New Year Reading Retreat · Malta
The Hidden Palace
in Malta
28 December 2026 to 2 January 2027 · 5 nights
Welcome the New Year in Malta with a good book, warm winter sunshine and a group of fellow book lovers.
A New Year reading retreat
Start the year somewhere a little different
Imagine finishing the year somewhere warm, with a good book, good company and the sea not far away. Then imagine waking up on New Year's Day with another few days still ahead of you.
This five-night Malta reading retreat is a relaxed and sociable way to spend the Christmas and New Year period. There will be shared meals, book discussions and time to explore, but also plenty of space to read, reflect and simply enjoy being away.
Our featured book is The Hidden Palace by Dinah Jefferies, a sweeping historical novel of love, loss and resilience set in the aftermath of war.
The essentials
Your Malta reading retreat
Five nights over New Year
St Paul's Bay
Qawra, St Paul's Bay
Dinah Jefferies
The book
Read The Hidden Palace in Malta
A richly atmospheric historical novel about love, loss,
family and resilience in the aftermath of war.
The Hidden Palace is the second novel in
Dinah Jefferies' Daughters of War series. It follows
characters dealing with the consequences of war,
relationships and new beginnings as their lives unfold
against an evocative European backdrop.
Malta provides an intriguing setting in which to explore some of the themes running through the novel. Its own wartime history, limestone architecture, grand buildings, harbour views and intimate streets give us plenty to talk about as we read.
We'll have a hosted discussion about The Hidden Palace, as well as our relaxed “A Book I Love” evening where everyone can bring a favourite title to the conversation.
The setting
Malta at New Year
Mild winter weather, golden limestone streets and the chance to explore Malta without the crowds of summer.
Malta is particularly appealing at this time of year. While much of northern Europe is cold and dark, the island has a milder winter climate and plenty of bright days for walking, exploring and sitting outside with a coffee.
Christmas decorations remain in place and the island has a relaxed festive atmosphere as it moves towards New Year's Eve.
From our base in St Paul's Bay, there will be opportunities to explore Valletta, Mdina and the coastline, or simply slow down and enjoy the hotel with a book.
See the hotel and full holiday details →
More than a reading retreat
Let Malta become part of the story
The joy of a Books in Places trip is that the book and the destination give you something to look at together. Malta provides plenty of places to explore, discuss and simply enjoy.
Explore Valletta
Wander through the narrow streets, grand buildings and atmospheric courtyards of Malta's historic capital.
Discover Mdina
Explore the ancient walled city with its quiet lanes, limestone architecture and remarkable views across Malta.
Talk about the book
Join relaxed, hosted discussions about The Hidden Palace and its characters, themes and setting.
Celebrate New Year
Enjoy a special New Year celebration and begin 2027 with fellow book lovers.
Share a favourite book
Our “A Book I Love” evening is a chance to introduce everyone to a book you have enjoyed.
Take things slowly
There is no need to fill every day. Leave time to read, wander, have coffee and enjoy Malta at your own pace.
Coming on your own?
You can come on your own without being on your own
Most Books in Places guests travel alone, so you won't be the only person arriving without knowing anyone else.
You'll have your own room and plenty of time to yourself, but there are shared dinners, book discussions and relaxed evenings where you can get to know the other guests.
And everyone already has something in common. We all love books.
Start the New Year with fellow readers, a good book and somewhere new to explore.
During the retreat
A gentle rhythm for the end of the year
- Hosted evenings with book discussions and shared dinners
- A special New Year celebration evening
- An “A Book I Love” evening where guests share a favourite read
- Time to explore Valletta, Mdina and the coastline
- Optional excursions and guided walks
- Plenty of free time to read, relax and enjoy Malta
What's included
Everything you need for your New Year escape
- Five nights at the Mayflower Hotel, St Paul's Bay
- Room for sole use
- Breakfast each day
- Hosted dinners and book discussions
- Four dinners with half a bottle of wine per person
- Return airport transfers
- ATOL-protected flights where applicable
28 December 2026 – 2 January 2027
Welcome the New Year with a book in Malta
Five nights of books, sunshine, conversation and a very different way to start the year.
This trip is operated in partnership with Friendship Travel, with Books in Places hosting the reading programme.
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