There are many different types of hotels around the world. These range from the basic accommodations that provide a bed and not much else all the way up to five-star luxury resorts.
Some hotels are themed and others are about as basic as they come. However, if you’re looking for something a little different on your next trip, you may want to consider staying at a floating hotel. These are 10 of the best floating hotels in the world, including those that are still under construction.
1. Soneva Gili, Male, Maldives, The Six Senses
(photo credit: peta_peta)
To get to this wonderful hotel, you need to take a 15 minute boat trip from Male on the mainland. Once you reach the resort, you’ll be able to relax over the warm waters in your own unique villa. If you’d like to catch some sun just head outside to the floating sun decks.
2. Panama, Punta Caracol
This Panamanian hotel enables you to check out the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea below from your own Aqua Lodge, which comes with a picturesque palm-leaf roof. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy here such as exploring the local rainforests, watching the dolphins play, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
3. Bora Bora, The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa
This fantastic hotel sits on a beautiful islet which is just a stone’s throw from Bora Bora’s main island. The floating hotel resort consists of 44 individual bungalows which hover over the blue water. You’ll find colorful gardens here as well as excellent sandy beaches.
4. Semporna, Malaysia, The Dragon Inn Floating Resort
This hotel is built upon the sea and the actual hotel rooms are constructed on stilts. The wonderful warm water is just below you. The resort itself is an excellent example of traditional Malaysian architecture and each year it usually receives a visit from royalty.
5. Dubai, The Floating and Rotating Hotel Tower
This amazing floating hotel hasn’t been completed yet, but it’s going to lie off the coast of Dubai. It’s going to stand 25 storeys tall and it will feature a floating walkway which visitors can use when walking from the shore to the hotel and vice versa.
6. Rangali Island, Maldives, The Conrad Maldives
(photo credit: wikimedia.org)
This spectacular hotel lies in the Indian Ocean and is spread out over two private islands. Colorful coral surrounds the hotel and it comes with 50 separate water villas. There are several white sandy beaches to enjoy in the nearby area.
7. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, ReefWorld
(photo credit: 2minutes)
You can see the famous Great Barrier Reef in Australia from outer space due to its amazing colors. It’s filled with living organisms and quite a sight to see. Reefworld is a unique floating hotel which includes eight rooms that are under the water along with glass-walled bathrooms and an underwater spa.
8. Udaipur, India, Oberoi Udaivilas
(photo credit: travelive)
This excellent hotel is a five-star masterpiece which sits in the middle of Lake Pichola. It features pristine gardens, beautiful rambling courtyards, and reflective pools. If you’d like to relax, then just head over to the hotel’s luxury spa for a soothing treatment.
9. British Columbia, Canada, The King Pacific Lodge
(photo credit: andrewmcgarry)
The King Pacific sits on top of a floating barge, making it quite eco-friendly, unique, and enjoyable. You can enjoy the wilderness in five-star comfort. The hotel is towed to Princess Royal Island and you can reach it by seaplane.
10. The Aerohotel
This spaceship-shaped floating hotel is the concept of Russian architect Alexander Asadov. It’s designed to sit above water as a way to preserve and protect life. It includes top-class restaurants, hanging gardens, cafes and a landing area for an airship or plane. It’s very eco friendly, but has yet to be built.
