- By Danni Levy
Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself. And that’s exactly what we did- without the 20kg suitcase, Google translate, silly umbrella straw or twit of a tour guide. Yes, there is indeed a place close to home where you can unwind, feel like you’re on the Titanic and wolf down some top notch food, then sleep it off in a bed big enough to get lost in- all whilst escaping the cold.
If you’re looking for a low stress, memorable weekend away, the Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar does not disappoint.
Before you start worrying about being trapped on some tiny floating B&B (‘cos that’s what we feared, too), The Sunborn isn’t a boat—it’s a five-star superyacht hotel moored in Gibraltar’s Ocean Village Marina. I can’t squeeze all this onto a postcard, but I’ll try my best to compress the experience for your unadulterated pontificating pleasure.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Check-in was quick. Didn’t feel as if we were taking out a mortgage and received a lovely bubbly welcome drink (we visited on Valentine’s). Chocs and more bubbly were waiting for us in our superior marina view suite. Dressing gown, slippers and all the luxury Rituals bathroom stuff is provided. The bed was massive—easily big enough for a bloke to starfish without getting an elbow to the ribs.
FOOD & DRINK: NEXT-LEVEL GOOD
I’ve had my fair share of fancy Valentine’s meals where you get served two mouthfuls of something unpronounceable and leave hungry. This was not that. The Sunborn’s dining game is genuinely world-class. The little croquette appetizers were amazing, followed by very fresh scallops and proper chunky sea bass for her. I went for the lamb, which melted in the mouth. The accompaniments were equally as impressive and the house wine was fit for a feast. Then came the cheesecake, which they didn’t make us share, and was absolutely banging.
After dinner, we hit the bar for a few drinks. Good crowd, chilled vibe, and a seriously decent G&T—none of that weak mixer-heavy nonsense. There’s a casino literally next door too and plenty of bars across the road if you fancy a wander out down the fancy gangway.
THE MORNING AFTER: BREAKFAST FIT FOR A KING
This was hands down the best breakfast we’ve ever had. Eggs? Bang on. They had four different varieties to make sure you leave feeling sunny side up. Fresh pastries? Perfect. Coffee and tea? Every type you can think of. Then there was the proper fry-up display, fruit for miles that definitely made the missus more excited than I had the night before and bread selection that would kick the carbs back onto any Keto lover’s menu. Absolute quality stuff.
THE VERDICT: BOOK IT, NOW
If you’re looking for an impressively stress-free weekend away, this is it.
Rooms start from £200 a night, and for that level of luxury, it’s a proper steal. To book, head to www.sunborngibraltar.com or call +350 200 16000.
Oh, and did I mention the plane lands right in front of the boat?! Couldn’t get any better really, could it?
