Positioned in the fabulous Spain yacht charter location – Barcelona, Marina Port Vell (MPV), set to become one of the world’s most elite superyacht destinations and the pre-eminent home port in the Mediterranean, is proud to announce the momentous occasion of groundbreaking on both its restaurant as well as yacht receiving buildings. This milestone marks the ultimate phase of Marina Port Vell’s complete renovation, with final ribbon cutting set for October 2014.
Marina Port Vell 2014
“As we embark on construction of these crown jewels in the evolution of Marina Port Vell begun in 2011, we are more and more excited about the refinement in our strategies, plans and architecture,” says Uri Nachoom, Vice Chairman of Salamanca Group. “While we might have enjoyed faster progress in permitting and negotiating how the marina was to evolve, in the end we’ve had a great opportunity to enjoy the maturity of the original undertaking: to create the most memorable superyachting experience in the Mediterranean and to capture the culture and ethos of our beloved Barcelona for our guests,” he continues.
Essential to setting tone and expectation, Sèsam Restaurant and The Gallery—the reception and business center building—feature carefully planned and executed architectural and interior design. The buildings feature architecture by Barcelona’s renowned SCOB Architecture and Landscape Studio. “Sèsam’s design seeks to integrate with the other architectures of the marina, whilst at the same time understanding its place within the city of Barcelona” says Sergi Carulla, SCOB founding partner.
Marina Port Vell The Gallery Yacht and Crew Reception
Sèsam’s breathtaking interiors have been created by Barcelona-based El Equipo Creativo, whose Pakta Restaurant, commissioned by Michelin-starred chef Albert Adria’s, recently won three prestigious international design awards. “Space, like food, tells stories,” explains El Equipo Creativo’s Oliver Franz Schmidt. “It creates sensations and experiences. Sèsam is a fusion between the sea and the marina. You’re literally sitting on the water, it’s a unique experience, and we’ve carried this theme throughout our design, using reflective materials to create a timeless, modern, classical feel. For us sitting in the restaurant should be like sitting on the deck of a yacht gazing at the beautiful sunset.”
With Barcelona increasingly recognized as a thriving hub of many world-class events, Sèsam is certain to be popular with companies looking for somewhere special for corporate events, press launches and photo shoots. “Built on poles, there’s nothing like Sèsam anywhere in Barcelona,” Nachoom explains. “It rises out of the sea and invites Barcelona to come in and join the party. Sèsam will quickly become the place to go, and to be seen.” The reservation-only Sèsam features valet parking and opens in October.
Marina Port Vell's Sèsam Restaurant
“The Gallery”—Marina Port Vell’s two-story, 2750 square meter yacht and crew reception building—also features the award-winning capabilities of Sergi Carulla and Oscar Blasco (SCOB) with its crew area fashioned by Equipo Creativo. It is being built into the sea while incorporating sustainable practices. Designed specifically to handle weather conditions and to control light and interior temperature, it is cloaked in a white cement skin manufactured by Escofet, a traditional Catalonian company known for more than 100 years for its stunning architectural accents throughout Barcelona, including pavement tiles on Passeig de Gràcia.
The Gallery is intended as an inviting area to receive guests and serves as the customer service center for the marina. It features the “MPV Beach Club,” a dedicated crew area and terrace for relaxing with ample space and a gym. The reception facility also includes a treatment room, nail bar and 25 offices, many with terrace access, for lease. BWA, Dolphin, Elite Crew, Hello Yachts and Sotheby’s have already committed to office space.
