Stars, they say, shine for millions of years but eventually die. The Phoenicia Malta might not have been shining quite so long but it sure shines on and remains forever young, sparkling with boundless energy.

I have never quite understood how the other stars, the hotel classification ones, are dished out. What I know for sure, after spending a few days at The Phoenicia Malta, is that it definitely lives up to its five-star rating. In fact, perhaps a few extra stellar classifications should be added for hotels in this category.

It's hard, if not near impossible, to beat The Phoenicia Malta. It's unique in so many ways: the setting, the surroundings, the views, the garden, the history, are all impossible to replicate. But all the beauty of the world, all the history, views, even uniqueness, are useless unless they come packaged with outstanding service.

And even in this, the hotel ticks all the right boxes to make you feel like a star. Yet the people around you, the ones pampering you, the ones looking after you, never come across as overdone. Their service comes naturally, with a smile, a nod, a joie de vivre. Yes, somehow, the place seems to be imbued with a joie de vivre which is transmitted by its staff.

I went to The Phoenicia Malta for a winter wellbeing experience to be reenergised. To forget the stress of everyday living, of deadlines.

The hotel has several areas where you can be alone, away from it all, or where you can watch the world, even the hotel world, go by. It's intoxicating to see what a lot of activity goes on in the hotel. There are people milling around at all times of the day and late at night, yet there is never any bustle, never any alarmed looks exchanged by the staff. They do it all with grace.

The hotel has an alive but understated feel, and offers any amount of perfectly lit nooks, crannies, chairs, and space to do whatever appeals to you with your time.

The hotel must be hiding some secret about how it trains its employees for their specific responsibilities. The staff, at least the numerous ones who interacted with me and with the people I enjoyed observing, actually smile from the heart and interact with you as a human. Not with over-deference but with naturalness. They even in these super serious times display - oh lordly mercy of mercies -  a sense of humour.

My aim was to go there and relax, discover or rediscover my inner being. And Phoenicia Spa and Wellness is in all ways and views a place to feel immersed in wellbeing. The design, the whole environment, cries out - or, more aptly, whispers - deep calm.

You walk down from the hotel itself into this oasis of calming beauty. Chiselled next to what is part of a historic wall built by the Knights of St John, the design emphasises the historic stonework, keeping it all intact. And the limestone hue in itself has a natural, de-stressing effect.

There is also a fitness centre for the more active, and the indoor swimming pool is a feature in itself. You swim in water at the ideal temperature for any therapeutic or casual exercise, surrounded by the relaxing colours of the historic wall.

The décor is minimal, and the whole effect on the mind, body and deeper essence is memorable. At the spa I opted for a Himalayan Salt Stone massage, which worked wonders on me. I felt relieved, relaxed and chilled out, helped by the general aura of the spa and especially by the staff there.

I'm usually - very stupidly - rather sceptical of the actual benefits of these treatments. But talk about an effective change in attitude thanks to The Phoenicia Malta!

I ventured even further and tried the Himalayan Salt Room, which delivers a dry salt therapy experience. The Spa staff filled me in on the benefits of this room; natural, relaxing and in no way overdone, overstated, overwhelming. I came in search of energising and found plenty of it.

Another aspect of my stay which truly uplifted me was the gastronomy journey at The Phoenicia Malta. There are various options available but a meal at Contessa is where class meets taste, and where food and ambience hit a high note. Added to all this is service with that signature Phoenicia smile. Personalised, professional and with an added aura of fun. What more could I ask for in a restaurant?

Breakfast, also at the Contessa - with views of the lush gardens, the sea and the bastions - is another treat which would astonish even a Contessa (countess) from the past when nobility ruled the world. Breakfast also comes with great Maltese touches. There's crunchy, scrumptious xiklun (a crispy Maltese bread roll),  ġulepp (carob syrup), honey, ġbejniet (cheeselets), Maltese pork, ricotta, and delicious oil.

It's this attention to detail which made my stay not just energising and good but stand-out memorable.   

The Phoenicia Malta too has been reenergised and, from what I remember about it these last few decades, it is looking at its most resplendent and more than deserving of belonging to the Leading Hotels of the World.

One thing which has always intrigued me about The Phoenicia Malta is why it is actually called that; what prompted the original owners back in the 1930s to give it that name? Was it that the Phoenicians were such interesting people, travelling from one place to another?

I should have asked. So that's one more reason to enjoy another stress-busting winter wellbeing experience at The Phoenicia Malta. To satisfy my curiosity and to get truly invigorated, to feel human, to feel like a wondrous star. 

The Phoenicia Malta team is ready to ensure that your winter wellbeing experience is nothing short of extraordinary! Book your Relaxation Package today through the Offers & Packages page on phoeniciamalta.com