The beauty of the hotel industry is the sheer amount of choice when it comes to selecting the perfect stay. Luxury, resort, all-inclusive and historic hotels are just a few of the choices – and while there are hundreds of incredible options, there is one type of hotel that no adventurous traveler can turn down: a floating hotel. These unique accommodations are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world, from the crystal-clear lagoons of the Maldives to the stunning lakes of India. Immerse yourself in the world’s most incredible floating hotels.

Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge (Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama)

Located in Panama’s picturesque Bocas del Toro archipelago, guests will find Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge. This floating lodge is located on a tranquil lagoon, surrounded by lush rainforest and crystal clear waters. The lodge’s overwater bungalows feature spacious 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.

Located on the banks of the River Kwai, Float House is a tranquil retreat. The resort’s floating villas are eco-consciously designed and crafted from natural materials. They feature thatched roofs, wooden interiors and spacious private balconies with direct access to the river. This design makes guests feel connected to nature, whether they are relaxing in their villa, dining at the resort’s restaurant or enjoying one of the many river adventures.

Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Central Coast, King Pacific Lodge is a dream for wilderness lovers. This exclusive floating lodge is anchored offshore and surrounded by calm waters and dense, pristine forests. The lodge itself has a rustic yet elegant feel, with spacious rooms accented with cedar, large windows with panoramic views, and all the modern amenities needed for a relaxing stay.

Fingal (Edinburgh, Scotland)

A luxury floating hotel on Edinburgh’s waterfront, Fingal is a converted lighthouse ship that combines nautical atmosphere with five-star comfort. Originally built in 1963, the ship has since been converted 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 provides easy access to Edinburgh’s top attractions, including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

Located on the Seine in the heart of Paris, Off Paris Seine offers the perfect blend of Parisian elegance and riverboat charm. Designed in a sleek, modern aesthetic, the hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Seine and the city skyline. Additionally, guests can enjoy all sorts of amenities, including a rooftop terrace with a bar and lounge area, perfect for morning coffee or evening cocktails.

Gili Lankanfushi is an exclusive resort located on a private island in North Male Atoll. It features a range of overwater and beach villas, all built in traditional Maldivian style, with large terraces, private pools and access to turquoise waters. Guests can enjoy world-class dining at the resort’s restaurants, spend time in the overwater spa or go snorkeling, diving and swimming.

Set on a stunning island in the Laccadive Sea is Komandoo Maldives Island Resort. This adults-only resort features a selection of romantic beachfront and overwater villas, all designed to offer guests the utmost comfort and privacy. Choose from villas with private overwater hot tubs, beachfront accommodations with lagoon access, or spacious jungle retreats.

BOTEL (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

BOTEL was once a cargo ship and was converted into a floating hotel that is now moored in the IJ river. The interior of the ship is sleek and modern in design, offering elegant rooms with large windows that offer great views of the city. As for the rooms, guests can either opt for traditional options inside the ship or sleep in one of the big red letters that spell out BOTEL. (The loft with the letter “O” is very Amsterdam-typical and features a round bed with a mirror on the ceiling.)

Trust us, the Taj Lake Palace is a hotel like no other. Located on Lake Pichola, this hideaway is the epitome of luxury. Originally built in 1746, this marble palace was intended as a royal summer residence for the Mewar royal family. Today, it is a heritage hotel with 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites. The views from the palace are simply magical, with the Aravalli mountains and the city of Udaipur as the backdrop.

Other articles you might like: