Hospitality Malta 05 | Page 65

“The style is very much a ‘resort by the valley‘ type ... a simple style to merge with the valley and neighbourhood it is set in” photo: the Viento Pool Bar Underneath each building a well was constructed and to which all rain water is gathered. Water is retreated and also used for irrigation. How essential to you is catering, in order to be able to sustain the unique experience that Urban Valley aims to offer, we ask? Shawn is adamant that “Cuisine is as vital in today’s hospitality environment as it has been in the past.” Urban Valley Resort and Spa has their own kitchen team, led by an executive chef. Shaun explains that “‘The Greenhouse’; the chef’s garden, provides the secret behind some of the Resorts’ favourite dishes. The chef has created his own area and takes great pride to show the product being grown. It seems that some hoteliers feel that having a flagship restaurant could be a bit of a white elephant, as they see it as an unnecessary cash drain – I beg to differ.” Shawn believes in the flagship restaurant proposition, as “great cuisine permeates into the essence of that which is being offered. The important thing is to be efficient in operations too.” Shawn goes on to explain that an investment was done to enable them to operate two simultaneous restaurants through one kitchen without affecting negatively qual- ity and service. Other little details have been included Cuisine is as vital in today’s hospitality environment as it has been in the past HOSPITALITY MALTA that not only help the environment but also the team’s morale such as a window installed in the kitchen where chefs can see what it looks like on the outside – a feature that is not usually found in other hotels and resorts. The Resort offers an la carte restaurant, a buffet res- taurant, and a lounge bar. Additionally it has two seasonal outlets, one being a bistro serving a num- ber of innovative dishes. Viento bar, operates in the evening, having its’ name referring particularly to wind gusts that hit the valley giving a lovely breeze in the summer. Viento caters for an approximately four- ty covers having a magnificent ambience area which is also available for private functions. Parents wanting some quality time without their kids, the Resort offers a kids area which can cater for approximately 12 – 15 children. The Kids Club consists of a wooden hut that always leaves children open mouthed at the sight of it. As mentioned previously, the resort will have two swimming pools – one for families and the other – the latter providing a quieter experience. Strategically placed in a tranquil valley yet within walk- ing distance from prime night-life and shopping lo- cations, the Urban Valley Resort and Spa promises to pro- vide its guests an oasis of peace and quiet. And if there was a time when this was needed, it is most certainly now. A brand new infrastructure backed by a young energetic team, with an impressive background in the Five Star hospitality industry, this newly-launched Resort is definitely one to watch out for. Issue 05 63