Verdala Wellness Hotel, an integrated adults-only wellness resort, has opened in Malta, overlooking Rabat’s valleys of Fiddien and Qlejgħa.

The hotel and its residences are the results of AX Hotel’s redevelopment of the former Grand Hotel Verdala, which originally opened in 1971.

The 46-key hotel’s wellness concept has been developed by industry consultancy Spa Connectors.

A five-pillar framework for wellness has shaped the property’s approach to hospitality, encompassing nutrition, movement, rest and recovery, emotional wellbeing and connection.

Kathryn Moore, managing director of Spa Connectors, told Spa Business, "Developing Verdala with AX over the past four years has been an incredible journey. The concept has always been about celebrating Malta’s beauty and culture while creating wellness-led experiences that showcase all the island has to offer. Verdala now stands as a truly immersive wellness destination, brought to life by an exceptional team of talented practitioners."

V Spa

The property’s V Spa is a 1,500sq m wellness hub with seven treatment rooms.

There is also a hammam, steamroom, salt cave, saunas, hydrotherapy pool, spa lounges and spaces for meditation and movement.

Skincare partners are Ground, Seed to Skin and Préime.

Technology-led treatments will include Normatec compression therapy, PEMF therapy and LED therapy by Dermalux.

Holistic experiences at the property include EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping, using acupressure to relieve emotional distress, energy alignment rituals, shamanic healing experiences, meditation and breathwork workshops.

Wellness amenities and retreats

The property’s adherence to the wellness framework will be led by head of wellness Amber Gauci Ward.

Ward told Spa Business, "We're thrilled to open the doors to Verdala Wellness Hotel and see our vision for a new era of hospitality come to life. As Malta’s first fully integrated wellness hotel, we’re offering more than a stay – we’re curating transformational experiences that honour how people truly want to rest, restore, and reconnect.

She added: "Wellness is the future of hospitality, and it’s embedded in every layer of Verdala – from holistic, science-backed V Spa therapies, consultations and leading-edge facilities to architecture and interiors shaped by tranquil, contemplative spaces inspired by traditional wabi-sabi aesthetics, to our finely crafted Mediterranean cuisine. Verdala is a sanctuary where ancient wisdom and modern modalities meet – guiding each guest into deep restoration and personal renewal."

Ward will curate signature retreats that combine cultural experiences and wellness rituals or seasonal retreats that coincide wth Malta’s festivals and traditions.

Individual stays can be personalised during optional consultations, therapies and classes.

Additionally, each of the hotel’s bedrooms will have a minibar stocked with wellness amenities as well as vegan cosmetics and yoga mats.

The hotel’s three restaurants will be led by Michelin-starred chef Victor Borg. Menus will focus on anti-inflammatory ingredients and seasonal produce sourced locally.

Josef Sant, commercial director at AX Hotels, said: “Wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing travel sectors and Verdala has been designed from the ground up to meet this demand with a luxury, bookable product.

“We are committed to supporting our operator and agent partners with training, tailored collateral and close collaboration to ensure Verdala becomes a standout option for high-value travellers looking for something different in Malta,” he added.