MALTA
MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC:
RESTORE & EXPLORE IN MALTA
Verdala Wellness Hotel
Rabat, Malta
September 12-19, 2026
with Melanie Caines
Join Melanie on the gorgeous island of Malta for a truly luxurious and blissful 7 days of of self-care. Our home for the week will be a 5-star wellness hotel nestled into the peaceful countryside where you can indulge in all the sweetness your body and soul are craving: twice daily yoga and meditation, swims in the infinity pool with panoramic views, and nourishing moments in the salt cave, saunas, & cold plunge. When you’re ready to step out of your healing sanctuary we’ll immerse ourselves in the magic of Maltese culture with excursions to many of the country’s places of beauty including the capital, Valetta, and the island of Gozo. Get ready to fill your cup and soak up all the sunshine and joy this week has to offer – you deserve it.
Yoga offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Myofascial Release, Neurogenic Yoga, and Meditation.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Group size: 10-18 people
Exclusive use? No, there will be other guests staying at the property.
THE EXPERIENCE
THE ISLAND OF MALTA
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is a sun-kissed island where ancient history, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful landscapes create the perfect setting for rest and renewal. With its golden beaches, limestone cliffs, and charming villages, Malta offers a serene escape that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself.
RABAT
Our incredible retreat hotel is located in the quiet town of Rabat, just a 20 minute drive from the capital, Valletta. Here’s what our host hotel has to say about their lovely location:
There’s something in the air up here in this beautiful part of Malta. Maybe it’s being perched high above island’s coastline, or perhaps it’s the centuries of calm that seem to seep from Rabat’s honey-coloured walls.
This is where Malta shows its quieter side – think hidden gardens, ancient catacombs and pathways that lead to moments of pure peace. While Mdina next door gets the crowds, Rabat keeps its secrets for those who know where to look. It’s the perfect spot for pressing pause and letting time slow down. And it’s home to the Verdala Wellness Hotel.
VERDALA WELLNESS HOTEL
Nestled in Rabat’s idyllic countryside, just moments from the storied walls of Mdina, Verdala Wellness Hotel is a five-star adults-only boutique retreat and the latest addition to the AX Privilege Collection. This wellness space is designed as a comprehensive hideaway, serene, sophisticated and profoundly restorative.
Verdala’s approach to integrating the 5 Pillars of wellbeing harmoniously combines natural and alternative therapies, Maltese cultural traditions, and advanced wellness technology to support a balanced and sustainable lifestyle. We blend the best wellness practices with Mediterranean charm, creating a setting where guests can step away from the demands of daily life and immerse themselves in thoughtfully curated experiences to rebalance, feel better, and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling way of living.
Read about Verdala’s sustainability practices here.
WELLNESS & RELAXATION
In addition to a fully equipped yoga studio, meditation zone, and spa treatments, Verdala Wellness Hotel has an incredible array of offerings to support your health and well-being.
Outdoor Pool
Features an infinity edge that merges with the horizon, offering uninterrupted views of Malta’s landscapes.
Indoor Pool
Set within a unique carved design creating an immersive and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
Outdoor Jacuzzi
Enjoy the outdoors in warmth and comfort.
Fitness Centre
A serene environment equipped with premium cardio and strength-training equipment.
Hammam
Experience the revitalising power of our traditional hammam, where heat and steam combine with cleansing rituals and massage.
Infrared Sauna
Infrared light therapy supporting detoxification, easing muscle tension and deep relaxation.
Sauna
Our Finnish sauna combines high heat with aromatherapy, using essential oils and herbal remedies to enhance your experience.
Salt Cave
Our salt cave harnesses the natural healing properties of mineral-rich salt to support respiratory health and overall wellbeing.
Hot & Cold Baths
Experience the powerful benefits of temperature contrast therapy in our cold and warm plunge pools.
Energy Loungers
Designed to support perfect ergonomic positioning, these heated loungers help ease muscle tension and promote complete relaxation.
THE FOOD
At the Verdala, our culinary philosophy celebrates conscious dining without compromise.
Fresh Mediterranean ingredients meet exceptional gastronomy in spaces designed for connection.
THE GRIFFIN BRASSERIE
The Griffin Brasserie offers a vibrant menu that balances wellness with indulgence and seasonal ingredients. Executive Chef Victor Borg strips away pretense to focus on what matters – exceptional food that makes you feel good. The menu celebrates local ingredients at their peak, transformed into dishes that strike the sweet spot between nourishing and delicious.
THE LIVING ROOM LOUNGE BAR
The Living Room Lounge Bar offers sweeping 180–degree view of Malta’s iconic landscapes and is just as perfect for morning smoothies as it is for sunset cocktails and mocktails. A relaxed lounge where healthy meets in indulgence and every seat comes with a view. Drop by for a superfood salad, linger over afternoon tea, or toast the evening with signature drinks.
OUR CULTURAL EXCURSIONS
Vintage Bus Tours Malta will be providing our transportation & guides for two cultural excursions that are included in your retreat week:
(1) TOUR OF MALTA
This tour will take us to some of the most beautiful places on the island:
Dingli Cliffs
The highest point on the Maltese Islands: with sweeping views over the open sea, this is a perfect photo stop and a peaceful spot to enjoy Malta’s natural beauty from above.
Blue Grotto
This is one of Malta’s most breathtaking natural sights. Admire the dramatic sea cliffs and, weather permitting, enjoy an optional boat trip into the sea caves.
Marsaxlokk
Enjoy the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, known for its colourful luzzus (traditional boats) and peaceful harbour views.
Valletta
Stroll through Valletta’s majestic streets and take in the capital’s rich history.
(2) GOZÓ, THE ISLAND OF JOY
We’ll visit some of Gozo’s most iconic sites:
Ta’ Pinu Shrine
A serene basilica known for its peaceful atmosphere, stunning architecture, and miraculous history.
Dwejra
A dramatic coastal area famous for its rugged cliffs, deep blue sea, and natural wonders.
Ggantija Temples
Among the world’s oldest free-standing structures, the Ġgantija Temples are UNESCO-listed megalithic temples.
Citadella
A fortified city offering panoramic views, historic buildings, and museums.
Xlendi or Ramla Bay
We’ll stop at one of Gozo’s famous bays for beach time, swimming, and dinner (dinner not included).
accommodations & Fees
Our thoughtfully designed Comfort Rooms offer the ideal curated wellness space for your individual wellness journey. Each room features a private balcony perfect for morning coffee or evening reflection, while the carefully curated interior includes hypoallergenic bedding and wellness amenities to support your week of self-care, including a tea station with herbal blends, espresso machine, and turndown service.
Single Occupancy
(1 bedroom with ensuite bathroom)
€3550 EUR
Double Occupancy
(1 bedroom with ensuite bathroom: 1 or 2 beds)
€2975 EUR per person
what to expect
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily meditation With Melanie
- 2 yoga classes a day (total of 12 classes) with Melanie
- Two cultural excursions (Malta & Gozo)
- Daily breakfast
- 5 dinners
- Use of the pools, saunas, cold plunge, salt cave, relaxation room, & hot tubs
- Internet/Wifi
- All taxes/HST included
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flight
- Alcohol
- Transfers to/from Verdala Wellness Hotel
- Two dinners
- Spa treatments
- Gratuity
SCHEDULE
Morning Yoga + Meditation
Breakfast
Free Time or Excursion
Lunch
Free Time
Late Afternoon Yoga
Dinner
IMPORTANT DATES
Saturday, September 12
Arrival day: yoga, welcome circle, & dinner
Friday, September 18
Last yoga class & dinner
Saturday, September 19
Breakfast & departure day
TRAVEL
The island is serviced by one airport: Malta International Airport (MLA). Arrival day is Saturday, September 12 (check in 3:00pm) and departure day is Saturday, September 19 (check out 11:00am).
It is approximately a 20min drive from the airport to Verdala Wellness Hotel. You can order an Uber or Bolt when you arrive at the airport or if you prefer our hotel can arrange your transfer (fees will apply).
What’s nearby:
Centre of Rabat (restaurants & cafes): 15min walk
Historical village of Mdina: 20min walk
Ta’Qali Artisan Village: 5min drive
Valetta (the capital city): 20min drive
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel your booking up to 180 days before the retreat start date: your deposit (less a change/cancellation fee of €150 EUR or $150 USD depending on the currency of your booked trip) and all other payments may be transferred to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting. Please note: if you make multiple changes each change/cancellation will result in an additional €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee. You are also permitted to transfer to a different Nova Retreat OR transfer your booking to another interested party (the change/cancellation fee noted above will still apply).
If you cancel your booking between 120 days and 179 days from the retreat start date: you can avail of a one-time transfer of your payments (MINUS your €500 or $500 USD deposit and MINUS a €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee) to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting (please note: this is a one-time transfer and multiple changes are not permitted, no exceptions). You are also permitted to transfer your booking to another interested party. Please note: your €500 or $500 USD deposit will be non-transferable and non-refundable if you cancel OR transfer in the 120-179 day time period.
If you cancel your booking 119 days or less from the retreat start date: no credit can be given and all monies paid will be forfeited.
In the event that the trip is postponed for any reason, including any force majeure event, all monies paid will be converted into travel credit that can be applied to a future Nova Retreat Inc. trip; this credit is transferable and expires one year from the original retreat date.
Nova Retreats Inc. is a small business that proudly works with intimate, family-run hotels and venues and we are unable to offer refunds of any kind. If you require more security, please talk to an insurance broker about a comprehensive travel plan that will offer you the coverage you need.
Thank you for understanding.
• A €500 EU non-refundable deposit (PER PERSON) is required to reserve your spot (ie, a double room requires 2 deposits).
• 50% of balance is due March 12, 2026
• Remaining balance is due May 12, 2026
• Payments can be made via credit card, interac e-transfer, PayPal, or cash.
•Proof of Emergency Travel Medical Insurance AND Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance are both required.
• Participants must have a regular yoga practice and should be comfortable with a level 1/2 class. Participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
NOVA RETREATS
Nova Retreats proudly curates small group wellness retreats filled with connection, joy, and authentic experiences. We welcome travellers who are able to go with the flow and who are interested in embracing and respecting different countries, cultures, and customs. Each trip is thoughtfully planned and lovingly led by sole owner, operator, and founder, Melanie Caines, who proudly collaborates with beautiful venues and amazing yoga teachers for a truly unforgettable and rejuvenating week. Since 2014, Melanie has curated and hosted over 50 retreats for hundreds of people from all over the world.
At Nova Retreats we recognize that travel is a privilege: we welcome the opportunity to experience and embrace different cultures and customs, offering us an exciting departure from what we’re used to at home. We will do everything we can to ensure your week with us is a comfortable and joyous journey and we ask you to please remember that some things are out of our control; some days may be hotter than you like, or cooler than you like, wetter or windier than you’d like. You may be walking on cobblestones, there could be hills or stairs to climb; you may be introduced to new tastes and types of food. And this is why we travel: to shift our perspective, to understand, to learn, to grow, to expand our horizons, to see the world.
Magic happens when we give ourselves time and space, outside our daily routines and lives, to think, breathe, experience, & enjoy. We look forward to sharing that magic with you.
YOUR RETREAT LEADER
MELANIE CAINES
VIEW BIO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a passport?
Yes you are required to have a passport.
I don’t have anyone to go with and I don’t want to pay for single occupancy – can you find me a roommate?
Yes I can try to match you up with another solo traveller. You can pay your deposit and if a match cannot be made your deposit will be refunded.
I have dietary restrictions – is this retreat able to accommodate me?
Yes certainly; once you have reserved your spot please pass on any allergies, restrictions, or requests.
Will my ride meet me at the airport?
Yes! We will have all of your flight arrival (and departure) information and will arrange for ground transportation to meet you upon your exit of the airport.
Do I need to be an advanced yogi to join this retreat?
Participants should have a regular yoga practice and be comfortable with a level 2 class; participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
Can I bring my kids?
This retreat will be an adult-only vacation.
How can I reach you if I have further questions?
You can email Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.
TESTIMONIALS
In a word, Nova Yoga Retreats are delicious! Melanie and her co-leaders hold space beautifully, guiding the group through yoga and meditation practices and “off campus” excursions with gentle mastery. You can show up and know that everything has been taken care of. Her groups are always welcoming; I attended two retreats solo and left both with amazing friends. Melanie chooses retreat locations with natural and artistic beauty and most importantly–soul. Her love of travel and exploring new cultures adds so much to the experience. Last, but not least, the food and accomodations are always a delight!
It felt like a true escape from my normal life. I feel like I was able to connect to the area and the people who journeyed with me. Your ability to curate a safe space to be and a place to play for people is truly a gift, Melanie. Thank you.
I can’t recommend Nova Yoga’s retreats highly enough. Melanie put together an amazing week that stretched our bodies and our minds, and left both stronger and more restored. This experience was much more than “just” yoga — it was truly a reset physically and mentally, and a wonderful opportunity to restore and refresh alongside amazing and kind women.
From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be a transformative journey. Each class left me relaxed and rejuvenated. This, along with amazing food and people, made for an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect yoga getaway.
The Nova Yoga Retreat an amazing experience! The instructors created a very welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more relaxed than I was during this retreat. I challenged myself both physically and mentally and I felt stronger in both ways by the end of the week. I made new friends, learned new yoga skills, breathed in the epic beauty of the countryside and really enjoyed the excursions! A beautiful country and yoga retreat experienced with an amazing group of strong, vibrant women! I can’t wait to plan my next trip with Nova Yoga Retreats.
Melanie finds the best places and brings together the most amazing people.
Melanie has created a unique and magical experience that allows people of all ages to deepen their yoga practice in beautiful and comfortable locations. Mel makes you feel safe, able, and confident. She offers opportunities to modify all poses to accommodate your body. Her suggestions and “challenges” allow for growth in both body and mind. You leave the retreat feeling empowered and refreshed. I just returned from my second retreat with her, and am looking forward to planning my next one. Absolutely amazing experiences.
I love the opportunity to get away from the tourist areas and get to know the local scene. The food was fabulous, staff and accommodations were excellent. The yoga was wonderfully therapeutic. And I really enjoyed getting to know the group. This was a wonderful experience for me and my first time travelling as a single. It gave me the confidence to try it again.
Melanie is the most incredible yoga instructor. Her retreats are absolutely amazing. A magical experience of a lifetime. If you haven’t done one of her retreats, you are really missing out!
From the retreat lodgings to the food to the excursions and of course yoga for all levels and styles, it was a travel highlight of my life!
Highly ecommend this enriching yoga retreat experience. This was my second time attending a Nova Retreat, and I’m already looking forward to returning. It’s a truly enriching experience—an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect through yoga, mindfulness, and a warm, supportive community. The setting in Marrakesh adds a unique and magical dimension to the retreat. The culture, the atmosphere, and the beauty of the surroundings make it an unforgettable place to recharge. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone seeking rest, renewal, and inspiration to take this time for themselves—you won’t regret it.
I met some incredible people, ate some amazing food, and deepened my yoga practice. The tranquility and grounding was just what I needed. I would highly recommend Mel’s retreats for both the inexperienced and experienced traveller because you can really cater to what you want and need, and you will meet similar people with whom you can enjoy the journey.