Senglea’s iconic Macina revived as exclusive Cugó Gran hotel

Combining an evocative history, a unique harbour location, spectacular views and the very best in modern luxury, Senglea’s iconic Maċina Bastion is being restored and renovated, and will soon come back to life – as an exclusive Cugó Gran hotel.

For centuries, since it was built in 1554 during the reign of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, the Sheer Bastion has been one of the Grand Harbour’s iconic landmarks, deriving its name ‘Macina’ from  the large sheer crane structure (‘macchina’), used to hoist  heavy masts and other cargo, which was eventually dismantled in 1864.

It served as the Labour Party’s headquarters until their move to Mile End in Hamrun.

Now, once again, the Macina is set to be a landmark of a different class, a luxury boutique hotel in a standout building that will be a showpiece within the Cottonera Regeneration Project.

Opening its doors in the summer of 2017, the Cugó Gran – Macina, Grand Harbour will be under the dedicated management of IBB Hotel Collection.  IBB, which currently operates ten hotels across Europe, forms part of the Von der Heyden Group, and has over 25 years of expertise in various leisure and real estate projects.

Against a backdrop of historical fortress walls blended with bespoke interior design and luxury features, the Cugó Gran will truly be a hotel with a difference, offering 21 suites ranging from 40 square metres to an impressive 130 square metres, all having unobstructed views of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding marina.

The suites have been designed with the discerning traveller in mind, having all amenities available in-room. Extravagant free-standing baths and walk-in showers, make the stay all the more comfortable in a historic yet luxurious setting.

The design juxtaposes what is truly old and of historic value from the new, blending natural and traditional materials with modern clean lines. With large communal spaces, high vaulted ceilings and ample natural light, a minimalistic design was enough to create a luxury environment.

The hotel will also offer guests a swimming pool, tucked discreetly on the rooftop of the annex building with a terrace overlooking the picturesque view of Vittoriosa and Cospicua.

The hotel will also offer a bistro, bar and cafeteria, as well as a board room for small conferences.  The rooftop terrace is being tastefully converted to accommodate events for up to 1,000  guests, overlooking the, the Three Cities with  views extending as far as Valletta, ideal for weddings, special events and corporate functions.

Asked about the potential of the property, IBB Hotel Collection CEO, Vladimir Saal, said: “Our Cugó Gran hotel in Malta enjoys an unrivalled historic location and has been designed to surpass the needs of the most discerning traveller looking for a memorable experience.

“This fits in well with our business vision as we grow by focusing properly on each individual market, because every market deserves a different kind of hotel. We recently announced an IBB branded property, in Valletta and this latest, high-end, Cugó Gran operation will be a further step in our Group’s presence in Malta, where we see a lot of potential. IBB will be releasing more information in the coming weeks.

‘’We strongly believing that the Maċina has the potential to regain its former glory and live again as an integral historical part of the Grand Harbour. No expense has been spared to achieve this level of luxury,’’ Saal said.