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Hard Rock Executives, DB Group Board of Directors, and the Prime Minister of Malta celebrate a major milestone during a dual groundbreaking and stone laying ceremony for the Hard Rock Hotel Malta project. Photo courtesy of Frank Farrugia.
The Malta-based db Group and Hard Rock International yesterday broke ground and laid the foundation stone for the Hard Rock Hotel Malta along with a mixed-use development including Ora Residences with two towers of exclusive apartments and a mall. The total investment in the project is €300 million and is set to create hundreds of different jobs.
The 5-star Hard Rock Hotel Malta will feature 394 rooms, most with balconies overlooking the Mediterranean, and 25 suites with a private pool. The hotel meticulously preserves and integrates the architecture of the original 1860 British military accommodation quarters. Guests seeking to relax will enjoy numerous private and public pools, a full-service Rock Spa, and state-of-the-art Body Rock fitness center set to be amongst Malta’s largest.
“Our vision is quite unique. We want people to come here and go wherever their imagination takes them. They can live here, stay at the Hard Rock Hotel for incredible service, dine at any of our 12 restaurants, swim, shop at Malta’s best high-end mall, go to the beach lido, gym, spa, take a seaside walk, feast their eyes on the vertical gardens covering our two residential towers and much more. This will not be a place. It will be a destination,” said Silvio Debono, Chairman, db Group.
“We are excited to work with db Group to bring Hard Rock’s hospitality and entertainment offerings to the beautiful island country of Malta. This development is expected to enhance Malta’s tourism industry by appealing to the modern traveler, creating yet another wonderful addition to our award-winning Hard Rock Hotels portfolio,” said John Rees, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, Hard Rock International.
Conceived as vertical gardens, the Ora Residences will offer luxurious designs and a suite of exclusive and top-tier personalized services. Residents will have access to a wealth of high-end amenities, including private temperature-controlled wine cellars, private pools, housekeeping services, chauffeurs, 24/7 concierge services and more.
Another key element of the project will be St. George’s Mall, covering over 20,000 sqm with a mix of top-tier and more accessible brands and family entertainment.
The project also features 12 different restaurants and bars including Hard Rock Cafe and EL&N, 5,000 sqm of green and public spaces, a 1,300 sqm supermarket, 1,300 parking spaces and a globally branded exclusive beach lido.
Dr Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, emphasized that the project exemplifies the confidence that Malta’s esteemed investors have in the nation’s economy and tourism sector. “As we look to the future, our focus is on attracting high-yield travelers while enriching the very essence of our tourism industry,” stated Prime Minister Abela. He further asserted that tourism transcends merely increasing visitor numbers; it is a vital industry capable of driving significant social progress and serves as a cornerstone for the sustainable development of our nation.
Planned to be inaugurated in early 2026, this development will join Hard Rock International’s portfolio of European accommodations including Hard Rock Hotel Madrid and REVERB by Hard Rock Hamburg, resort hotels in Davos, Ibiza, Marbella, and Tenerife, and the ongoing development of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens.
Project Facts:
- A total of €300 million is being invested in the project – €250 by the db Group and an additional €50 million by partners and clients.
- Several hundred new jobs with different specializations will be created.
- 5-star Hard Rock Hotel Malta: 394 rooms with balconies and sea views including 25 suites with private pools.
- Mall: 20,000 sqm
- Private members club: 500 sqm
- Parking spaces: 1,300
- Green and public spaces: 5,000 sqm
- Restaurants & bars: 12
- Trees & plants: Approximately 4,000
- Supermarket: 1,300 sqm
- Gym & spa: 3,300 sqm
- Beach lido on St George’s Bay
- 1,350 sqm of event space