this luxurious cake. Guests in the Highline Suites will be pampered with attention at the accompanying bar and restaurant. For more information, please contact the Front Office Team.

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HIGHLIGHT

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Get to know our new Cluster General Manager A

German national, born in Israel, Lior Bebera has lived and worked in seven countries, on three continents. Lior Bebera has grown in his career within IHG and has played an important role in establishing strategies for numerous hotels.

Mr Bebera a few years back, was previously at InterContinental Malta as Hotel Manager, responsible for the operation and the overseeing of the refurbishment and extension project of the hotel. Lior Bebera is enthused to be back in Malta, replacing the former General Manager, Martin van Kan, and will establish a strong 5 star service culture, supporting our team in achieving their personal best which will lead to greater results and a stable and enjoyable working environment.

Mr Bebera has also worked in a number of InterContinental hotels and properties such as InterContinental Berlin, David InterContinental Tel Aviv, InterContinental Kiev and IHG Head Office in London. In his previous role as GM of InterContinental Bucharest, Lior Bebera was primarily responsible for managing the hotel operations and maintaining the service excellence that is synonymous with the InterContinental Brand, creating “great hotels guests love�, and he wishes to continue to do so at InterContinental Malta.

In his role of European Operations Support Manager at IHG Head Office, Lior Bebera was supporting 112 hotels in Europe in achieving notable results by implementing leading-edge tools and implementing them together with the hotel teams. Also Mr. Bebera was part of the European Food & Beverage Committee of Experts in charge of creating innovative concepts, tools and processes for hotels to drive revenues and improve the performance of Restaurants, Bars and Conference Centres.

Mr Bebera's experience in various functional areas and aspects of the hospitality industry will help to drive the hotel, InterContinental and Holiday Inn Express Malta and our employees to strive to be top of the hotel market on the island.

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CHEF'S SPECIAL

Linguine Vongole 16

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Paranga Team

5gr Chopped garlic 5gr Chopped chilli Jake Mangani

120ml Fish stock 60ml White wine 1 pinch Coarse salt 180grams Fresh vongole

Justin Borg

1 pinch Chopped Fresh basil 5 piece Cherry tomatoes 120gr Good quality dry pasta (main course portion for an adult)

Ramon Galea

Direction Start by soaking the vongole in salted water for a few hours to clean. Take the vongole and rub them against each other under clear water, making sure to remove any sand from the outer shell.

For 2 persons Prep. Time : 30 min Cook. Time : 15 min

Add white wine together with fish stock and slow cook until reduction. When the first few vongole start to open, remove the pan from the heat.

One minute before complete cooking In boiling water, add some coarse salt and time of the pasta, add the vongole to the pan, on high heat and cook for the cook the pasta. remaining minute. Garnish dish with fresh In the meantime, sweat the garlic, the chili basil. and squeeze the cherry tomato halves in a shallow pan. When the pan is hot, add the vongole and stir all, including the chilly and garlic.

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Ingredients

CHEF'S SPECIAL

Paranga Team

60gr Good quality risotto (Arborio) 150ml Vegetable stock Jake Mangani

250g Diced pumpkin 20gr Parmesan cheese 15gr Cold diced butter 120gr Grated Tallegio cheese

Justin Borg

20gr Diced shallot 1 pinch Sage 1 pinch Parsley 1 pinch Salt

Ramon Galea

Direction

For 2 persons Prep. Time : 10 min Cook. Time : 20 min

Season the diced pumpkin and cover the After 15 to 18 minutes, check the risotto. dish with foil. Cook in the oven until the Preferably cooked al dente. pumpkin becomes translucent and evenly Make a purĂŠe from the pumpkin in a cooked. liquidizer and pass the mix through a fine On a medium heat, sweat the shallot until sieve for a smother result. If necessary, translucent and season with the salt to add some butter while blending. prevent it from colouring.

Add the pumpkin purĂŠe, butter, grated Add the risotto. Sweat until the rice parmesan and finely cut herbs to finish becomes translucent. Start adding the the risotto. This should yield to a creamy texture. stock gradually.

Garnish with Tallegio prior to serving.

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Pumpkin & Tallegio Risotto

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BUSINESS TRAVELLERS

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nterContinental Malta offers more than rooms to business travellers. Totalling 24 separate meeting spaces, providing a variety of capacities in various seating arrangements. Business services and facilities are state of the art offering total connectivity with Internet speeds of up to 100Mbps, provided upon request. To complement the above, InterContinental Malta also provide two exclusive facilities.

Executive Boardroom InterContinental Malta exemplifies elegance and modern hospitality, while defining the essence of business professionalism in Malta. Located on the 17th floor one can find the latest addition to the meeting venue spaces at InterContinental Malta. As you walk into the space one can find the grand boardroom table which can seat up to 20 of the finest executives, modern light fixtures, a coffee area and lounge. Natural light pours in through the floor to ceiling windows. Step out onto the terrace and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding areas of St Julian’s. The Executive Boardroom exudes modern luxury, making it the perfect space for high-end clients to feel on top of the world. State of the art business services are on hand and complimentary high speed WIFI access is available for all delegates.

Club InterContinental Lounge When booking a club room and suites, guests can avail themselves of Club InterContinental lounge with views across the island and the Mediterranean. This lounge offers outstanding comfort and a range of premium services for the most discerning leisure and business customers. This includes private check-in, a dedicated reception desk, a sumptuous breakfast, all day refreshments, an afternoon tea, predinner drinks and canapĂŠs.

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Adding value to your business trip

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EVENTS AT YOUR HOTEL

InterContinental Malta: a star player in the business of meetings, conferences and events.

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he business of meetings, conferences and events is a big opportunity for cities and countries to brand themselves as the go-to destination for major companies and industries to showcase their talents.

Malta has become one of the major choices for such events. Unsurprisingly, InterContinental Malta, one of our island’s star players in this market. The hotel boasts facilities, restaurants, bars and services to ensure your delegates never need to leave the premises. A total of 6,000 square meters of conference and event space will appeal to the most demanding event organiser: the recently renovated InterContinental Arena Conference Center provides 3,600 square metres of state-ofthe-art meeting and exhibition space, with an additional 1,215 square metre plenary boasting an 8.5 metre ceiling height.

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Privacy is ensured with 24 individual meeting rooms and a self-sufficient, fully functional conference centre built around the latest audio visual requirements. Total connectivity and complimentary WIFI throughout the property are provided.

With lifts to take guests and delegates to their respective floors, both security and discretion are fully covered. In addition, the stunning Highline Suites, Club InterContinental lounge, which provides world class service, dedicated executive boardroom and highly trained staff will ensure that even the most exacting requirements can be fulfilled.

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The hotel also offers excellent dining and entertainment facilities: whether you are looking for a formal gala dinner to seat up hundreds of guests or a glamorous sunset cocktail party on the 19th Floor at SKYBEACH and/or SKYHIGH lounge, both with panoramic views of the St Julain’s and Sliema area.

InterContinental Malta also offers a variety of leisure facilities comprising indoor and outdoor swimming pools, steam, sauna, spa and a wellness centre, a beauty salon and one of the largest health & fitness centres, Cynergi, a fully equipped gymnasium, including squash courts, and studio.

The professional teams at InterContinental Malta, ensure your conference or event is the most successful date in your calendar.

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FLAVOURS OF MALTA

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ave you tried Maltese Street Food? If the answer is no, then you're definitely missing out! Malta offers a great deal of unique and absolutely delicious street food. Whether you're a sweet or savoury kind of person you'll find your quick hunger fix almost anywhere on the island. So, let's explore the most popular and traditional street food around.

Pastizzi These small, savoury pastries filled with ricotta or peas are the best onthe-go snack with a little bit of crunch. Made by the locals, loved by the locals and definitely a Maltese experience.

Ross il-forn Otherwise known as baked rice. If you've spent any time in Malta you're sure to have come across this dish. Mainly filled with mince meat and tomato, Ross il-forn is a very tasty dish!

Timpana Layers of pasta, in bolognese sauce encased in a pie, absolutely delicious!

It's a speciality, served across Malta and enjoyed by all. Just like the pastizzis, this dish can be found at the pastizzerias, the most traditional vendors on the island.

Ftira An almost ciabatta-like bread, Ftira biz-zejt literally translates to 'bread with oil'. You'll usually find Ftiras filled with tomato paste, tuna, capers, olives and onions being sold by most street food vendors but particularly at the beach.

Mqaret For those with a sweet tooth, Mqarets are deep fried, sweet pastry filled with dates and they are to die for! Before even tasting these sweet treats, you'll feel their inviting smell pulling you in.

For the ultimate Maltese street food experience, wash your food down with a cold Cisk or the unique taste of Kinnie. Join the locals and try the delicacies.

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MALTESE STREET FOOD 25

FUN WITH KIDS

KIDDOS KIDS CLUB Kiddos, a Kids Club that offers an independent play approach. We provide children with the most fun and safe equipment to boost their senses and enrich their fine and gross motor skills. Children that prefer a more structured routine, will also be provided with a program including the most fun and diverse activities such as craft, dancing, cooking, face painting and much more. Apart from kids club services, Kiddos offers before and after school club, birthday parties, holiday programs, summer programs, hourly packages and baby sitting services. The physical environment is welcoming and the premises are suitable, safe, secure and accessible. The furnishing and equipment are suitable for the needs of the children, is fully air conditioned and equipped with CCTV. Kiddos also provides the children with a separate tech area where they can play video games and watch movies.

Monday to Friday between 9:00-18:00 & Saturday to Sunday between 9:00-16:00. Services are at a fee. Charges need to be settled directly with Kiddos Kids Club or babysitter directly and room charges will not apply.

OUR KIDS MENU Fun and healthy, the Planet Trekkers menu is available in all our outlets. Created by our team of Chefs at IHG, this menu has been designed to please all kiddos, even the most demanding ones. Simple and tasteful, your children will discover and/or rediscover the true flavours of each ingredients. Hereunder is a selection of our Kids menu: CRUNCHY VEGGIES AND HUMMUS DIP Served with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and veggie sticks for dipping. Hummus is a popular and traditional Middle Eastern dish made with chickpeas.

YUMMY MINI BEEF BURGERS Two perfectly grilled homemade mini beef burgers, served with a fresh salad on the side.

Legend has it that the birthplace of the ‘Burger’ is Athens, Texas in the USA. 26

A-MAIZE-ING CORN-ON-THE-COB Interestingly there is always an even number of ears on a cob of corn. Corn is also grown on every continent in the world except Antarctica.

CHOCOLATE BROWNIE ICE CREAM SUNDAE A do it yourself chocolate brownie topped with classic vanilla ice cream and served with fresh fruits and sprinkles.

Enjoy your family holidays

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Fulfil your holidays with our rooms dedicated to families. Comfortable and practical, our family oriented rooms are the perfect choice to experience the best of InterContinental Malta.

DELUXE TRIPLE ROOM Featuring elegant modern interiors the front facing location is ideal for a 3 member family. The sophisticated 30 sqm rooms include sumptuous king or queen size beds private balcony and spacious bathroom with separate shower as well as the latest technological offerings.

FAMILY ROOM Families will find this the perfect option. The large 40sqm room can accommodate up two adults and two children with ease. Apart from a dedicated welcome pack, families can avail themselves of specially tailored children’s menus available in all our restaurants as well as a supervised ‘kids’ club.

DUPLEX SUITE The hotels singular new duplex suite is stylish, two level suite with windows providing dramatic views across the Maltese islands. You and your family can enjoy the large space exude both home comforts and luxury, with an unmistakable Mediterranean ambience, infused with contemporary elegance.

Would you like to upgrade your stay?

All the rooms below have the option of a brand new sofa bed with high quality mattress: • Club Room • Deluxe Suite • Family Suite • Panoramic Suite • Junior Suite • Presidential Suite Get in touch with our Front Office Team if you desire to upgrade your stay.

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Relax & enjoy CARISMA SPA & WELLNESS Here one can indulge in the secluded and individual atmosphere of the traditional hamam and benefit from Dead Sea salt exfoliation treatments upon request. A visit to these Turkish baths is not only a cleansing ritual but also a feast for ultimate health and well being. These diligently chosen treatments and programs guarantee a maximum amount of relaxation and recuperation for body and soul.

CYNERGI HEALTH & FITNESS CENTRE Cynergi Health & Fitness Centre provides the ultimate in health and fitness technology.

Boasting the ideal ambiance in a state of the art fully equipped gymnasium, with over 2,500 square meters of workout space. The extensive facilities include over 70 low-impact cardiovascular machines, free weights, an aerobics studio with cardiovascular exercise equipment, two ISF approved squash courts and TRX suspension training equipment.

The centre is also located immediately next door to Carisma Spa and Wellness and the hotel’s 17 metre indoor pool. Cynergi is open Monday to Friday between 05:00 and 24:00, Saturday between 06.00 and 20.00, Sunday between 08.00 and 20.00, and public holidays between 06.00 and 20.00.

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Dine & unwind PARANGA - 100 WAYS OF FISH You have certainly many reasons to visit Paranga: the 100 different techniques our chefs master of how to prepare your fish, the way you love it the most. Fresh fish and shellfish arrive daily from local fishermen, creating a peak of individual interest or the ideal fare for a memorable sunny lunch or an enticing dinner. For more information or to book your table, please contact your concierge.

WATERBISUIT Waterbiscuit offers a gastronomic experience to delight all patrons with a charming and contemporary atmosphere, and an accomplished kitchen that uses only the freshest Mediterranean ingredients.

Apart from delicious dishes in a cool bistro setting, one can also enjoy a fine wine, creative cocktail or refreshing gin & tonic.

HARRUBA Harruba is InterContinental Malta’s main breakfast restaurant. Hosting buffet breakfast daily, the restaurant provides a lavish selection of tantalising dishes to kick start your day.

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A ROMANTIC STAY

ROMANTIC Malta

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alta is a unique destination. With narrow, meandering streets leading to small villages or bustling towns. The countryside is dotted with medieval towers and chapels. Malta is truly rife with history and definitely embraces romance. Year round there are many places to visit and things to see for the truly romantic couples. A small island brimming with beauty, charm and character take some time to visit Malta with your loved one and follow our guide to the most romantic places you can visit whatever the season.

Għajn Tuffieħa at Sunset The most picture perfect sunset spot on the island. Take a blanket, a bottle of wine and watch the sunset in peace. Take your camera and watch as the sun disappears into the ocean in front of you.

Mdina A city full of history and medieval charm. Take a stroll through the winding streets of Mdina as you take in the culture that Malta has to offer. Head to Bastion Square and feel on top of the world whilst overlooking the breathtaking views across the island.

Birgu by Night In a fairly similar style to Mdina, Birgu is brimming with history. Wander past the quaint houses whilst taking in the soothing silence of this beautiful city. In Autumn you're given a chance to see Birgu by candlelight, a once in a lifetime memory.

Valletta Looking for the perfect date night? Take the ferry to Valletta from Sliema, wander the streets of the island's capital city and enjoy a romantic meal overlooking the majestic Grand Harbour.

Gozo Take the ferry from Malta to Gozo and visit the Citadel for a romantic daytime stroll. Take in the history surrounding you and enjoy the views from it's distinctive skyline. Take a drive over to Dwejra and catch the sunset in all its glory.

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Our Fall / Winter recommendations We have compiled some haunts for you to shop, explore and enjoy your time whilst you are in Malta.

1 Green Room The ‘Green Room’ gallery by Edwards Lowell. Rolex Boutique – 46, Republic Street Valletta.

For viewings kindly contact +35627444400.

2 Lusso Ideally located in St. Julians, one can enjoy the latest Top designer brands inside the 280 square meter store.

3 Royal Malt a Golf Club Established in 1888, the Royal Malta Golf Club is one of the 66 golf clubs worldwide that carry the prestigious “Royal” title. Located in Marsa, the Club welcomes beginners and visitors.

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Charles & Ron A contemporary lifestyle brand, presenting high-end practical clothing and bags with a distinct Mediterranean flair and a superior quality. Maltese culture is an integral part of the design ethic and vision.

Camilleri Paris Mode These shops located in Sliema and Rabat offer quality furnishings and branded lifestyle products, including home accessories, fragrances and luxury toweling.

5 4 Shopping in Valletta Shopping is among one of the favourite activities to many visitors during their stay in Malta. Valletta, The European Capital of Culture, offers numerous and diverse shops and boutiques which will offer you a variety to satisfy all of your shopping expectations.

Hugo Boss The menswear collection at this stylishly designed Boss store, features an extensive range of products, consisting of classicmodern business wear, elegant evening wear, relaxed casual fashion, shoes, accessories and fragrances.

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TAKE NOTE

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BANKS & CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Banks are normally open between 08:30 and 13:30 from Monday to Thursday, between 08:30 and 15:30 on Friday and up to 12:00 on Saturday. Some banks open for longer hours. International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged.

Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and currency exchange offices can be found all over the islands.

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CASINOS

Casino Malta, located on level 2, provides the islands most exciting gaming experience, offering world class levels of entertainment in complete comfort, 24 hours a day. Foreign nationals must be at least 18 years of age to enter and Maltese citizens must be 21 years of age.

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TIME DIFFERENCE

Malta is on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT in winter and 2 hours ahead between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. Malta is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter and 7 hours ahead between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.

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SMOKING

Smoking is not allowed in all InterContinental Malta’s hotel rooms. It is also not allowed in entertainment establishments, including bars and restaurants, unless there is a designated smoking area.

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ELECTRICITY

The electrical supply is 230 volts, 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in the United Kingdom.

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USEFUL & EMERGENCY NUMBERS

00356 International Code 112 Emergency Services 1182 Directory Enquiries 1152 Overseas Operator 195 Time Check 5004 3333 Flight Enquiries

PHARMACIES

Pharmacies are found throughout the islands and are open during normal shopping hours. On Sundays, they operate on a roster from 09:00 to 12:00 in Malta and from 07:30 to 11:00 in Gozo.

Details of the roster are available on the local Sunday newspapers and online.

Aerial view of Valletta

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St. George’s Bay • St. Julian’s STJ 3310 • Malta Tel: +356 21 377 600 • Fax: +356 21 372 222 malta@ihg.com • malta.intercontinental.com 36