Drawn by Malta’s beauty, Anna Unanova relocated from Russia in 2022 and joined AX Hotels as an Events Coordinator, quickly advancing to Sales Coordinator within three months. Today, as a Sales Executive, she manages Leisure and MICE groups across AX The Palace, AX The Victoria, and AX Palazzo Capua in Sliema. With 14 years of experience spanning Sales & Marketing, Weddings & Events, Reservations, and Front Desk roles, Anna’s passion for hospitality shines through – “I truly enjoy the experiences and the results that come with it,” she shares.

Memorable Moments at AX Hotels, Sliema

Anna recalls the surprise celebration her colleagues planned for her recent marriage, calling it one of her most heartwarming moments. She also enjoyed stepping in as a model for restaurant photo shoots, seeing her images featured in promotional materials and on the hotel’s website. Giving back is just as important to her, particularly through company-wide charitable initiatives like painting walls at a residential home for vulnerable children – “I encourage everyone to support local communities. Every little bit helps,” she says.

Role & Responsibilities

In her role, Anna oversees group accommodations, prepares contracts and invoices, manages payments, and organises events. She works closely with clients to fine-tune details and ensure seamless execution, particularly under tight deadlines. Her primary focus is driving revenue across accommodations, food & beverage and conference facilities while delivering exceptional service.

Words of Advice

Anna encourages aspiring hospitality professionals to “be confident, keep growing and strive for excellence in their field.” She believes in the power of memorable guest experiences and remarks that “guests always remember the staff who made them feel welcome. Be that person who leaves a lasting impression.”

For those considering a career with AX Group, she highlights the company’s supportive environment commenting that “joining AX Group means becoming part of a family that genuinely cares about your growth and success. If you’re passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn, you’ll find endless opportunities to thrive here.”

A Day in the Life of a Wedding Specialist at AX Hotels

For nearly three years, Victoria Butterworth, Wedding Specialist at AX Hotels, has been turning dreams into reality. With her creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and passion for hospitality, Victoria specialises in planning elegant, personalised weddings that leave lasting impressions. Read more about Victoria’s journey and her role at AX Hotels below.

“Since joining AX Hotels, I’ve had the privilege to manage a variety of high-profile events, from corporate conferences to luxury weddings. These experiences helped me discover my passion for wedding planning. AX Hotels encouraged me and gave me the opportunity to develop our in-house wedding services, allowing me to curate beautiful celebrations for our clients.” shares Victoria.

Among her many achievements, one of Victoria’s most memorable events was an intimate destination wedding that beautifully blended Maltese tradition with modern style. “The couple dreamt of an outdoor ceremony followed by a candlelit reception. Despite the challenge of unpredictable weather, the event came together perfectly reflecting everything we strive for at AX Hotels – flawless, heartfelt celebrations that highlight the best of our venues.

Victoria’s day-to-day responsibilities include planning and coordinating weddings and other events. This involves understanding each client’s vision, managing budgets, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring every detail runs smoothly. “The biggest challenge is juggling multiple events while adapting to last-minute changes, but my goal is always the same – to exceed client expectations and build lasting relationships that bring them back to AX Hotels.

“Before joining AX Hotels, I gained invaluable experience at The Ivy, one of London’s most renowned restaurants. Working in this fast-paced, high-standard environment instilled in me the importance of delivering impeccable service and exceptional guest experiences, shaping my approach to wedding planning. Now, as a Wedding Specialist, I guide couples through one of the most significant days of their lives, ensuring each wedding is unique and the process is as seamless as possible. From venue selection to menu curation, I encourage couples to focus on a few high-quality details that create an elegant, memorable atmosphere without being overwhelming.

“What excites me most about my role is that no two weddings are ever alike, each celebration brings new ideas and challenges.” Outside of work, her love for cooking allows her to experiment with new flavours and relax after a busy day. Cooking is a creative outlet where Victoria unwinds and explores new cuisines” much like event planning, it’s about bringing people together to enjoy an experience.”

“To anyone considering a career in hospitality, my advice is to be proactive and set your own goals. AX Hotels is a fantastic choice for those passionate about the industry, as it values creativity, collaboration, and growth.”

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, AX Hotels offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. Discover more about joining our team here.

If you’re ready to let your wedding dreams blossom, join us at The AX Palace Weddings Fair, taking place on the 21, 22, and 23 of February 2025. Meet our team, explore our venues, and start planning your perfect day.

Kerr Floyd Subere’s journey at AX The Palace is a remarkable story of resilience and growth. For over eight years, he worked his way up from a concierge to Front Office Shift Leader, proving that determination and hard work can turn dreams into reality. Read on to learn more about the challenges and triumph’s Kerr experienced throughout his time at AX The Palace in Sliema.

“Looking back on the past eight years of my life in Malta, I am filled with gratitude and a deep sense of accomplishment. When I first stepped into AX The Palace Hotel, I was just a kitchen porter working through an agency. It was a humble beginning, but I’ve always believed that ambition, hard work, and determination could take me anywhere.

I took a leap of faith and applied for a role in reception, starting as a luggage porter/concierge. A few months later, I moved up to Front Office Agent, and eventually, I earned the title of Front Office Shift Leader. None of it was easy, but that’s the beauty of hard work—it’s not supposed to be easy, but it’s worth it.

The journey was filled with challenges—moments of doubt and even setbacks—but every step taught me something valuable, like I’ll never forget the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when everything felt uncertain. Many friends and colleagues left Malta, returning to their home countries, but I chose to stay. It wasn’t an easy decision. For three months, I lived on government assistance, unsure of what the future would hold. But sometimes, taking a risk and betting on yourself pays off.

I’ll always be thankful to the management for giving me the opportunity to come back with a direct contract. This place didn’t just give me a job; it gave me a career, a platform to grow, and memories to last a lifetime. I’ve learned so much here—about hospitality, teamwork, resilience, and above all, the power of determination.

Throughout my journey, I also discovered the true essence of hospitality: serving others. Guests were at the heart of everything I did. They challenged me to be better, inspired me to go the extra mile, and made every effort worthwhile. I was proud to serve both my company and our guests, knowing that their satisfaction was the reason I excelled in my career. Building relationships, creating memorable experiences, and seeing the smiles on their faces were some of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

To anyone out there chasing dreams that feel out of reach, let me tell you this: aim high, work hard, and never stop believing in yourself. Success isn’t always a straight path; sometimes, it’s the winding road that leads you to where you’re meant to be. Prove to yourself and to others what you’re capable of, and the opportunities will follow.

As I move on to new adventures, I carry with me the lessons, the friendships, and the pride of everything I’ve achieved. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, AX The Palace Team, for being such an incredible part of my journey.

And to everyone reading this—dream big, take risks, and trust the process. You can achieve what once felt intangible if you stay determined.”

Joseph Galdes, IT Manager at AX Group Business Centre, shares his passion for theatre, explaining how his enthusiasm for the performing arts has not only enriched his personal life but also enhanced his professional experiences. Discover more about how he blends these two worlds below.

I am proud to share that our recent production “Pandemonju” was recognised at the Cospicua Short Play Festival, winning awards for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Production. This acknowledgment marks a highlight in my long-standing involvement in the theatre world, a passion that has been a part of my life since childhood.

My journey into theatre began early, with encouragement from Mr. Giovann Attard, an Education Officer in Drama in Education, who urged me to take the stage during my primary school years. In secondary school, at Liceo Mikiel Anton Vassalli, I expanded my skills to backstage production under the guidance of Mr. Paul Buhagiar, where I gained experience in stage building, lighting, and sound for the school’s prize day.

After a decade-long break, I returned to the theatre in 2010 with the Zebbug Pageant Group, and since then, I have been deeply involved in numerous productions. For the past seven years, I have volunteered at Teatru Dumnikan in Birgu, working alongside esteemed local actor and director Mr. Mario Gatt. We are part of the UNITAS theatrical company, staging productions in this beloved venue. I must say that the theatre is in need of refurbishment, and without adequate support, we risk losing this important cultural space! I hope that with this article I can raise awareness about this.  We welcome any form of assistance, whether financial contributions or hands-on support from those willing to offer their time and skills in the refurbishment process.

In my professional life, I serve as the IT Manager at AX Group, and while IT is my career, theatre offers a different kind of fulfillment, one that allows me to explore creativity and collaboration. These two worlds complement each other, bringing a sense of balance to my life.

My technical theatre skills have grown through various productions under directors like Mr. Patrick Vella, with shows such as “In Search of Rudolph,” “l-Elett,” “Tlieta Fuq il-Bank” and the more recent award-winning production “Pandemonju.”

I’ve also worked on productions like “Bank il-Għażż” and “Il-Kamra tal-Purtiera l-Vjola,” directed by Mr. Stefan Galea Debono.

My passion for theatre provides a creative outlet that enriches both my personal and professional life. I encourage you all to attend our upcoming theatre production; “Il-Ġisem li Nħobb” happening on the 15th, 16th and 17th November at Mikiel Anton Vassalli College, Malta School of Drama and Dance, Triq Mountbatten, Pietà. Buy the tickets from https://www.showshappening.com/ilgisemlinhobb/IlGisem-li-Nhobb. Hope to see you there!

Embarking on an internship is often seen as the first step into the professional world, a chance to gain hands-on experience and determine if a chosen career path is the right fit for you. Monica Teuma, who progressed from a successful intern to a full time Marketing Coordinator shares that “this step was more than just a trial run – it marked the beginning of a journey that eventually led to a full-time role within a company where I could further develop my skills”

Here’s more about Monica’s story of growth, learning, and advancement at AX Group.

 

Starting as an Intern

Monica comments that “AX Group, had always stood out to me as a company where I could truly develop my skills and build a meaningful career. When I was offered an internship with the Marketing & PR department, I knew it was an opportunity not to be missed. The chance to work with a well-established company was exciting, and I was eager to contribute and expand my knowledge in the field.”

The supportive environment at AX Group played a significant role in Monica’s development as an intern. “My colleagues were incredibly helpful, always ready to share their expertise and guide me through challenges.” The mentorship provided helped her grow her skills and confidence within the marketing field. “I learned to approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset and developed a keen eye for detail, which has served me well in my current role.” she adds.

 

The Transition to Full-time

“Shortly before completing my degree, I was approached by the Head of Department with an offer to join the team as a full-time employee. Receiving this offer was truly gratifying as it signified that my hard work had paid off and that I had made a positive impact during my internship. I was thrilled to accept the position, knowing that I would be working with a great team of people on exciting projects.”

 

In the Role of Marketing Coordinator

Monica explains that “today, as a Marketing Coordinator at AX Group, I draw on the experiences and skills I gained during my internship. The seamless transition from intern to full-time employee made it feel as though I had never left. I continue to be driven by the same interest and enthusiasm that initially attracted me to the company. My goal is to keep learning and growing, seizing every opportunity to enhance my skills and contribute to the success of the team.”

“Looking ahead, my aspirations are clear – to continue evolving within the Group, take on new challenges, and expand my knowledge and expertise in the field. My journey from an intern to a full-timer has been a rewarding experience and I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. I look forward to what the future holds as I continue to build my career with AX Group.” Monica proudly adds.

On a final note, she mentions that “while the commute from Gozo to Malta can be demanding, the opportunity to work with AX Group makes it worthwhile. The positive work environment, my talented colleagues and opportunities are well worth the journey. Plus, being known as the ’Gozo expert’ around the office comes with its perks—though I might start charging for those insider tips soon!”