As corporate event planners, finding the perfect destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) is crucial. That’s why Emily, our founder, recently traveled to Malta with Visit Malta to attend a very special educational FAM trip, to experience this wonderful country and the possibilities available here for meetings, events, conference and incentive trips.
Hosted by Visit Malta and A.Von Brockdorff, Malta DMC | Inbound MICE & Leisure Group Specialists Emily jetted off for four days of exceptional hospitality and experiences and returned with a wealth of knowledge and new venues to add to our growing international portfolio.
Day 1
After a relaxing flight, our group of six event professionals landed in Malta where we were greeted by Steve & Deanna, our superstar hosts from A.Von Brockdorff, a Destination Management Company in Malta. A.Von Brockdorff are committed to providing a one-stop-shop service for all Meetings Incentives Conferences & Events (MICE) as well as Leisure Travel related requirements; from organizing and managing conferences and events, ensuring smooth land arrangements, to fun team building activities and day trips to suit all budgets and group sizes.
This super professional team ensured every aspect of the itinerary was a memorable and enjoyable experience and we are so excited to be working with them to plan our clients upcoming events.
Malta is known for its amazing weather and even though it was January and 15 degrees each day, it was sunny and the perfect temperature to be outside, taking in the beauty of Malta.
Our first stop on the itinerary was to Ta’ Betta Winery where we had a wine tasting and lunch here in their gorgeous private room. You can purchase some lovely wine here which I did! T’a Bette is a unique venue in Malta that will certainly leave a lasting impression. The boutique winery is set in idyllic countryside and surrounded by vineyards and indigenous trees, offering the perfect venue for exquisite wine tasting. The tasting is accompanied by platters of international cheeses, Italian cold cuts, warm bread and Ta’ Betta Olive Oil.
After our next site visit to Xara Lodge, we made our way to our host hotel Raddison Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands. Opening the door to the most beautiful suite was wonderful and a balcony that overlooked the beach was just magical. This was such a relaxing a beautiful room to stay in. Waking up to the sounds of the waves on the beach was very special indeed.
The Radisson Blu Golden Sands Resort & Spa is situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking one of Malta’s most beautiful sandy beaches, Golden Bay. The location commands one of the best sites on the Island of Malta with panoramic views over the bay below and beyond. At the same time it is only a short drive Southwards to St. Paul’s Bay and the town of Bugibba and a ten-minute drive Northwards to the ferryboat that connects to Gozo, Malta’s sister Island.
Dinner on day 1 was held in the hotel where our hosts also kindly gifted us some traditional espresso mugs to remember our trip. A really lovely touch.
Day 2
After a restful night’s sleep, Emily couldn’t resist heading outside to the terrace to enjoy a cup of tea and the morning sunrise overlooking the beach. A wonderful way to start day ahead of more exciting visits.
We made our way to Gozo where our hosts had organised a private boat trip. This lovely activity lasted for just over an hour and took us to Xlendi Beach. We then enjoyed a wonderful afternoon activity where we were split up into teams and had to complete a series of challenges while exploring the Island of Gozo in Buggy type vehicles! Emily’s team of course won the challenge!
We then made our way to Tal Massa, one of Gozo’s wineries. From here we enjoyed the island’s countryside and unwind. We tasted 4 wines and had a light lunch which consisted of Bread with sun-dried tomato paste, olive oil, cheese, salami Galletti, pieces of traditional Gozitan ftira with fresh sheep cheese and another with vegetables.
After a lovely lunch, enjoying some local produce and tasting more beautiful wine, we made our way back to the hotel where we had some free time to relax before a very special dinner.
Our hosts had arranged for the group to be picked up in classic cars, which drove us to Mdina in style and luxury. We absolutely loved this idea and it’s a lovely alternative for groups to travel to Mdina.
Arriving at Mdina Gate, we took a short walk through this enchanting City, taking in the beautiful architecture and history, and made our way to De Mondion.
Set atop Mdina’s centuries-old bastions, within the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, the de Mondion offers a unique fine dining experience. This One Michelin Star restaurant is enhanced by truly spectacular panoramic views of the island from the terraces and charming features served in elegant surroundings.
Consistently rated amongst the top restaurants in Malta for the soul nourishing cuisine, refinement and excellence, the de Mondion promises discreet yet impeccably attentive service thus allowing patrons the time and privacy to savour the cuisine, the company and the view
Day 3
The beginning of our 3rd day started with a special activity which is exclusive to Malta, The Rolling Geeks! Rolling Geeks are self drive electric cars, complete with pre-programmed GPS that not only take you on the perfect tour, but explain what you’re looking at too. So you get all the benefits of an organised excursion, but with the freedom of being in your own quirky electric car. Such a fun and unique activity which we loved.
After a lovely lunch, we made our way to St John’s Co Cathedral for a private guided tour, before visiting a few more stand out venues.
Dinner that evening was held at private members club Casino Maltese. Set in Malta’s historical Capital City and overlooking the famous Pjazza Regina and also the President’s Palace, this unique venue was originally used as the treasury of the Knights of St. John. Today the exclusive Casino Maltaise with a history of noble visitors, retains most of its original 16 century features.
Day 4
On our final day, we checked out and made a quick stop to Café De Mar, located in the increasingly popular area of St. Paul’s Bay, forming part of a unique complex incorporating the Malta National Aquarium and a state of the art tourist piazza. Cafe Del Mar is known around the world for its chill-out and easy listening music.
This standard must be maintained. ‘Ibiza’ House can be played in venues where the culture is more targeted towards a sophisticated clientele and the sunset hour must remain true to the ‘chill-out’ policy. An after dinner party including a DJ can be added – a supplement for the DJ will apply. We then head to our next venue to visit, the stunning Villa Bologna Seating Capacity Indoor/Outdoor: Front Garden = 200; Back Garden = 330; Marquee = 280
Our last visit of the trip and our last group lunch was to Limestone Heritage. On the outskirts of one of Malta’s premier villages, Siggiewi, Limestone Heritage is a delightful private museum and events’ venue documenting the history of stone from prehistoric times to present day.
Its landscaped, open-air museum walk-through, citrus gardens with waterfall, and miniature farm housing special breeds make an interesting backdrop to events, particularly as part of a conference or incentive programme. The area is rural and peaceful yet within easy reach of Malta’s main cities and resort towns. Can accommodate 600 persons outside and 400 beneath the marquee
After a masterclass in making lemoncello (from the owner himself) and a little taste, we headed outside for lunch in the grounds of this exceptional property. The attention to detail with our chef personally explaining every dish, the gorgeous setting and wonderful hospitality was the perfect way to end an exceptional trip.
Thank you to our hosts
A huge thank you to all of the venues who hosted us but a special thank you to James Ellis from Visit Malta and our outstanding hosts Steve and Deanna from A.Von Brockdorff. They planned the perfect trip with the right mixture of educational content, outstanding experiences and mouthwatering gastronomy, and we are very excited to work with the team on lots of lovely upcoming events.
If you are planning an international event, contact Miss London Concierge today to get access to our portfolio of amazing destinations around the globe. We help take the hassle out of planning the perfect trip.