inside sunborn yacht hotel gibraltar

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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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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Hotel Review: Sunborn Yacht Hotel, Gibraltar

This 5 star rated accommodation is close to the old town of gibraltar, and its sun deck affords great views of the famous rock..

Moored in the vibrant Ocean Marina is the imposing Sunborn Yacht Hotel looking bright and resplendent in the heady Gibraltarian sunshine.

Though it looks like it could set sail off at any moment, the ship doesn’t actually have an engine. It’s a purpose-built luxury hotel that has all the makings of a top-notch cruise ship.

On arrival, a team member meets and greets you, helps with luggage, and walks with you along the elegant walkway to the ship’s entrance. The reception looks grandiose with its dazzling blue ball chandelier, marble floors and a sweeping marbled staircase. A flute of Prosecco is offered to welcome you aboard to sip during the check-in procedure. It’s all very civilized.

Sunborn Yacht Hotel has a superb location on the waterfront and as Gibraltar is just three miles (5 km) long and just over half a mile (1.2 km) wide everything is close by. A day trip into Spain is possible as the border with La Linea is within walking distance from everywhere.

In effect, Gibraltar is a little piece of Britain on the Med and this hotel offers a luxurious stay in one of the country’s funkiest spots near nightlife, bars and restaurants.

The young and young at heart couples – romance sizzles by the small poolside – as well as families.

Accommodation

The air-conditioned rooms are both spacious and stylish with parquet flooring and curtains that automatically swish open when you enter the keycard to activate the electricity and closes when you leave. Nifty.

There’s a TV, generous wardrobe space, a gorgeous ensuite with a very pleasing rainfall shower and aromatic Molton Brown toiletries. Amenities include a kettle, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers and a mini-bar for those impulsive in-room tipples.

The view over the marina and the moored yachts bobbing on their lees is lovely. And, incredibly, the airport runway. It was shocking how close those planes looked when taking off, and very exciting too.

View over the marina from room Sunborn Yacht Delux room 337

Food and Drink

Breakfast is served in the Barbary restaurant and has a small buffet with fruits, pastries, boiled and scrambled eggs, and an option to have freshly made omelettes. You could also go for a full English with hash browns, sausage and beans.

There’s Prosecco on offer if you want to liven it all up.

Dinner and lunch at the Barbery offers a fusion of food from the Barbery coast and Mediterranean cuisine but also fish and chips, which incidentally seems to be a staple in Gibraltar.

La Sala is where all the fun is at the weekend. Fine dining and evening dancing to live music or a DJ.

During the day the Aqua bar is open and fuels the party atmosphere around the pool.

Sunborn Yacht has a small pool on the top deck served by a well-stocked bar. It’s not really the kind of pool to swim your daily lengths but enough to cool off in or just to dangle your feet over the edge with a cocktail. Getting a sunbed can be tricky as they get nabbed quite quickly by the clever clogs who claim theirs with the international language of placing their towel on one first thing. However, there are deck chairs too and with music playing (not blaring), it’s a really pleasant vibe overall.

A small gym is on hand to keep you ticking over with your fitness and the Infinity spa with treatment rooms for facials, wraps massage, makeup, nails and hair that’s actually not too expensive.

There is free and fast Wi-Fi throughout the ship including poolside

Doubles start from £223 per night. 

CHECK AVAILABILITY

What’s nearby.

Gibraltar is small country and easy to explore on foot. There’s the shopping of course but the most famous activity is meeting the monkeys on the rock. While you are up there it would be a shame to miss St Michael’s Cave, with its stalagmites and stalactites drenched in light. The light show is magnificent and depicts the creation of Gibraltar as it emerges from the sea.

Military tunnels have also been preserved with recreations to show how they saved Gibraltar from devastation during World War II.

Gibraltar has three beaches at Eastern Bay, Sandy Bay and Catalan Bay. The latter, with its pastel-coloured homes as the backdrop, is the prettiest.

Read more – Why Gibraltar Rocks

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The Five Foot Traveler

Reaching new heights, sunborn super yacht hotel review (gibraltar).

by Sarah Gallo | Feb 15, 2016 | Accommodation Reviews , Europe , Gibraltar , Reviews | 0 comments

Many people have heard of Gibraltar, or at least the Rock of Gibraltar, but likely know little else about this small, British territory. Gibraltar may be known for only a few things: the massive limestone ridge that rises high into the sky overlooking Gibraltar itself (the aforementioned Rock), and its proximity to Morocco. Gibraltar is also a little piece of England in the south of Spain where prices are in British Pounds, shops and restaurants speak English, and they even have those iconic red phone booths on street corners. 

For the night before our departure for Morocco, we booked our stay at the  Sunborn Super Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar. The Super Yacht is docked in a fairly ideal location; it is a fifteen minute walk from the border with Spain and to the lift that brings you atop the Rock of Gibraltar. The hotel is right on the boardwalk, with access to plenty of bars and restaurants if you'd like a bite to eat when you're out on the town.

Upon entering the Sunborn Super Yacht, I immediately felt like a VIP as I walked through the grand lobby and reception area to check in.

That feeling continued as I opened the door to our room and my jaw dropped. Our modern room with a king sized bed and beautiful balcony overlooking the harbor was outstanding.

Everything was controlled by touch screen displays, curtains opened with the flick of a button, and an open bathroom added a romantic ambiance to our room. 

Outside the room things were just as fantastic. The classy and sophisticated restaurant and bar was located on the uppermost deck, and overlooked Gibraltar and the bay.

The top deck also housed the best fitness center I've seen at a hotel, and had a gorgeous view to help you push through tough workouts. The gym was fully equipped with machines for weights and cardio, in addition to free-weights and more.

The infinity pool and adjacent bar are also located on the top level. 

The Sunborn Super Yacht Hotel is magnificent. For anyone that enjoys gambling, you won’t want to miss the Sunborn Casino located at the stern either.

We reluctantly left the Sunborn to explore Gibraltar. There is not much really to see, and everything is far more expensive than in Spain. So, it came as no surprise that the trip to the top of Gibraltar Rock was pricey. If you want to go up yourself and walk the length of the Rock, explore some caves, and see the monkeys, it will cost you something in the realm of $100 USD. We decided, however, to drive our car up the Rock for free after 6pm.

We were astounded by the views sunset offered. What a view it was from the top of Gibraltar Rock at night.

If it fits into your schedule, sunset from the Rock of Gibraltar is not to be missed! For accommodation of the highest class, book your stay at the Sunborn Super Yacht Hotel. You most definitely will not be disappointed!

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hello World! I’m Sarah Gallo, The Five Foot Traveler, and I choose to dream out loud. After conquering a crippling fear of flying, I’ve developed an unquenchable passion for traveling. Since my newfound freedom, I have set foot on all seven continents, explored 114 countries, and continue to strive to live life to the fullest. Continue Reading…

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Sunborn Gibraltar

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A stay aboard Sunborn Gibraltar presents visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience: the privacy and exclusivity of an ocean-going superyacht combined with the quality and comfort of a five-star hotel – it’s a persuasive proposition.

You will be redirected to sunborngibraltar.com

+350 2001 6100

[email protected]

Ocean Village, 35 Marina Bay Square, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar

www.sunborngibraltar.com

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Inside Europe's new superyacht hotels

Two new superyacht hotels will open for business in 2014, offering floating luxury from permanent moorings in London and Gibraltar, writes Tony Cross.

Update: It is now confirmed that Sunborn London will open on October 1, 2014.

The chance to get on board a superyacht has mostly been restricted to the guests of Russian oligarchs and internet billionaires - until now. Two huge luxury superyachts will open for business as floating hotels in London and Gibraltar this year, in the hope of creating a new trend for travellers who like to keep their beds above water.

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The first of Sunborn's two 5-star Yacht Hotels is moored in Gibraltar's Ocean Village Marina, overshadowed by 'the rock' and with long-distance views across the Strait towards Africa. The second will be in London's Victoria Dock (pictured right), next to the ExCeL exhibition and conference centre.

Promising "the privacy of a super yacht with all the amenities of a luxury hotel", the two yachts feature floor to ceiling, sliding windows in every room, and a private sundeck (pictured right). While corporate customers are one of the main targets for business, each has plenty for those visiting for leisure too, with a variety of fine dining restaurants, cocktail bars, a large pool and sundeck, a spa, gym, casino and ballroom.

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The 142-metre Sunborn Gibraltar offers 189 bedrooms and suites over seven floors, and will be the first official five-star hotel accommodation to visitors to the rock. A top-deck restaurant with a retractable roof will offer alfresco dining all year round.

The Sunborn London is slightly smaller, at 120 metres, and has 138 bedrooms over five floors. With close proximity to ExCeL, London City Airport, the O2 dome, Emirates Airline cable car and Canary Wharf, it offers a new option for those visiting the city for business or who want to explore London from the east.

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After investing €200 million in the two yachts, Sunborn will be hoping the appeal of a stay on water with added privacy will be popular. Executive director of Sunborn Hans Niemi said: "Our goal is to expand the Sunborn Yacht Hotel concept to well-known locations around the world. The new hotel in London, currently the world's most important city - together with a dynamic Mediterranean location in Gibraltar, gives us a an important platform for the Sunborn brand and business concept. Our yacht hotels are hotel properties which deliver significant benefits".

The group are hoping to follow success of the superyachts in London and Gibraltar (shown above) with their next floating hotel planned for Barcelona. With no bricks or mortar to worry about, these mobile hotels can be easily moved on if a location doesn't work out.

Sunborn Gibraltar and Sunborn London are due to open in March 2014.

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Gibralatar’s ‘Sunborn Yacht Hotel’ - More Stationary Cruise Ship Than Private Yacht

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By Editorial Team   16 August 2013

SUNBORN GIBRALTAR, a 142m/465’8 ‘yacht hotel’, is being marketed as the latest innovation for luxury vacations, but the value, privacy and exclusivity of the experience does not begin to compare with that of a luxury yacht charter.

The ‘yacht hotel’ is set to launch late 2013 from her shipyard in Malaysia to make her first and final voyage to her permanent destination in the exclusive Ocean Village Marina Gibraltar. It is being described by the company as; ‘an exclusive, purpose-built floating hotel offering a unique luxury experience in one of Europe’s most dynamic locations.’ However, with hundreds of other passengers on board, the concept seems to be little more than a stationary cruise ship.

Unlike a luxury charter yacht , in which privacy, personalised service and tailor-made itineraries are unsurpassed, guests aboard the hotel can expect to be dining, sunbathing and sharing facilities with many other people. Set over seven decks, 167 guest rooms, four executive rooms and 18 suites are on offer with rooms expected to cost between £200 and £2,000 a night.

When the costs of a two week holiday plus all other expenses of food, drink and activities are accumulated compared to that of the quality, space and comfort provided by charter yacht, the hotel pales in comparison. With a range of different types of yachts  offering all manner of accommodation options for usually no more than 14 guests at a time and crew numbers that often match or exceed this, a charter yacht provides far better value for money.

Another somewhat confusing aspect to the SUNBORN GIBRALTAR is that it will never move. Attached by six strong hydraulic arms, each weighing eight tonnes, guests will enter the hotel through a fixed enclosed glass bridge and has been designed to offer the feeling of staying on dry land. The beauty of embarking on a private yacht charter is the feeling of absolute freedom at sea, cruising from one breath taking destination to another in the ultimate luxury whilst having the reassurance of privacy, flexibility and experienced crew.

The idea of the ‘yacht hotel’ was born from a demand for a new luxury hotel in Gibraltar but with no room to build one. The vessel is the second floating hotel by the company, which opened the 'Sunborn Princess' at Naantali Spa Resort in Finland in 2002 and there are plans to launch more ‘yacht hotels’ in London and Barcelona.

Travellers looking for a new and exciting vacation experience should consider all the benefits that a luxury charter yacht has to offer. For more information see our why charter guide and contact a yacht charter broker who can help you to choose the best yacht and itinerary to suit your needs.

the concept seems to be little more than a stationary cruise ship

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Guest Rooms

Imagine a luxury room on a glamorous yacht hotel in the very heart of London’s Docklands. A stay aboard Sunborn London presents visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience: the privacy and exclusivity of an ocean-going yacht combined with the quality and comfort of a top-class hotel.

Yacht Suites

Reserve a Yacht Executive Suite or Yacht Junior Suite aboard Sunborn London and step into a world of luxury. With extensive living space inside and out, and panoramic city vistas, it’s the ideal setting for an unforgettable stay in this prime London location. Our four suites also include a complimentary mini bar with the items below.

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Expect a prompt, round-the-clock response to every request, and impressive attention to detail – from private cocktail parties to personalised floral displays.

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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.

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