Sunborn's new £120million 'yotel'

It’s still British, despite the contrary desires of its disgruntled neighbour. It offers a jolly smorgasbord of simple entertainments – dozens of casual eateries serving fish and chips, and shops galore flogging cut-price perfume and alcohol.It has slightly scary Barbary macaques, impressive caves with mighty stalagmites and stalactites, and intriguing wartime tunnels.But what Gibraltar doesn’t have in abundance at the moment is class. A mini Monte Carlo it ain’t – yet.All that could be about to change. A shiny new £90 million international airport, opened in 2012, could certainly be seen as evidence of an intention to raise the Rock’s status as a deluxe holiday destination. And now its first official five-star hotel accommodation has opened, too. Sunborn Gibraltar (and its sister property, Sunborn London) represents a new concept in luxury hotels. Sunborn, a company based in Finland and owned by the Niemi family, has been running less grand yacht hotels - ‘yotels’? - for more than 15 years.The new versions look like ships - they float and have decks - but they don’t sail anywhere. They can be easily shifted should unsteady political conditions prevail, and can exist in places where further land-based development is impractical, forbidden, or else waterfront ground is just too valuable.The next one is due to open in Barcelona, and further projects are under development in North America, South-East Asia, the Middle East and Russia.While the Sunborn London is securely anchored at the Royal Victoria Docks and has a somewhat corporate feel, the 189-room Sunborn Gibraltar is located in the new Ocean Village Marina, and the whole ambience is far more relaxed.Sunborn International says that it invested €150 million (£120 million) to create it, and the hotel has a liberal sprinkling of bling which is immediately evident in the massive twinkling, crystal-festooned ball looming over reception. Each bedroom features picture windows and, in most cases, open on to a private balcony or terrace area. There’s a fine-dining restaurant, glamorous cocktail bars, a pool, spa, shop, gym and casino. Like Sunborn London, the Gibraltar yotel is also set up for weddings and events.The hotel has the same water, waste and power connections as any building, but, say the operators, will leave a zero environmental footprint after removal. In addition to room service  and valet parking, the concierge service will be able to arrange experiences that complement  the upscale nature of the accommodation, such as transfers by helicopter or private jet, golf at one of Spain’s many legendary courses, off-road safaris, a day at a polo match,  or wine tasting at a vineyard. Staff can even arrange a sunset cruise on a fancy yacht complete with cocktails and canapes if  you really can’t bear being  on the water without actually sailing somewhere.(dailymail.co.uk)Bakudaily.az