Valletta Vintage
The Valletta Vintage vacation apartments combine retro and contemporary elements. They are the perfect accommodation for the architecture- and design-conscious traveler.
It has a holistic feel as the entire apartment has been designed with a Japanese aesthetic.
Japanese Apartment
What is the story behind the Japanese Apartment, what was your inspiration to create it?
A few years back, we acquired this brilliant property in Gozo’s best location and thought: “what can we do with such well-located blank canvas?” It’s overlooking the island of Comino and the harbour where you have 24-hour activity with the boats and fishermen coming into the port.
We engaged one of the best architects based in Malta, Chris Briffa, to explore design concept ideas. This blank canvas evolved into this Japanese concept, creating a Japanese-themed apartment. In Malta (the main island), life is busy and stressful but Gozo is an island where people come to unwind and relax. So we wanted to create a space that is very relaxing and tranquil. The concept was perfectly aligned with the idea, considering the environment and the views, and Chris did a brilliant job.
How would you describe the atmosphere and the interior design of the Japanese Apartment?
It has a holistic feel as the entire apartment has been designed with a Japanese aesthetic.
To you personally, what is so special about the Japanese Apartment? It’s one of a kind, in both Gozo and Malta. Everything is custom-made, perfectly fitting the apartment, including all of the wooden furnishings and joinery, All loose items are either from a high standard established brand or designer pieces and we have commissioned artworks throughout the apartment. There are also lots of plants and natural materials — it feels like a completely new experience.
When you enter, there is a Japanese-inspired courtyard with a fish-filled pond, wood surroundings and two sliding doors. On the right-hand side is an open-plan living space that showcases a nice view of Comino Island. Just beneath you can experience all the activity of a traditional harbour and watch the ferry that connects Malta and Gozo.
On the left-hand side is the sleeping area with three bedrooms, each of which is designed with a Japanese feel. All of the bedrooms are air-conditioned and the main bedroom (plus the open-plan living area) has underfloor heating.
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything guests need, including an espresso machine, a dishwasher and an oven. We can also do grocery shopping on request so that the pantry and fridge are stocked when guests arrive. Additionally, we can arrange for airport and ferry transfers, as well as boat excursions with skippers to visit all of the places around Gozo.
Gozo is a very interesting island and home to one of the oldest temples in the Mediterranean, Ġgantija. On weekends in the summertime, there are religious celebrations at the churches and fireworks in the villages while small concerts and operas take place in the cooler months.
Gozo is home to many beaches, both sandy and pebbly, and the water is very clear. The closest beach is just 10 minutes’ walk from the apartment and the most popular is on Comino Island, which can be reached in 10 minutes by boat. You can also go walking in the countryside and the entire island can be explored by car in around an hour.
The Japanese Apartment is located above the main harbour of Gozo and can be reached in just two minutes by car or 10 minutes on foot. Within 10 minutes’ walk, you can access the main square and church, as well as supermarkets and around 15 different restaurants.
Gozo is a year-round destination. Some people prefer to visit in winter as it’s green and quiet while others come in the summertime for the beaches.
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