TL;DR: Pavla Borg runs breathwork and cold-water sessions near Malta’s northwest coast. I asked her ten questions about what visitors actually get out of it. Her answers are worth reading if you’re after something more grounding than another boat trip.
Jump to: What Pavla does · Your first session · Who it’s for · Why Malta matters · What you take home · About Pavla · FAQ
A Different Kind of Malta Morning
I’ve lived in Malta for a few decades and I still find new ways this island surprises people. Most visitors come for the temples, the diving, the limestone honey-light. Fair enough — that’s the draw. But every so often I meet someone doing something here that makes me think: that’s a side of Malta nobody writes about.
Pavla Borg is one of those people. She runs breathwork and cold-water immersion sessions from a garden near Il-Majjistral Nature Park — giant cacti, olive trees, the northwest coastline a short walk away. Her clients range from stressed-out remote workers to couples wanting a half-day that doesn’t involve a Segway.
I sat down with her (virtually — she was probably standing in a cactus garden) and asked ten questions about what she does, who it’s for, and why Malta’s coastline makes the whole thing work differently than it would anywhere else.
1. For someone visiting Malta, how would you describe what you do in a simple way?
I guide people through a unique experience that combines breathing techniques, time in nature and a short immersion in cold water. It’s a simple but powerful way to reset the body and mind. Many people describe it as a kind of natural “reset button” during their stay in Malta.
2. Many people come to Malta for the sea, sunshine and sightseeing. What can a session with you add to that kind of trip?
Most travellers experience Malta by looking at it: the history, the architecture, the beautiful coastline.
What we do is different because it allows people to experience the island with their whole body. Whether it’s swimming in the moonlight or doing breathwork session in a Mediterranean garden surrounded by giant cacti, you feel the landscape in a very direct way. It becomes a memorable moment of connection with the place rather than just another activity on the itinerary.
3. If a traveller has never tried breathwork or cold exposure before, what does a first session usually feel like?
People are often surprised by how accessible it is. We start by shifting the way people think about the experience and approaching it with curiosity rather than fear. The breathwork that follows helps the body relax and focus. When people enter the water, it can feel intense for the first few seconds but with guidance, most people quickly find their calm. Participants finish the session feeling clear, energised and deeply relaxed at the same time.
4. What kind of person tends to enjoy this most when they are on holiday in Malta?
Curious people. People who enjoy meaningful experiences rather than just ticking sights off a list. Some come because they are interested in wellness or personal growth. Others simply want to try something different while travelling. I also meet many visitors who live very busy lives and appreciate having a few hours that feel spacious and grounding.
Most sessions are small and personal and I also work one-to-one with travellers who want a more tailored experience by the sea.
5. Some people hear “cold water” and think it sounds intense. How do you make the experience approachable for beginners?
Everything is gradual and guided. We prepare the body with breathing and explain what to expect. People stay in the water only for a short time and always within their own comfort level. The goal is not to push limits but to discover how the body can adapt to something new.
6. How much does Malta itself shape the experience? Does the sea, the light and the landscape change the way people respond?
Malta plays a huge role. The sea is incredibly clear, the cliffs and coastline create beautiful natural spaces and the light here is extraordinary.
Many of my sessions take place in my Mediterranean garden near Il-Majjistral Nature Park, surrounded by olive trees, palms, succulents and some of the largest cacti on the island. It’s a very different landscape from northern Europe and people often notice that immediately. Breathing deeply in this setting, sometimes ending the session with a sunset walk to the sea or a swim, creates an experience that feels deeply connected to the island.
7. For a visitor who feels stressed, tired or overloaded, what do you think breathwork and cold water can help with most?
Many people travel while carrying a lot of stress from daily life. Breathing practices help calm the nervous system and bring attention back into the body. The cold water then creates a very immediate feeling of alertness and presence. People often say they feel clearer, lighter and more energised afterwards.
8. Would you say this is more about relaxation, mental clarity, resilience, or something else entirely?
A bit of all three. Some people experience deep relaxation, others feel a strong boost of energy and focus. What many share is a newfound sense of trust and confidence in their own body. They also discover that if they can stay calm in a challenging environment like cold water, they can apply the same techniques to stressful moments in everyday life.
9. If someone only has a half day free during their Malta trip, why might this be a more memorable choice than a more typical activity?
Because it’s not something you simply see, it’s something you experience. Many sessions take place in my Mediterranean garden next to Il-Majjistral Nature Park, with the option to walk to the cliffs for sunset or a swim. Instead of simply visiting Malta’s landscape, you spend time fully present in it: breathing, slowing down and reconnecting with your senses.
People often tell me the experience leaves them feeling clearer, calmer and confident in their own resilience, something they carry with them long after the session ends.
10. What do you hope people take home with them after the experience, apart from the memory of doing something different in Malta?
I hope they leave with a sense of connection to nature, to their breath and to their own inner strength. And perhaps the realisation that something as simple as breathing and stepping into cold water can shift how we feel very quickly.
That’s a tool they can take anywhere in the world.
About Pavla Borg
Pavla Borg is a registered UKIHCA Health Coach, certified Wim Hof Method instructor and breathwork coach based in Malta. She offers small-group and private experiences that combine breathwork, nature and cold-water immersion by the Mediterranean Sea.
Contact Pavla: WhatsApp +356 9984 2425 · myheroicwellness.com · Instagram
Planning a Trip to Malta?
If Pavla’s sessions sound like your kind of thing, you’ll probably appreciate staying somewhere that isn’t a resort corridor. I rent out a short-let apartment in Gżira — central, walkable to Valletta and Sliema, and a good base for exploring the quieter side of the island. Have a look here.
Do I need experience with breathwork to do a session in Malta?
No. Pavla’s sessions are designed for complete beginners. She guides you through everything step by step.
How cold is the sea in Malta for cold-water immersion?
Malta’s sea temperature ranges from about 15°C in winter to 26°C in summer. Even in the cooler months, it’s milder than northern European waters, which makes it a good place to try cold exposure for the first time.
Where do the sessions take place?
Most sessions happen in Pavla’s Mediterranean garden near Il-Majjistral Nature Park on Malta’s northwest coast, with optional walks to the sea and cliffs.
Can I book a private session as a visitor?
Yes. Pavla offers one-to-one sessions tailored to individual visitors. Contact her directly via WhatsApp or through her website.
How long does a session last?
A typical session takes around two to three hours, making it a good fit for a half-day if you’re on a short trip.
Stay in Gżira near the promenade
A designer 2-bedroom apartment in Gżira, close to the church, around 2 minutes from the promenade, and near Manoel Island.
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