We've read or heard of the InterContinental's renovation although there wasn't much fuss made considering it is such a big project. And suddenly, before you know it the construction of the Highline Suites, its Club InterContinental Lounge and the magnificent Skybeach luxury concept are ready.
***********
To celebrate this the team at InterContinental Malta opened its doors to the media and press. The event was organized with military precision but friendliness by a team led by Martin van Kan, Area General Manager.
As soon as I walked in last week I was welcomed by Valentina who accompanied me to the 18th floor where I was introduced to the hospitality and marketing teams some of whom I had met on previous occasions.
The staff have PhD's in charm. There were smiles, graciousness and a glass of chilled prosecco - a winning combination.
A well-informed young lady then conducted me through some of the suites and finally to Skybeach. I was swept away by a tide of luxury throughout. Skybeach is out of this world. This is where the evening ended and where I caught up with a couple of friends, enjoying the lovely roses, the prosecco and some truly delicious and 'different' canapés.
The wow factor of these Highline Suites is undeniable. Each suite is spacious, beautiful and addictively comfortable. Architects and designers have brought together state of the art technology and a streamlined glamour - sumptuous but simple. The furniture is designed by Minotti, well renowned for their signature clean design. They recently received rave reviews at the Salone del Mobile in Milan.
It's hard to overstate the importance of understatement to the success of this hotel. Nothing about the suites leaps out as big or flashy or in-your-face. The irresistible charm of its 50 elegant but unfussy suites creeps up on you slowly. It's all about simple pleasures. Make no mistake: it's luxe but luxe of a wonderfully low-slung, low-key, low-impact variety.
Let's not forget that clean lines bring you inner calm and balance - a welcome contrast to our daily lives.
*******************
The Deluxe suite has an area of 64 square metres. It includes a large living area and terrace with private loungers. The white outdoor furniture is by the renowned furniture designers Gandia Blasco.
**********
Those occupying the suites have exclusive access to the 19th floor, the infinity pool and all the services provided on that floor. Ah, the feeling of space! What with a Treesse bath which offers hydro-massage options, high quality beauty products from Acqua di Parma, an Illy capsule coffee machine, personalized butler service throughout the day and so much more the feeling of self indulgence is well perfected. I could live in one of those suites for a few days without emerging from it except to go on the terrace.
***********
The Club Suite is even bigger than the Deluxe Suite. Here the audio visual equipment is by Bang & Olufsen and I loved the electrical blackout curtains, which require just one simple press to ensure complete darkness.
The Panoramic Suite is bigger still. There really is a feeling of freedom and space up there.
The Duplex Suites have floor to ceiling windows.
The Ambassador Suite and the Penthouse Suite have two bedrooms. Last but not least I must not forget the Presidential Suite, the grandest and most luxurious suite of all. Here the terrace wraps around the whole suite allowing you to easily enjoy from each room grand views of the Mediterranean.
I noticed there is a selection of books about the islands in this suite. Nice touch I thought.
**************
There is a personalised butler service available throughout the day in the luxury suites. This service provides anything required, whether it be a silver service dinner in your suite, personal shopping assistance or guidance around Malta's historic sites and attractions. As one butler put it "whether the guest wishes to dine at the table, in bed, on their terrace or even in the bath, we deliver."
One of the guests wanted to have a running machine on her terrace. Transporting this heavy machine in the lift and along corridors was a huge job that required six of the maintenance staff to move the thing. But it was done.
Another guest wanted complete privacy in his room and for there to be not a single chink of light shining through the windows. For a large part of the previous day, Benjamin, one of the butlers found himself in the Presidential Suite, with several large rolls of tin foil and tape covering very carefully every last crack of light.
Now that is service.
************
The rooftop infinity pool is on the 19th floor. Lovely! There you can enjoy the Skybeach bar and restaurant which provide all those enjoying the hotel's Highline Suites with private and intimate attention.
Everything about this project suggests it will live up to (if not exceed and perhaps utterly confound) expectations.
This sort of service doesn't just happen. Back in your mind you know that the full weight of the InterContinental's machine is behind this: nothing has been left to chance; everything has been accounted for to the last pernickety little detail: the labour of love that has made it possible has been immense. But the trick is in the way they make it all seem so easy and natural. It feels as light and effortless as a sea breeze.
**********
I asked Kevin De Cesare, our host, if he had had any sleepless nights. 'Nights? Years!' he replied. He didn't look it. Damn it. He never seems to age. But now it is all over and all those involved who worked so hard must be very proud of their achievement.
[email protected]