The secret is out about Malta. Just 60 miles south of Sicily, the stunning Mediterranean archipelago basks in 300 days of sunshine a year — and its allure is only growing. Traveling there is now a lot easier with Delta’s inaugural nonstop route from the U.S. (out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport) to Malta launching last month, and the island’s luxury status is getting a boost with the anticipated summer arrival of famed French beach club Bagatelle.
A driving force behind Malta’s evolution into a luxury hot spot is Alfred Pisani, founder and executive chairman of Corinthia Group. In 1962, Pisani converted a Maltese villa into a restaurant and later a hotel in 1968, the first Corinthia property. Today, his homegrown brand has gone global, spanning hotels from New York to the newly opened Rome, with upcoming destinations, including Dubai, Lake Como and the Maldives.
Born in Malta in 1939 and a lifelong resident, Pisani offers a unique perspective into what makes the tiny island nation so captivating. Below, he shares Malta’s best-kept secret, his favorite spots and the one dish you must have on the island.
What makes Malta special to you?
Malta is special to me not only because it is my birthplace, but also because it is truly unique. Where else can you find 7,000 years of history, diverse cultures, magnificent churches, rich cuisine, dramatic coastlines and the sapphire-blue Mediterranean Sea, all within an island just 17 miles long?
How has the island changed over the years?
Over the centuries, Malta has been shaped by the Phoenicians, Romans, Knights of St John, French and British. It was also the only country outside the United Kingdom where the late Queen Elizabeth II lived for an extended period, during her years as Princess Elizabeth. Yet the island has retained its own distinct identity, language and traditions, while remaining naturally bilingual in English.
The Malta I grew up in was very different from the Malta of today. Until the 1960s, the island’s economy depended largely on the British naval presence. Since independence in 1964, Malta has transformed itself into one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. What was once a nation of farmers and fishermen has become an international business, financial and tourism hub, attracting people from across the world.
My life, and the Corinthia story, has been intertwined with that transformation. After my father passed away unexpectedly in 1960, my family was faced with significant financial challenges. Together with my brothers, we converted our family villa into a restaurant in 1962. Just a few years later, we built our first hotel, the Corinthia Palace, which was officially opened by Prince Philip, duke of Edinburgh, in 1968. That modest beginning eventually evolved into the Corinthia brand, which today manages 32 luxury hotels worldwide.
What made you decide to stay there?
Looking back, I feel privileged to have built an international business while remaining firmly rooted in Malta. There was a period, around 1980, when I considered moving overseas for personal reasons.
In the end, I chose to stay and have never regretted that decision. Malta has always given me a sense of belonging, and I have found enormous satisfaction in contributing to the country’s development while raising my family here.
When you have a free morning, where do you go?
One of Malta’s greatest luxuries is that nowhere is ever far away. Within 20 minutes, you can be watching the sunrise over the sea or enjoying complete tranquillity by the coast. One of my favorite places is Golden Bay, on the island’s northwest coast, where the sandy beach, dramatic cliffs and peaceful early mornings are the perfect tonic to recharge one’s batteries.
We were fortunate to acquire a beautiful hotel there, set apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with stunning views across the bay and the benefit of its own private beach. It is a place where I can truly appreciate the beauty and serenity that Malta has to offer.
When I have a quiet morning, I am equally happy simply sitting in my garden with a coffee, particularly during spring and autumn. Listening to the birds at the start of the day is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and something I value more with every passing year.
What’s one dish everyone should try in Malta?
Malta offers an extraordinary range of restaurants, with strong Mediterranean and Italian influences. If there is one traditional dish every visitor should try, it is rabbit cooked in garlic and wine, a true Maltese classic that reflects the island’s culinary heritage. But I also love to eat the freshest fish and seafood at modest establishments by the sea.
Take us through your ideal day in Malta.
For anyone discovering Malta for the first time, Valletta and Mdina are unmissable. Valletta, built by the Knights of St John, is one of Europe’s finest fortified capitals. Its highlights include St John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s greatest and only signed masterpiece, and the Grand Master’s Palace, with its remarkable Palace Armoury. Equally captivating is Mdina, the Silent City, whose narrow streets, elegant palaces and timeless atmosphere transport visitors to another era.
Beyond these historic cities, Malta offers the magnificent Grand Harbour — one of the world’s finest natural harbors — together with prehistoric temples that predate the pyramids and the island’s countless village feasts, where colorful band marches through the streets and spectacular fireworks displays create an experience unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
What is Malta’s best-kept secret?
Malta’s best-kept secret is the warmth of its people. For centuries, Malta has welcomed travelers from across the Mediterranean and beyond: from the shipwrecked St. Paul to the countless visitors who have followed. They have found not only safe harbor on our shores but also a warm welcome among our people. Hospitality comes naturally to the Maltese.
