The Phoenicia ’ s new infinity pool gives its guests the veritable mother of all views .
Rooms were not their priority when planning the renovations as compared to the structural design actually done . Charles explained that much has been invested in the plant itself , the boilers , air-conditioning , the works . “ In fact there is now a totally new air-conditioning system installed throughout ,” he said .
“ We have invested massively in new kitchens ’” explained Charles , adding “ but also in a new kitchen brigade . This is being led by Executive Chef Daniel Debattista , a person who has kept a low profile locally but is an excellent choice for us . He has , in fact , built up a kitchen and brigade around a selection of food experiences that we want to give our guests . His ideas tally with ours in that we also wish to source local produce for our menus , so , for example , local honey will be the obvious choice if it is required in any particular dish we are preparing . Same goes for local pork , local vegetables , local salt , local fish …. The end product must be the quality you are trying to reflect ,” he explained .
Taking this concept a bit further , Charles said that they have restarted the kitchen garden where they also grow some of their own produce . “ We want to be more organic because we are not growing vegetables to sell but to use and serve . Other 5 Star hotels have herb gardens but we have gone a bit further than that . We are even planning of going down to the pool garden picking veg and actually grilling them there and then for a further enhanced guest experience . It also makes chefs more creative in their work , especially if one has a whole basket full of fresh pimentos in his hands to work with !” he opined . .
Talking about the pool area , Charles exclaimed “ A swim with a view ! Even this leisurely swim is another must-have experience at The Phoenicia , the setting of the historical fortifications which encase you all round whilst basking in our infinity pool that now actually overlooks the sea below , is an experience that is absolutely unique to The Phoenicia in Malta ”
Their ECO-Ethics
“ We ’ re utilising a lot more gas than fuel now , so overall our carbon footprint is much lower than it was two years ago ” he continued . ” This makes it possible for us to give a much better service to our guests without increasing costs , becoming a more eco-friendly hotel too in the process ” he pointed out . This is a growing segment of a global market ; an ever-increasing number of customers are considering the eco-ethics of the hotels involved when taking their travel decisions .
the setting of the historical fortifications which encase you all round whilst basking in our infinity pool that now actually overlooks the sea below , is an experience that is absolutely unique to
The Phoenicia in Malta
HOSPITALITY MALTA SEPTEMBER | 2017
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