1. Brad Pitt at Mgarr ix-Xini and out at sea
Mr Pitt may have been working while on the Maltese islands – starring in his wife’s directorial debut, By the Sea – but he was seen with his kids and (now ex-) wife kicking back in Gozo, while based in Mgarr ix-Xini. The film set was actually built there, but the couple honeymooned in the area, while also enjoying a boat trip or two just off Malta’s sister isle during that first flush of romance. Their marriage may be long gone but you can still head to the bucolic beach, which is popular with divers. The restaurant down by the bay serves some of the freshest fish!
2. Chris Hemsworth, Valletta streets and Gozo
Yes, Thor himself came to our isles for a well-deserved break! The superhero actor was spotted in various locations around Valletta – it’s been reported he was staying at the classy boutique hotel, Casa Ellul. He was holidaying on the islands with his family, including his wife of nine years, Elsa Pateky, and they even hopped to Gozo for an event. What we wouldn’t have given to have seen him in the flesh! (ahem…)
3. Bebe Rehxa, on a boat out at sea
American singer and songwriter Bebe Rehxa looks like she’s having a pretty laid-back (cough) time in this snap. The star, who was in Malta for Isle of MTV, had enough time in her busy schedule to take a bit of a break and lounge out at sea. Blue waters, sparkling sunshine and, yes, pure bliss! She may have courted some controversy on the trip itself but we’re sure that’s not all she remembers of the day!
4. Ava Max, Blue Lagoon
Also in Malta for Isle of MTV2019, Ava Max seemed to have been inspired by her colleague as she hit the waves and headed to Comino to savour the turquoise waters off the small island. For how can you hop to our islands without experiencing the drama of those rocky coastlines?
5. K-Pop stars, BTS – Valletta, out at sea and Marsaxlokk
These guys caused quite a sensation when they flew all the way to our rock from South Korea for a bit of down time. K-pop sensation BTS – a seven-piece ensemble also known as the Bangtan Boys - were seen living the high life sightseeing in Valletta’s Upper Barrakka gardens, on a boat out at sea and even in the colourful fishing village of Marsaxlokk. News reports even claimed they performed live in one of the capital’s eateries!
6. Anthony Kiedis, Red Hot Chili Peppers – Gozo
It’s highly unlikely that Anthony Kiedis of super rock group Red Hot Chilli Peppers was looking for any sort of Californication on his visit to Gozo, more than 10 years’ ago, though the small isle does have more than its fair share of charm. He is said to have rented a farmhouse on the island and to have chartered a boat to explore the seas around Malta. Was he jamming the whole time? We’d like to think so.