August 25, 2023

A world-famous actor and satisfied guests from all over the world: there are many very good reasons why Villa Marni in Xlendi offers the perfect holiday feeling.

Is it true? Or just a rumour? Read on – we’ll solve the mystery…

One thing is for sure: for years now, word has been spreading around Xlendi that a very famous US actor has been staying in this elegant, modern villa from time to time…

This, for example, is what passengers hear whispered to them by their tour guide as they drive in the excursion jeep past the striking villa down to the bathing bay of Xlendi. But which villa are we talking about? You guessed it, the whisper refers to Villa Marni – the place where you can always book a chic apartment for the perfect holiday.

But first things first. As I said, we’ll get back to the film star thing in due course. For now, let’s talk about the environment that awaits you when you book Villa Marni and why this holiday destination can offer you an unforgettable stay.

Not far away from Villa Marni: The impressively tall Sanap cliffs.

Ulysses Village

This is the name of the friendly and tranquil area just a few minutes’ walk above Xlendi Bay. It is a dignified villa area with a pleasantly private atmosphere – with proud palm trees in the front gardens and a flair that is one hundred per cent “Mediterranean”.

Those who are lucky enough to live here permanently or come to Villa Marni on holiday can look forward to the harmonious coexistence of the colours blue, yellow and green every month. How does it work? Quite simple:

1

The sky above Ulysses Village is almost always blue at any time of the year.

2

The many detached villas around Villa Marni are mostly built of Gozo’s typical ochre-yellow limestone.

3

And thirdly, not only the aforementioned palm trees, but also other typical Mediterranean plants and shrubs make Ulysses Village green practically all year round. All in all it looks very pleasant…

The focal point of Ulysses Village - plus two attractive maisonettes nearby

Also your perfect vacation spot: The imposing Villa Marni in Xlendi.

But let’s get back to the eye-catching feature of this tranquil area: the ultra-modern Villa Marni. The building has floor-to-ceiling windows and is flooded with soft Mediterranean light – but of course you can close the blinds in any apartment to suit your mood. The building’s facade is also eye-catching, combining the distinctive Gozitan limestone with white Bauhaus-style elements. And because life at its best – especially on holiday – is all about variety: It’s up to you whether you want to spend a relaxing holiday in one of the four very well-appointed apartments “Baħar/Luna/Parfum/Sonne” inside Villa Marni or in the equally interesting maisonettes “Luzzu” and “Djamant“ on the opposite side of the street. All in all, there are six worthwhile holiday homes to choose from on Gozo, with Simon & Janina as thoughtful hosts who will always have an open ear for you.

You have probably already read all about what the four apartments and two maisonettes have to offer here on Simon & Janina’s website…

Much approval and praise from the guests - the second holiday at Villa Marni-third is already being planned...

So you can expect a wonderful holiday – the great internet reviews from guests all over the world speak for themselves. For example Kerrin from England. She has been to Villa Marni twice on holiday… and is already looking forward to the next time…

You can read all the reviews from satisfied guests on this website under the heading “Reviews“, but here are just a few examples of what convinces again and again…

…well-divided and spacious apartments, the rooms are tastefully furnished and modern, the flat screen TV even has Netflix, the rooms are always well maintained and clean, the kitchen is modern and lacks none of the most important utensils, the pool with the comfortable sunbeds in the beautiful garden is another highlight…

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This is the verdict of satisfied guests, not only Kerrin from England, who plans to return – when it’s finally time for holidays again.

An ideal base for exploring Gozo's many attractions, with great restaurants nearby in Xlendi Bay.

Villa Marni is also ideally situated for the most precious time of the year. In Xlendi Bay you will find just about everything you need for a stress-free holiday. There is a small, well stocked supermarket, several restaurants either on the water’s edge or very close by, various souvenir shops for family and friends back home, and the bay itself has a small sandy beach with easy, child-friendly access to the sea. I don’t want to leave out my favourite places, Ta’ Karolina and Pirate’s Galley, where my friend Jacob Attard runs the place with great insight, humour and always delicious food.

As for the many other places to visit and explore on the Mediterranean island of Gozo, check out my other blog posts… from idyllic to exciting to extraordinary, practically everything is there.

The famous comedian rehearses at Villa Marni, the world-famous film producer lives there and then there's the mystery of George Clooney.

These many advantages are also appreciated by people you know from the media. There is “Otto”, for example. A comedian who has a huge following in Germany. Where did he prepare for his role as “King Bee” in the musical “Tabaluga”? You guessed it, of course, at Villa Marni. Together with Pascal Kravetz, German rock star Peter Maffay’s keyboarder, who developed and produced this musical for children and the whole family. The fact that Peter Maffay himself came to the Villa Marni in person should only be mentioned here in passing…

Location Villa Marni in Xlendi: This is exactly where the famous German Comedian Otto and the rock musician Pascal Kravetz from the Peter Maffy Band rehearsed together.

But what about the US film star? Was or is he also present and who is he?

The answer to the riddle: We are talking about George Clooney – unfortunately he has not been here in person to this day. There are, however, connections that revolve around Hollywood and the big screen. Not only was the film ‘By The Sea’ shot on Gozo, with at least equally famous leading actors. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt searched for lost love in this intense screen drama.

One of the producers of the film was the American Chris Brigham, who is well known in the film industry. During the filming in Gozo, Chris stayed at Villa Marni, but you have already guessed that. Not far from Villa Marni is the small but beautiful bay of Mgarr ix-Xini, which was the central location for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in By The Sea.

Two good hosts together with a highly satisfied guest: Simon Gatt (left) and his father Ludgard, in the middle a renowned poducer in the big, wide world of cinema: Chris Brigham, who has already worked with stars such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Daniel Craig.

Two good hosts together with a highly satisfied guest: Simon Gatt (left) and his father Ludgard, in the middle a renowned producer in the big, wide world of cinema: Chris Brigham, who has already worked with stars such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Daniel Craig.

But let’s stay with Chris Brigham, who has worked with many big names. Brigham also worked on the production of the James Bond film No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s last outing as the suave super agent. The same goes for the blockbuster “Argo”, another box office hit. Again, Chris Brigham was part of the production team. Along with an American named George Clooney.

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