The beauty of the hotel industry is the sheer amount of choices when it comes to picking the perfect stay. Luxury, resort, all-inclusive, and historic hotels are just a few to choose from–and while there are hundreds of incredible options, there’s one kind of hotel that no adventurous traveler can turn down: a floating hotel. These unique accommodations are situated in some of the world’s most beautiful locations, from the crystal-clear lagoons of the Maldives to the breathtaking lakes of India. Ahead, dive into the most incredible floating hotels worldwide.
Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge (Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama)
In the picturesque Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama, guests will find Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge. This floating lodge is located on a quiet lagoon, surrounded by lush rainforest and crystal-clear waters. The lodge’s overwater bungalows feature roomy decks, private sundecks, and direct access to the lagoon. Kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding are also available to guests, allowing them to spend time with the marine life and coral reefs that are just steps from the lodge.
The Float House River Kwai Resort (Kanchanaburi, Thailand)
Located on the banks of the River Kwai, The Float House is a tranquil escape. Designed with an eco-conscious approach, each of the resort’s floating villas is crafted from natural materials, featuring thatched roofs, wooden interiors, and spacious private balconies with direct access to the river. This design lets guests feel connected to nature, whether they’re lounging in their villa, dining at the resort’s restaurant, or taking advantage of one of the many river-based adventures.
King Pacific Lodge (Richmond, BC, Canada)
Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Central Coast, the King Pacific Lodge was made for the wilderness lover. This exclusive floating lodge is anchored off the coast, surrounded by tranquil waters and dense, untouched forests. The lodge itself has a both rustic and elegant vibe, with spacious rooms featuring cedarwood accents, large windows with panoramic views, and all the modern amenities needed for a relaxing stay.
Fingal (Edinburgh, Scotland)
A luxury floating hotel tied to Edinburgh’s waterfront, Fingal is a converted lighthouse ship that combines nautical vibes with five-star comforts. Originally built in 1963, this ship has since been transformed into a floating boutique hotel with 22 cabins, each named after a Scottish lighthouse. One of the best things about this boat is its location, which has easy access to Edinburgh’s major attractions, including the Royal Mile and the Edinburgh Castle.
Off Paris Seine (Paris, France)
Docked on the River Seine in the heart of Paris, Off Paris Seine has the perfect mix of Parisian elegance and riverboat charm. Designed with sleek, modern aesthetics, the hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Seine and the city skyline. Plus, guests can enjoy all kinds of amenities, including a rooftop terrace with a bar and lounge area perfect for morning coffee or evening cocktails.
Gili Lankanfushi (Lankanfushi Island, Maldives)
Gili Lankanfushi is an exclusive resort located on a private island in the North Malé Atoll. It has a range of overwater and beachfront villas, each featuring traditional Maldivian architecture as well as large decks, private pools, and access to the turquoise waters. Guests can indulge in world-class dining at the resort’s restaurants, spend time at the overwater spa, or go snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
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Komandoo Maldives Island Resort (Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives)
On a stunning island in the Laccadive Sea lies Komandoo Maldives Island Resort. This adults-only resort has a collection of romantic beachfront and overwater villas, each designed to provide guests with the utmost comfort and privacy. Choose from villas with private jacuzzis over the water, beachfront stays with access to lagoons, or spacious retreats tucked within the jungle.
BOTEL (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Once a cargo ship, BOTEL was converted into a floating hotel that’s now docked in the IJ River. The ship’s interior has a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring elegant rooms with large windows that offer great views of the city. In terms of the rooms, guests can either opt for traditional options inside the ship or choose to sleep in one of the big red letters that spell BOTEL. (The letter ‘O’ loft is very Amsterdam, featuring a circular bed with a mirror on the ceiling.)
Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur, India)
Trust us, the Taj Lake Palace is a hotel unlike any other. Perched on the water of Lake Pichola, this retreat is the epitome of luxury. Originally built in 1746, this marble palace was intended to be a royal summer retreat for the Mewar Royal family. Today, it’s a historic hotel with 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites. The views from the palace are nothing short of magical, with the Aravalli Mountains and the city of Udaipur serving as the backdrops.
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