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Location:

The Sunborn Gibraltar is a five star “super-yacht” hotel that is permanently moored in Ocean Village Marina, Gibraltar. This luxurious floating hotel offers cruise ship style accommodation with 189 cabins and suites, many featuring balconies and boasting impressive views of the Rock or marina.

Arrival and check-in:

We travelled to Gibraltar from London Heathrow on board an early morning British Airways flight taking 2 hours and 40 minutes. We’d booked seats on the right hand side of the aircraft as depending on the wind direction, this offers spectacular views of the famous Rock. As we touched down, we caught our first glimpse of the seven-deck 465ft Sunborn Hotel that dwarfs yachts in the neighbouring marina. Getting to the hotel couldn’t be easier as it’s either a five minute taxi ride or a fifteen minute walk across the airport runway. It’s not everyday one gets the opportunity to stroll across a runway so I recommend this as a fun experience at some point during your stay.

The hotel’s entrance is accessed by a covered walkway that leads across the gangplank into the vast lobby with its polished marble and shimmering globe installation hanging from the high ceiling. The reception is finished in blue sparkling glass creating a nautical nod that subtly reminds guests that they are onboard a super-yacht.

The front desk staff were very welcoming and after speedily checking us in, took the time to explain the layout of the Sunborn Yacht Hotel and offered assistance with our luggage.

Our Room:

We had been booked into a corner suite on the 5th floor which exceeded our high expectations the moment we opened the door. Being positioned at the corner provided us with panoramic views across the marina, over the airport runway and out towards the Mediterranean. Don’t worry about the hotel’s proximity to the runway as there are very few flights arriving and departing each day and the hotel is fully soundproofed.

The suite itself was generously proportioned and cleverly designed to feel both luxurious and comfortable. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around the living area, flooding the space with natural light during the day.

The lounge area was furnished with a sofa and armchair, coffee table, work desk/dressing table, mini bar and hospitality tray. Sliding doors led into the separate bedroom which boasted an exceptionally comfortable super-king size bed dressed in crisp, white bedlinen. Along one wall was a large wardrobe that could be accessed from both the bedroom and bathroom, a second television was positioned at the foot of the bed and there were bedside tables with reading lights and ample power sockets (both U.K. and European).

The bathroom was equally impressive as it was finished in marble with a large walk-in shower, separate bath, high-end Rituals toiletries, thick, fluffy bathrobes and towels.

Patio doors from the bedroom opened out onto a large balcony overlooking Ocean Village. The balcony offered a choice of seating and was furnished with a sofa, two deckchairs, a table and chairs with neatly tended flower pots adding to the ambience.

Automatic curtains and lighting were operated from a bedside screen and a turn down service took place in the evenings when we returned to find chocolates on our pillows and slippers laid out.

Dining:

We enjoyed lunch on our first day in the hotel’s Gastrobar, which has a relaxed yet refined atmosphere with its large windows framing the marina, creating a bright, airy setting. Menus cover a a well-curated mix of Mediterranean and British influences with fresh seafood featuring prominently.

Breakfast on both mornings was equally impressive. The buffet selection comprised a generous selection of fresh pastries, fruit, yoghurts and numerous hot options. Our fried eggs were perfectly cooked and the barista prepared cappuccinos perfectly, setting us up nicely for the day ahead. Starting the day at a window table with the morning sunlight across the water made for a wonderful way to come to life.

Facilities:

One of the highlights of staying at the Sunborn is the variety of spaces available to relax and unwind. The cocktail bar and lounges offer plush seating and a sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for a quiet drink or a relaxing read.

The roof sun terrace provides sweeping views over the marina, across Gibraltar and out to sea. On a warm, sunny day, it would be the perfect place to soak up the sun whilst sipping a cocktail. The rooftop pool was not in use during our early March visit and while not enormous would be ideal for a refreshing dip.

The Sunborn offers relaxing spa facilities just perfect after a day of sightseeing on The Rock. The gym is well-equipped and surprisingly spacious for a yacht setting, with modern cardio machines and strength equipment for those wanting to maintain their routine whilst on holiday.

Out and About:

The Upper Rock Nature Reserve

An absolute ‘must do’ in Gibraltar is a visit to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve (standard admission £30) which includes entrance to St. Michael’s Cave, The Tunnels Experience, Windsor Suspension Bridge and The Skywalk glass viewing platform.

Explore Casemates Square and Main Street

Casemates Square is a great spot to enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by, while Main Street is lined with a mix of familiar household names and local businesses set alongside Gibraltar’s historic buildings.

Follow my links at the foot of this post for more ideas of things to see and do during your stay.

Overall:

Our stay at the Sunborn Yacht Hotel Gibraltar was memorable from start to finish as it combined the novelty and glamour of staying aboard a super-yacht with the comfort and service of a high-end five star hotel. What sets the Sunborn apart though is not just the setting but the hotel’s attention to detail throughout, from the dazzling lobby to the thoughtfully designed rooms, suites and relaxed dining. Another advantage of our stay at the Sunborn was its close proximity to everywhere with Ocean Village on the hotel’s doorstep, Casemates Square and Main Street less than a 10 minute walk away, and with the airport close at hand I’d highly recommend a stay whilst visiting Gibraltar.

Details:

The Sunborn Yacht Hotel Resort, Ocean Promenade, Gibraltar.

If you have enjoyed this post you may also like:

The Perfect Weekend in Gibraltar: How to Spend 48 Hours on the Rock

Guide to E-Biking Around Gibraltar: Scenic Trails and Bike Hire

Our stay was supported by Visit Gibraltar and the Sunborn Hotel and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.