Plan your escape to Malta with Iniala Harbour House & Residences

Just off the main drag in the gorgeous Maltese capital of Valletta is what looks like a picturesque, unassuming townhouse with stunning views over the water to the east. But inside lies Malta's newest luxury offering, Iniala Harbour House & Residences, which became the hottest five-star hotel in the country upon its grand opening this month.

The hotel offers a whole host of exciting experiences for guests to truly absorb the rich culture and beauty of the Maltese Islands and its capital city, which is currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its wonderful architecture and rich history. It provide its guests with "keys" to the city by offering land, sea, art and cultural experiences, and whether guests are looking for a thrill-seeking adventure, to tantalise their taste buds by indulging in world-class cuisine, or for more of a culture infused getaway, Iniala has a dedicated guest experience team to ensure that everyone is looked after.

And speaking of world-class cuisine, the hotel has already racked up perhaps the most prestigious seal of approval around; ION – The Harbour, its onsite restaurant, received its first Michelin Star on 9 April, a remarkable achievement for a newly-opened eaterie. Curated by talented local chefs Andrew Borg and Kurt Micallef, ION – The Harbour's menus are constantly evolving to ensure that quality is priority, as they source the very best produce depending on the climate and time of year.

When it comes to sightseeing, however, an interactive tour of the city is a must for culture vultures. An expert guide takes guests around the maze of Valletta to reveal the hidden stories that lie within its busy streets. Whether it is a tour of Malta, focused solely on Valletta, or a visit to the island of Gozo, it promises to be authentic, factual and entertaining.

For those more interested to venture off the beaten track, guests can embark on a private hiking experience to discover beautiful secluded spots with local environmental NGO, BirdLife Malta. Guests can enjoy astonishing views and learn about local flora and fauna as they hike along the coast from Mistra Bay, passing by the Saltpans, St Paul’s Island and the Fort Campbell ruins. Alternatively, there is the option to hike through Foresta 2000 Nature Reserve, home to over 15,000 indigenous trees thanks to BirdLife’s large afforestation project.

Iniala Harbour House & Residences also offers a range of experiences perfect for kids of all ages. For example, families can spend the day on the film set of the 1980 Musical Production “Popeye”, fast becoming one of Malta's major tourist attractions, become a scientist for the day at the Esplora Science Centre, or even join a local nature expert for a unique Scavenger Hunt in the Wild.

Food lovers too will find themselves in heaven; cooking is an integral part of the Maltese family routine and Iniala prides itself on its outstanding cuisine, available at the hotel’s chic rooftop restaurant, ION – The Harbour. Here, the whole family can come together at an Iniala cooking show or absorb pockets of the head chef's knowledge with a three hour private cooking class.

With the medieval city of Mdina to the north and Valletta and the Mediterranean coast to the east, Ta’ Betta Wine Estates offers the most exclusive and befitting setting to savour local artisanal wines – one of Malta's best-kept secrets. With the estate’s well versed sommelier, private wine tasting experiences allow guests to expand their knowledge of the art of winemaking and gain some insight on the twenty-year journey it took the winemakers to bring the fruit of the terroir into the glass. There is also the chance for guests to immerse themselves in nature and fuel their mind and body as they meditate in a nature reserve before participating in a unique art lesson with a glass of premium local wine in hand.

Furthermore, Malta is often hailed as one of the finest destinations in Europe for diving. Certified scuba divers can join an award-winning expert and explore the island's most exclusive dive sites, while others can stray from the run-of-the-mill diving experience with a unique and exclusive underwater photography course. Join award-winning photographer, conservationist and scuba diver Kurt Arrigo for tailor-made underwater workshops in some of the island’s finest diving spots that are only accessible by boat. With crystal clear waters, an abundance of natural caves and historic wrecks as well as over 300 days of promised sunshine, the Maltese waters are a diver's paradise.

Finally, those really looking to push the boat out can embark on a yachting adventure aboard Iniala’s private luxury boat, the "Spirit Of Iniala" Rivarama 44. Seating up to eight guests, the local captain guides guests through the Maltese Islands’ picturesque coastline. After a few hours spent exploring the hidden caves with regular refreshing dips in the sea, guests can enjoy a sumptuous lunch served on board or the option of stopping off to dine at a restaurant of their choice. For those looking for a more romantic setting, the sunset tour is also available with its stunning scenes of the sunset glow against the limestone landscape and ancient city.

Whether it’s a land adventure, a sea voyage, a gastronomic indulgence or some family fun, the extensive selection of exclusive experiences are sure to make a stay at Iniala Harbour House & Residences a truly enriching one.