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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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Superyacht London Hotel

Imagine staying in the lap of luxury aboard a glamorous superyacht moored in an exclusive location. It’s the epitome of luxury: Sunborn London’s impossibly sleek exterior showcases polished decks and dazzling walls of glass, while inside every space is designed for luxury and comfort

Sunborn London is part of a new breed of yacht hotels, with a five-star superyacht hotel in Gibraltar now open and further projects under development in Europe, USA, South-East Asia, the Middle East and Russia.

Sunborn London is a Yacht Hotel S160, providing around 10,000m² of beautifully designed floorspace and incorporating elegant guest accommodation, restaurants, leisure areas, conference and events facilities. Equipped to four-star luxury standards, the yacht is tailor-made for its London mooring using the highest standards in construction, safety and technology to meet the highest specifications.

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All aboard the Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

• Stef Bottinelli

With beautiful cabins, stunning views and delicious food, the superyacht moored by the Excel in East London is not just a four star hotel, but a veritable experience.

Moored by the Royal Victoria Dock, right next to the Excel, Sunborn Yacht London is the only first floating hotel in the capital.

The superyacht arrived in the UK in April 2014 and opened to guests in the autumn of the same year. It’s been very popular ever since, thanks to its beauty, interesting concept, proximity to the Excel and the city and the fact that it has a marriage licence.

The 128 metre-long, five storey craft boasts 136 roomy and elegant cabins and suites, spectacular views of Canary Wharf and central London, fine dining in the form of the Lands End Restaurant, the Sundown Bar, meeting and conference rooms, an auditorium and for those in need of pampering, even an Elemis SPA.

With its grand central staircase, spectacular crystal chandelier, teak wood panelling and brass railings, staying at the Sunborn feels like being on a luxurious cruise ship (albeit one that doesn’t sail, as this yacht does not have an engine). And with kingsize room prices starting at just under £140 per night, this is a cruise that won’t break the bank and it’s certainly cheaper than buying your own yacht or chartering one.

We visited Sunborn London on a splendid autumnal Sunday. We were immediately impressed by our spacious and stylish room (a term preferred by the management rather than cabin, which conjures up a cramped space), all wood and clean lines with  a comfortable double bed, sitting room area, an all white bathroom stocked with Molton Brown products, mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, a large TV, free WIFI, a tablet and stunning views across the Thames.

After settling in, we headed for the Sundown Bar, and enjoyed a glass of wine on deck, watching the sun setting over the London skyline – a very relaxing way to spend the end of the weekend.

Post  aperitif  we headed upstairs to the Lands End Restaurant, were dinner was fine indeed. The menu has a modern British/European feel and is well thought out, with simple, classic and delicious dishes. Starters include mouthwatering scallops with spring onion, pea purée, soft shell crab (£13), octopus tranche, red pepper & onion confit, avocado, lime & chilli (£11.00) and chicken and leek mousse and Shimeji mushroom & honey roast ham, chive beurre blanc (£11.00). Mains feature duck leg confit, celery root, roasted plum, watercress soubise (£22.00), sea bass, fennel textures, Polonaise sauce (£21.00) and pickled & slow braised pork belly, buttered savoy cabbage, carrot purée, beetroot with cider jus (£20.00). Vegetarians are well catered for too with at least two imaginative and tasty options per course, such as an entrée of cauliflower and ginger pudding, spinach shortbread, Parmesan foam (£10.00) and mains of vegetable roulade, spinach, goat cheese with tomato fondue (£18.00) and gnocchi, Stilton cheese, roasted almonds and herbs (£16.00).

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel doesn’t just offer a luxurious stay, but a real experience. Its proximity to the Excel and the city and its connections to central London by public transports or boat, make it an excellent alternative to standard accommodation, whether you are in the capital for pleasure or for business, or simply want to spend a relaxing weekend pretending you are indeed chartering a yacht, sailing away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

For more information visit Sunborn Hotels London.

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Planning Permission Granted for New London Yacht Hotel to Replace Sunborn’s Existing Vessel

Main Photo:  The current Sunborn Princess

Date: February 2021

Location: Moored at Excel event centre, London Docklands, England, UK

Name: The Sunborn Princess

No. of Keys:  Currently 138…will be 220

Owner:  Sunborn International, based in Finland who build yacht hotels, own and now manage the two current hotels in the fleet, in London, at the ExCel Centre…and Gibraltar , which also hosts a casino.

Planning permission has been granted for a new yacht hotel in London, which is bidding to become the ‘most environmentally friendly’ hotel in the capital.

Sunborn International has been given the green light to bring in a new luxury 220-bedroom, 134m-long yacht, to replace the company’s existing vessel which is moored at Royal Victoria Square near the ExCeL London exhibition centre.

Members of Newham Council’s strategic development committee voted unanimously in favour of the scheme.

Sunborn International Chief Executive, Hans Niemi: “It’s a very exciting project. It’s the most advanced ship we have built in terms of its sustainability targets. It will be the most environmentally friendly hotel in London, if not in the whole of the UK, in many aspects.”

Earlier this week, Boutique Hotelier reported that Finnish group Sunborn will take over the management of the hotel, previously operated by the hospitality arm of Danish facility services company, ISS, with both companies agreeing to transfer the management as of March 1. ISS has managed Sunborn London since 2006.

The current vessel is furnished to a high, five-star standard with 128 rooms and suites, with private terraces, 10,000 sqf over six floors, restaurant, bar and function space for 50 to 80 guests, and enjoyed great occupancy, mainly connected to events at ExCel.

The function space at the current Sunborn Princess

Sunborn currently operates in Finland, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia and Gibraltar and the UK and is looking to grow its fleet of superyacht hotels over the coming years.

THPT Comment: We were fairly impressed with the current yacht, which itself is the second incarnation, so the one, with more rooms and facilities promises to be very exciting.

First Seen:  Boutique Hotelier

The Hotel Property Team (THPT) is a small group of highly experienced business professionals. Between us, we provide a range of skills and experience which is directly relevant to those involved in the hotel property market.

For more information – Visit www.thpt.co.uk or email [email protected] 

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Setting Sail for Love: The Sunborn Yacht – A 5-Star Wedding Destination

Gibraltar, nestled on the southern coast of Spain, is a hidden gem perfect for UK couples seeking an unforgettable wedding location. With its breathtaking coastal views, rich history, and diverse wedding venue options to suit any theme or style, Gibraltar has it all.

One of the standout venue spaces in this picturesque location is the 5-Star Sunborn Yacht —the world’s first 5-star super-yacht hotel. Situated in one of Europe’s most exclusive harbours, it’s a top choice for couples looking to say “I do” in an extraordinary setting. 

Introducing Gibraltar’s Sunborn Yacht

When you board this elegant yacht on your big day, you’ll feel confident about hosting your lavish wedding on the Sunborn Yacht. Beyond the picturesque Mediterranean location, we’re unveiling this stunning venue’s charm and allure.

Civil Ceremonies Are Permitted 

Sunborn Gibraltar is one of only a handful of locations in Gibraltar where civil ceremonies are permitted. Couples can apply for a special licence, and the registrar can conduct the marriage ceremony on board. This is a privilege for wedding-planning couples travelling from abroad, especially UK couples wishing to legally marry overseas. 

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Spaces

Wheelhouse 

Dreaming of stunning views of the glamorous harbour and the Mediterranean Sea? The Wheelhouse Terrace is calling your name. This outdoor wedding space overlooking the ocean can accommodate up to 100 people. Rental fees start from £5000 minimum for June, July, and August. For May and September, couples can expect to spend a minimum of £1000. From October to April, the minimum cost of food and rooms is £500. 

The Wheelhouse Terrace TARAANDREW43

The Wheelhouse Terrace TARAANDREW61

If you’re looking for lavish banquets with sparkling chandeliers, the Atlas Room will cater to your preferences. They are flexible event spaces with panelled walls that can be converted to different-sized function rooms. They can hold a small ceremony or even larger events with up to 100 guests, and rental fees range from £250 to £750. 

Sapphire Terrace

The Sapphire Terrace offers an intimate space for small weddings, accommodating up to 20 people. Its stunning view overlooks the Ocean Village marina, making this charming terrace the perfect setting for an outdoor covered venue. With rental fees starting at £350, even a small wedding can feel lavish and opulent.

Borealis Room

Weddings consist of several components: welcome drinks, the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and after-party. Some venues offer limited time and space for these events. However, with Borealis, you have complete planning freedom. This new intimate gathering space is ideal for hosting welcome drinks or an after-party. It features its own bar and a soundproof dance area, providing the perfect setting for a seamless celebration.

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Local Attractions in Gibraltar

While Gibraltar is a small area, there’s no shortage of attractions to check out or places to explore. Every corner of Gibraltar has something different to offer. Looking for free things to do? take advantage of the tropical landscape. You can head to Catalan Bay, which features a seaside beach lined with rentable huts and seafront tapas cafes. If you like an exclusive sunbathing spot, just a short walk down the coast will bring you across Sandy Bay, with exotic Western Sahara sand and shallow tidal walks.

While there are a variety of free places to explore, there are also endless activities you can book while visiting. You and your guests can go on rock tours, swim with dolphins, and even explore caves. Want to get a little more adventurous? Schedule a scuba diving day trip, surfing lessons, or a yachting excursion. 

Being close to larger, other touristy destinations, you can easily extend your holiday by taking a trip to Spain or Morocco. 

Wedding Accommodations 

With the yacht’s ultra-luxurious guest accommodations, you’ll impress up to 378 of your loved ones. From the Superyacht Penthouse Suite to the Superyacht King, The Sunborn Yacht offers various room sizes and styles, each providing a five-star experience.

Not only do they offer discounted room rates for wedding groups, but they also provide a complimentary night for the bride and groom when hosting a wedding with over 50 guests. This ensures your special day is as memorable and luxurious as possible.

Sunborn Yacht Features 

As a yacht hotel with stunning ocean views, the Sunborn Yacht practically sells itself. However, countless additional features make it the perfect choice for a unique and breathtaking destination wedding.

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From the moment guests step aboard, they’ll be captivated by the infinity spa, outdoor pool, cocktail bar, and luxurious accommodations. They also have a spa onboard with a sauna and treatments available for booking. You and your guests will enjoy a wedding experience aboard the Sunborn that is truly nothing short of extraordinary. 

Mediterranean and North African Fusion Cusine on Board

Their restaurants on board are a fusion of Mediterranean and North African cuisine. They combine the rich flavours and spices from the “Barbary” coast with dishes across the Mediterranean Sea. Plus, with a little dash of British history, they do not forget those British Classics.

While catering is part of your minimum spend, you could also rent out one of their luxurious restaurant spaces as a private venue for receptions. On weekdays, the minimum spend for lunchtime is £2000, and £4000 for dinner. On weekends, during lunch, the minimum spend at their award-winning restaurants is £3000 and £5000 for dinner. 

Ready to Plan Your Wedding at Sunborn Yacht?

For more information on Sunborn Yacht, including features, photos, and reviews, visit the venue’s profile page here . You can communicate directly with the venue regarding your specific wedding preferences and receive personalised wedding quotes and details on availability.

Charlotte Ingham , co-founder of Wedinspire, and a destination wedding bride who has over 10 years working in the wedding industry. Charlotte specialises in selecting only the best places to say 'I Do' from around the world.

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[:en]Evening Standard

The Escapist, Radikha Aligh | 8th August 2023

W ith 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: 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 – 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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