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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 MARCH 2025 11 COMMERCIAL The Phoenicia Malta celebrates major wins at the International Hotel Awards THE Phoenicia Malta has re- ceived two of the world's top hospitality awards at the Inter- national Hotel Awards. Building on its earlier success at the national and regional lev- els, the iconic hotel was named Best International Spa Hotel and Best International Classic/ Heritage Hotel at an event at The Savoy Hotel in London ear- lier this year. The accolades follow a rigor- ous judging process by an inde- pendent panel of over 100 indus- try experts, chaired by members of the UK's House of Lords, in which they assessed properties on service excellence, design, innovation, sustainability and guest experience. As well as these prestigious in- ternational awards, The Phoe- nicia Malta also secured the regional titles for Europe in all three of its competing catego- ries, earning Best Classic/Herit- age Hotel for Europe, Best Spa Hotel for Europe and Best Large Luxury Hotel for Europe. "To receive this global recog- nition at the International Ho- tel Awards is something truly special for The Phoenicia Mal- ta," says Robyn Pratt, General Manager of The Phoenicia Mal- ta. "We take immense pride in offering a guest experience that combines history, elegance, wellness and outstanding hos- pitality, and these wins once again reflect both the dedica- tion of our entire team and our success as a world-class luxury destination." Discover more about The Phoenicia Malta at www.phoe- niciamalta.com. HSBC Malta Foundation promotes biodiversity and conservation HSBC Malta Foundation has partnered with the Foundation for the Conserva- tion of the Maltese Honey Bee (KNM) to support pollinatives for School Gar- dens, an initiative aimed at enhancing biodiversity and educating students on the importance of indigenous f lora and pollinators. The event, held at Sa- cred Heart College (Saint Julians) and St Michael's School (Pembroke), saw the planting of native and melliferous plants that provide essential resources for pollinators, including Malta's Na- tional Insect, the Maltese Honey Bee. Through this initiative, students were actively involved in selecting and plant- ing indigenous shrubs such as Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Maltese Stocks (Matthiola incana melitensis), and Med- iterranean Buckthorn (Rhamnus alater- nus). This hands-on approach not only enriched the students' knowledge of local plant species but also emphasised the importance of preserving Malta's natural ecosystem. The plants, spon- sored by HSBC Malta Foundation, were placed directly into the ground to pro- mote sustainability and reduce mainte- nance requirements. The activity was organised with the guidance of Johann Gatt, National Co- ordinator of the LEAF (Learning about Ecosystems and Forests) international programme, managed locally by Nature Trust FEE Malta. His role in educating students on habitat selection and plant- ing methods helped foster a deeper un- derstanding of Malta's biodiversity and conservation efforts. A group of Slovenian beekeepers also participated in the event, sharing their expertise on the conservation of na- tive bee species. They highlighted the threats posed by hybridisation with im- ported bee strains and reinforced the significance of protecting Malta's en- demic Apis mellifera ruttneri. Speaking on behalf of HSBC Malta Foundation, Glenn Bugeja stated: "Ed- ucating young minds about biodiver- sity and sustainability is an investment in the future. By engaging students in conservation efforts, we inspire a gener- ation that values environmental respon- sibility and preservation." To commemorate their participation, all students received limited-edition postcards, designed by HSBC Malta Foundation and KNM Foundation, fea- turing the Maltese Honey Bee on local flora. This symbolic gesture further re- inforces the significance of native spe- cies and the role they play in maintain- ing ecological balance. Through this initiative, HSBC Malta Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sus- tainability, biodiversity, and education, fostering a greener and more informed future for Malta. SAVINA is thrilled to announce the launch of our latest creation: the "Figol- la" Chocolate! Following the overwhelming success of our acclaimed Savina "Prinjolata" choco- late, we are excited to introduce this new treat, featuring a delightful milk choco- late shell with a crunchy almond-filled center. The "figolla" is a traditional Maltese treat, typically crafted from a crunchy bis- cuit pastry filled with almond paste and beautifully decorated in vibrant colors, symbolizing the joy of Easter Sunday. We have crafted this beloved dessert to take on a new form as Savina's "Figolla" Chocolate; a luxurious blend of smooth milk chocolate and a crisp, crunchy al- mond center that perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavor. Each bar is hand decorated with colorful icing, rem- iniscent of the classic figolli we cherish. This decadent chocolate bar not only offers a delightful taste experience but al- so serves as a special gift for loved ones, especially during the Easter season. With the introduction of our "Figolla" Chocolate, we at Savina continue to build on our legacy of excellence, following the success of our renowned 3D homemade almond-filled artisan figolli. Come visit us at the Savina Artisan Cen- tre in Xewkija and treat yourself to a sam- ple of these delightful Easter treats. For a limited time, the new 'Figolla' Chocolate is available at a special discounted price. Introducing Savina's 'Figolla' chocolate: A luxurious twist on a traditional Maltese favourite