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.

Who For?

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

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.

Facilities

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

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.

Wi-Fi

High speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Room Rates

Starting from £170

Booking.com

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.