Two of Malta’s most promising young artists, Roderick Camilleri and Ġulja Holland, are set to feature at the newest luxury boutique hotel in Valletta.

This September, Valletta’s historic streets will welcome the San Karlu Hotel, a new luxury boutique destination that promises to be a beacon of both comfort and culture.

As the latest addition to the city’s hospitality scene, San Karlu Hotel will showcase the works of these two artists in separate site-specific commissions: one for the hotel’s suites and the other for its communal areas.

Ġulja Holland was commissioned to create seven large-scale works for the hotel’s public spaces, after she was approached by Allelon Hospitality to produce the pieces.

“What I appreciated most was the trust placed in us as artists. While we were briefed on the hotel’s envisaged theme and aesthetic, we were ultimately given a great deal of artistic freedom regarding subject matter, style, and execution,” she shared, reflecting on her experience. 

Holland’s new works, which she describes as an extension of her earlier collection, ‘A New Gothic,’ explore themes of a post-human world overtaken by nature. However, unlike her previous, more dramatic pieces, these new paintings evoke serene compositions, uniquely inspired by Maltese landmarks.

“The hotel’s location, near the earliest freshwater spring discovered in Valletta, inspired the theme of iconic Maltese fountains and statues,” she explained.

“This spring was once celebrated through a beautiful dolphin fountain on St. Christopher’s Street, which is now preserved in one of Valletta’s gardens. While researching the spring, I chanced upon a pre-war image of the fountain, which inspired my first work entitled ‘Pisces, 2024’.”

Meanwhile, Roderick Camilleri developed a collection of large chromatic etchings, using an array of techniques etched on large copper plates to produce a series of impressions inspired by the city’s context.

These compositions depict the local built environment while excluding the human presence. Camilleri combines the fabric of local vernacular structures with the bold geometric formations of the city’s fortifications through playful and stylised metaphysical reconstructions.

The instinctive and suggestive spirit of these works presents an intricate flow of textural hues and vibrant effects that parallel the beauty, resilience, and exotic elements that characterise the unique city of Valletta. These works will embellish the private suites of the hotel.

San Karlu Hotel itself is a tribute to Valletta’s rich heritage. Situated in Triq San Karlu, one of the city’s most charming pedestrian alleys, the hotel occupies two meticulously restored townhouses.

These buildings, dating back to the time of Girolamo Cassar—one of the key architects of Valletta—have been transformed into a 30-room retreat that seamlessly blends historical elegance with modern luxury. Guests can also enjoy city views from the rooftop pool and bar, making San Karlu a destination in its own right.

The hotel’s location is steeped in history, positioned near an ancient freshwater spring that made this area one of the earliest residential neighborhoods in Valletta. Surrounded by architectural masterpieces and historical landmarks, including the Valletta Design Cluster and Auberge de Baviere, it offers a unique window into the past while providing all the comforts of a modern luxury hotel.

Allelon Hospitality, the operator behind San Karlu Hotel, is known for boutique hotels such as La Falconeria Hotel, Palais Le Brun, and The Gomerino Hotel.

They have collaborated with renowned Maltese talents like Jesmond Vassallo and Jennifer Mallia on past projects and are set to continue their tradition of celebrating Maltese talent with this latest venture.

Follow the progress of the hotel @skhotelvalletta.

For a deeper dive into the creative minds of the hotel’s artists, follow Ġulja Holland and Roderick Camilleri: Facebook at www.facebook.com/GuljaHollandArtist or Instagram @guljaholland & @camilleriroderick, and www.roderickcamilleri.com.

What do you make of these works?