Book the The Xara Palace with VIP Benefits

Hidden behind the honey-coloured walls of Mdina, The Xara Palace is not simply a hotel but a living piece of Maltese history. This 17th-century palazzo stands proudly on the ancient bastions of the Silent City, overlooking sweeping views of the countryside and the distant Mediterranean. From the moment guests pass through its doors, the pace of modern life softens. What replaces it is a sense of calm, intimacy, and timeless elegance that feels deeply rooted in place.

Mdina itself is unlike any other city in Europe. Car-free, steeped in over three thousand years of history, and wrapped in fortified walls, it offers an atmosphere that feels almost cinematic. Staying at The Xara Palace means experiencing Mdina not as a visitor, but as a temporary resident, waking up before the city stirs and watching it return to silence after sunset. The palace becomes both a sanctuary and a privileged vantage point from which to observe this rare rhythm.

A Restored Noble Residence

The Xara Palace was meticulously restored to reflect its original noble status, and that care is felt in every detail. Original stone walls, high ceilings, antique furnishings, and curated artworks tell the story of the building's past without ever feeling museum-like. Instead, history and comfort coexist naturally. Luxurious fabrics, thoughtful lighting, and refined finishes ensure that the palace feels warm, welcoming, and deeply personal.

With only eighteen rooms and suites, the experience is intentionally intimate. No two accommodations are the same, and each one has its own character shaped by the building's original architecture. Some rooms open onto panoramic terraces, others feature private porches or jacuzzis overlooking the Maltese landscape. King-size beds, elegant bathrooms, and carefully chosen antiques create an atmosphere that feels residential rather than hotel-like.

Living Like Royalty in Mdina

Staying at The Xara Palace feels less like checking into a hotel and more like being welcomed into a private home with centuries of stories. Mornings are especially memorable. As sunlight filters through the shutters and echoes softly through the narrow streets outside, guests experience Mdina at its most peaceful. Breakfast feels unhurried, and the views from the palace remind you how elevated and protected this city has always been.

By afternoon, Mdina comes alive as visitors explore its cathedrals, palaces, and hidden courtyards. Yet even at its busiest, the city never feels overwhelming. In the evening, as day-trippers leave, silence returns. The soft glow of lanterns, the sound of footsteps on stone, and the cooling air create an atmosphere that is both romantic and deeply calming.

The Palazzino Belvedere Experience

For guests seeking even more space and privacy, the Palazzino Belvedere offers a rare opportunity to stay in a two-bedroom medieval residence connected to The Xara Palace. Rich in character, this palazzino features traditional Maltese tiles, original stonework, and a beautiful internal courtyard that floods the interiors with light.

One of its most remarkable features is a historic vault once linked to an underground passage leading toward St. Paul's Cathedral, a reminder of Mdina's layered past. Despite its history, the Palazzino blends seamlessly with modern comforts, making it ideal for couples, families, or longer stays. Guests also enjoy access to a seasonal outdoor pool at a nearby sister property, with complimentary transfers ensuring convenience without compromise.

Dining Above the Bastions

Dining is at the heart of the Xara Palace experience. Perched high on Mdina's bastions, the Michelin-starred de Mondion restaurant is one of Malta's most celebrated culinary destinations. The setting alone is unforgettable, with panoramic views stretching across fields, villages, and coastline. As the sun sets, the landscape becomes part of the dining experience.

The cuisine at de Mondion reflects precision, creativity, and respect for local ingredients, presented in an elegant yet understated way. Every dish feels considered, allowing flavours to speak clearly while showcasing the chef's refined technique. It is a restaurant that appeals equally to seasoned gourmets and guests simply seeking a truly special evening.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, Trattoria AD 1530 offers traditional Maltese and Mediterranean dishes served in the palace courtyard. Here, the mood is warm and informal, perfect for long lunches or casual dinners under the open sky. Together, the two restaurants provide balance, allowing guests to choose between fine dining and comfort without ever leaving the palace.

A Family-Run Philosophy

Behind The Xara Palace is the Zammit Tabona family, whose deep affection for Mdina and its heritage led them to acquire and restore the palace in the 1990s. Their approach remains hands-on and personal, now carried forward by the second generation. This family spirit is felt throughout the property, from the attentive service to the genuine warmth of every interaction.

Rather than following trends, the philosophy here is rooted in care, continuity, and respect for place. Staff members know the building intimately and treat guests as individuals, not room numbers. This human approach is one of the reasons many visitors return, often describing their stay as feeling more like visiting friends than staying at a luxury hotel.

Part of a Global Heritage

As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, The Xara Palace shares a commitment to excellence, authenticity, and cultural preservation. This affiliation reflects not only the quality of the accommodation and dining, but also the hotel's dedication to maintaining the character and heritage of Mdina itself. Guests who value meaningful travel experiences will find that this philosophy aligns naturally with the atmosphere of the palace.

An Ideal Setting for Special Moments

Whether for a honeymoon, an anniversary, a cultural escape, or an intimate celebration, The Xara Palace offers a setting that feels inherently special. Its scale allows for privacy, while its history adds depth and emotion to every stay. Weddings and private events held here benefit from a sense of grandeur without excess, elegance without formality.

Ultimately, The Xara Palace is not defined by luxury alone, but by feeling. It is a place where silence has value, where history feels alive, and where hospitality is thoughtful rather than scripted. For travellers seeking something rare, personal, and quietly extraordinary, this palace in the heart of Mdina remains one of Malta's most remarkable addresses.