Chapel 5 Suites
Naxxar, Malta
Reviewed by
Abigail Blasi
Oh, this is a gorgeous well-kept secret, the joy of yet-to-be-discovered small-town Malta. Chapel 5 is tucked away at the end of a pretty little alley in historic Naxxar, a laid-back, untouristy place in the north of the island. The characterful, rambling townhouse was carefully converted into arty guest suites, then the owners bought the house next door and added more.
The main house centres on a double-height dining room with a glass roof, which is where guests eat their breakfast buffet. There’s a small pool in the courtyard and a blue-and-white-tiled rooftop where you can sunbathe, have massages or enjoy early-morning yoga sessions. You get your own key to the house so can come and go as you please, but there's usually someone around to offer advice and recommendations on where to go.
The main house centres on a double-height dining room with a glass roof, which is where guests eat their breakfast buffet. There’s a small pool in the courtyard and a blue-and-white-tiled rooftop where you can sunbathe, have massages or enjoy early-morning yoga sessions. You get your own key to the house so can come and go as you please, but there's usually someone around to offer advice and recommendations on where to go.
Highs
- Excellent value
- A quiet location in a locals' town, allowing you to dip in to the touristy parts of the island (you're 15 minutes from beaches and Valletta)
- A warm welcome and a family feel that give a home-from-home atmosphere
- Colourful furnishings from all over the world
- A historic building with lots of character
Lows
- A 3-night minimum stay
- No bar and be aware this is a B&B rather than a full-service hotel
- One room is accessed by a spiral staircase; enquire for more information
- A work in progress, the second house is still evolving
Best time to go
Malta's loveliest months are May-June and September-October. The B&B is closed in late November-late December annually (though open for New Year's Eve), and for 6 weeks in January and February.
Our top tips
Beautiful Gozo is a quick hop away; wander along the cliff tops at Ta’Cenc for amazing sunset views, or take a coastal walk on one of the island’s many winding paths. Head to Xlendi for walks, swimming in the sea and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters.