Malta is a little jewel, located about 93km south of Sicily, measuring just 27km in length and 14.5km at its widest point. This is an island where the inhabitants are as much a part of the sea as the land. The Mediterranean is warm and clear and ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving, windsurfing and sailing. Its rich history, combined with a diverse calendar of cultural activities, also add to the favourable lifestyle that is becoming part of Malta’s rapidly changing persona.

Malta is steeped in history and much of it is still visible through its amazing architecture. Due to its strategic location, a myriad of countries have attacked, conquered and left their imprint, from the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Sicilians to the Knights of St. John, the French and even the British.

With a history spanning back to 5200BC, the island sports a long and colourful past which includes the arrival of the British in 1800, following which Malta became part of the British Empire. The British left their mark on the island’s history in a number of ways, ranging from the now-widespread use of the English language to the many fortifications they built; even driving on the left. In 1949, Malta was chosen as a second home destination for Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip, who was at the time a serving naval officer.

Malta is home to unique prehistoric temples, catacombs, the medieval walled city of Mdina, the opulent St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta, the Manoel Theatre (one of the last-surviving working Baroque theatres in Europe), many interesting museums and beautifully restored palazzos like the 18th century Palazzo Parisio, which has attracted the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Add to this the colourful village festas throughout the summer months, open air night clubs and annual festivals including Isle of MTV, the largest free open air concert in Europe, the Air Show, Horse Racing, Choir Festival, Festival of Fireworks, the Grand Prix of the Sea, featuring powerboat racing, and the varied and exciting Malta Arts Festival.

On the map
Now, an award-winning, architecturally striking development is looking to further boost Malta’s growing international image.

Tigné Point is the largest real estate, brownfield regeneration project on Malta and from the minute you approach, whether by foot along the promenade or by boat across the Creek from Valletta, you are immediately struck by its clever combination of 21st century architecture blended with its meticulously restored historical buildings. It is a stepping stone between the splendour of historical Malta and the thriving, forward-thinking character of the island today.

Tigné Point sits adjacent to the cosmopolitan town of Sliema and looks across Marsamxett Creek to the baroque capital and World Heritage site Valletta, which dominates the landscape with its arresting fortifications during the day and is a breathtaking sight at night, when bathed in a golden glow of lighting.

This striking development is a shining example of the combination of conservation and restoration in the guise of a new build and has already attracted discerning buyers from around the world.

What has been created on the site of the former British Army barracks is a holistic living environment – set in 44ha of beautiful surroundings. On arrival at Tigné Point, you immediately appreciate the tranquillity of the car-free environment.

An enclave of luxurious apartments and penthouses dominates the headland. At the heart of the project, surrounding the limestone and marble Pjazza Tigné, are state-of-the-art offices and The Point, a beautifully designed indoor shopping mall with 50 glamorous stores, anchored by Debenhams. Ample underground parking is available to both residents and all site visitors.

Besides shopping, residents can enjoy a private clubhouse with waterfront pool overlooking Valletta, take a plunge in the crystal sea, stroll along shoreline walkways, dine at gourmet restaurants or relax in an open cafe on the sun-dappled piazza and simply watch life go by.

A friendly island
If you haven’t visited Malta, then you are in for a surprise; it is truly unique. The Maltese are very friendly and are conversant in their two official languages; Maltese and English, so expatriate living here is easy.

The island has a subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summer and around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year – one of the highest figures in Europe.

The 316km² of land is home to over 400,000 residents. Attractive resorts, pretty fishing villages, hilltop towns and gentle rolling countryside all contrive to make this a country that is truly different and very appealing.

Why should you invest in Malta? The warm climate and beautiful beaches are simply the obvious reasons. A robust legal system with all corporate and commercial aspects compliant with current EU directives gives a reliable foundation, and with education and healthcare of the highest level, a very low crime rate, easy access to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East plus attractive tax incentives, Malta is ideal for business people looking to relocate with their families.

It is a warm, relaxing environment that also routinely attracts retirees seeking an opportunity to wind down. For those interested in sailing, a 400-berth Marina on Manoel Island – just five minutes’ drive from Tigné Point, makes for a convenient base of operations.

While many established destinations for the super-rich have seen dramatic drops in property prices, Malta has retained a ‘steady as we go’ policy and is ideal for a holiday home or a base in the Mediterranean from which to enjoy the advantageous lifestyle it offers.

Tigné Point is a superb example of how the island’s potential has been developed without sacrificing any of its charm. If you are looking to own a home abroad then be sure to consider Malta as a serious alternative to other, perhaps more obvious, destinations.

www.tignepoint.com