This year’s Southampton Boat Show sees Europe’s leading marina operator, MDL Marinas, mark the next chapter of the highly anticipated £3.5million transformation of Ocean Village Marina, climaxing this October with the opening of the five-star, luxury Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa.
Ocean Village Marina has undergone an extensive redesign and refurbishment since 2015, as part of a five-year investment strategy which will complete in 2020. The redevelopment includes the opening of new restaurants and bars, as well as the ongoing renovation of its berthing facilities. The opening of the luxury Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa this autumn is a significant milestone and is set to firmly position Ocean Village as one of the most desirable five-star marina locations in the UK.
During this year’s Southampton Boat Show, Ocean Village’s enhanced identity as a cosmopolitan leisure hub will be revealed, with presentations taking place from both Harbour Hotels Group and MDL Marinas. Seamlessly tying together leisure, sailing and a stunning location to live, Ocean Village offers more than a destination, it exudes a lifestyle which perfectly encapsulates Southampton’s maritime heritage and thriving millennial scene.
The 85-bedroom luxury hotel has been designed to emulate a super yacht and is ideally positioned on the edge of the promontory projecting into the marina. Amongst many features, it will boast a spectacular destination rooftop bar, as well as the award-winning Jetty restaurant concept, offering panoramic views across the Solent. For those attending Southampton Boat Show, there will be the opportunity to be some of the first to experience the restaurant’s mouth-watering menu, with the Head Chef providing a not-to-be-missed ‘Taste of the Jetty’ session each day between 1pm and 2pm on stand E052.
Dean Smith, Commercial Director at MDL Marinas, commented: “The regeneration of Ocean Village Marina is truly remarkable and we’re thrilled to unveil its ongoing transformation, with the opening of the luxurious Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa this autumn marking a highlight milestone. The marina is positioned in the very heart of the maritime city and epitomises its cosmopolitan personality, so this year’s Southampton Boat Show offers the perfect opportunity to launch our new Platinum membership package.”
The MDL Platinum package is being exclusively revealed at Southampton Boat Show and will marry together MDL’s unrivalled Freedom Berthing package – which includes complimentary stays at over 100 marina destinations, free WiFi and fuel at cost – with full membership to the hotel’s spa and gym facilities. This includes indulgent treatments, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and relaxation areas. An exclusive concierge parking service is also set to be introduced for MDL Platinum members, with each vessel at the marina being allocated a private car parking space.
Following the opening of the hotel, the modernisation of the pontoon berths at the marina will complete later this year and, combined with the many benefits of the on-site luxury hotel, there is set to be hot competition for berthing at Ocean Village. The marina is also being configured to allow for the arrival of much larger yachts, creating easier access than ever before for all boat owners. In readiness for completion, MDL Marinas is taking advance annual membership and is advising those interested to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
Dean continued: “Ocean Village embodies our ultimate marina experience, marking a new era for MDL Marinas which champions not just sailing but the plethora of associated leisure opportunities, from wining and dining, to retail therapy and spa days. With the enhanced five-star offering, we are urging people to secure their berths early as interest is already high.”
Mike Warren, Managing Director of Harbour Hotels, added: “We are delighted that our new Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa is only weeks away from opening and are very confident that the hotel will prove a fabulous addition to the city. The innovative yacht-inspired architecture captures everything Ocean Village represents, at once a maritime gateway to the Solent but also a melting pot of unrivalled leisure opportunities.
“We very much hope that you will join us at the MDL stand at this year’s Southampton Boat Show, where we look forward to bringing you an exclusive taste of our Jetty restaurant and sharing the full Ocean Village transformation story.”