Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">What? Where? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="664" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TLP819-02869-HDR-1000x664.jpg" alt="Verdala " class="wp-image-133646" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TLP819-02869-HDR-1000x664.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TLP819-02869-HDR-600x398.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TLP819-02869-HDR.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Perched on the edge of the ancient town of Rabat in the heart of the island, sandy-hued <a href="https://axhotelsmalta.com/verdala-wellness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Verdala</a> dominates the hillside as you approach it from the airport, 25 minutes away. A family-owned hotel has sat on the site for more than 50 years, however its recent rebuild and reincarnation as a centre for wellbeing is a first for the island. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-vibe">What&#8217;s the vibe? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="899" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Verdala-Hotel_JV_High-Res_36-1000x899.jpg" alt="Verdala " class="wp-image-133648" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Verdala-Hotel_JV_High-Res_36-1000x899.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Verdala-Hotel_JV_High-Res_36-600x540.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Verdala-Hotel_JV_High-Res_36.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s a tranquil, modern, adult-only sanctuary with a soaring atrium housing  a reception and lounge, 46 contemporary rooms and suites and a vast basement V Spa. On one side is Rabat&#8217;s rolling countryside with views all the way to the ocean, on the other lies the ancient citadel of Mdina, a short walk away. An infinity-edge pool is the perfect place relax and soak it all in. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-spa">The spa </h2>



<p>Malta&#8217;s first fully integrated wellbeing spa is an 1,500m² oasis centred around 5 pillars: nutrition, movement, emotional balance, connection and rest. The space  is really beautiful, incorporating plenty of natural local materials and feminine curves, from the vaulted ceiling above the indoor pool to the circular Movement Space, rounded cream chairs and spherical fire place. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="946" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260225_080514336-946x1000.jpg" alt="Verdala spa " class="wp-image-133432" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260225_080514336-946x1000.jpg 946w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260225_080514336-567x600.jpg 567w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260225_080514336-1453x1536.jpg 1453w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260225_080514336.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 946px) 100vw, 946px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The circular movement space </figcaption></figure>



<p>You could simply book a hotel room and use the spa as and when, sure, but I wanted the full experience so booked an individually curated three-day retreat which started before I&#8217;d even landed via a zoom consultation with spa director Kelly, plus a detailed questionnaire. Once she&#8217;d discovered what I wanted to get out of my stay (improved sleep, to feel lighter and refreshed) I was sent a plan which included a mix of group classes (yoga and breathwork), fitness assessment, private Reformer pilates session and lots of lovely treatments. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="753" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_161519473.PORTRAIT-753x1000.jpg" alt="Groumd spa products " class="wp-image-133433" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_161519473.PORTRAIT-753x1000.jpg 753w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_161519473.PORTRAIT-452x600.jpg 452w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_161519473.PORTRAIT-1157x1536.jpg 1157w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_161519473.PORTRAIT.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px" /></figure>



<p>If you only have time for one treatment at Verdala, make sure it’s the amazing 60-minute Cleansing Ritual, which includes a lymphatic massage of the stomach with circular movements to get the system moving and reduce bloating, plus a facial and foot massage. I found the most transformative part to be very gentle circular movements on my forehead, which took me to a place somewhere between sleep and trance. </p>



<p>Another highlight was an amazing facial and scalp massage using organic GROUND oils, and a yoga class led by Claudia Cosmelli, a brilliant teacher who entwines yoga asana with breathwork and meditation to create a serene, spiritual practice. She also led me through the fitness test which took place in the high tech gym, which has state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym and Nohrd. I had to download an app which linked to the machine to map various aspects of my health (mind, fitness, balance, movement) and show areas where I needed to improve &#8211; it was a bit sobering to discover I have poor mobility in my ankles and neck, but I was pleased that my memory and fitness are peak.  </p>



<p>There are so many treatments, gadgets and classes, you could easily spend your entire holiday in the spa. I spent a blissful few hours moving between the steamy hammam, infra-red and dry saunas, hot and cold plunge and impressive Himalayan salt room &#8211; the warmth and detoxification was sheer joy after a long, cold English winter. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">Scoff &amp; quaff </h2>



<p>Forget calorie counting and going to bed with a rumbling stomach because you&#8217;re starving, because Verdala&#8217;s a wellbeing hotel that encourages you to make healthy choices that you can continue at home, rather than denying you food.  Breakfast&#8217;s in the Grffin Restaurant, where I chose to sit outside on the sunny terrace to eat unusually tasty overnight oats (apparently the special ingredient’s are coconut milk and date syrup) sprinkled with chia and sunflower seeds, followed by a smoothie and fresh local fruit and yogurt, though I could have tried the delicious looking pastries and even a Full English. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="753" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_123450318.PORTRAIT-1-753x1000.jpg" alt="Fresh juice at Verdala " class="wp-image-133498" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_123450318.PORTRAIT-1-753x1000.jpg 753w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_123450318.PORTRAIT-1-452x600.jpg 452w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_123450318.PORTRAIT-1-1157x1536.jpg 1157w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_123450318.PORTRAIT-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px" /></figure>



<p>I went for healthy lunch choices too, like delicious salads with pickled vegetables and fresh carrot and ginger juices, though I did spot a Maltese Afternoon Tea on the menu that was tempting.  At dinner I veered away from pasta dishes like tagliatelle with local prawns and opted instead for a trio of seafood starters, seasonal salad leaves with local tomatoes and grilled feta and succulent fish, such as wild sea bass. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="753" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260225_191019915.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL-753x1000.jpg" alt="Sea bass at Verdala " class="wp-image-133434" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260225_191019915.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL-753x1000.jpg 753w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260225_191019915.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL-452x600.jpg 452w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260225_191019915.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL-1157x1536.jpg 1157w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260225_191019915.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px" /></figure>



<p>However life&#8217;s about balance, so I did also devour freshly made focaccia with dips and stuffed mushrooms (I asked what they were stuffed with to make them so tasty and was told more mushroom!), and don’t get me started on the smooth glasses of Maltese red wine &#8211; a local told me the island keeps the best plonk for itself and I believe them. Tip: if you’re travelling solo and don’t want to eat alone in the restaurant every evening, staff are more than happy to offer room service and let you choose from the Griffin Restaurant’s main menu at no extra cost. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bedrooms">The bedrooms </h2>



<p>Rooms are contemporary-yet-natural thanks to an earthy colour palette and lots of textures, from the woven wall hanging to the handmade cups and chunky wood furniture. I stayed in suite 203 and, which was way beyond my expectations in terms of size, luxury and view. A large terrace had a bubbling Jacuzzi which I sat in and gazed at the hill opposite topped with a castle and domed church, at night the twinkling lights of coastal resorts were enchanting. A mini bar was stuffed with amazing treats, including energy balls, and I loved the bathroom with Verdala toiletries in gold bottles, and loads of extras including toothbrush and toothpaste, vanity kit and body lotion &#8211; basically you can pack light because they&#8217;ve thought of everything. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-and-about">Out and about </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="753" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_083006984-753x1000.jpg" alt="Mdina " class="wp-image-133500" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_083006984-753x1000.jpg 753w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_083006984-452x600.jpg 452w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_083006984-1157x1536.jpg 1157w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20260226_083006984.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px" /></figure>



<p>Mdina, the original capital of Malta, is on your doorstep, so it would be a shame not to make it out of the Verdala wellbeing bubble and visit. I had a guided hike and spent a wonderful couple of hours exploring the ancient citadel, walking the ramparts, discovering churches hidden behind unmarked doors and cafes in sleep squares . It’s like stepping back in time, with historic sights around every corner. The hotel has bikes you can hop on if you want to go further. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">The Muddy verdict </h2>



<p>Malta&#8217;s first wellbeing hotel rival&#8217;s Europe&#8217;s best spa resorts, however it&#8217;s also a great spot if you simply want a relaxing holiday without all the treatments. Delicious food, friendly staff, tasteful interiors and its close proximity to  Mdina, one of the island&#8217;s top tourist attractions, ensure it&#8217;s a hit with spa-goers and holidaymakers alike. </p>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Relaxation, health checks, weightloss, fitness, fine dining, sightseeing and getting your mojo back. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Beach-lovers. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-damage">The damage </h2>



<p><em>Comfort rooms from £262; three-night Signature Retreat starts at £2,089 and includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, use of spa facilities, two consultations, one Massage, one holistic &amp; one fitness Session, daily studio class and daily snack. Book at <a href="https://axhotelsmalta.com/verdala-wellness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Verdala Wellness Hotel</a></em>.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-"> </h2>


Review: Verdala Wellness Hotel, Malta

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