Comfort and class is what you expect from a 5-star hotel housed in a beautifully restored 17th century palazzo.

The Xara Palace Boutique Hotel is a unique 17th-century palace hidden away in the medieval fortified city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta.

Perched on centuries-old bastions, surrounded by stunning baroque architecture, The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, with its luxurious accommodation and award-winning haute cuisine, is truly a haven in which to pause and be pampered.

Meticulously and sensitively restored to reflect its former noble standing, the exclusive 5-Star boutique hotel boasts seventeen luxury rooms and suites enjoying stunning views, all individually and tastefully designed with antique furniture and paintings, luxurious Parisian fabrics and king size beds.

Our promise to our guests centres on an impeccable attention to detail – from the décor to the serene, unhurried pace of life at The Xara Palace Hotel, through every facet of our service – all setting the scene for nothing less than an exquisitely unforgettable holiday in Malta.

Getting Here

LOCATION

The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux
Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina
MDN 1050, Malta.

Around 15 km from Malta International Airport

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Our History

The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, opened in 1999, and is inextricably linked to the history of Mdina, its walls forming part of the bastion walls that surround this hilltop city.

Upon their arrival in Malta, the Knights of St John were granted Citta Notabile, (Noble City) as Mdina was then known. The Xara Palace was built in the 17th Century as a residence for the noble family Moscati Parisio. During their 268 year stay in Malta the Knights embellished, fortified and rebuilt Mdina so that today we have a fascinating and untouched jewel in our heritage.

The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux incorporated their exclusive, Michelin Star restaurant, the de Mondion, into the bastion walls – with breathtaking views of the island! It also operates a causal restaurant, Trattoria AD 1530 in the Piazza, in the front of the hotel, offering casual dining in a picturesque setting.  This is a truly unique establishment, full of charm, character and calm for the pleasure of the discerning visitor. Whether you are after a honeymoon, a wedding, a cultural stay or simply an exclusive getaway, The Xara Palace has it all.

Directors' Message

Nestled within the fortified, medieval city of Mdina, The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux has welcomed guests with timeless elegance and refined hospitality since opening in 1999. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo, the hotel blends historic charm with luxurious comfort. From the sunlight reflecting off the bastion walls to the birdsong echoing through the ancient stonework, every moment here connects you to Malta’s rich heritage.

At The Xara Palace, guests enjoy world-class accommodation, exceptional service, and an exclusive atmosphere worthy of a historic palazzo. As passionate travellers, we understand that genuine, attentive service makes all the difference. This is why we remain personally involved in every aspect of the hotel’s operations, ensuring that our Relais & Châteaux standards are reflected in every detail.

Working closely with our dedicated team, we have fostered a culture of pride, professionalism and savoir-faire, all focused on providing an unforgettable experience. From the moment you book your stay to the moment you depart, you can expect warm, personalised attention and thoughtful care.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, and to sharing the beauty of Mdina, the charm of Malta and the timeless elegance of our historic ‘home’.

Nicola and Justin

XARA COLLECTION

The Xara Collection is a distinguished portfolio of hospitality and catering brands in Malta, where heritage, culture, and tradition are celebrated through world-class experiences.

Each brand is a trendsetter in its own right, redefining standards with a commitment to excellence that blends Maltese authenticity with contemporary flair. From Michelin-recognised dining to unique venues steeped in history, The Xara Collection curates unforgettable moments, crafted with the guest at the very heart of the experience.

Relais & Châteaux Association

Relais & Châteaux is a storied, not-for-profit association of independently owned luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. Since its foundation in 1954, it has grown to include around 580 unique properties across 65 countries, spanning all five continents.

The association’s worldwide network employs roughly 42,000 people, reflecting its scale and commitment to hospitality.
Whether nestled in the vineyards of Provence, perched on a tropical beach, or hidden in a historic city centre, each Relais & Châteaux member brings its own distinct character — yet all share a dedication to authenticity, personal service, and preserving local culture and cuisine.

As part of this prestigious collection, The Xara Palace embraces these values, offering guests an authentic, personalised and memorable experience rooted in the timeless beauty of Mdina and the rich heritage of Malta.

Relais & Chateaux Vision

Dog Policy

We are pleased to welcome you and your dog as our guest at The Xara Palace. As a service to you we have outlined a few simple guidelines that will help ensure the safety of your dog and our other guests whilst visiting our hotel.

  • The hotel is prepared to accommodate your dog in the room provided that your dog is less than 10 kg and is fully house trained.
  • A charge of €35 per dog per day will be added to your bedroom account
  • In your room you will and a towel to use on your dog. A bed has been provided for your dog’s comfort and a dog bowl for dinner time.
  • Your dog must be kept on a short leash at all times in the Hotel.
  • Your dog should be appropriately restrained by you and it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog complies with local legislation.
  • In order to comply with Health and Safety legislation your dog is not permitted in any food and beverage areas apart from the outside part of Trattoria AD 1530.
  • Please do not leave your dog unattended in your room. The Xara Palace employees are not able to enter the room to perform their duties unless you are present. Please contact the Housekeeping Department to arrange for a convenient time for servicing your room.

You are responsible for any property damage and personal injuries resulting from your dog. You must further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Hotel, its owners and its operators from all liability and damage suffered as a result of your dog. The Hotel reserves the right to charge your account an amount consummate to the cost of such property damage and you will need to provide a valid Credit Card on arrival as part of the check-in/pre authorisation process. A room inspection will be conducted prior to your departure by our Housekeeping Team and we invite you to attend this inspection. Should a charge be made, you agree that you will not dispute the charges posted on your credit card. Please be aware that these policies are stated to protect both parties and are in no way a reflection on our desire to host you and your dog.

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the Duty Manager during your stay. Click here to view a copy of the Dog Policy Form.

Travel Agents Information

AMADEUS (1A)
WBMLAT01
SABRE (AA)
WB56473
GALILEO/APOLLO (UA)
WB33203
WORLDSPAN (1P)
WBMT01

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