Rejected by France, floating beach club heads to Malta

Updated 4.40pm

A floating high-end beach club that is set to drop anchor in Maltese waters this summer was forced out of the French Riviera after facing opposition from local mayors and environmental groups.

Noma Island is a 1,750-square-metre floating recreational platform designed as a motorised trimaran-style vessel.

It is structured across two large decks that house a restaurant, a bar-lounge and a freshwater swimming pool. It can accommodate up to 350 guests, who arrive via private yachts or dedicated speedboat shuttles from the shore

The vessel is being marketed as Malta’s fourth island, a “mystical haven where time stands still” and an exclusive venue that is the only one of its kind in Europe.

However, this is not the first attempt to set up the venue in the Mediterranean.

Its creators – Tony Philp and Marc Audineau – intended to launch the vessel, formally called Canua Island, on the French Riviera in the spring of 2023, but the project stalled while moored at the port of La Seyne-sur-Mer awaiting permits.

Noma Island is being marketed as Malta’s fourth island, a “mystical haven where time stands still”. Photo: Noma Island/Facebook

According to reports in the French media, environmental groups argued that the southern coast of France was already over-urbanised and did not need another “party project”. They managed to collect 20,000 signatures on a petition in an effort to stop the vessel’s launch.

In June that year, the French government and the maritime ministry officially denied the necessary permits, stating the venue was incompatible with marine environmental protections.

However, just two months later, the Administrative Court of Nice ruled in favour of the founders, effectively forcing the state to grant the operating permits.

Despite its eventual launch in May 2024 in the Bay of Cannes, the vessel once again ran into trouble, as a coalition of 21 local mayors from the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments signed a joint letter formally opposing the vessel’s presence, expressing concerns about pollution, noise and the protection of marine life.

Citing continued political hostility and an inability to market the vessel freely, the founders sold the platform, which is now on its way to Malta. 

Speaking to Times of Malta, former owner, Philp defended the concept. “France is not receptive to innovative new ideas. It was too avant-garde for them,” he said.

The Fijian former windsurfing world champion insisted the venue “ticks all the right boxes” when it comes to environmental friendliness.

“The vessel runs on biofuel and was built with utmost attention to green technologies. When you compare it to cruise ships and super yachts, it produces no pollution and completely blends in with the environment,” he said, adding he also created similar venues in Thailand and his native Fiji.

Philp dismissed concerns regarding noise pollution. “We restricted the decibel levels to lounge-bar level. This isn’t some cheap boat party.”

He expressed optimism that Noma Island would be welcomed in Malta. “We hope to bring the country into the conversation as a place to visit. It’s an incredible experience.”

While it is as yet unclear where the vessel will be anchored, Philp said that, since the venue operates under its own steam, it could move around freely. 

Philp was also unable to confirm whether the vessel was in possession of the necessary permits to operate.

The beach club will be operated in Malta by 356 Entertainment, an events firm that also operates the UNO club in Ta' Qali. Times of Malta has contacted the firm for comment.