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Winter in Malta Grand Life Winter 2014 edition

Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

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Wondering what to do in Malta during your stay? Have a look at the Grand Life, The Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta's Winter 2014 Newsletter. It's packed with useful information to make your holiday a wonderful experience.

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Page 1: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

Winterin Malta

Grand Life

Win

ter 20

14

editio

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Page 2: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

Norbert GrixtiGeneral Manager

EDITORIAL

During every moment of your stay, the Grand Hotel Excelsior, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts is

committed to making your stay a memorable one. An intimate event or a family celebration; a reunion with old friends or a new business connection. We promise intuitive service, unmatched attention to

detail, and sophisticated style providing moments that create long-lasting memories.

We invite you to Live the Grand Life at the Grand Hotel

Excelsior. With this hotel as your home you are only two minutes away from Valletta, Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World

Heritage site. This is a unique opportunity to re-live Malta’s rich history whilst unwinding during a Mediterranean Luxury Escape.

Visiting Malta and Valletta will help you understand why the Capital was chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2018.

Our prime location allows for easy access to all tourist locations around the Maltese Islands. We highly recommend that you

take advantage or our private tours around Malta and Gozo and discover the unique and Truly Mediterranean experience in style.

Le Grand Spa compliments our luxurious accommodation, with

excellent spa and wellness facilities. Its relaxing atmosphere is the perfect starting point for the journey toward equilibrium

between your body, mind and spirit. We offer an indoor (heated) and outdoor swimming pool and also have the only private

sandy beach in the capital city Valletta.

We wish you a pleasant stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, and look forward to live the Grand Life with you.

THE HOTEL’S OUTLETS

Level 7Business Centre

Level 6Hotel Entrance

Our Reception Desk is manned and at your service round the clock and can be reached by dialing 0

Harbour View Lounge serving a selection of hot and cold beverages, wine, alcoholic and non alcoholic cocktails 24 hours, 7 days a week

Chartroom Lounge serving Traditional Afternoon Tea daily between 1500 and 1700hrs

Level 5À la Carte menu and Themed Buffet nights served in Admiral’s Landing between 1830 and 2230hrs

Level 4A lavish spread is available for Breakfast in Spice Island, level 4, between 0630 and 1030hrs

Level 1Le Grand Spa is open daily between 0900 and 1900hrs

Guest Services:Room service is available 24 hoursCheck out time is 1200hrs noon

Please let us know whether there is anything else you require during your stay. Nothing is impossible and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure your ultimate comfort and wellbeing.

General Information about the Hotel

Page 3: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

Our Brigade of Chefsawarded over 60 Culinary Awards.

Grand Hotel Excelsior’s Brigade of Chefs has won Grand Slam at the Malta Kulinarja 2013. The Grand Hotel Excelsior, Malta’s youngest and most vibrant 5 star property has won the largest

share of awards and medals for culinary excellence at the Malta Kulinarja Cookery and Culinary Arts Championships. This bi-annual event is organised by the Malta Chefs Society and took place 14 and 17 November 2013.

Under Executive Chef Roderick Vella’s leadership, the brigade of chefs won the prestigious Parade de Chefs, Best Senior Competitor, Senior Practical Team, the Pastry Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year and over sixty culinary medals. Team Excelsior demonstrated talent, dedication, skill and the highest 5-star standards of quality and presentation, winning no less than five out of seven most valuable awards. General Manager Norbert Grixti said “These achievements

reflect the leading role that the Excelsior has in the culinary innovation of the Maltese hospitality market. This reinforces the hotel’s Food & Beverage 5-star excellence philosophy for Cuisine Without Compromise. Since opening its doors in 2007, the Grand Hotel Excelsior has invested significantly in its kitchen brigade and we can modestly say that we have a talented and dedicated team. Every team member works with a passion in order to deliver an unforgettable experience to all our guests. We really mean our brand promise “Live the Grand Life”.We invite to experience our award winning cuisine by taking advantage of our Malta Dine and Stay Luxury break, starting from EUR80 per person per night. The Luxury Break includes accommodation in a Deluxe Room, lavish buffet breakfast, daily buffet dinner, welcome drink upon arrival and free use of pools, whirlpool and gym. For more information visit http://www.excelsior.com.mt/latestevents/discover-malta-breaks

Page 4: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

Valentine’s Day

Do’s & Dont’s

Page 5: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

Many of us work hard to make Valentine’s Day very special for our sweethearts. However, despite our best efforts, certain things can go wrong which may lead to

disappointment. By keeping the following points in mind, you can avoid mishaps and enjoy a very special day with your loved one:

Don’ts1. Make sure that you don’t forget Valentine’s Day! Write it in your calendar in bold red colour; and few days prior to the Big Day, be sure to input a reminder on your tablet or smart phone.

2. Gentlemen, don’t buy anything for the house, such as appliances. Don’t forget, you are meant to make her feel special!

3. Don’t repeat the previous years’ ideas. Although some of them might have been successful, it does not mean it would feel special again. Since Valentine’s Day is meant to be a special day, try to be creative.

4. Gentlemen, do not give the special lady in your life lingerie unless you are sure of her size and taste. She might take it offence if it’s either too big or too small.

5. Ladies, don’t get a gift for yourself which masquerades as a gift for him. He will most definitely enjoy seeing you in nice new lingerie, however it would be more thoughtful to wrap up something that’s just for him.

6. Don’t have high expectations. Keep in mind that your sweetheart may have had a challenging and demanding day at work. Caring for children and doing house chores are also exhausting. DO go that extra mile but be understanding if your partner is not up to doing something special.

7. Don’t spend too much, especially if you have shared account. Stick to your budget. You don’t want your Valentine to worry about your financial situation because of one day. In the end, it is the thought that counts.

8. Don’t ever talk about your ex-partner. Simply DON’T!

9. Don’t give your significant other a card with only a pre-printed message. Make sure to always write a personal message. It will only take few seconds and most likely it will be easy –it is for a loved person and partner. Plus it will add a romantic touch.

10. Gentlemen, don’t cancel plans to watch a football match. You can always record it. If watching a sports game or playing a game on your PlayStation is your routine after work, skipping it on that day and giving her all your attention will make her feel special.

11. Don’t use your computer after dinner; whether it is to catch up with friends online or finish work- It can wait until next day.

Do’s1. Send a surprise gift to your sweetheart’s place of work or home. Alternatively, deliver the gift personally if possible.

2. When selecting a gift for the special person in your life, ensure that it can be used all year round. Avoid items which say ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’. Go for something practical.

3. Choose something which has a personal touch to it such as engraved item.

4. Ladies, consider his hobbies and interests when choosing his gift. If he is a fan of video games, the latest version of his favourite one might score you high points! Plus it’s safer than coming up with original gifts which he might not like.

5. Try to make a card yourself. There are many beautiful cards you can buy at the store, but putting an extra effort to do something different and original will add little bit of romance.

6. Prepare a home-cooked meal yourself, whether its breakfast in bed or lovely candle-lit dinner.

7. Be romantic – make an effort to dress up and be sure to compliment your loved one. Even if you aren’t the most romantic type try your best on this special day.

8. Ignore you electronic devices, including your mobile, as much as possible.

9. Gentlemen, write a love letter to your partner, summarising your feelings, the reasons why you fell in love with her and what makes her so significant for you. It is likely that she will keep that letter as a reminder of the unique connection you have for the rest of her life. If the letter is hand-written, you will enhance the sense of romance.

10. Make an extra effort to please your partner, such as accepting to watch a movie that suits his/her tastes more than yours.

11. Offer your partner a massage. Rather than organising a day at the spa, take the matter in your own hands and do some research basic massage techniques. All you need is your hands, massage oil, relaxing music and scented candles.

12. Prepare a surprise for your Valentine when s/he gets home. Put little notes around your home with romantic messages or prepare a follow the lead game which will eventually lead to a surprise gift.

13. Relax, take it easy and make sure not to over do it. All it takes to make this day special is a bit of thought and fantasy. Making an effort should not be too difficult, since it is for that one person you share your life with.

Page 6: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014
Page 7: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

2O14The year of rounding the numbers

21st September– Celebrating the half-century milestone as an Independent nation

1st May - 10th Anniversary of Malta’s EU membership

13th December - 40 years as a Republic

In the past few decades, Malta has achieved stability, security and economic growth. The Year 2014 will commemorate several important occasions in Malta’s

rich history. It is therefore apt to reflect on these events which have shaped recent history.

Page 8: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

300 days of sunshine, crystal clear Mediterranean waters, 7,000 years of history, thriving local traditions and laid-back rural villages, delicious cuisine and a vibrant nightlife – Welcome to Malta!

Stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, two minutes away from Valletta, and relive the Knights of St. John’s legacy. Visit the medieval city of Mdina, one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city which is extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture. Head North to enjoy

Mediterranean sun, sand and sea. Experience Gozo where tranquillity is still a way of life. Enjoy Malta’s religious ‘festas’, adorned churches and glittering firework displays. Discover megalithic temples, rugged countryside and dramatic cliffs or submerge into a diver’s paradise. Wine and dine in stylish surroundings and party in lively evening venues. If you have only three days in Malta, do not attempt to see it all. Although the area covered by the Maltese Islands is just 316 km², there is plenty to see and do so we recommend you experience just a few of Malta’s highlights to get a feeling of the island’s character Day 1 – Valletta & SliemaWith the Grand Hotel Excelsior as your home the Capital, Valletta is probably the most obvious place to start. With the entire city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, exploring its streets is nothing short of walking through an open-air museum.Walk along Republic Street to St John’s Co-Cathedral, the jewel of Valletta, with its gilded interior enough to make one’s jaw drop. Look out for Caravaggio’s only signed painting, The Beheading of St John. Exit the Catheral and dive into the open-air market in Merchants’ Street. Valletta is also a great place for shopping.Take the time to wander through the alleyways, up and down the slopes and stairways, and to sit under the sun with a coffee watching the pigeons. In whichever order you choose to do these, try to be at the Upper Barrakka Gardens at noon for the re-enactment and shooting of the cannon, and enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Malta, that of the Grand Harbour.

Photos courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority

Page 9: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

For the afternoon we recommend a Harbour Cruise which takes you to see the the Three Cities from a unique perspective and offers an insight to the essence of Maltese History. Day 2 – GozoYou cannot really understand Maltese culture without a visit to Gozo, Malta’s more traditional and peaceful little sister. Be at Cirkewwa early to take the ferry across, to make the most of your day. The crossing takes only half an hour and passes by Comino island and you can catch a glimpse of the Blue Lagoon.

Victoria’s main square is home to a daily market selling all sorts of things. Check out the tiny shops around the area which sell handicrafts, and make sure you don’t get lost in the back streets! Head up the hill to the Cittadel, the Medieval walled city, and visit the Old Prisons and some of the other interesting museums it houses. Finally walk to the bastions to get a 360 degrees bird’s eye view of the whole island!Have lunch in one of the several restaurants or cafes that offer traditional food and then head off to the village of Xaghra . Xaghra has plenty to offer, starting with Ggantija Temples, the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Not far off is Ta’ Kola Windmill which has been lovingly restored and turned into a museum, and in the heart of the village you will find Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Grotto with a marvel of stalactites and stalagmites.Weather-permitting, now would be the ideal time to head to Ramla Bay for a swim. Ramla Bay is remarkable for its dark orange sand. But the real must-see is Dwejra with its Azure Window being the most photographed view in the Maltese Islands. This is the location of the Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea, as well as the Blue Hole, a world-famous diving spot. It is really striking to watch the sunset from this point, and offers a myriad of photo opportunities!At the end of the day you can dine in one of many restaurants in pretty

Xlendi Bay nearby, and don’t worry about catching the ferry back... it runs regularly till late and occasionally through the night! Day 3 – Marsaxlokk & MdinaOn your third day we recommend an early start to enjoy the most of Marsaxlokk fishing village and market. There you can obtain fresh local produce and hand-crafted artisanship, so it’s an ideal place to purchase souvenirs. All this to a backdrop of colourful local Luzzu (traditional fishing boats) bobbing up and down in the sheltered Marsaxlokk harbour. Enjoy the fresh catch of the day for lunch at one of the restaurants lining the promenade.In the afternoon head to the Blue Grotto for a boat trip to the caves. Also in the area are the megaliths of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, and further down the road still is Ghar Lapsi, a cave with two rocky beaches which offer fantastic snorkelling opportunities.Spend your last evening in Malta wandering the streets of one of its favourites with visitors and locals alike: experience the enchantment of Mdina by night. Dine in one of its fine restaurants, wine bars or cafes to conclude an evening to remember.

At the Grand Hotel Excelsior we offer tailor-made excursions with our private chauffer service. If you would like to plan your excursions in advance kindly email us on [email protected] and Chris and team will take care of your requirements. You can also book your excursions during your stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

Page 10: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

1O Grandthings to do atGRAND HOTELEXCELSIOR

1) A Grand Private Breakfast on your room terrace

2) Relaxing by the Indoor Heated Pool

3) Healthy Lunch at the Admiral’s Landing

4) Private Chauffeur driven tours around Malta

5) Afternoon Tea at the Chartroom

6) Spa Treatment at Le Grand Spa

7) Cocktails at the Harbour View

8) Themed Nights at the Admiral’s Landing

9) A là Carte dining at the Admiral’s Landing

10) Family pampering with our Royal Sunday Buffet Lunch

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Page 11: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

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Page 12: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

YEAR of the

Horse

Page 13: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, plays a significant role in Chinese culture and tradition. The celebration is recognized not only in China, but also in various countries with a considerable

number of residents with Chinese heritage. This festival is known to be the longest one in Chinese culture - the celebrations usually begin on the last day of the last month of the Chinese calendar, and go on until the 15th day of the first month, the Lantern Festival. Because the Chinese use a Lunar Calendar the date of the Chinese New Year changes from year to year. The actual date is related to the new moon either in late January or in February.Traditions and customs within the country differ according to the region. In the evening prior to Chinese New Year, families gather together for dinner. Traditionally, families would clean their houses thoroughly, believing that any misfortune would be removed, and making way for incoming good luck. Following this, family members would decorate the windows and doors of the house with red paper shaped in cuts and couplets, which symbolize good fortune, happiness, wealth and longevity. Part of the celebrations also includes lighting firecrackers and gifting each other with money placed in red envelopes.

Year of the Horse 2014According to the zodiac legend, each year represents a different animal. It is also believed that the person born in a particular year will have some of the characteristics of that animal. The New Chinese Year will begin on Friday 31st January 2014 and symbolizes the Year of the Horse. People born under this sign are said to be very hard working, independent, intelligent, ambitious and successful. They can easily cope with number of projects at once, and can fall in love very quickly. Furthermore they are popular amongst their friends, refuse failure and are talented speakers with great communication skills. However their known weaknesses include impatience, being hot blooded, having a bad temper, and not being good handling financial matters. Moreover, they find it difficult to listen to the advice of others, and often they get involved in many things but struggle to finish their own projects.

Page 14: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

7,000 years of Civilisation

Page 15: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

7,000 years of Civilisation

5000 BC First settlers arrive in Malta from Sicily

3600-2500 BC Construction of Megalithic temples

800-480 BC Phoenician Rule

218 BC Roman rule begins during Second Punic War

60 AD St Paul the Apostle shipwrecked off Malta

395-870 Byzantine Rule

870-1090 Arab rule

1194-1530 Norman rule

1194-1530 Swabian, Angevin and Aragonese rule

1530 Islands ceded to Knights of St John

1565 The Great Siege, Ottomans besiege Malta with an overwhelming force but are defeated by a small army of knights and Maltese.

1566 Founding of Valletta, the new capital city, named after Grand Master La Valette, hero of the Great Siege

1798 French army under Napoleon Bonaparte invades the islands on the way to to Egypt Knights of St. John expelled after 268 years in Malta

1800 Maltese revolt against the French who are expelled, heralding the start of British Commonwealth

1964 Malta gains Independence

1974 Malta becomes a Republic

2004 Malta becomes a member of the European Union

Page 16: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

WHAT’s onREMEMBERING THE BOMBING OF H.M.S. ILLUSTRIOUS02/01/2014 - 31/01/2014 10:00 - 17:00A photographic display about The Bombing of HMS Illustrious on 10-23 January 1941 will be taking place at the Malta at War Museum by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna - The Malta Heritage Trust, commemorating the 73rd anniversary of this event.Phone: +356 21896617Email: [email protected]://www.wirtartna.org

NEW YEAR’S CONCERT 03/01/2014Come and enjoy our Gospel interpretation of a selection of Christmas songs as well as popular Gospel songs while celebrating this Christmas in a Joyful and Spiritual way with your friends and loved ones.Church of St. LawrencePhone: +356 21245350Email: [email protected]://www.maltadiocese.org

VALLETTA INTERNATIONAL BAROQUE FESTIVAL 201410/01/2014 - 26/01/2014Built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565 and consequently adorned by its eight langues, Valletta not only had to serve as a powerful fort, but was also to become a strongpoint of culture, economy and politics in the world. Embellished at the height of the baroque period, Valletta rose to become a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen.

The Valletta International Baroque Festival has been conceived purposely as a celebration of this baroque identity of Valletta. For two weeks, between the 10th and the 26th of January 2014, Valletta will resound with music from the period when it was built.

For more details and the complete programme of activites, visit the Festival website.Phone: +356 21222618Email: [email protected]://www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

AN EVENING OF ITALIAN OPERA 31/01/2014Join the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra for a dazzling evening of music from the operas of three great Italian Opera Masters, Donnizetti, Bellini and Puccini.

Spectacular overtures flank some of the most loved arias for soprano from their operas, featuring acclaimed Maltese Soprano Miriam Cauchi.

A night of musical passion as only Italian Opera can depict. MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA conductor MICHALIS ECONOMOU

Manoel TheatrePhone: +356 21222618Email: [email protected]://www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

FEAST OF ST. PAUL’S SHIPWRECK10/02/2014The first of the year’s major feasts is celebrated in the Parish Church of St. Paul Shipwrecked in Valletta and in the streets of Malta’s capital city. It commemorates the shipwreck of the Apostle St. Paul on the Maltese Islands, an event which took place in 60 AD and which is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.This event is a National Public Holiday and a Religious Feast.

Phone: +356 21234141Email: [email protected]: http://www.cityofvalletta.org

THE VOCA PEOPLE21/02/2014 - 23/02/201420:00 - 22:00The Voca People is an innovative performance and one of the few acts in the world that combines singers and beat box performers to form an entire orchestra without musical instruments. This unique comical and theatrical framework entwined with the special mega-mixes carried out on stage; distinguish them from any other vocal group. The Voca People is an ensemble of eight talented musician-actors – three alien female (alto, mezzo, and soprano) and three alien male singers (bass, baritone, tenor). Two beat box artists that create extraordinary sounds, which are considered to be the best performers in their field, join them. The show will feature a number of all-time favorites including: Ameno by Eric Levy, 5th Symphony by Beethoven, The Magic Flute by Mozart, Tutti Frutti by Richard Wayne, Sex Bomb by Errol Rennalls, Got my Mind set on You by Rudy Clark, Fever by John Davenport, James Bond Theme by Monty Newman, Billie Jean by Michael Jackson and I like to Move it by Erick Morillo amongst 70 others. This phenomenon has appeared in several countries including USA, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, Brasilia, Hong Kong and many other places including Malta in 2012. Now they are back due to popular demand. An evening of total excitement, music of all times, comedy and audience participation. Tickets from € 20.00 only. So get your tickets today!

Malta Fairs & Conventions CentrePhone: 356 21410371Email: [email protected]: http://www.mfcc.com.mt

Page 17: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

VODAFONE MALTA MARATHON 23/02/2014Both the marathon and the half-marathon pass through countryside and built up areas and finish in Sliema, a popular town promenade. Both routes include a drop of 200 meters from start to finish.

A map of both routes is displayed on the Route Info page of the Malta Marathon website. The map, which shows details of all feeding stations along the routes, will alsol be found in the Official Race Magazine that you will receive at race registration.

More info on the Malta Marathon website.

Phone: +356 21450707Email: [email protected]://www.mdinacouncil.com

CARNIVAL IN MALTA & GOZO28/02/2014 - 04/03/2014Discover Malta’s Carnival, which goes back hundreds of years. We find that already in the 16th century a jousting tournament was held as part of the celebrations. Maltese folk used to celebrate Carnival as did the Knights of St. John as from one week prior and up to Ash Wednesday.Nowadays, Carnival is celebrated in numerous towns and villages but especially in Valletta, Floriana and Nadur Gozo. It is indeed a kind of explosion of colour in the way of decorated floats and costumes. Carnival serves also as means of merriment and a time when individuals also dress up in all sorts of weird or funny costume and just go out in the streets to join the fray.

Performances will start at 18.00 hrs at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) at Ta`Qali.

Phone: +356 21232515Email: [email protected]://www.maltaculture.com

COMPOSER CONDUCTS07/03/2014MPO resident composer Joseph Vella’s latest orchestral work specially written for the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra is dedicated to the late Maria Ghirlando, a work for piano and orchestra featuring pianist Natasha Chircop. Complementing the work of Joseph Vella is Bottesini’s virtuoso Concerto for Double Bass featuring MPO Principal Double Bassist Gjorgji Cincievski.

Phone: +356 21222618Email: [email protected]://www.teatrumanoel.com.m

MET OPERA: THE NOSE - SHOSTAKOvICH26/10/2013 - 2/11/2013 William Kentridge stormed the Met with his inventive production of Shostakovich’s opera, which dazzled opera and art lovers alike in its inaugural run in 2010. Now Paulo Szot reprises his acclaimed performance of a bureaucrat, whose satirical misadventures in search of his missing nose are based on Gogol’s comic story. Valery Gergiev conducts.

The Nose is a co-production of the Metropolitan Opera; the Festival d’Aix en Provence; and the Opéra National de Lyon.

Phone: +356 21222618Email: [email protected]://www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH 19/03/2014This feast is celebrated in the town of Rabat. It is also a Public Holiday.

Phone: +356 21455000Email: [email protected]://www.rabatlocalcouncil.com

ALARME16/03/201411:00 - 12:00

ALARME is a military re-enactment that portrays the historic and turbulent tenure of Malta by French troops, following Napoleon’s landing and conquest of the islands in 1798. The re-enactment gives an account of the French troops’ arrival in Malta, the subsequent attempt to administer the Maltese Islands by the new Republican government, the rebellion of the Maltese that led to the blockade of the French troops inside the harbour towns, as well as the French troops’ surrender to the British in 1800.

The re-enactment starts at 11.00 hrs and lasts 45 minutes, and will be held at St. John’s Cavalier (close to Couvre Porte), in Birgu (Vittoriosa).

Admission:

Tickets at the Gate:

Adults: €7

Children (6 - 12 years) and Students: €3

FREEDOM DAY 31/03/2014On 31st March 1979, the Defence Treaty with Britain came to an end as the last British forces left the Island. Activities commemorating this important historic date take place every year, mostly in Vittoriosa where the monument marking this event is situated.

Phone: +356 21245168Email: [email protected]://www.maltaculture.com

Page 18: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

February Green Tea

Research shows that green tea extract is naturally rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals - naturally occurring particles in the body associated with accelerated ageing and an increased risk of major diseases. Exposure to pollution, smoking and excess sunlight increases the number of free radicals in the blood, but the potent antioxidants found in green tea add strong weight to the belief that green tea not only promotes good health but also makes you look younger.

Green tea & White tea body Rub Duration-45mins Price-€50

Green tea, Ginger and Lemongrass wrap Duration-60mins Price-€80

Green tea Infused Couples massage Duration-45mins Price-€100 per couple

January

Asian Herbal Month

Herbs can be extremely beneficial to your health and well-being. They are rich in antioxidants, and can fight off infections; strengthen the immune system; and lower inflammation in the body. The healing practice of herbal compress therapy dates back to Asia nearly 5000 years, to an era when the knowledge of plants, including their effects or application on the body, were painstakingly researched and passed down from one generation to the next.

Thai Herbal Compress Back Treatment Duration- 45mins Price-€75

Herb Infused Full Body Massage Duration-45mins Price-€75

The Benefits of a massage

Page 19: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

March Ginger

The historical reverence for use of ginger is simply staggering. Ginger had great historic, medicinal value as a spiritual beverage, aphrodisiac, digestive aid, etc. Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Indian systems viewed ginger as a healing gift from God. Chinese pharmacopeias claim long term use of fresh ginger can have spiritual advantages. Writings of the Koran describe ginger as a beverage of the holiest heavenly spirits. Its healing heritage is unmatched in the history of medicine.

Ginger & Lime salt body polish Duration-45mins Price-€50

Ginger infused Head & Back massage Duration-45mins Price-€75

JAZZNIGHT

DIFFERENT LIVE ENTERTAINTMENT AT THE CHARTROOM BAR

SPECIAL PRICES ON PLATTERS & WINES EVERY FRIDAY PARKING AVAILABLE

Page 20: Grand Life - Edition January to March 2014

Sunday lunch is the favourite meal of many of us. One can compare it to a mini feast taking place on weekly basis.You should definitely be prepared to adjust your waist line when joining us for our Sunday lunch buffet at the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

Our relaxed atmosphere at Spice Island, excellent service and fabulous food will most definitely leave your taste buds impressed.

We cater for everyone’s tastes with a number of different cuisines ranging from Mediterranean, Asian, Middle & Eastern and Indian; whilst promising to deliver the freshest ingredients and mouth watering flavours.Because we value each and every guest, our Executive Chef keeps in mind the importance of selection for those who follow a vegetarian diet. As a result you will find a full display dedicated to vegetarian dishes, including selection of four to five hot items.To spice up our selection, we have introduced two live cooking stations - the Butcher’s Corner with a large selection of different sausages and the Bakery Station offering items such as fresh pies and focaccias.

With total of six live cooking stations, two different soups, various displays and a selection of close to thirty different sweets; we are proud to say that everyone can find anything they may desire!

Ending the week with delicious cuisine is our specialty.

Sunday lunchat the Grand Hotel Excelsior