A key component of my brief Barcelona visit was a browse around OneOcean Club at Marina Port Vell. When it opened at the end of 2014, this private club raised the bar (and expectations) for the boating world by offering a range of luxury services and facilities just steps from the boundless amenities and amusements of an ever buzzing metropolis.
Chief among OneOcean’s aims is to connect the superyacht industry with the city of Barcelona. From what I saw, it appears well in line to do so with fashionable aplomb. Adding an element of Superyacht sophistication to the already fantastic Barcelona beachfront – without stealing any footing from the less-likely-to-own-a-yacht public’s access to it, OneOcean is mostly certainly there, just ever so slightly removed. The waterfront warren of Barceloneta seems fairly firmly rooted in its working class past (as long as it can withstand a tide of hipster inflow – and as much as any centrally situated urban community can in the 21st century). The family friendly and touristic attractions of Marina Port Vell – IMAX, aquarium, pedestrianised Rambla de Mar – all look safe too. If anything, the proximity of the club to the city means crews are going to hit the ground (or nearby Metro station) running, with shore leave excuses to spend time and money aplenty across town while their billionaire bosses and wealthy passengers do … well, whatever it is filthy rich folk do.
I reckon one of more delectable aspects of the club for crews, captains, club members, and lucky guests like me would be drinks and dinner at its Bluewave cocktail bar and eponymous restaurant.
Whether you own them or just like seeing them bobble in the background, a wall of yachts against a rippled sea and a crisp blue sky is a delightful sight for sipping drinks at Bluewave. Turn your head though, and the mood shifts with a panorama of the Barcelona skyline and the city’s famous westward statue of Christopher Columbus in easy view. Moving from the bar to the restaurant, the wonders become closer at hand and more tangibly rewarding.
Executive Chef César Guillén’s modern twist on traditional Catalan cuisine yields delicious results. I adored every bite of my tataki of “dry aged” sirloin starter and would consider sneaking back in (though it should be said: security at OneOcean is tight!) for another go at my gorgeous main course of charcoal-grilled octopus with parmentier, slow cooked egg and truffle oil. I would hardly complain if I had to end a meal with a dessert comprised of citrus cake, yuzu foam, yoghurt sauce and matcha ice cream.
About OneOcean
OneOcean was conceived by Salamanca Group, owners of the newly transformed superyacht marina, Marina Port Vell and private members’ OneOcean Club in Barcelona. OneOcean offers a fresh approach combining Salamanca Group’s 13 years’ experience supporting ultra high net worth individuals with experience in the yachting industry. Through a worldwide network of people, services and facilities, OneOcean provides highly tailored solutions, working with transparency to help clients with a range of services such as …
- Acquisitions and disposals ;
- New build management;
- Operational & technical management;
- Project management;
- Refit and maintenance;
- Berth sales and rental;
- Finance and insurance;
- Yacht charter, retail and marketing;
- Compliance and yachting regulations;
- Private office and lifestyle facilities.
OneOcean Club is located at Moll de la Barceloneta 1, 08003. Find out more at oneoceanclub.es.
More to come! Gracias for reading tikichris.
