Is it a ship? Is it a hotel? At the Sunborn Gibraltar Hotel, the answer is both. Moored in the heart of Ocean Village Marina, this striking yacht hotel has become one of the most recognisable places to stay in Gibraltar, especially for travellers who want something more memorable than a standard city property.
Gibraltar often brings to mind the Rock itself, the famous Barbary macaques, historic tunnels, and a very British atmosphere under Mediterranean sunshine. Then you arrive at Ocean Village and spot the Sunborn: a sleek, seven-deck floating hotel that feels like a destination before you have even checked in.
Below is a practical guide to what it’s like to stay at Sunborn Gibraltar, from rooms and views to dining, nightlife, spa time, and the best things to do nearby.
The Concept: a Superyacht Hotel, without the Motion
The first thing to know is simple: the Sunborn is permanently moored. You get the glamour of a superyacht, polished interiors, marina views, and that sense of exclusivity, while staying completely steady. If you love the look of life at sea but prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, this is the sweet spot.
Arriving feels more like stepping onto a set than walking into a lobby. The red-carpet gangway, the glossy finishes, and the statement lighting create instant theatre. It is unapologetically luxurious, and it leans into that identity from the first moment.
Tip: Have your camera ready at check-in. The yacht framed against the Rock is one of the most photogenic views in Gibraltar, especially in late-afternoon light.
Rooms and Suites: Space, Light, and the Best Views in Ocean Village
Unlike a typical cruise-ship layout, the Sunborn was built to function as a hotel. That translates into generous rooms and suites, higher ceilings, and large windows. Many categories include floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open onto a private balcony or terrace, which is a major selling point if you enjoy a morning coffee outdoors or a late drink with the marina as your backdrop.
Most guests choose between two classic views, and both are worth it:
- Marina view: a front-row seat to the yacht-filled harbour, with Ocean Village’s restaurants and bars buzzing below.
- Rock view: the dramatic limestone face of Gibraltar rising above the town, especially impressive at sunrise and dusk.
The décor is modern nautical with a luxury finish: glossy wood tones, metallic accents, and bathrooms that feel purpose-built for a proper holiday reset.
Dining and Drinks on Board
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how self-contained the Sunborn can feel. You can do dinner, drinks, and a nightcap without ever stepping off the yacht, then wander out into Ocean Village when you want more choice.
- Barbary Restaurant: the signature venue, known for Mediterranean flavours in a polished setting. It’s a great choice for a special dinner, particularly at sunset when the marina lights start to glow.
- Sunborn Gastrobar: a more relaxed option for casual dining and an easy evening close to your room.
- Aqua Bar: a seasonal poolside spot for sunny afternoons and early-evening drinks when you want a resort-style moment on deck.
- Sapphire Bar: a calmer, classic space for coffee, cocktails, and a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. Yes, it really is as fun as it sounds on a yacht.
If you are staying in Ocean Village for a long weekend, these venues make it easy to vary your evenings without repeating the same routine.
Amenities: Spa Time, Pool Moments, and Casino Sunborn
The Sunborn is designed to work like a compact resort. Everything is close, everything is easy, and the marina location means you can dip into town whenever you want, then return to the calm of the yacht.
Casino Sunborn
On board, the boutique Casino Sunborn adds a distinctive touch to the experience. Expect an intimate gaming floor with classic favourites like roulette and blackjack alongside slot machines. It is well suited to a relaxed evening after dinner, especially if you enjoy the ritual of dressing up a little for a night out.
If you want to compare options beyond the yacht, see our guide to casinos in Gibraltar. (18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.)
Infinity Spa
The Infinity Spa is a quiet retreat with treatments designed for proper recovery, whether you have spent the day climbing the Mediterranean Steps, walking around the Upper Rock, or simply soaking up the heat along the waterfront. Book ahead if you are visiting during peak season or over a weekend.
The pool deck
The rooftop pool area is compact, but it is one of the best sun-traps in Ocean Village. With loungers, a bar nearby, and marina views all around, it’s a great place to slow the pace for an hour or two, particularly in summer.
Location: Ocean Village Marina, Close to Everything
The Sunborn sits in Ocean Village, Gibraltar’s most vibrant waterfront district. It is an easy base for short breaks because you can do a lot on foot.
- From the airport: the hotel is around a 10 to 15-minute walk, and taxis are quick when you have luggage.
- Getting around: you are close to Casemates Square, Main Street for duty-free shopping, and the routes that lead up to the Rock.
- Nightlife nearby: Ocean Village itself is packed with bars and restaurants, so you can mix yacht life with the wider marina scene whenever you feel like it.
Top 5 Things to do while Staying at Sunborn Gibraltar
Staying in Ocean Village puts you right in the middle of Gibraltar’s best experiences. Here are five easy wins that work brilliantly for Sunborn guests.
1. Take a dolphin-watching trip
Where: Ocean Village Marina
Boat trips depart from the marina, and dolphin sightings are one of the most popular activities in Gibraltar. Seeing them with the Rock behind you, and Spain and Morocco on the horizon, is a proper holiday moment.
2. Explore the Upper Rock and meet the Barbary macaques
Where: Upper Rock Nature Reserve
No Gibraltar trip is complete without visiting the Rock. Many visitors take the cable car, but taxi tours are also a comfortable option, especially if you want to include highlights like St Michael’s Cave and the Apes’ Den without managing the logistics yourself.
3. Enjoy Ocean Village by night
Where: Right outside the hotel
The promenade around the marina comes alive in the evenings. You can keep it simple with one great cocktail spot, or build your own mini bar-crawl within minutes of your room.
4. Walk to Main Street for duty-free shopping
Where: 10 to 15 minutes on foot
Main Street is a classic part of the Gibraltar experience. Expect familiar British brands alongside perfume, jewellery, and electronics, with duty-free appeal that often surprises first-time visitors.
5. Step into Gibraltar’s WWII history in the tunnels
Where: A short ride from town
The contrast is part of the magic. After a day in sleek yacht surroundings, exploring Gibraltar’s wartime tunnels gives you a deeper sense of the territory’s resilience and strategic history.
Verdict: who is Sunborn Gibraltar best for?
The Sunborn Gibraltar Hotel is ideal if you want a stay that feels like an experience, not just a room key. It suits couples planning a stylish weekend, travellers who enjoy marina life and dining, and anyone who wants a unique base for exploring Gibraltar on foot.
If you like the idea of a luxury hotel with a twist, you will probably love it. The setting is bold, the location is excellent, and it is the kind of place people talk about long after they have flown home.
For the latest room options and seasonal offers, visit the Sunborn Gibraltar official website.
Last Updated on February 2, 2026 by Vanessa Kingwell
