As ownership of luxury lifestyle developments continues to increase on Malta and Gozo, it is a known fact several foreigners see Malta as an excellent investment. A good number of these Foreign investors are also taking advantage of the islands’ benign allowances in this regard.
However, there are other key aspects which elicit interest amongst foreigners especially those who fall within the more upmarket realm. With a strong industry revolving around tourism, Malta has established a strong market share within the luxury bracket both for business and pleasure.
Many affluent foreign buyers and rental client’s wonder what is available to do whilst on the Islands for an extended period of time.
There are a number of hobbies that both locals and foreigners may take up besides basking in the sun near a pool during their time on the Islands. Some extravagant -many considered the norm in Malta but it’s especially important that one pondering about living here knows that they may keep up with their everyday lifestyle without having to leave the Islands.
It is known fact that First class travel has seen a major increase to and from the Islands whereas there are also a number of private jet operators that are registering major growth for jet charters as well as the registrations of jets for private owners. If travelling is your cup of tea, you are able to do it in style. Individuals may easily today charter a plane for vacation or personal purposes, whereas business travel is a norm via private jet.
The Aviation Industry has also carved out a niche where individuals may take up the opportunity of doing something completely different – learn to fly under professional aviation tutors. Malta boasts some of the best schools in this sector such as the European Pilot Academy and the Malta School of Flying.
If you do not own your own yacht or it isn’t berthed in Malta yet, there are excellent options from where you may charter such brands such as Sunseeker, Riva and Azimut. There are also brokerages that will search locally and internationally for a vessel of your specifications and deliver and register it to Malta.
Visiting any one of the local marinas is proof enough that every single super yacht which sails in, can find all required amenities, services and stock. The luxury of having your own yacht and the chartering of a sail boat or motor yacht is that the proximity of Malta allows you the pleasure of sailing to nearby Sicily for a spot of lunch or for the weekend. What about travelling to another island such as the tiny Lampedusa?
There are many options available which both locals and foreigners find readily available which is very much about living the Island life.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club is the home of the Middle Sea Race which is a highly rated offshore classic. The race has in previous years seen over 120 boats, representing over 24 countries, some as far flung as Australia and New Zealand, grace the iconic Valletta Grand Harbour prior to the start of the 608 nautical mile race.
Golfing is a favourite sport in Malta and attracts several business and leisure tourists to our Islands. The Royal Malta Golf club in Marsa offers a tight and challenging well-kept 18-hole parkland course dating back to 1904. The brand new Clubhouse offers the latest facilities expected of a modern twenty-first century golf club. The RMGC is one of just 65 golf clubs worldwide that carries the ‘Royal’ title.
Polo is a long standing sport in Malta and is still very strong. The sport was introduced in Malta in 1868 by the British Army Officers who were stationed in Malta. Maltese and foreigners alike are members of the Malta Polo Club in Marsa where there are several competitions. Just recently during the 2015 CHOGM, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited the club which one of the oldest in History.
There are several stables and horse riding clubs across Malta where any enthusiast may keep up with their hobby.
The sport oriented will discover a wealth of action going on. Summer is all about water sports and a plethora of that, for that matter; but winter does not stop sporty types from doing their thing. Golfing, horse riding, target shooting, paragliding, oriental martial arts, kick-boxing, gym training, archery and several other sports including Argentinian Tango or ballroom dancing are practiced in Malta
Car lovers will be happy to discover a number of very active classic and vintage car clubs including a vintage car museum. Antique lovers can have a ball as auction houses are aplenty, with antique furniture and fine artworks being highly sought after.
But back on Malta, fine dining is a matter of fact. Malta offers some of the best restaurants on the Med and fine dining can be thoroughly enjoyed in such impressive locations as Xara Palace in Mdina, The Arches in Mellieha, Tarragon Restaurant in St Paul’s Bay or Zeri’s Restaurant and Aqua Terra Mare in St Julian’s. Some interestingly unique wine bars do demand a visit, such as Trabuxu in Valletta, Del Borgo in Vittoriosa or Don Mesquita in Mdina. For something quite out of the ordinary, visit Strait Street in Valletta and experience some curiously unique city history.
Night-life is active with a few upmarket and unique establishments attracting the affluent such as Twenty-Two (22nd Floor Night Club), Tiffany’s Wine and Cigar Bar, Chalice and Quarterdeck – which is located at the Hilton Malta, which is also in St. Julian’s just to name a few. If you are looking for an Irish Pub there is one on the St. Julian’s Seafront namely The Dubliner Irish Pub. For a rather staider and culture-oriented night-life, you may head to Valletta where you will discover exceptional locations such as one of Europe’s tiniest theatres – The Manoel Theatre, or The Manoel as locals call it. There are also a number of Casinos in Malta where you may gamble on luck to slot the night away.
That is most definitely not a problem. Malta has a wealth of 5-star hotels, exquisite boutique hotels and super luxurious private rentals. Hotels brands include Hilton, Corinthia, Le Meridian, Westin, Intercontinental, Radisson amongst others. Find yourself a unique location and you will most definitely discover an interesting place to stay. Some examples include Boutique Hotel Juliani overlooking St Julian’s bay; Casa Ellul just across the road from Valletta’s Manoel Theatre; Indulgence Divine, a self-catering antique rental in Vittoriosa. Get yourself your own villa or palazzo complete with garden or pool, perhaps on the quieter isle of Gozo.
You may opt to rent out or eventually purchase property within an SDA such as Portomaso or Tigne Point. These are just two of the developments which foreign investors aiming to stay on the long term tend to get excited about.
So much to discover, so little time and whilst the space is limited, the warmth of the islands’ character is enough to keep you rooted in a lifestyle that takes island living to the limits.