Valletta, the capital city of Malta, may be one of the Mediterranean’s oldest cities, but it’s anything but frozen in time. With its flourishing cultural scene, boutique charm, and world-class food culture, Valletta has become a haven for travellers who appreciate beauty, history, and luxurious experiences.
And right at the heart of it all stands Rosselli AX Privilege, a 17th-century palazzo turned 5-star boutique hotel complete with a Michelin star restaurant. Our hotel is the kind of place where heritage and contemporary hospitality live side by side, a setting that feels at once grand and luxurious but also personal and welcoming.
So, if you’re searching for a luxury hotel in Malta that holds 5 stars that connects you with the timeless spirit of this historic capital, Rosselli is your gateway to the very best of Valletta.
A luxury hotel in Valletta rooted in capital’s history
Rosselli AX Privilege isn’t just a beautiful place to stay, but a hotel with a story. Once the residence of nobleman and goldsmith Pietro Rosselli and his beloved Alusietta Massa, the palazzo has been restored with loving detail to preserve many of its original features, including its original fountain in the delightful internal courtyard. Guest rooms are brimming with boutique charm echoing the building’s noble past, but all elevated with the comforts of modern luxury.
Run by the award-winning AX Hotels, the experience blends the warmth of Maltese family hospitality with the polish of a luxury escape. Whether you’re lounging in your elegant suite overlooking Merchants Street after a day of exploring the capital or booking a curated experience through the concierge, our service team will help you create a luxury Malta holiday that feels entirely your own.
Speaking about how the relationship between luxury hotel Rosselli and Michelin-star Under Grain work together to provide a holistic luxury experience for guests, AX Privilege Culinary Director, Chef Victor Borg says:
“Rosselli is the Grain brand and Grain is the Rosselli brand, working together to deliver this one seamless experience to our guests. The sense of unity between brands is what brings everything together. Without Rosselli, there would be no Grain, and without Grain, Rosselli wouldn’t be the same. Our aim is to continuously enhance and elevate both, always striving for excellence in every detail.”
A Michelin Star restaurant in Malta where time slows down
No stay at Rosselli is complete without a meal at Under Grain, the hotel’s Michelin Star restaurant located within the atmospheric vaulted cellar. Here, the entire dining experience is designed to help you slow down and fully enjoy. Every dish is crafted to be savoured, not rushed. Executive Chef Victor Borg and his kitchen brigade invite you to immerse yourself in a dining experience where every element, from the artful plating to the sommelier approved wine pairings, has been crafted with intention.
Under Grain offers both à la carte and tasting menus, showcasing classic French techniques infused with innovative approaches and contemporary cooking techniques. Wines are chosen by expert sommeliers to match the mood and flavour profile of each dish, enhancing every bite along the way. It’s dining as it was meant to be, leisurely, thoughtful, and unforgettable. No wonder Under Grain is regularly rated as one of the best places to eat in Valletta.
Just outside the hotel’s entrance, sister restaurant Grain Street extends this philosophy to a more relaxed, al fresco setting. Awarded the Bib Gourmand by Michelin, it serves Mediterranean sharing plates that invite conversation and connection. It’s the perfect place to soak in the city’s rhythm from your table on Merchants Street, where you can fully immerse yourself in the living, breathing backdrop to your culinary experience.
Maintaining a Michelin star restaurant as part of a luxury hotel requires consistency and innovation. Here’s how Chef Victor Borg and his kitchen brigade meet these standards daily:
“This can only be done through a lot of research and consistency. We maintain our high standards with constant training and investment in our teams. Another important factor is having on board passionate people within the industry bringing together a team that is on the same wavelength. That’s where it all begins.”
Sourcing quality ingredients from the island
At the core of both dining experiences is a deep respect for Malta’s locally grown produce. Chef Victor Borg and his brigade work closely with local farmers, fishers, and artisans to source the island’s freshest, most flavour-rich ingredients.
This commitment to seasonal, sustainable produce means that the menus at Under Grain evolve with the island’s rhythms. You won’t find the same dishes in summer as you will in autumn, and that’s exactly the point. Each visit offers something new, grounded in a philosophy of slow food, where care, craftsmanship, and locality take centre stage.
Maltese culinary traditions are also an influence on Chef Victor’s own dishes which he balances with modern cooking techniques:
“Maltese culinary traditions influence my own dishes especially when it comes to childhood memories with my mother and family. At Grain we normally use local ingredients with traditional recipes but with a twist using different techniques.”
A luxury hotel in Malta that offers new surprises with every visit
When staying at a luxury hotel in Malta like Rosselli AX Privilege, you want each visit to feel personal, distinctive, and deeply rewarding. That’s why the Rosselli concierge team collaborates with a handpicked network of trusted local partners to curate bespoke excursions and exclusive experiences, ensuring every guest enjoys privileged access to the very best the island has to offer.
For its part, Under Grain is constantly evolving, with Chef Victor and his team drawing inspiration from the freshest seasonal ingredients to craft artful dishes that celebrate local produce. Through regularly changing menus, diners can always look forward to new tastes and elevated dining experiences. Here, Chef Victor shares some of the latest culinary projects he’s excited to introduce at Grain:
“At Under Grain, we are proud to unveil two new tasting experiences: Taste of the Season and Seafood Deluxe. The menus are ever changing, at both GS and UG. Every day in a new mission and opportunity to find the best and finest products. To introduce and strengthen the Grain brand, we continue to host culinary and entertainment events. It’s a never-ending project.”
Book your stay at our luxury hotel in Malta
Whether you’re a seasoned gastronome or someone who appreciates the finer things in life, Rosselli AX Privilege offers a stay that nourishes both body and soul. With its rich sense of history, impeccable hospitality, and direct access to some of the best culinary experiences in the capital, it’s the perfect base for your luxury Malta holiday.
Looking to mark a special occasion or plan a customised culinary retreat? Our team will be happy to tailor your stay, whether that means booking a private dining experience at Michelin Star restaurant in Valletta or curating an itinerary that lets you explore the island’s best and most exclusive experiences.