The Sunborn - Gibraltar’s 5 Star Floating Hotel
By David Powell
At first glance, the sleek luxury Sunborn superyacht, moored in Gibraltar’s Ocean Village Marina, looks poised to set sail at any moment. Yet this five-star floating hotel remains permanently anchored, offering all the indulgence and escapism of a cruise without ever leaving port.
I recently spent a few days onboard with my wife and enjoyed every minute! After a quick transfer from Gibraltar’s airport we were quickly checked in and offered a welcome drink of Cava or fruit juice before being shown to our room.
Onboard Facilities:
The interiors of the Sunborn are elegant and contemporary, with polished surfaces, ambient lighting and a subtle nautical design. Service reflected the hotel’s 5-star status, with friendly welcoming staff. This super yacht offers around 190 rooms and suites, each designed to maximise both comfort and its unique waterfront setting. Entry-level rooms are far from standard, offering generous proportions, king-size beds, marble bathrooms and large windows that bring in natural light and marina views.
Moving up through the categories, guests will find a selection of executive rooms and junior suites that introduce additional space and upgraded amenities. We stayed in a Rock Suite, situated at the stern of the ship. The suite was impressively spacious, with a separate living area and a large private balcony. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of the Marina and the Rock of Gibraltar itself - an ever-present, dramatic backdrop.
The bedroom was very comfortable, centred around a large, luxurious bed, while the bathroom was finished to a high specification, complete with marble detailing, a walk-in shower and a deep bathtub perfect for long, indulgent soaks. High-end toiletries, plush robes and meticulous housekeeping reinforced the sense of luxury.
Dining:
Dining on board was excellent. The Barbary Restaurant, on the top deck, serves as the yacht’s main dining and breakfast venue, offering modern European cuisine in an elegant setting. The emphasis is on quality ingredients and refined presentation and large windows ensure that the Marina remains part of the experience with every meal.
An alternative venue, the Gastrobar, where we had dinner the first night, was casual, sociable, and perfect, with a wide menu that featured genuine classic dishes all in a super setting.
Above deck, the relaxing, poolside Aqua Bar is the social heart of the yacht. By day, it offers a tranquil setting for drinks under the Mediterranean sun whilst by night, it becomes a lively yet sophisticated venue, popular with both guests and locals. The views are a constant highlight, particularly at sunset.
Spa and Fitness:
The Sunborn also features a boutique spa and a well-equipped fitness centre, ensuring that relaxation and wellbeing are fully catered for. The spa offers anti-ageing, purifying and calming facial treatments plus relaxing massages, wraps and day-long spa rituals, with bespoke hair and make-up packages also available.
Gibraltar:
Beyond the luxury of the yacht lies Gibraltar itself, a British Overseas Territory, rich in history and character. A self-governing territory since 1713. Whilst it has its own government and constitution, the UK is responsible for its defence and foreign affairs.
Chief among Gibraltar’s many attractions are the World War II tunnels, an extraordinary network carved deep into the Rock. Expanded during the war years, they formed a hidden city capable of sustaining thousands of troops, complete with essential facilities and strategic operations rooms. Walking through these tunnels offers a powerful insight into Gibraltar’s wartime significance, with narrow passageways opening into vast chambers that echo with history. A visit is highly recommended.
Gibraltar today is lively and cosmopolitan, its streets lined with cafés and shops that reflect a blend of British and Mediterranean influences. The famous Barbary macaques roam freely along the upper reaches of the Rock, adding a distinctive and often entertaining presence to the landscape.
From the vantage point of the Sunborn, all of this comes together seamlessly. The Marina provides a lively yet refined setting, while the Rock looms ever-present in the background. Aircraft glide dramatically in to land, adding a touch of theatre to an already unique environment.
Conclusion:
The Sunborn offers 5-star hotel luxury with the unmatched atmosphere of a superyacht. It offers all the comfort, service and attention to detail expected; combined with the atmosphere of life on the water.
Our days were spent exploring Gibraltar’s rich history and Main Street. This is the bustling, pedestrianised heart of Gibraltar, stretching 1.2 km from Casemates Square to Southport Gates, famous for tax-free shopping, numerous cafes, pubs and historical sites. Returning to the calm of the Sunborn after a day exploring felt like a real treat and ending the evening on deck or on our balcony looking out across the Marina was always a highlight.
The Sunborn Yacht may not go anywhere but that’s exactly why it works, relaxed and quietly memorable. We can’t wait to stay here again!
David Powell April 2026 Picture Credits David Powell, WWII Tunnels, Sunborn Yacht Hotel
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Below is a short video David filmed of his Rock Suite