Sarto This is one of the best outlets for a choice of designer brands for men and women, including Burberry, Emporio Armani, Valentino and Blumarine. Derived from the word ‘Sartorial’, Sarto evokes a pleasing sense of craftsmanship. This store is synonymous with luxury and should doubtlessly be a first stop for timeless fashion apparel and stunning accessories, bags and shoes. Ross Street (2202 1601, www. vfgmalta.com). Open 10am-8pm Mon-Sat. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Hilton Malta. See p56.
a popular mall (with an adjacent hotel and several good-quality food outlets too, including Hard Rock Café and Fluid), spread on three floors. Well-known brands available here include Mexx, Guess, Gas, Armani Jeans, Ecco, Baci Lingerie, Marks & Spencer (food and wine), Tommy Hilfiger, Skechers, Junior’s toyshop, Frank’s perfumery, Chaucer’s bookshop and Adidas, while new additions include the Mangano Fashion Café, Bortex, Jennyfer and Swarovski Crystals. There are also some great souvenir shops on the ground floor, where you can pick up fun and useful items to take back home. The entrance to the complex often doubles up as a stage for local musicians and other performers, particularly during weekends, and the complex regularly hosts events and fashion shows to celebrate special occasions. St George’s Bay (2138 0600, www. baystreet.com.mt). Open 10am10pm daily. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Fashion De Fort Designerwear This well laid-out designer store stocks a great selection of casual and smartwear, as well as swimwear and accessories by Ralph Lauren. 15 Portomaso (2138 7687). Open 10am-8pm daily. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Hugo Boss It was the first mono-brand designer store of its kind on the
island, and we love it. As another of the very upmarket shops in what is becoming an increasingly designer-oriented road, this smart outlet offers the full Hugo Boss experience for men. Browse the stylish and contemporary Boss Green and Boss Black collections, and find one of the island’s sharpest suit selections in here too. A must for fashion lovers. 2 Ross Street (2202 1000, www. vfgmalta). Open 10am-8pm MonSat. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Other locations Malta International Airport Departures Lounge, Gate 1 (2202 1003). Porto This shop may be small, but it is very well stocked and the items are chosen with great taste. Porto is best known for its affordable luxury bags but the selection also features lovely fashion accessories. Brands include Ripani, Braccialini, Radley, Tula, Tosca Blu, Lupo, Francesco Biasia, Dyrberg/Kern, Coeur de Lion, Gaby’s, Squadra Blu, Bulatti and Chartage, as well as jewellery designers Nour and Dansk Smykkekunst Copenhagen. Portomaso Shopping Complex, Portomaso (2137 2079). Open 9.30am-1pm, 3-7.30pm Mon-Sat; 10am-1pm Sun. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Rebelli Everything at Rebelli reflects a luxurious lifestyle – it’s not just about enjoying the exclusive top Italian designerwear and accessories, but the standard of service and attention to detail too.
Gifts and homeware Cleland & Souchet If it’s luxury homeware you want, you’ll be hard pressed to find better than the selection at Cleland & Souchet, presented in a modern, stylish setting. Products range from wines, champagnes, spirits and fine foods to silverware, gorgeous accessories and contemporary home decor. Here you can find brands such as Broste Copenhagen, Jolipa, Lothantique, Riedel and Casa Bugatti. The store recently also launched its new instore wine café, showcasing its fine gourmet treats and vast selection of over 400 different wines from around the world. For cigar fans, Cleland & Souchet stocks many different cigars from Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Block 14, Level 0, Portomaso (2138 9898, www.clelandsouchet.com). Open 9.30am-7.30pm Mon-Sat. Credit AmEx, JCB, MC, V.
Nightlife Paceville has yet to relinquish its crown as nightlife capital and it attracts lively crowds to its streets of bars and clubs. Nick-named a mini-Ibiza, you can expect music genres from the latest hits to the golden oldies, with a good choice of drinks promotions at most outlets. Level 22 Sophistication is the crux of why patrons love Level 22. Located at the very top of the Portomaso Tower, it provides plush interior surroundings and a really great
view. Kick-start your evening with a refreshing cocktail, but do expect to pay premium rates (around €3.50 for a vodka mixer). It is one of a kind though, and attracts a very upmarket crowd to take it from lounge bar to club as the evening progresses. Level 22, Portomaso (2310 2222). Open July-Aug 9.30pm-4am daily; Sept-June 9.30pm-4am Wed-Sun. Admission free. Qube, The Vodka Bar As the name suggests, Qube is all about the vodka. With over 60 vodka brands from across the globe and plenty of unusual flavours to choose from, you can create the vodka concoction of your choice – while heavyweights could opt for their famous vodka buckets – a bucket of ice, your favourite vodka bottle and your preferred mixer. Every Wednesday Qube organises themed events, and special promotions are held regularly. St Rita Street, Paceville (7935 0680). Open 8.30pm-4am daily. Admission free. Shadow Lounge Special DJs and a constantly changing line-up keep this spot – another popular link in the Hugo’s chain – bursting with party lovers. Late and lively, parties at Shadow Lounge are often themed and known to get a little crazy. The bar stocks a great range of spirits, though we also love the freshly made cocktails and champagne-bythe-bottle in the VIP area. St George’s Road, Paceville (2138 2264, www.shadowloungemalta. com). Open 10pm-4am Fri, Sat. Admission free.
Arts and entertainment This may not be a cultural capital, but it does offer visitors plenty of choice. If you’re looking for an alternative to wining, dining or clubbing, why not hit the casino, watch a 3D movie or play a round of bowling? Casinos The Casino This is one of the island’s most exclusive casinos. The newlyrefurbished lounge area sets the scene, and this is the place to grab a quiet drink before making your way over to the roulette or poker tables. There are all sorts of other games to keep you entertained, including slots and punto banco, with daily Texas Hold’ Em poker tournaments and cash games. The dress code is smart casual with no shorts and sleeveless shirts allowed after 8pm. You must present proof of identity on your
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St Julian’s
Much effort is made to ensure comfort and satisfaction, and you can enjoy a drink at the inhouse bar as you mull over your purchases. Located just opposite the Portomaso Marina it is easy to find, and you’ll be glad you did. Brands here include Roberto Cavalli, Pinko, Dsquared, Marta Ferrari and Elisabetta Franchi. Church Street, Portomaso (2138 4050, www.rebelli.com). Open 10am-8pm Mon-Sat. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.