For those seeking a refreshing change from their mountain or beachfront retreats, these floating hotels/villa/room make perfect choices. Ideal for aquaholics who find solace and rejuvenation by the water, these unique getaways invite you to ride the waves in style while indulging in the luxurious amenities they offer.
– Featured image credit: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur –
guntû
The boutique floating hotel, guntû, offers a mix of stay and sail on the serene Seto Inland Sea.
Designed by Japanese architect Yasushi Horibe to exude the charm of a traditional ryokan, this vessel delivers a one-of-a-kind experience through its 19 wood-paneled cabins, featuring four different suite styles, some of which boast open-air Cypress baths.
Each suite offers large windows that frame an ever-changing view of the riverscape. Onboard, enjoy exclusive dining experiences, from the intimate six-seat sushi bar and stylish restaurants to the café and bar where delectable fare and drinks accompany your journey past iconic sights like the Great Seto Bridge and Ondo Strait.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur – India
For a destination that intertwines royal splendor with timeless Bollywood glamour, the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, gracefully floating on the serene waters of Lake Pichola, will be your perfect escape.
Originally a summer residence for the Mewar royal family, this exquisite palace, constructed between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, was artfully transformed into a heritage hotel in 1963 by Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar.
Since then, its 65 luxurious rooms and 18 magnificent suites, featuring Mughal-inspired grandeur and adorned with rich marble, silk, velvet, and remarkable art, have captured the essence of luxurious living that makes it truly exquisite.
Z9 Resort – Thailand
Inspired by the biblical Mount Sinai, Z9 Resort was envisioned as a retreat for those searching for spiritual rest and awakening. With its “Embrace of the Mountains” design, the resort mirrors the majesty of the mountain peaks in its floating rooms, each crafted with a graceful “Continuous Curve” aesthetic. Every room offers a tranquil view of the water, inviting you to rejuvenate and renew. Although Kanchanaburi is renowned for its repertoire of floating hotels, Z9 stands apart with its distinctive design that offers a sense of serene luxury.
The Underwater Room at The Manta Resort – Tanzania
On the secluded shores of Pemba Island, Tanzania, The Manta Resort offers a peaceful hideaway with its seafront villas, lush garden rooms, and the jaw-dropping Underwater Room. This extraordinary, three-level floating gem allows you to immerse yourself in the mysteries of the ocean while staying wrapped in hotel comfort. It’s an exceptional aquatic escape that offers the perfect opportunity to revel in the beauty of marine life.
OFF Paris Seine
For a staggering stay on the Seine, OFF Paris Seine promises a stylish experience that fuses city vibes with riverside serenity. This floating marvel boasts 54 rooms and 4 sleek suites, each featuring stunning river views, as well as a trendy restaurant and bar where delicious bites are served with a side of scenic beauty. Pick your favorite panorama — Rive Gauche (left bank) or Rive Droite (right bank) — and get ready to dive into the magic of Parisian riverside living.
Castaway Villa at Soneva Secret – Maldives
Hailed as the Maldives’ first floating villa, the Castaway Villa at Soneva Secret in the pristine Makunudhoo Atoll redefines overwater luxury. This two-story gem welcomes you to take delight in five-star amenities, from your private pool and thrilling waterslide to a retractable roof for romantic stargazing. With a personal gym, spa treatment room, and an upper deck dining sala, every detail is designed for lavish relaxation. Accessible only by sea, the villa also offers an air of adventure. For those seeking a different type of getaway, Soneva Secret also boasts overwater and island villas for a more grounded retreat.