May 12, 2026
In the world of poker, any victory isn’t only measured by the size of the win, but also by how you celebrate it. While the €1,000,000 Guaranteed Battle of Malta (BoM) festival keeps the action flowing inside the Eden Arena, the true, full-on Malta experience lies steps away from the poker tournament floor.
Whether bagging a massive chip lead going into Day 2 or taking down a side event, St. Julian’s offers a taste of luxury that perfectly matches any in-game intensity.
For the player who enjoys the finer things in life, here are five premium experiences located steps from the Casino Malta. They’ll ensure your trip remains equally rewarding off the felt as on it.
1. SKYBEACH: Luxury at 19 Storeys High
SKYBEACH is more than simply a rooftop pool; it is a luxurious oasis to destress the most distressed poker player. Boasting a breathtaking infinity pool that stretches to the horizon, it offers a panoramic view of the island and provides instant relief after hours spent staring down at cards.
Elevate your stay in Malta with access to the Club Lounge and SKYBEACH by booking a suite at the deluxe InterContinental Malta. There is no better way to dispel the stress of a long session than by ascending to the 19th floor of this hotel.
For players looking for an upgrade, SKYBEACH offers a VIP daybed experience second to none.
- Picture sipping a signature cocktail, like the SKYBEACH SPECIAL, while gazing at the turquoise waters of St. George’s Bay.
- Allow the Mediterranean breeze to provide a natural reset for your mental game, readying you for the next arduous session.
With an upscale bar and restaurant menu, this rooftop oasis is the ultimate spot to decompress before a nightcap cash game or a tournament Day 2.
2. Paranga: The Quintessential Seaside Dining Experience
After spending the day putting in a deep run in a BoM event, a top-notch meal by the water is definitely on the cards. Paranga is the InterContinental’s flagship seaside restaurant and directly buttresses the crystal waters of St. George’s Bay. It offers a luxurious respite from the bright lights of the casino floor and the stress of long tournament days.
Specialising in the freshest Mediterranean seafood, Paranga is where players can enjoy the catch of the day, expertly prepared and served in an open-air setting. The murmur of waves gently lapping up against the shoreline creates the perfect soundtrack for discussing the day’s poker antics, replacing the noise of riffling chips.
3. Lumi: The Perfect Post-Game Watering Hole
Skip the quiet seaside dinner if you want a playful interlude after an action-packed day at the tables. Perched on the 4th floor of the stylish voco Malta, Lumi sets the stage for any celebration.
Lumi delights with daring Mediterranean flavours and California-inspired flair. This restaurant/bar is the perfect spot to keep the action going away from the poker tables. The menu welcomes all, including vegans, and the citrus-infused signature cocktails are more than worth the trip.
But it’s the unmistakable Malta vibe that truly makes this spot a staple for poker travellers. Regular live music from energetic bands turns Lumi into the perfect launchpad for a night out in Paceville’s lively club scene.
4. Carisma Spa & Wellness: The Professional Recovery
Tournament poker is a mental marathon, but it also takes a physical toll. Long periods of sitting can cause stiffness and fatigue. To maintain peak performance throughout the 27 May – 3 June festival, players need to reduce stress and prioritise mental recovery.
Carisma Spa & Wellness, with its 35+ years of excellence, comes to the rescue of every stressed-out poker player. Located in the heart of the InterContinental, it is world-renowned for its award-winning treatments.
The spa’s signature traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam) is a profound experience for mind and body. The 2,000-year-old ritual of steam and massage detoxifies the body and invigorates the mind. The treatment successfully clears the mental fog that accumulates during twelve-hour poker sessions.
And if you’ve had a particularly gruelling day at the tables, a deep-tissue massage or a session in the Halotherapy (salt) room can be the difference between tilting and exiting early and crushing a final table.
5. St. George’s Bay: The Blue Flag Reset Button
Playing in the Battle of Malta means that the Mediterranean Sea is literally thirty seconds from the casino entrance. St. George’s Bay is a Blue Flag beach, offering a unique reset button that few European poker events can match.
There is a specific kind of wonderment in walking out of the Eden Arena, where you’ve been battling for a slice of the million euros guarantee, and feeling the sand between your toes three minutes later.
For the player who wants to celebrate a win with a slice of Med-style, the beach clubs lining the bay offer enticing entertainment, embodying the spirit of Malta.
Bonus: If you’re staying at the Intercontinental, you also have access to an exclusive private area with sunbeds and bar service.
And, whether it’s an early morning swim to wake up the senses before a noon start or a late evening stroll to decompress, the bay is an essential part of the BoM experience.
Why Off-the-Felt Activities Enhance Your Poker Trip
Any poker series can be more than just tournaments; the off-the-felt aspects can also be the part of the trip. The Battle of Malta, with its €700,000 Main Event Guarantee, is the main attraction for players worldwide coming to the Spring 2026 Edition. However, it’s the quality of the activities near the Casino Malta that keeps them coming back.
When you choose the BoM series as the highlight of your poker season, you are choosing to play in one of the world’s most luxurious poker destinations.
Indulging in a spa treatment at Carisma or a sunset dinner at SKYBEACH isn’t purely spending your winnings; it’s about relishing the spoils of your game. A relaxed player is a focused player, and in Malta, we take your relaxation seriously.
Booking Your Battle of Malta 2026 Experience
To make the most of these plush, premium activities, players should book their stay at the affiliated InterContinental Malta and voco Malta as early as possible.
Also, make sure to download the One Eden App to get the latest discounts for all IHG outlets.
- VIP Accommodation & Deals: Diane Fenech
- Email: [email protected]
- Dates: 27 May – 3 June 2026
- Festival Guarantee: €1,000,000 GTD Total
