As soft classical music playing in a luxurious inner courtyard soothes the soul, one cannot help but wonder how a single building can carry so much beauty. The marble floors, the gold details, the flawlessly restored walls and a 400-year-old fountain crowning the inside of a boutique hotel lobby. The enchanting artistry and remarkable hospitality can be found at Rosselli – AX Privilege in the historic streets of Valletta.

Rosselli – AX Privilege is an award-winning five-star luxury boutique hotel in Valletta, consisting of 25 designer rooms and suites. The complex is the first luxury five-star hotel in the capital and is home to Malta’s one of five Michelin star restaurants – Under Grain. Located in a traditional 17^th Century building, the hotel is oozing with elegance and sophistication while taking guests on a journey back in time to the glorious Renaissance epoque and early Baroque.

Background History

To say that the city of Valletta and the Rosselli building itself has a rich history is an understatement: it all started with Pietro Rosselli who was a well-to-do Maltese goldsmith. Pietro married Alusietta Massa in 1634, the daughter of the Master of the Mint, Mastro Antonio Massa. The couple lived in Casa Rosselli-Massa until they both passed away from the plague in the late 1600’s.

Today, the European Union’s smallest capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Rosselli – AX Privilege is a respectful testament to the uniqueness of Maltese 17^th Century architecture. A perfect example is the over 400-year-old fountain in the inner courtyard that can be seen from the entrance of the building: it was a sign of nobility in Valletta since access to water was a luxury. Having said that, the comfort of the luxury boutique hotel is kept to a high standard and is the top priority for everyone at the hotel. From extensive noise cancellation, to the softest of headboards: the talented architects of Rosselli thought of it all and spared no expense.

The Service

The most noticeable aspect of the luxury stay is, undoubtedly, the service and the exceptional professionalism of the staff. As soon as guests walk through the door, they are welcomed with a glass of bubbly, friendly smiles, and impeccable manners. Taking immense pride in their work and the art of service, Rosselli – AX Privilege has recruited the best of the best. Even as a guest, it is noticeable that extensive training is provided to each individual, and every single member of the team will go above and beyond to meet guests’ every request. With the moto ‘It’s our privilege to serve you’, Rosselli truly brings back the value of regal service.

Sixteen 34 Suite

The pride and joy of Rosselli – AX Privilege is the Sixteen 34 Suite, compromising of a traditional Maltese balcony, a bedroom and even a separate board room for those looking to enhance a business voyage. The quarters present a magical blend of time-honoured architectural features, such as wooden and stone beams on the ceiling, and modern materials and design. It is safe to say the suite offers the kind of stay that cannot be encountered elsewhere, be it for work or leisure.

3 Herons Suite

For guests who value privacy, the 3 Heron Suites will be the obvious choice. Rosselli family’s three herons are displayed on the façade of the building: they stand for calmness, grace, and tranquillity. Located at the Piano Nobile of the building, the junior suites benefit from double height ceilings and vibrant colours with scrumptious décor inspired by the capital itself, and a manifestation of the Rosselli values. Visitors can rejoice in a private lounge, with sleeping quarters on the upper level.

All designer rooms are equipped with the famous Maltese balcony; therefore, guests can enjoy a side sea view overlooking the University and the Jesuit Church. What can be more tranquil than seeing a nun watering flowers in the morning by only peeking out the wooden windows.

Under Grain, Grain Street, and Over Grain

Under Grain is one of only five Malta’s Michelin star restaurants, and it is situated no place else but at the basement level of Rosselli – AX Privilege with Chef Victor Borg running the show. Grain Street, located on the ground level, is also a Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade holder, delivering hearty street food and is served by the very same staff from the Under Grain. The list of places to dine does not end here: guests are invited to admire the Valletta skyline with uninterrupted views at the Over Grain, that is on the rooftop level of the historic building, and doubles as a sun deck and a rooftop pool.

The restaurants follow a theme of tailoring, honouring the craft of tailors and the amount of precision and skill the trade requires. With sowing machines, ties hanging from a bookshelf, a well-tailored suit on a mannequin and other themed details, the ambience sparks curiosity from the first moment of walking in. The menu at Under Grain changes every season, therefore, every ingredient is kept to the freshest standards.

So, from phenomenal staff who treat guests as family to an in-house Michelin star restaurant, Rosselli – AX Privilege will be a stay visitors will remember for the rest of their lives. The history behind the Rosselli-Massa residence, expansive Valletta views from the rooftop, and the sheer sense of nobility present in the boutique hotel leaves and inspires guests to come back repeatedly.