button in SafariWhat are the Best Off-the-Felt Activities at Battle of Malta 2026?
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One of poker’s great ironies is that the game takes us to some of the most beautiful places in the world, only for us to spend 95% of the trip sitting inside an air-conditioned casino, no matter how luxurious the venue may be.
But if you’re heading to this year’s highly anticipated Battle of Malta (BoM) 2026, running May 27 to June 3, there’s more reason than most stops on the poker calendar to step away from the tables and explore everything this stunning Mediterranean island has to offer.
Sure, the headline attraction is a €1,000,000 GTD poker festival hosted at the spectacular Eden Arena. But just beyond the tournament floor, St. Julian’s is packed with restaurants, waterfront views, nightlife, historic sites and classic Maltese experiences, all within walking distance of Casino Malta.
Here are five things you should add to your Malta bucket list while you’re in town:
1. SKYBEACH: Luxury Rooftop Bar & Pool
SKYBEACH is one of Malta's premium rooftop bars and pool destinations, offering a perfect respite after a long day of cards in the casino. Boasting a breathtaking infinity pool, it offers panoramic views of the island and a fantastic selection of food and drink on tap.
You can gain access to SKYBEACH and the Club Lounge by booking a suite at the deluxe InterContinental Malta, where you can also get a VIP daybed experience on SKYBEACH's 19th floor location, complete with a cocktail and views over St George's Bay.
Also including an upscale bar and restaurant menu, it's a must-visit location for anyone playing at the Battle of Malta in the coming weeks.
2. Paranga: Sample Malta's Best Seafood
After days on end of just grabbing whatever sandwich you can find on a quick tournament break, you'll deserve some proper grub, and there's nowhere better near the Casino Malta than Paranga seafood restaurant.
Paranga is the InterContinental Malta's flagship seaside restaurant, situated directly on the shores of St. George's Bay, specializing in the best freshly caught produce, expertly prepared by a team of chefs.
Make sure you drop by for a meal and experience some authentic Maltese seafood.
3. Lumi: California Meets Malta in a Bar
Perhaps after dinner you might fancy a drink, and there's few better places than Lumi. Located on the 4th floor of the stylish voco Malta, this restaurant/bar is the perfect spot to unwind after a day at the tables, bringing a Californian flair that is still unmistakably Maltese.
Offering a top-notch menu, including great Vegan food, the citrus-infused signature cocktails are a must-try right in the heart of Paceville's lively clubbing scene.
There's also a healthy slate of live bands to provide the perfect accompaniment, and who doesn't love a bit of live music when they're out for a drink?
4. Carisma Spa & Wellness: Recover After Play
We all know tournament poker can be a physical battle as much as a mental one - days upon days of intense concentration, sitting in chairs in crowded rooms.
So a visit to the Carisma Spa & Wellness is highly recommended. With 35+ years of experience, it's world-renowned for its award-winning treatments and is located right in the InterContinental.
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 grueling 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: Blue Flag Beach on the Doorstep
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 experience that few European poker events can match.
Right on the doorstep of Eden Arena, where you’ve been battling for a slice of the million euros guarantee, you can feel the sand between your toes three minutes later.
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.
How to Book 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
