Floatels: an unusual way to hit the water

Floating hotels are a novel trend that have captured the eye of those seeking picture-perfect locations to rest their head. We take a look at some of these Instagram-worthy locations. 

Image: Moeava de Rosemont | Four Seasons

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Tahiti


Set on a private islet in French Polynesia's Leeward Islands, Four Season’s Bora Bora resort offers guests the option to stay in over-water bungalows, some of which include their own private plunge pool.


Inspired by a traditional Polynesian village, each of the resort’s one and two-bedroom over-water, bungalow-style suites designed by local architect Pierre-Jean Picart feature traditional wooden furnishings, thatched roofs and are decorated with indigenous artwork.

Image: Jesper Anhede

Manta Resort, Tanzania


Designed by Swedish company Genberg Underwater Hotels, Manta Resort’s novel underwater room is located approximately 250m off the coast off Pemba Island, Tanzania in a protected zone of the Indian Ocean.


The floating structure features three levels, including a landing deck at sea level and rooftop deck area, which are both clad in locally sourced hardwood. But, the highlight of this room is a glass-walled bedroom submerged four metres underwater, which offers guests 360-degree views of the surrounding marine life.

Image: Bertil Harström & Johan Kauppi

Arctic baths


Designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi, this circular structure boasts six floating cabins, four saunas, and a spa treatment room, as well as a shop, bar and a restaurant, each connected by floating walkways.


This unique structure has been designed to accommodate the locations changing climate. In the summer, the Arctic bath will float freely on the surface of the water, and then as the temperature drops the structure will be frozen in place. A special technique has been developed to keep the centre of the bath open during wintertime, adding to the drama of the setting.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India


Cinephiles may recognise this opulent five-star palace hotel as the backdrop for the 1983 James Bond movie ‘Octopussy’, but the structure has a rich history that stretches back to 1749, when it was constructed as a pleasure palace for Prince Maharana Jagat Singh II.


The structure was restored in the 1970s and now boasts 66 rooms and 17 suites that offer guests unobstructed views of the lake it floats upon.

River Kwai floathouse


Floating on the famous River Kwai in the Kanchanaburi area of Thailand is a collection of boutique villas that can only be accessed by boat. Each villa features a private balcony and pier that provide guests with a private platform to view the panoramic scenery, and spacious common spaces connect the rooms.


The design incorporates natural materials and ropes in a ‘boutique folk style’, blending local traditions and the natural environment through teakwood furniture and locally sourced bamboo.

Bathroom

Guests staying in the suite also have access to the accommodation’s private healing salt room, two massage rooms and fitness room.

hover on / click

All images courtesy of Palms Casino Resort

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Tahiti

Set on a private islet in French Polynesia's Leeward Islands, Four Season’s Bora Bora resort offers guests the option to stay in over-water bungalows, some of which include their own private plunge pool.

Inspired by a traditional Polynesian village, each of the resort’s one and two-bedroom over-water, bungalow-style suites designed by local architect Pierre-Jean Picart feature traditional wooden furnishings, thatched roofs and are decorated with indigenous artwork.

Manta Resort, Tanzania

Designed by Swedish company Genberg Underwater Hotels, Manta Resort’s novel underwater room is located approximately 250m off the coast off Pemba Island, Tanzania in a protected zone of the Indian Ocean.

The floating structure features three levels, including a landing deck at sea level and rooftop deck area, which are both clad in locally sourced hardwood. But, the highlight of this room is a glass-walled bedroom submerged four metres underwater, which offers guests 360-degree views of the surrounding marine life.  

Arctic baths

Designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi, this circular structure boasts six floating cabins, four saunas, and a spa treatment room, as well as a shop, bar and a restaurant, each connected by floating walkways.

This unique structure has been designed to accommodate the locations changing climate. In the summer, the Arctic bath will float freely on the surface of the water, and then as the temperature drops the structure will be frozen in place. A special technique has been developed to keep the centre of the bath open during wintertime, adding to the drama of the setting.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India

Cinephiles may recognise this opulent five-star palace hotel as the backdrop for the 1983 James Bond movie ‘Octopussy’, but the structure has a rich history that stretches back to 1749, when it was constructed as a pleasure palace for Prince Maharana Jagat Singh II.

The structure was restored in the 1970s and now boasts 66 rooms and 17 suites that offer guests unobstructed views of the lake it floats upon.  

River Kwai floathouse

Floating on the famous River Kwai in the Kanchanaburi area of Thailand is a collection of boutique villas that can only be accessed by boat. Each villa features a private balcony and pier that provide guests with a private platform to view the panoramic scenery, and spacious common spaces connect the rooms.

The design incorporates natural materials and ropes in a ‘boutique folk style’, blending local traditions and the natural environment through teakwood furniture and locally sourced bamboo. 

Bathroom:
Guests staying in the suite also have access to the accommodation’s private healing salt room, two massage rooms and fitness room.

go to top

All images courtesy of Palms Casino Resort