Xara Palace
Stately palazzo elegance with genuine heritage grit. Antique furniture, hand-picked period art, Parisian fabrics, marble bathrooms — but nothing feels museum-stuffy. The pace is slow by design. Mdina itself goes quiet after the day-trippers leave, and that tranquility bleeds right into the hotel.
Book de Mondion well in advance — it's one of just a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants on the whole island and fills up fast, especially on weekends
Why It Matters
The sole hotel within the walls of Mdina, a UNESCO-significant medieval city where cars are banned and tourists typically only day-trip. Being here after 6pm, when the crowds have left, is a genuinely rare experience. Add a Michelin Star restaurant, Relais & Châteaux membership, and a backstory involving the Knights of St John, and you have one of the most distinctive small hotels in the entire Mediterranean.
The only hotel actually inside the walls of Mdina — Malta's ancient, mostly car-free medieval capital — the Xara Palace is a 17th-century palazzo that was built for the noble Moscati Parisio family and converted into a hotel in 1999. Just 17 rooms, all individually designed with antiques, French fabrics, and original Maltese artwork. The walls of the hotel literally form part of Mdina's bastion fortifications, which means some suites sit perched on the ramparts with 180-degree views across the entire island. Family-run and proudly so — co-directors Nicola and Justin remain personally involved in operations. It holds both Relais & Châteaux membership and a Michelin Star restaurant (de Mondion) on-site, making it comfortably the most serious hospitality offering on Malta.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Deluxe Room with Panoramic Porch
Similar to the Deluxe Room with Panoramic View but with the added bonus of a private porch — a step up in outdoor space without going full suite. Antique furnishings, French fabrics, marble bathroom, king bed.
King
Deluxe Room with Panoramic View
A classic room with panoramic island views, individually designed with antique furniture, Parisian fabrics, and king-size bed dressed in fine linens. Marble bathroom. All rooms are non-identical — expect genuinely different character in each.
King
Deluxe Suite with Panoramic View
A spacious suite with sweeping panoramic views of the Maltese island, individually designed with antique furniture, French fabrics, and a marble bathroom. King-size bed with fine linens and a comfortable seating area.
King
Deluxe Suite with Terrace and Jacuzzi
The top-floor suites set into the actual bastion fortifications — the most dramatic rooms in the hotel. Private sun deck terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi delivers 180-degree views of the island, including the cupola of Mdina's Metropolitan Cathedral. The hotel's most spacious and comfortable suites, with a cosy interior in bold colour and fabric contrasts, marble-clad bathroom, comfortable seating area, antique Maltese furniture, and Florentine lampshades. Ideal for warm-weather soaks under the stars.
King · 47 sqm
Duplex Room
Part of the palazzo's Piano Nobile, these split-level rooms use the original soaring ceilings to separate sleeping and living quarters via a spiral staircase. Individually decorated in calming tones with beautiful watercolour paintings of Malta, antique furniture, and marble-clad bathrooms. Original restored windows and balconies overlook historic Mdina streets, letting in abundant natural light.
King
Duplex Suite
Originally the reception rooms of the noble Moscati Parisio family, these Piano Nobile suites make theatrical use of the high ceilings with a spiral staircase separating the luxurious lower sitting room from the bedroom above. Decorated in rich jewel tones of green with antique Maltese paintings and period furniture. The sitting room can double as a private dining area, and suites can be interconnected — useful for families. Marble bathroom on the upper level.
King
Executive Duplex Suite with Terrace and Jacuzzi
The executive tier of the bastion-top terrace suites — a duplex layout combined with the private sun deck terrace and outdoor Jacuzzi. Offers the terrace Jacuzzi experience alongside a split-level interior. One of the most sought-after room types in the hotel.
King
Executive Suite with Panoramic View
Situated on the hotel's first floor Piano Nobile, this is a standout suite with 180-degree views stretching to the deep blue Mediterranean on the horizon. A wonderfully restored headboard, Hästens king-size bed, period furniture, comfortable sofas, and tall majestic drapes make for a genuinely impressive space. Has a private dining area and a private balcony overlooking the historic main piazza — the same balcony historically used by a Town Crier to make proclamations. Particularly recommended for honeymooners.
KingPresidential Suite
The grandest room in the house at approximately 65 sqm — a duplex suite oozing period grandeur. Features an antique dining table for six, a period writing table, an antique chest of drawers, and an imposing gilded mirror. A balcony overlooks the historic piazza (opposite the Vilhena Palace), and wooden steps lead to the upper bedroom level where original ceiling beams add drama. Marble bathroom, Hästens king-size bed, comfortable sofas and armchairs. Ideal for private entertaining or families wanting serious space.
King · 65 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Cycling can be arranged for guests — the hotel concierge can assist with bookings. Malta's interior is well-suited to cycling with Mdina as a base.
Periodic wine tasting events held at the de Mondion restaurant, featuring international producers from Italy, France, and beyond. Open to hotel guests and the public. Dates vary — check with the hotel.
Several suites — notably the Duplex Suite and Presidential Suite — can have their sitting rooms set up as private dining areas, allowing guests to enjoy a customised dinner in their room.
The hotel has no on-site pool, but guests get free access to the outdoor pool at Xara Lodge — a sister property about 5 minutes away by car. Free shuttle transfers run on request. Open June–September, 10:00–18:00. Note: pool can occasionally be closed for events or busy during peak summer.
The concierge can arrange sightseeing across Malta, restaurant reservations, gym and sauna bookings, walking tours, and car hire. Mdina itself offers the Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul, Mdina Dungeons, and the Catacombs of St. Paul nearby.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary high-speed wireless internet available in all rooms and public areas.
No pool on-site. Guests have free access to the outdoor pool at Xara Lodge, a 5-minute drive away. Free shuttle transfers on request. Open June–September, 10:00–18:00.
Dogs under 10kg allowed in rooms at a charge of €35 per dog per day. Dogs must be on a leash at all times in the hotel and are not permitted in food & beverage areas except the outdoor section of Trattoria AD 1530.
Luggage carrying service — essential given no vehicle access inside Mdina.
24-hour airport shuttle available for approximately EUR 35–40 per vehicle one-way to/from Malta International Airport. Must be pre-arranged.
No on-site parking — cars cannot enter Mdina. Free public parking is available in lots outside the city walls, a short walk from the hotel entrance.
Small but functional on-site gym with weight-training equipment.
Sauna available on-site; book via the concierge.
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