Built in 1554 during the reign of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, the Ma\u010bina was originally used to hoist and fit ships\u2019 masts. As 48th Grand Master of the Order of Malta, and a highly successful military leader of great influence, he initiated the development of the fortified city of Senglea in south-eastern Malta. The historic region is now being revitalised via the Cottonera Waterfront Rehabilitation Project \u2013 a regenerative concept designed to boost economic development and residential services in the area.<\/p>\n The Ma\u010bina\u2019s sympathetic restoration and repurposing makes it a standout of the rehabilitation programme. The development included \u2013 fittingly, given the city\u2019s maritime history \u2013 a new Grand Harbour Marina. All of the hotel\u2019s 21 luxurious suites feature harbour and marina views, overlooking the yachts bobbing at their moorings.<\/p>\n Cug\u00f3 Gran Ma\u010bina Grand Harbour\u2019s suites are a glorious achievement, subtly transformed from medieval industrial quarters to comfortably cool, designer accommodation. The five-metre-high vaulted stone ceilings are jaw dropping. The poured concrete floors that root the structural design are a clever touch, as are the additional areas of laid slate, lava stone and Maltese hard stone – textural elements that are soft underfoot, and also present the spaces as cooling cocoons to protect guests from the warm climate.<\/p>\n Architect<\/a> Dr Edwin Mintoff wisely chose to leave exposed many of the Ma\u010bina\u2019s ample historical elements, including such oddities as the 3.5-metre walk to some of the windows that reveals the full depth of the impenetrable limestone fortifications. Complementing Mintoff\u2019s structural design, the Milanese design team Daaa Haus contributed sleek Scandic aesthetics through the use of lacquered raw steel, limed oak, Carrara marble and custom-tinted glass and mirrors. The overall effect is pleasing to the eye, adding comfort and functionality without overcrowding.<\/p>\n CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS <\/strong><\/p>\n We suggest you beat the tourist high season (July-September) by visiting Malta in spring (April-June) – a time when the best<\/a> annual events and festivals begin. May is also the month where swimmers usually start heading to the beaches. The Medieval Mdina Festival<\/a>, on May 5-6 this year, is two days of pageantry that evoke Malta\u2019s late medieval period (AD1200-1500). It\u2019s held in the streets and main square of ancient Mdina city, once the island\u2019s capital. The festival includes re-enactments of the slave market, medieval kitchens and taverns, sword fighting, archery, parades and flag throwing.<\/p>\n The International Fireworks Festival in Valletta\u2019s Grand Harbour features the finest creations of international pyrotechnic companies as well as some of the best locally made fireworks (it\u2019s a popular but dangerous cottage industry). The display of fireworks in Malta is a tradition that dates back to the time of the Order of the Knights of St John. The annual event now also commemorates Malta\u2019s accession to the European Union on May 1, 2004.<\/p>\n GETTING THERE <\/strong><\/p>\n Etihad Airlines has connections to Malta, flying ex Melbourne<\/a> and Sydney via Abu Dhabi and Rome. Connections from Rome are with Alitalia. Return Economy Saver fares ex Melbourne, departing June 1, 2018, start at $1963* including taxes, fees and charges. Baggage limits apply. *Price, based on the return date of June 30, 2018, is accurate at the time of publishing. For more information: etihad.com<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentialsmagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/066-DS-Cugo_opt.jpg?resize=770%2C513&ssl=1\")
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