Following an intensive 18-month restoration and renovation process, Senglea’s iconic Maċina bastion has now come back to life as an exclusive Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour luxury accommodation.

Last weekend, the boutique hotel welcomed its first guests, while its panoramic rooftop terrace served as the venue for its first wedding. Apart from being part of the IBB Hotel Collection, Cugó Gran Macina is the first member of Design Hotels from Malta.

Built in 1554 during the reign of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, the Sheer Bastion has been one of the Grand Harbour’s most renowned landmarks, deriving its name ‘Maċina’ (originally ‘macchina’) from the large sheer crane structure, used to hoist heavy masts and other cargo, which was eventually dismantled during the British period in 1864.

The Cugó Gran Macina offers 21 suites with bespoke interior design and luxury features, all with unobstructed views of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding marina against a backdrop of historical fortress walls.

The Cugó Gran Macina offers a restaurant and a bar, operated by the well-known and award-winning Maltese restaurateur Chris Hammett and his team, also catering at the rooftop terrace.

Thorsten Sander has been appointed its general manager. In his last appointment, Mr Sander managed Hotel Nassauer Hof in Wiesbaden (Germany), one of the leading German Grandhotels.

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