Big changes floated for Sunborn Gibraltar hotel

The Sunborn Group is considering replacing its floating hotel in Gibraltar, according to a recently published business strategy.

The plans suggest Ocean Village could receive a newer, possibly smaller vessel, with the Sunborn International Group saying it is negotiating for a new floating hotel with 140–160 rooms to be built in Gibraltar.

The current ship has 189 rooms.

The group’s London yacht hotel is also expected to be replaced, with the current vessel moved to Seville.

The Sunborn Group business strategy document says the current Ocean Village yacht hotel will remain in Gibraltar for now, but could be moved to a new international location in the future.

The lease agreement for the Gibraltar berth runs until August 2028, but the company intends to maintain a presence on the Rock beyond that date.

Alongside these strategic changes, Sunborn Gibraltar is restructuring its financing. Its existing bond is being refinanced with lower-cost bank debt, aiming to reduce borrowing costs and improve financial flexibility.

The Sunborn Group reported a weaker start to the year in Gibraltar. Net sales for the first quarter fell 9% to £2.1 million compared with 2025.

The downturn was primarily due to cancellations in March, which the company attributes to geopolitical tensions.The figures were also impacted by what it described as an ‘exceptionally strong’ comparative period last year.

GBC has reached out to the Sunborn Gibraltar for comment.