Denise Xuereb on Verdala Hotel: ‘Meaningful design begins with respect for place and heritage’

The historic Verdala site in Rabat was recognised on a European level as AX Group has received three European Property Awards for its transformation into Malta’s first fully integrated wellness destination.

Denise Xuereb, Director of Construction and Development at AX Group, said the project was shaped by a focus on its setting, heritage and the experience of those who would use the development.

“Verdala reflects our belief that meaningful design begins with deep respect for place, heritage, and the homeowners and guests who will experience it. From the architectural form that defines its character to the smallest interior detail, every element of Verdala was shaped with passion and intent to create a destination that is enduring, unique and rooted in its surroundings,” she said.

Verdala Wellness Hotel, which opened in August 2025, was recognised in the Hotel Interior and Hotel Development categories for Malta, while the adjoining Verdala Terraces residences received an award in the Apartment/Condominium category.

The recognition marks the culmination of a multi-year, multi-million-euro redevelopment of a site that had stood derelict for more than two decades, on the former grounds of the Grand Hotel Verdala.

The International Property Awards are among the established recognition programmes in the global real estate industry. Entries are assessed by an independent panel of industry professionals across areas including design, quality, innovation and sustainability, with regional winners progressing to compete at an international level.

Verdala Wellness Hotel was conceived as a fully integrated luxury wellness hotel, with wellness incorporated into the development from the outset rather than added as a conventional hotel spa. Its architecture responds closely to the site's topography, with the building massing terraced and rotated along the ridge to maximise valley views while maintaining the privacy and outlook of neighbouring residences.

Verdala Terraces comprises 87 residences across two private blocks, Grand Mansions and Royal Mansions, forming part of the wider Verdala destination.

Together, the three European Property Awards recognise the distinct components of the Verdala development and the design and delivery expertise behind the transformation of the historic site.

The project represents one of AX Group’s major recent investments and forms part of the group’s broader portfolio spanning hospitality, real estate, construction and healthcare.