The Hidden Palace — Sliema, Malta October 2026
A Books in Places reading week inspired by Dinah Jefferies
Overview
Join us for a restorative week in Sliema, staying at the sea-front Plaza Regency Hotel. This is a gentle, book-centred break: long breakfasts, relaxed reading sessions, lively evening discussions and time to explore Malta’s layered history. Our featured book is The Hidden Palace by Dinah Jefferies — a richly atmospheric novel whose post-war setting and sense of place sit neatly against Malta’s dramatic coastline and quiet streets.
The setting
The Plaza Regency sits on Sliema’s elegant promenade overlooking Balluta Bay. Comfortable seafront rooms, indoor and rooftop pools, and easy access to cafés, restaurants and ferries make it an excellent base. From here we can stroll to the old town, catch the short ferry into Valletta, or simply read on a balcony as the sea drifts by.
About the book
The Hidden Palace (Dinah Jefferies) is a beautifully told historical novel of love, loss and resilience in the wake of war. Its sense of place — grand houses, shifting fortunes and quiet domestic dramas — pairs naturally with Malta’s mix of elegant seafronts, baroque streets and hidden courtyards. Reading the book here deepens the colours, textures and small details that bring the story to life.
Why Malta for this book?
Jefferies’ novel draws on the contrasts between public grandeur and private lives, between sea-facing façades and the quieter rooms behind them. Sliema and nearby Valletta offer both: grand promenades and intimate lanes, bustling cafés and secluded chapels. We’ll visit corners of the island that echo the book — from waterfront lookouts to quieter streets where history feels almost tangible — and read in settings that mirror the novel’s mood.
During the week
- Five hosted evenings, including our book-club dinners and group discussions.
- One special “A Book I Love” evening where guests share a favourite title.
- Two free days to explore Valletta, stroll Sliema’s promenade, or relax by the pool.
- Optional local excursions — boat trips, guided walks of Valletta and visits to historic Mdina.
- Plenty of time to read, reflect and discover the island at an easy pace.
What’s included
- 7 nights at the Plaza Regency Hotel, Sliema (seafront room)
- Double/twin room for sole use (single occupancy standard)
- Breakfast each day and four hosted dinners with wine & water
- Return transfers from Malta Airport (approx. 20 minutes)
- ATOL-protected flights where applicable
- Reading materials, hosted discussions and local guidance
Reserve your place
Places are kept deliberately small to keep the week relaxed and sociable. To enquire or book, click the link below. Note: This trip is operated in partnership with Friendship Travel. Details (meals, excursions, flights) are subject to change — exact prices will be confirmed at booking.
