HV Hospitality has welcomed the Planning Authority’s decision to approve the Comino project, following an extensive five-year planning and consultation process.
The company said that the project will see the full redevelopment of the existing 1960s hotel and bungalows at San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay on the island of Comino.
“The €170 million investment will introduce a lower-density, more sustainable tourism model on the island, the company said.
“The new project will reduce guest numbers from 284 to 240 and is set on a smaller footprint. In response to feedback from stakeholders including the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), the number of bungalows was reduced from 21 to 16, with no development to take place on undisturbed land.”
Melo Hili, CEO of Hili Ventures, said, “this important milestone affirms our vision to create a world-class hotel that elevates Malta’s tourism product while respecting the unique character of Comino. We are proud to partner with Six Senses, a sustainability-focused hospitality brand, to deliver a carefully integrated and environmentally responsible destination.”
The company went on to say that “designed by Belvedere Architecture, the project will restore over 8,200 sqm of developed land back to its natural state. More than 55,000 endemic trees, plants, and shrubs will be planted as part of the first reforestation initiative of its kind in Malta.”
It stressed that, “the new Six Senses Comino will remain dedicated exclusively to tourism, in line with declared intentions and the existing land concession.”
HV Hospitality stated that “the project also includes commitments to:”
• Improve public access to the foreshore
• Eliminate any discharge of untreated sewage into the sea
• Restore garigue habitats and comply with the Natura 2000 Management Plan
• Adhere to strict ERA-imposed conditions and respect Comino’s dark sky environment
• Achieve LEED certification for sustainable buildings
Photo: HV Hospitality