Inside the design of Hyatt Centric Malta

Following the success of Hyatt Regency Malta, the internationally renowned Hyatt brand expanded its presence on the island with the launch of Hyatt Centric Malta last November. Nestled in the heart of St Julian’s, the new modern lifestyle hotel places guests at the centre of the action, with direct access to the area’s lively nightlife, diverse culinary scene, and stunning coastline - all within close proximity to Malta’s historical centres.

Tasked with bringing Malta’s urban charm and heritage to life, Fabris & Partners collaborated with ESS, Malta’s premier lighting supplier. Together, they designed key lighting features that provide guests with a distinct sense of place from the moment they arrive.

A defining feature of the hotel’s exterior is its façade, designed in collaboration with ESS and Fabris & Partners to mirror the vibrancy of St Julian’s after dark. Like a chameleon, it shifts effortlessly through a dynamic spectrum of blue, white, red, and green, creating a captivating play of light and colour. The LED-lit exterior, arranged in a dynamic linear composition, creates a futuristic yet refined aesthetic, reinforcing the hotel’s presence in the city’s bustling nightlife district.

This bespoke RGBW LED system, developed in partnership with Atenalux, an Italian leader in architectural and commercial lighting, is designed to subtly shift colours, adding depth and movement to the building’s sleek, modern lines. Transforming with each striking shift in hue, the façade perfectly captures St Julian’s urban spirit, ensuring the hotel stands out as a beacon of contemporary design in Malta’s most dynamic entertainment hub.

Beyond its vibrant façade, Hyatt Centric Malta also embraces the softer, more tranquil side of the island’s character. Inspired by Malta’s natural landscape, the indoor pool area offers a serene wellness retreat, providing guests with a peaceful escape. Characterised by exposed limestone walls and bathed in warm, ambient lighting, the pool area evokes a Mediterranean sanctuary—even if only for a short while. At its centre, a stunning light composition reflects elegantly over the pool’s surface, enhancing the immersive experience.

The organic light composition, featuring seven wall luminaires from Contardi’s Babu outdoor collection, plays a pivotal role in defining the pool area’s ambience. Recognised for its refined craftsmanship and bespoke lighting solutions, Contardi revived production of the Babu range exclusively for this project, delivering additional wall luminaires to complete the vision.

Designed by Massimiliano Raggi, the Babu outdoor collection integrates geometric patterns and tribal-inspired motifs with weather-resistant Sunbrella fabrics and velvet trims, harmonising effortlessly with the textured limestone walls. The contrast between the soft fabric elements and raw stone adds depth and texture, while the luminaires’ warm glow interacts with the water, creating a dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and movement. This thoughtful integration elevates the tranquil ambience, ensuring that lighting is not just a functional feature but an essential element of the space’s immersive atmosphere.

The Hyatt Centric Malta project highlights the essential role of lighting in shaping immersive hospitality experiences. From the vibrant façade to the serene indoor pool area, carefully integrated lighting solutions enhance both the hotel’s atmosphere and guest experience. This collaboration reflects ESS’s ongoing commitment to delivering thoughtful and high-quality lighting solutions to Malta’s hospitality sector, a dedication strengthened by over two decades of industry expertise.