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Sunborn Gibraltar – Experiencing Gibraltar, From The Decks of This 5-star Yacht Hotel & Casino Resort

Recently I visited Gibraltar, gaining a fascinating insight into this historic slice of Britain in the sun. My home-from-home was the luxury Yacht Hotel, Sunborn Gibraltar , writes Andrew Forbes .

Gibraltar is considered one of the ‘Pillars of Hercules’, marking the gateway to the Mediterranean. Connected to the Iberia Peninsula, on the Bay of Algeciras, it’s a thriving community which has been a British Overseas Territory for some three centuries.

Sunborn Gibraltar

Combining the intimacy of a Super Yacht; the glamour of a cruise liner; and the refinement of a luxury hotel, I found Sunborn Gibraltar to be a unique place to enjoy upscale accommodation in Gibraltar. The Liner offers sundecks with bar and plunge pool; a spa & gym; Barbary, the signature fine-dining restaurant; a La Sala Restaurant; and spacious guestrooms and impressive suites with private terraces.

Our 5-Star Yacht Hotel experience

From the moment we arrived we felt embraced by the unique upscale yacht hotel experience. As we completed our guest registration, sipping a glass of complimentary bubbles, we were introduced to the services and facilities onboard. In addition to the bars and dining options, there is also a destination casino. Sunborn offers guests a complimentary drink in the casino’s bar, a chip to join a game of roulette; and also, a credit for the slot machines – it’s a way to break the ice for those new to casinos and provide a little after dinner entertainment.

I have to admit to having a few preconceptions about the accommodation onboard. I have been on cruise liners and yachts before and I know the greatest luxury onboard is always space.

So I was so surprised to see just how spacious our suite was. It was probably bigger than many traditional hotel suites. Sunborn was built as an ocean-going luxury vessel, but in fact never set sail as it was acquired to become the world’s first luxury 5-Star Yacht Hotel (there is now a Sunborn in London, and one planned for Manhattan). So Sunborn has been truly designed for luxury as a floating hotel, permanently moored. In case you were wondering, the boat is in a marina so doesn’t move.

Our suite not only had a spacious entrance area with work desk, but also a living area that opened onto the private terrace, and then led through to the bedroom.

The suite included a very well stocked bar, with a choice of full-size wines and champagnes and lots of tempting treats. The welcome amenity was a thoughtful gesture – fruit, savoury snacks, and treats; a lovely welcome.

The bedroom, with king size bed, and another wide screen TV was a light-filled space that also opened out onto the private terrace.

The bathroom was beautifully presented and included a tub; bespoke amenities and all the creature comforts you could wish for.

Lighting, temperature, privacy sheers, curtains etc were all controlled by an intuitive, touch screen on the multimedia phones.

Dining at Barbary Restaurant

The Barbary Restaurant is where North Africa Meet the Mediterranean. Appropriate really, since from Gibraltar one feels as if it’s possible to reach out and touch Africa. The Strait, here where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, narrows to about 14 kilometres. It is a remarkable sight; where two continents almost touch.

Barbary Restaurant is Sunborn Gibraltar’s signature dining experience, popular with locals and visitors. The menu brings together the exotic flavours and colours of the Barbary coast with the produce of the Mediterranean. This is Gibraltar, so there are some classic British dishes too. It’s like a microcosm of the fascinating mix of culture in Gibraltar – a comforting, almost nostalgic familiarity juxtaposed with the uniquely Mediterranean setting.

It was a real luxury to be able to just head up to deck 7 to enjoy dinner. One can enjoy happy hour drinks at the pool bar and take in the views of Ocean Village marina, and the bay of Algeciras, and then  head up to the restaurant bar to try the special cocktails. I chose the Barbary Tonic, made with Bacur Gin with exotic flavours of ginger, pepper, star anis, cloves and cardamom – it really set the tone for  the meal.

Italian born Executive Chef Mirko Scarabello brings together the flavours of the Mediterranean with dishes that are also prepared on the kitchen’s charcoal Josper grill.

I can highly recommend starting a meal with a sharing selection of Mezze. Even the Arabic bread is homemade; the falafel with black garlic were full of flavour; the hummus was superb; and the smoked aubergine had a colourful and tasty topping of walnuts, pomegranates with labneh and dukkah.

Ordering a main course, one can  continue with North Africana and Mediterranean style dishes like lamb skewer, cous course, tagines;  jospered seabass or yoghurt marinated chicken. But I couldn’t resist the British classics and chose the lamb shank with hand cut chips.

The friendly sommelier is on hand to help guests navigate the wine list. I liked how the restaurant always had a few premium, less well-known wines available by the glass. The choice changes daily, so its worth asking. I tried a superb organic verdejo; and then a delicious Ribera del Duero with my lamb.

It was a splendid meal; in a comfortable setting with a view out across the bay. Services was friendly and attentive.

An Evening with Lady Luck

Well we couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit the Casino on deck 2. After all, guests are invited to a drink at the bar and offered a complimentary bet to place. We didn’t have much success at roulette, but it was fun to enjoy the atmosphere. My travelling companion did better at the slots, winning enough to buy a generous lunch in the heart of Gibraltar the next day!

Stylish Ocean Village Location

The vessel is a self-contained resort. One can enjoy cocktails at the Sapphire Bar; live music at La Sala Restaurant; gourmet dining at Barbary Restaurant; top up your tan on deck and work out in the gym. There’s a spa too.

What’s more there’s Ocean Village to explore. Ocean Village is a prestigious deep-water marina and leisure area within walking distance to  Gibraltar’s International Airport and the frontier with Spain. This is where Sunborn is permanently moored, providing a floating hotel and casino resort amongst the restaurants, bars and shops of the beautifully designed marina complex.

On the other side of the frontier it is easy to pick up a rental car and explore Andalucia. The championship golf courses, and prestigious polo of Sotogrande, and the glorious beaches of Andalusia’s unspoilt Atlantic coast  are all within 30-45 minutes’ drive.

Business and Pleasure

Internationally, Gibraltar is regarded as an important business centre, with an economy that certainly punches above its weight, thanks to online gaming, offshore finance, and maritime services. Yet visitors are not only business travellers. Gibraltar is also a popular destination for tourism, where travellers can start or end a Mediterranean vacation. In addition, its popular with visitors from Spain looking for a unique short-break get-away that combines tax-free shopping; a generous choice of restaurant and bars; history and culture; as well as outdoor activities.

Exploring the Rock

Gibraltar is of course renowned for the Rock, the impressive limestone ridge that defines the identity of Gibraltar. I was already familiar with the shops of the British style main street, so to discover something new, I was really looking forward to taking the vintage cable car to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.

Here we hiked, meeting some of the mischievous macaque monkeys, known locally as Barbary Apes; took in the views from the new glass ‘SkyWalk’; and a stroll across the Windsor Suspension Bridge. There are UNESCO caves, as well as tunnels dating back to the Second World War. It all makes for a very interesting day out.

Contact Details

Website: www.sunborngibraltar.com Address: 5 Ocean Village Promenade, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar

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Sunborn Gibraltar: what the first five-star superyacht hotel looks like a decade on

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With 300 days of sunshine, Gibraltar is a no-brainer when considering a sunny weekend escape. Strategically located at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea , right next to Spain , this tiny British outpost is brimming with history, nature and diverse culture.

As well as a charming old town and the iconic rock, Gibraltar is also a sought after destination for yachters, thanks largely to its VAT-free status. Back in 2013, Sunborn made headlines when its 465-foot purpose-built yacht became the first five-star superyacht hotel in the world to take permanent residence on the sun-soaked overseas territory. A decade on, with Sunborn London under its belt and others in the pipeline, we went along to see whether the floating hotel concept still has appeal.

Docked in the busy Ocean Village Marina , Sunborn has unparallelled views of the prominent limestone Rock of Gibraltar on one side and bobbing yachts on the other. Most of “Gibs”, as locals call it, is accessible on foot. Grand Casemates Square and the main shopping street are a 10-minute walk away, and the route to the airport, which requires you to cross an actual runway, takes no more than 15 minutes.

Guests enter the hotel through a covered pathway laid with a red carpet. Inside, crystal disco ball chandeliers, bright neon lights and a grand stairway await with a spacious reception area plastered in marble. Bling and glamour travel across the hotel, where shades of beige and white contrast with brown and red in the suites and purple in the restaurants.

Sunborn combines the classic cruise ship design with modern designer hotel vibes. The corridors to the rooms are dark, decked out in deep tones of brown wood; while the common areas are bright and flooded with light. Glass cabinets advertising the region’s speciality gin called Spirit of the Rock and Sunborn’s merchandise dress the area around the elevators.

There are 189 rooms and suites, including six one-bedroom penthouse suites and two apartment suites boasting two rooms. Almost all rooms have a balcony or terrace facing the sea or the Rock. Our suite had a large living space and a bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows that opened to a wide balcony with sun loungers, a breakfast table and a sofa overlooking the majestic Rock of Gibraltar. The flamboyance carries through to the bathroom, which is clad in marble and glimmering gold mosaic tiles. From lights to curtains, everything here operates at a press of a button.

If you’re in Gibs to relax, perhaps opt for rooms on the ocean side rather than ones facing the marina, as it tends to get too loud and very noisy, especially over the weekends.

Food & drink on Sunborn

Barbary Lounge on the top deck is where the breakfast buffet is laid out first thing in the morning. The place transforms into an all-day eatery presenting a menu that marries flavours and spices from the Mediterranean and North Africa. Moorish design flows through the interiors with light drapey curtains, floor lamps and patterned carpet. Evenings at Barbary are brought to life by live musicians and DJs entertaining you while you tuck into some smoked aubergine and freshly caught fish.

On the first floor, La Sala is a standout. With plush interiors dressed in silver velvet chairs, the restaurant serves tapas-style food with an Asian and Latin twist. The presentation is immaculate, with flavour combinations that will make you want to try the whole menu. I’d normally pick a star dish, but everything from the gyozas to the salmon gravlax cured in beetroot and sake to our churros for dessert was on point. Pair your dinner with punchy cocktails or a bottle of wine.

The hotel has a couple of bars: Aqua and Sapphire. The former is a casual outdoor space by the pool surrounded by sun loungers, perfect for cooling off the hot Med sun. Sapphire has a more formal indoor vibe, ideal for coffee or afternoon tea.

Facilities on Sunborn

Watch the sun slowly disappear behind much tinier yachts from Sunborn’s top-floor deck. On the other side of the viewing platform are the infinity pool and Aqua bar overlooking glass buildings and a vibrant marina where the party continues until early morning.

No holiday is complete without a spa treatment that allows you to switch off and unwind completely – especially after a climb up the Rock. Infinity Spa offers a selection of anti-ageing facial treatments, relaxing massages, wraps and day-long spa rituals using Elemis and Janssen products. Spend a leisurely afternoon getting a couple’s session with champagne in hand.

The liveliest spots in Gibraltar are quite literally at your doorstep when living at Sunborn. On the ground floor of the property is a casino that is home to 15 jackpot machines, electronic and pinball roulette. The venue also hosts regular poker tournaments and has a VIP area for privacy.

Extracurricular

It might not seem large, but Gibraltar has plenty of interesting activities to fill your days and evening, from hiking and diving to wildlife watching and all-night partying.

The main landmark is the Rock of Gibraltar, a 1,398-foot-high limestone monolith formed over millions of years through sedimentation and tectonic processes. Visitors can take a cable car to the top for 360-degree views of Gibraltar, drive up or hike, making a pit stop at St. Michael’s Cave , where a display of impressive stalagmites and stalactites come to life with a light and sound show. It’s also a natural auditorium for music concerts and events.

Despite its urban surroundings, the Rock is home to diverse plant and animal species. One of the most notable inhabitants is the Barbary macaque, Europe’s only wild monkey population. The flower Gibraltar candytuft is native to the upper section of the Rock and is the only place in Europe where it grows in the wild.

Gibraltar is also famous for its duty-free shopping, much of which is based on Main Street just off the bustling square. While there, make your way to the Garrison Library and the Gibraltar Museum . This quaint museum, located in Bomb House Lane, covers everything from history and culture to archaeological finds and excavations dating back to the 1950s.

Away from land, its waters are home to several species of dolphins that come here to feed and reproduce. Visitors don’t have to go far from the coast to see hundreds swimming under the boat, riding the waves and being playful. The common bottlenose dolphin is the most well known and frequently spotted species.

Best for...

Anyone looking for a long weekend getaway in the hustle and bustle of Gibraltar. Party lovers only need to head outside to access some of the best nightclubs in Gibs, and there are plenty of culinary options too, from Indian to Irish. For families, there is the option of heading to the beach or just relaxing on the sun decks.

Booking details

British Airways and easyJet operate regular flights from London Luton, Gatwick and Heathrow.

Rooms at Sunborn Gibraltar start from £185, with all-inclusive options from £299 per couple, per night. To book, visit sunborngibraltar.com

For more on what to see and do in Gibraltar, visit visitgibraltar.gi

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The Sunborn Yacht, Gibraltar

It takes around five minutes to transfer by taxi from Gibraltar’s airport to the luxury 5-star Sunborn Yacht Hotel, moored in the Ocean Village Marina. The narrow road entrance alongside the immense ship heightens the anticipation of what is to come.

Suddenly, the sounds of music and people, emanating from nearby cafes and bars and restaurants on the marina come into view at left, and to the front, the entrance to the 142-metre superyacht. The covered walkway eases the transition from the marina to the marble floors and vast sparkling chandelier of the Sunborn reception. A staff member offers new guests a tray of drinks at check-in and, once registered, two sets of lifts with floor-to-ceiling glass walls looking out to yachts in the marina, take guests to ultra-cool hotel rooms over six floors. Each has a spectacular view, either of the sea, or the marina, or the Rock; and a state-of-the-art touchscreen system that gives control of lighting, music, tv, temperature, even opening and closing the curtains.

Launched in 2014, the Sunborn is a fascinating introduction to a static but floating luxury yacht. It was built in Malaysia and transported by sea to Gibraltar. It has 18,500 square metres of floor space with 189 guest rooms including suites. On the seventh floor – the top deck –  there is a spa, a sauna and a gym, with an infinity swimming pool on the sun deck. Guest room prices vary from around £200-£2,500 per night, from a Twin-Room with single beds, to the more luxurious Superior King Room with a balcony and sensational views over the marina. And ultimately, the SuperYacht Penthouse suites, on fourth, fifth and sixth decks, which have two bathrooms and extensive living spaces plus expansive private terraces with sunset panoramic views of the sea and marina. Dining on board is first-rate – breakfast has to be one of the best served on board a ship in the Mediterranean – and there are two restaurants.

What is unexpected about staying here is the feeling of space and privacy. This is not a commercial cruise liner. This is a place for people who want to experience a luxury yacht without 4,000 other passengers crowding the view. There are no queues or timed entry for breakfast here. The Sunborn hosts business meetings and conferences, catering weddings for 150-200 guests, and gala events that can entertain 400 people. These take place in the ballroom and meeting rooms on the lower ground levels away from guest accommodation.

The Gibraltar super yacht-hotel, steered to success by COO Marc Skvorc, is the third to be launched by its Finnish owners, pioneers of the yacht-hotel concept. The first in 2003 was the floating Sunborn London, upgraded to a second-generation super yacht-hotel in 2014 with 138 guest rooms. It is moored on the River Thames, at Royal Victoria Dock, near the Excel centre. The success of this venture – in the City of London –  has led to a larger yacht planned to replace the current vessel. But the great advantage of the Gibraltar Sunborn, so successful as a hotel in this land-scarce city, is its location in the Mediterranean with a warm climate year-round – average temperatures for October-November are 21-24 C (70-75F) dipping towards 17-19 C (62-66 F) in winter months with July-August average 28C (82F).

The development of Gibraltar’s Ocean Village Marina and the creation of pedestrianised areas has produced new restaurants and eating places, and with it culinary tourists. Now a group of talented Gibraltarian chefs with their own establishments serve fabulous local dishes, unique to the peninsular. Try eating at The Chimney Tapas Bar to get a taste of what is happening here. Or at The Queen’s Picture House and Eatery filled with cinema memorabilia from the former Queen’s Picture House, and now a fine restaurant creating Gibraltarian specialities.

The lure of mainly retirees to the peninsular has changed. It now attracts younger generations for business and leisure trips. The ease of having the same currency, speaking the same language, and staying in a low-crime city are additives for Brits to visit. Many fly to Malaga, then cross the border from Spain to enter Gibraltar.

And when it is time to leave the luxury and refinement of the Sunborn Yacht Hotel (EasyJet and British Airways serve Gibraltar – plus private jets) perhaps take home the only thing actually produced on the peninsular, the hand-crafted premium gins from ‘Spirit of the Rock’ micro-distillery, sold in the duty-free shop at the airport.

The Sunborn Luxury Yacht Hotel, 35 Ocean Village Promenade, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA. For more information, please visit  www.sunborngibraltar.com . For more details about Gibraltar, including ideas for planning your trip, please visit the official tourism website at www.visitgibraltar.gi .

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Floating Fancy: Sunborn London Yacht Hotel Review

Finding the perfect hotel for a London stay can be tricky, with countless options and locations available. Sunborn London offers something a little more unusual, as it’s not your standard bricks-and-mortar establishment; pick the Sunborn, and you’ll be staying on an extravagant yacht. But while it stands out from the crowd visually, does the rest stand up to scrutiny?

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, to give it its full title, is located at Royal Victoria Dock, an area of east London that has undergone extensive regeneration and is home to the Excel exhibition centre. Despite its Docklands location, the Sunborn yacht is easy to get to, thanks to the new Elizabeth Line that runs through the city, with stops at Heathrow Airport, Paddington, Bond Street and Liverpool Street, to name just a few, where you can connect to most other London underground lines. Arriving by car isn’t too much of a chore either, and with ExCel next door, ample parking is available just a few minutes walk from the hotel.

Arriving at Sunborn London certainly makes an impression. The vast open space in front of the floating hotel allows you to take in the size as you get closer to the riverfront. There’s a lift at dock level – one of few signs that the yacht was indeed built specifically for this purpose – which takes you directly to the stylishly designed reception level, where you are greeted by friendly staff, ready to check you in for a stay.

While the purpose-built yacht might not have sailed the Mediterranean, it still has all the features of a sea-going vessel, with heavy doors and raised sills. There’s even an impressive cruise ship-esque double staircase in the middle of the reception area, which is finished off with a crystal chandelier, adding a touch of elegance.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel: The Room

We spent the night in a mid-range ‘Yacht Executive’ room with a balcony overlooking the surprisingly blue waters of the docks. The room was spacious and comfortable, with a good-sized desk area should you combine business with pleasure. There were a good number of plug sockets dotted about the room and at each side of the bed – something often overlooked – with a mix of UK and European sockets, which was a nice touch. Everything you would expect was there, including tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and a safe, should you need them.

The bathroom was a reasonable size, with a spacious enough shower. Confusingly though, rather than having a simple shower control, there was a bath mixer tap with a shower attached. Once the water was turned on, a toggle needed to be pulled to direct the water through the shower head. With no bath in sight, this seemed rather odd.

Unlike the smaller rooms on the lower two levels, our room had floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, with a double-glazed door leading out onto our little balcony, complete with two chairs. While it was a nice little bit of outside space, it wasn’t well designed in that once seated in the chairs, the view was of the solid steel safety barrier rather than the river. Perhaps some safety glass would be a better bet.

Despite that, it felt like a well-thought-out space, with considerate touches ranging from the surfeit of power sockets to the welcome bottles of water. Between 19 and 23m3, the rooms aren’t huge on paper, but clever use of space and light makes them feel far more generous than they could.

Throughout the cabins and the public areas of the yacht, there are lots of mirrors, reflective surfaces and warm coloured wooden panelling, which adds to the character of Sunborn London, and adds to the sense of space, leaving you in no doubt that you are onboard a vessel.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel: Lands End Restaurant

The onboard restaurant is located at the vessel’s rear, with an outside space providing views towards The O2 and Canary Wharf. Like the rest of the public areas, it is adorned with warm-coloured wood and reflective surfaces, making it feel both welcoming and light and airy.

We began by perusing the wine list and decided on a bottle of prosecco – such glamorous surroundings deserved a few bubbles! The bottle arrived at the table, was opened and poured, only to find that it had been served at room temperature. Our waiter did try to rectify this error, but the second bottle had also not been chilled. A cold bottle was eventually found from the Sundown Bar on the deck below, but two bottles had been wasted by this stage. It’s an amateur mistake to make and set a low bar for the rest of the evening.

Nevertheless, we put this mishap to one side and checked out the food offering. The menu had a good selection of options, with meat and seafood dishes available. However, the choice for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet was very limited.

I selected the mixed marinated olives as my starter, and my dining companion opted for the Gazpacho. Both arrived quite quickly and were tasty and fresh.

The main course was more of an issue, as I suffer from lactose intolerance. My only option was wild mushroom risotto with vegan cheese and grated truffle, with a seasonal house salad on the side. My companion had more choice and opted for the ‘Sunborn’ fish ‘n’ chips, which consisted of beer battered haddock, pea puree and chunky chips.

When the food did arrive at the table, it looked well presented, and while the fish fillet did look relatively small, the risotto was somewhat more substantial.

The wild mushroom risotto was well cooked, the risotto rice was tender, and the dish was well seasoned and tasty. The side salad, however, did leave a little to be desired. There was little or no dressing to add flavour, which was disappointing.

The fish and chips were fine, if unexciting. It’s a dish that’s difficult to get wrong but also difficult to impress with. The kitchen managed to stay in its lane, offering something perfectly acceptable, with fresh chips and tasty mushy peas, although portions were a little meagre.

Dessert was again lacking in options for my needs or those on plant-based diets, with fruit and sorbet being the only, somewhat unimaginative, options. I reluctantly opted for the three flavours of sorbet, while my dining companion opted for the much tastier sounding Bakewell tart with ice cream.

The Bakewell tart arrived without a hitch, but the lack of attention to the order in the kitchen meant that I was served two scoops of sorbet and one scoop of ice cream instead of three of sorbet. Luckily I noticed before I started to eat it, and I immediately notified the manager of the error. My issue is an intolerance rather than an allergy, but had it not been, this could have been a more significant problem.

With few guests in the restaurant the night we dined, there was little excuse for the multiple errors. While a long way from fine dining , the food was perfectly acceptable, but the lack of imagination in the menu and the lack of care in serving the drinks and meal tarnished the experience.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel: Sundown Bar

After dinner, we headed down a deck for a nightcap at the Sundown Bar. As you enter the bar, lights and reflective surfaces surround you from every angle, making it just a little overwhelming against the dusk outside. We decided the sensory overload was a little too much, so we chose a seat on the outside deck with views along the docks to The O2 beyond.

The overall environment and vibe of the place were pleasant and lively, with most patrons spending their time either gazing into each other’s eyes or gazing at the myriad lights of the city twinkling away in the distance. A surprising amount of time can be wasted simply watching the Emirates Air Line cable cars crossing the river, their red lights floating across the skyline in contrast to the blue and white lights of the city.

There is a good selection of drinks available, but they are a little pricey, even allowing for London prices. A Diet Coke and a double Woodford Reserve bourbon came in at £20. The service was swift and friendly, recovering from the faux pas at dinner and rounding off our evening well.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel: Breakfast

Breakfast the following day was on the outside deck of the Lands End restaurant and consisted of a cooked breakfast from the kitchen alongside a self-service buffet. The mix of table service for the hot food and self-service for the rest isn’t that unusual, but it was also self-service for tea and coffee, which, for a luxury hotel , is much less common. Disappointingly, there was hardly any hot water left in the urn to make tea, and what was there was lukewarm at best.

The breakfast was perfectly adequate and served quickly, suggesting that it is precooked in the kitchen and then plated up when ordered. While that’s not a significant problem, it is disappointing to be served fried eggs that have been kept warm a little too long when a fresh egg takes only a minute or two to cook.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel: The Verdict

With countless highly-rated dining options within just a few minutes’ walk from the Sunborn, it’s a surprise and disappointment that the restaurant can’t match the standards that the rest of the hotel sets. With those other options available, though, it’s not something that should put you off, as it’s the hotel that holds the appeal.

What: Sunborn London Yacht Hotel Where: Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1AA Web: SunbornHotels.com

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Hotel Review: Sunborn Super Yacht, Gibraltar

It may be located on the south coast of Spain but Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, known as The Rock thanks to its terrain – Rock of Gibraltar – its viability as a holiday destination has been hampered by the lack of a truly world class hotel in recent years.

However it now looks as though that problem may have been solved. Say hello to the Sunborn , the world’s first luxury super yacht hotel.

Permanently docked in the heart of Gibraltar’s Ocean Village marina development, the 142m long Sunborn offers five star guest rooms and suites across seven floors. There’s also a casino, top floor restaurant, pool bar, spa and fitness centre.

For the first time visitors to Gibraltar can now enjoy “Britain in the Sun” in style.

Sunborn Yacht Hotel – reception

British holidaymakers, in particular, looking for a short break will appreciate the low cost flights available from Manchester, Birmingham and several London airports direct into Gibraltar. This makes a stay at Sunborn a realistic option for anyone who has ever dreamed of staying aboard a super yacht but felt it might be out of their budget.

It starts with a walk along the red carpet that runs up to the reception entrance where a glitzy, glamorous floating hotel experience is available at a relatively affordable price.  It may well be the perfect choice for a romantic sunshine getaway.

It’s also superbly located for exploring everything that Gibraltar has to offer.

Accommodation

Sunborn Yacht Hotel – accommodation

The Sunborn has 189 guest rooms and suites, offering sea, marina and rock views.

Each spacious room has wall to wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow in lashings of daylight and lead out on to a generous private terrace or balcony.

Push the boat out and stay in one of the Sunborn’s 18 luxury suites. Each suite has panoramic views, polished timber sundecks and bespoke furnishings creating an impressive five star finish.

Sunborn Yacht Hotel – sundeck

Situated at the stern of the yacht, the Sunborn’s sundeck is an ideal setting for a relaxing afternoon of sunbathing and sipping cocktails under Gibraltar’s clear blue skies. Or dip into the infinity pool and peer out over the marina below.

If that doesn’t sound tranquil enough, you can also treat yourself to a pampering session in the Sunborn’s Infinity Spa, which offers a wide range of massage, facial and holistic treatments.

You can also burn off those excess holiday calories in the gym, enjoy a spin in the casino and party the night away at the onboard La Sala nightclub and bar.

Food and Drink

Sunborn Yacht Hotel – food

The top deck Sky Bar offers some of the best views in Gibraltar and is the ideal spot to enjoy an afternoon cocktail or pre-dinner drinks.

Wander along to the front of the yacht where you’ll find the newly opened Wheelhouse Bar, serving up an extensive selection of champagne and champagne cocktails.

If you’re feeling hungry there’s classic Mediterranean style cuisine with a contemporary twist to be had in the Sky Restaurant. Salads, soups and fresh fish are all available along with mouthwatering cuts straight from the grill, including the excellent Galician fillet steak.

The Sky Restaurant also offers an outstanding daily brunch with a wide variety of fresh, seasonal choices available.

What’s nearby?

Gibraltar has nature reserves, botanical gardens, panoramic vistas of Morocco from the summit of the Rock, sandy beaches, watersports and, of course, the Barbary Macaques – mainland Europe’s only wild monkey population.

There’s also dolphin sightseeing tours, ancient limestone caves to explore and rich military history all within a 2.6 square mile area.

A trip to the Upper Rock Nature reserve, where you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a close encounter with one of the Rock’s resident primates is an absolute must.  Mini bus tours of the Rock are readily available, while you can also opt to take a cable car up to the top and explore it for yourself.

High speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Nearest airport

Gibraltar International Airport is located just 1 mile from the Sunborn. Monarch airlines fly from Manchester, Birmingham, London Luton and London Gatwick direct to Gibraltar.

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Sunborn Gibraltar: Room service

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Being welcomed aboard a super yacht is an experience usually reserved for those with bank balances as dazzling as those vessels' maple and teak fittings (or at least with friends in that elevated social echelon). However, Finnish firm Sunborn's fixed-location yacht hotels are part of a relatively new concept that seeks to make the experience more attainable, while still an exclusive affair. The company opened in two locations this year: a five-star vessel in Gibraltar and a four-star version parked just outside the ExCel centre in London's Docklands (a third is planned for Barcelona). Both are well-positioned to attract a corporate clientele, but the Gibraltar offering is fixing its sights on sunseekers too.

Despite a booming economy, Gibraltar's hospitality industry has fallen behind; before Sunborn Gibraltar moored in the glossy Ocean Village Marina earlier this year, the territory had no five-star hotels. The €150m, seven-deck yacht was purpose built in Malaysia and meets nearly all the classifications of a sea-faring vessel. It has a captain and a first mate, but there's no fuel tank (it was moved from Malaysia aboard a transport ship). The yacht is secured by six hydraulic arms which allow no more than a one degree tilt each way, so there's no need to worry about developing sea legs.

Gibraltar itself is small with 30,000 native residents and 2.3sq miles of territory, much of which is taken up by the sheer cliffs including the Rock, which remains the undeveloped home to around 300 wild monkeys. Limited space means it's difficult to modernise Gibraltar's hospitality industry but with its theoretically portable approach, Sunborn is a novel solution.

There are two restaurants onboard, the most grand of which is the Sky restaurant on the top deck that can seat 400. This is where the impressive breakfast buffet is served. An extensive gin menu comes into its own for sundowners to be taken on the aft of the top deck where a small, refreshing pool provides a chance to cool off after sunbathing.

Should the boat stay moored here, Gibraltar has a rather glamorous reason to pay a visit.

Gibraltar is mainly geared to business travellers, but nature lovers will enjoy the charms of the barbary macaque colony that lives in the wilds of the Rock – the top of which can be reached by cable car – while the subterranean amphitheatre of St Michael's Cave is astonishing in scale, as are the tunnels constructed by the British Army over the course of 200 years.

Everything is easily accessible, and a half-day tour should satisfy most sightseers. The currency, and shops such as M&S, Morrison's and Clark's, may be British but there's a distinctly Mediterranean feel to socialising – popular marina bars only come to life after midnight.

The yacht's interiors are contemporary but suitably imposing, not least thanks to the vast orb-like Swarovski crystal chandelier in the marble entrance hall. Every room is equipped with a panel through which lights, curtains, air conditioning and even housekeeping can be controlled – a nifty idea, if a tad confusing.

Rooms are somewhat masculine but of a good size, with a king-size bed, large-screen TV, Lavazza coffee machine and Wi-Fi. All have floor-to-ceiling sliding picture windows to welcome in a cool breeze and many have a compact private balcony. Bathrooms are marble and showers come with a choice of a normal high-pressure shower and a more luxurious rain shower. The wardrobe can be accessed from either the bedroom or the doorless bathroom, although thankfully the loo is behind its own etched glass door. Suites come with a lovely, deep bath, but hot water is not plentiful and the Lilliputian toiletries are practically single serve.

Floors are wooden and desks are moulded and fixed to the wall. Modular bed frames have in-built side tables, with a choice of plug sockets and are lined in leather – a design accent on wall panels and wardrobes too. However, while it might be naff to make an origami animal out of a guest's pyjamas, it's surely better than finding them as I did, strewn on top of the bed frame?

Travel Essentials

'Sunborn Gibraltar', Ocean Marina Village, Gibraltar (00 350 2001 6100; sunborngibraltar.com ).

Service ***

Doubles on 'Sunborn Gibraltar' start at £350 with breakfast. Doubles on 'Sunborn London' at £180, B&B.

Rebecca Gonsalves flew to Gibraltar with Monarch, which offers returns from Luton starting at £147 ( monarch.co.uk ).

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The World's First 5-Star Yacht Hotel Will Never Set Sail

A $200 million "yacht hotel" is set to put down its anchors permanently off the southern tip of Spain by the end of the year. 

The Sunborn Gibraltar is one of the largest yachts in the world at an astounding 465.8 feet long and seven stories high, and it's being marketed as a high-end hotel . In land-scarce cities like Gibraltar, ships like these may be the future of hospitality.

The yacht will be moored at the Gibraltar Ocean Village Marina, a prime Mediterranean location, and guests will be ushered onto the boat via an enclosed glass walkway. Six super-strong hydraulic arms, each weighing 8 tons, will hold the boat to its mooring and keep it in place.

The Sunborn Gibraltar is the first of a fleet of luxury yacht hotels by Sunborn. The company is planning to launch more yacht hotels in London and Barcelona.

The yacht hotel is set to open sometime in late 2013, and room rates are expected to cost anywhere between $300 and $3,000 per night depending on the room.

The Sunborn Gibraltar will permanently dock at the Ocean Village Marina in Gibraltar, at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula.

At 7 stories tall, the ship dwarfs everything in its immediate vicinity. Its size means that it will rarely feel like a boat and will instead feel like a luxury hotel.

The ship will feature 189 beautifully decorated rooms. Even the "standard" rooms feel luxurious.

Suites will come with a private balcony, where guests can sunbathe, read, and relax.

The massive yacht hotel is equipped with several restaurants and cocktail lounges.

The ship also features a stunning ballroom, as well as several conference rooms, an on-board spa, and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Love yachts?

See the $300 million "Nirvana" >>

• Main content

Hotel Located In Idyllic Ocean Village Marina

Everything is close at hand here, making it easy to combine a shopping trip with an hour on the beach and a tranquil visit to the famous Alameda Botanical Gardens. Gibraltar’s medieval town centre is easy to navigate. Italianate buildings line Main Street, where traditional shops rub shoulders with designer brands – all with the advantage of sterling currency and VAT-free prices. Gibraltar is a haven for wildlife, too. The Upper Rock Nature Reserve is a must for ramblers and nature lovers with resident and migrating birds as well as the famous Macaque monkeys.

Getting there

35 Ocean Village Promenade-Gibraltar, GX11 1AA

Gibraltar, United Kingdom

Parking information

Sunborn Gibraltar offers clients hotel parking within the complex at £25 per day. Simply drive your car to the entrance and we will allocate a parking space (pre-booking is recommended due to limited spaces).

We have available for our clients Tesla chargers as well as universal electric car chargers.

Ocean Village provides a picturesque Mediterranean stop-off for yacht owners sailing across the Atlantic or exploring the marinas, coastlines and beaches of Spain, Portugal and North Africa. Sunborn Gibraltar guests can relax on the quiet terrace while taking in the far-reaching views before descending to explore the many bars, restaurants and clubs that flank the waterfront, offering an outstanding selection of nearby venues for dining, drinking, relaxing and entertaining.

Getting here

The recently opened £90m airport welcomes regular scheduled and charter flights from all major UK airports, and with Sunborn Gibraltar moored only a couple of minutes away, it’s the smoothest passenger transfer ever – from take-off to drinks on the terrace in under three hours!

Within an hour

There’s plenty to see outside Gibraltar. Visit Estepona’s fascinating Sunday morning market, explore the maze of Moorish streets at picturesque Vejer de la Frontera, or head along the coast to enjoy the beaches of Tarifa. A 20-30-minute drive north brings five highly regarded golf courses within easy reach, as well as exclusive polo clubs and F1 racing tracks.

Southern Spain is famed for its championship-standard golf courses, top-class polo meetings and horse-racing events. Sunborn Gibraltar is perfectly placed to experience them all.

Within 20 minutes of the hotel are several premier golf courses – many considered to be among the finest in Europe, including Club de Golf Valderrama, San Roque Club, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, La Duquesa and Finca Cortesin. We regularly offer special golfing breaks that include luxury accommodation aboard our exclusive superyacht hotel plus the opportunity to play a selection of world-class golf courses. You don’t need to be Rory McIlroy or Seve Ballesteros to indulge in a round, either, as we can offer golfing experiences for all player levels.

Sailing & Watersports

Surrounded on three sides by the open sea, Gibraltar makes a natural choice for water-based activities. From sailing and windsurfing to private yacht charter in the sparkling waters of the Bay, there’s something for everyone.

Tangier makes for a fascinating trip. Visit the souk to haggle for souvenirs, refresh yourself with a glass of mint tea or enjoy North African delicacies in a traditional Moroccan restaurant. Our excursion also takes guests out of the city, winding along the picturesque mountain road towards the Atlantic and the fabled Caves of the Oracle of Hercules, where the demi-god son of Zeus is said to have breathed his last after separating the continents of Europe and Africa. It’s an unmissable opportunity to enjoy a magical experience.

• Accommodation
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• Sapphire Bar
• Upcoming events & promotions
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• Green Meetings
• Infinity Spa
• Fitness Suite
• Green Silver Tourism Award
• Sunborn Vegan Menu Choices
• Sustainable activities in Gibraltar
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Reservations: +44 (0) 203 714 811

Yacht Collection

A fleet of first-class yacht hotels.

Sunborn Group is a privately owned property and development company who has pioneered the original floating hotel concept in 1998

…and has since created a number of bespoke Yacht Hotels for prestigious international locations.

The only company in the world to successfully construct a fleet of fully functioning, first-class Yacht Hotels, Sunborn is also highly experienced in the creation of flagship hotels, residential accommodation and restaurants.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the hotel, leisure and hospitality sector, Sunborn is also responsible for the development of luxury spa hotels, restaurants and other top-quality projects in Scandinavia, Germany, Spain and the UK. Sunborn Gibraltar is the first of a fleet of floating hotels. It has a sister hotel in London’s Docklands and more planned for other locations around the world.

To find out more about Sunborn Group, visit www.sunborn.com .

Sunborn Gibraltar

A magnificent five-star yacht hotel moored in an idyllic marina on Western Europe’s southernmost tip, Sunborn Gibraltar introduces a new concept of luxury to this famously exclusive setting. The 142-metre yacht hotel comprises 189 lavishly appointed rooms together with banqueting suites, bars, cocktail lounge and restaurants, plus tranquil pool, spa and sundeck, offering guests a unique opportunity to enjoy the ultimate indulgent hotel experience.

Naantali Spa

One of the prestigious ‘Royal Spas of Europe’ – is located in picture-perfect surroundings in one of the Finland’s prettiest, sunniest and most historic regions. Guests can visit Naantali Old Town with its traditional maritime charm, explore the archipelago or relax and enjoy the hotel’s luxury accommodation and sensational five-star facilities.

Ruissalo Spa

Situated on a picturesque island, Ruissalo Spa makes a beautiful get away. The spa features superb sporting facilities and offers expert care for musculoskeletal injuries. Guests can hike amid the breathtaking natural landscape, before heading off to experience the shopping and cultural attractions of the city of Turku.