For travelers who are craving more sea and less sand, floating hotels may be the answer to your landlocked blues.
For many of us, the perfect sun-drenched, beach vacation is often still rooted firmly on the ground. In fact, most of the world’s most iconic (and expensive) resorts, like the Curtain Bluff Resort in Antigua and Acqualina Resort & Spa in Miami, are optimally designed for land adventure—almost ignoring the vast stretch of sea just outside the boardwalk.
From Africa to India, these floating palaces and remote bungalows offer a truly intimate experience with mother nature—whether you’re dipping your toes in the freezing water of the Arctic or taking a dive off your own private room over the Indian Ocean. With that said, these are the magical floating hotels that look to inspire a sense of childlike wonder at the expanse of sea just beyond your doorstep.
Explore the most neglected (but breathtaking nonetheless) parts of the Serbian inland waters when you rent one of your very own Catamaran Apartments, which are equipped with a salon, a galley, a private bathroom, a hall with storage space, and a sleeping area right above the salon. Your morning swim is waiting just outside of your own private deck.
2. Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge; Bocas del Toro Island, República De Panamá
At Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge, submerged in a private oasis in the Caribbean, you’ll have unobstructed views of the famous Panama sunsets (featuring occasional appearances by friendly dolphins), along with authentic Caribbean cuisine and miles of unexplored rainforest.
3. Aqua Mekong; Phnom Penh, Vietnam
This sophisticated five-star floating hotel on the water is the best way to tour Vietnam’s beautiful waterways and dense rainforests. During high-water season (from mid-August to November), the Aqua Mekong’s itinerary includes trekking up the river to Siem Reap and experiencing the Tonlé Sap lake, an incredible freshwater lake. Make more of your experience by booking your stay during low-water season (December to mid-August) and by kayaking around the stilted villages that line the coast.
4. OFF Paris Seine; Paris, France
To describe the OFF Paris Seine as aesthetically pleasing wouldn’t dare do the floating hotel justice. It’s equipped with a delectable restaurant and bar and restaurant, an interior path designed by Gérard Ronzatti, a plunge pool, and a marina—all with incredible views of the Seine in Paris.
5. The Float House River Kwai Resort; Kanchanaburi, Thailand
The Float House River Kwai Resort in Thailand proves to be one of the most peaceful escapes, hidden along the River Kwai and tucked behind the giant canopies of surrounding thick, green jungle. Each floating villa comes with custom tailored-made teakwood furniture, thatched roofing, and an expansive front porch leading directly to the river.
6. Riverdream Boatel; Victoria, Australia
Sit back, relax, and let the sleek, aerodynamic Riverdream Boatel take you places that you’ve never been before—namely, Australia’s famed Murray River. Along the way, enjoy the Sky Lounge, lower swim platform, alfresco BBQ, and entertaining area—before collapsing into your beautifully-designed suite.
7. King Pacific Lodge; British Columbia, Canada
Gear up for some of the best fishing of your lifetime at King Pacific Lodge, resting against the Milbanke Sound in British Columbia. Each room is created with the spirit of the Pacific Northwest in mind—and you can take your pick between an ocean-front view or one that faces the temperate rainforest behind the lodge.
8. The Manta Resort; Pemba North, Tanzania
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At The Manta Resort in Tanzania, magic becomes more than just a feeling—it becomes a destination. For a truly transformative ocean experience, book the Underwater Room to catch a glimpse of the wildlife just outside your four walls. Your room even comes with a kayak, snorkel, and fins, giving you ample time to explore the surrounding waters.
Guntû is a 19-room oasis floating on the Seto Inland Sea, with a majestic view from every corner of the hotel. While on board, guests can enjoy the finest cuisine, headed by chef Kenzo Sato from Tokyo’s Shigeyoshi restaurant.
10. Sunborn London Yacht Hotel; London, United Kingdom
Snag the best view of the London skyline with a stay onboard the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel. During the day, take advantage of the Symphony Spa and the afternoon tea room, and when the sun begins to set, grab a seat at the rooftop bar for the exceptional colors over the water.
11. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora; Bora Bora, French Polynesia
The idyllic Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora contains “overwater bungalows and underwater adventures.” Reserve your cabin submerged in the sea for endless afternoon swims—whether you’re viewing the sunset from your own private plunge pool, or getting lost in the lagoon.
12. Oberoi Udaivilas; Udaipur, India
This hidden gem, located on the bank of Lake Pichola, is built on the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar—and you can feel the history of India carved into every inch of the resort. Along with endless views of the sea, the resort also includes a 20-acre wildlife sanctuary with deer and wild boar and spectacular gardens fringing the property.
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13. Aria Amazon; Iquitos, Peru
Take your aqua expedition to the next level with a venture on the Aria Amazon in Peru. Gliding along the Amazon, this riverboat is luxurious in every capacity—from the five-star dining to the outdoor river-facing jacuzzi.
14. The Arctic Bath Hotel; Harads, Sweden
This serene retreat is perfect for those travelers seeking a waterfront location different from the rest. For one, there are no tropical waters in sight—just simply an arctic plunge located in the center of the hotel. Along with the nontraditional swimming hole, the resort boasts multiple saunas, luxurious amenities, and one of the best views of the Northern Lights in all of Sweden.
15. Gili Lankanfushi Maldives; Male, Maldives
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If this photograph doesn’t inspire you to immediately book a flight to the Maldives, then we’re not sure what will. As pictured above, every bungalow at the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives resort comes with your very own boardwalk leading straight into the ocean, a wrap-around porch for peak views, and world-class living quarters.
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