Malta’s Xara Lodge: A Hotel Breathing Life into Old Stone
In the Heart of Mdina: A Hotel Breathing Life into Old Stone and Memory
Picture this: a grand, ancient door creaks open in the heart of Mdina, Malta’s silent city. Behind it, a labyrinth of secret courtyards, hidden terraces, and centuries-old stone walls. This is not a scene from a fantasy novel, but the reality of Xara Lodge, a boutique hotel that’s become a living testament to Malta’s disappearing past.
A Love Affair with Stone and Story
Xara Lodge is the brainchild of architect and conservationist, Richard England. His love affair with Mdina’s old stone began in the 1970s when he first set foot in the silent city. “I saw these beautiful, forgotten spaces,” he recalls, “and I knew I had to bring them back to life.”
England’s vision was to create a hotel that didn’t just house guests, but immersed them in Mdina’s rich history. So, he meticulously restored the crumbling buildings, preserving their original features – the worn stone steps, the heavy wooden doors, the secret passageways.
Memory in Every Corner
Each of Xara Lodge’s 17 rooms tells a story. There’s the Knights’ Room, with its vaulted ceiling and coat of arms, echoing Mdina’s past as a stronghold of the Knights of St. John. The Courtyard Suite, with its private terrace overlooking a lush, secret garden. And the Bastion Room, where the thick stone walls whisper tales of ancient sieges.
But Xara Lodge isn’t just a museum. It’s a living, breathing space where history meets modern comfort. The Courtyard Restaurant serves up traditional Maltese cuisine in a setting that’s equal parts medieval and contemporary. The Library Bar is a cozy nook filled with books and artifacts, perfect for losing track of time.
Preserving Malta’s Past, One Stone at a Time
Xara Lodge stands as a beacon of conservation in a Malta grappling with rapid development. As traditional houses are torn down to make way for modern apartments, and historic sites are threatened by neglect or insensitive development, Xara Lodge serves as a reminder of what’s worth preserving.
“Malta’s history is written in its stone,” says England. “If we lose that, we lose a part of ourselves.”
And so, Xara Lodge continues to breathe life into old stone, one guest at a time. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a love letter to Malta’s past, a testament to its disappearing heritage, and a beacon of hope for its future.
