The world's most breathtaking floating hotels

Ever dreamed of sleeping surrounded by manta rays in the world’s largest aquarium? Or relaxing in a floating sauna nestled in Sweden’s archipelago of 10,000 islands?

As hotels vie to create more awe-inspiring and Instagram-worthy experiences, some architects are focusing their creativity on building on water.

Located in some of the most stunning spots around the globe, these nine floating hotels are either permanently moored, fully mobile, or partially submerged beneath the sea, offering an extraordinary place to stay:

1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India

Floating like a grand, ethereal white mansion in the heart of an Indian lake, it’s clear why this palace was chosen as the setting for the 1983 James Bond film 'Octopussy.'

Its allure is as captivating as the views it offers. Built in 1746 by Prince Maharana Jagat Singh II as a pleasure palace for his romantic escapades, the hotel was restored to its former splendor in the 1970s.

Guests are welcomed with champagne upon arrival at the private jetty, while attendants, holding embroidered umbrellas, escort them to their rooms. The hotel features 66 rooms and 17 suites, all offering stunning lake views.

Step inside to find plush sofas piled with pillows, exotic artwork, intricately carved white marble terraces, a magnificent courtyard, and a spa. The chefs artfully blend ancient royal cooking techniques with signature local delicacies.

Not enough indulgence? The hotel offers exclusive sightseeing tours of Udaipur city in one of its stylish vintage cars, including a classic 1948 Jaguar.

Taj Lake Palace, Lake Pichola, 5 Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India; +91 (0) 294 242 8800

2. Manta Resort, Tanzania

Located on the remote Pemba Island, off the coast of Zanzibar, Manta Resort offers an array of striking features, but none as stunning as its iconic Underwater Room.

Created by Swedish company Genberg Underwater Hotels, this room took seven years to complete and is a follow-up to their Swedish hut-inspired Utter Inn, which floats on Sweden’s Lake Malaren near Stockholm.

The watertight room rests about 250 meters offshore in a federally protected area, nestled within the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

It features a rooftop deck, a bathroom, and a sea-level lounge. The highlight is a glass-walled bedroom, submerged four meters (13 feet) beneath the surface, offering breathtaking views of over 100 marine species.

'It’s a truly private experience, you're alone on your own little island,' says Manta's CEO, Matthew Saus.

The structure naturally draws fish, and at night, spotlights beneath the window reveal squid and octopus climbing the walls in search of food. With stunning views of coral reefs and Spanish dancer sea slugs, it’s the perfect setting for affluent romantics.

'We’ve had 10 engagements in the room – all of them successful, I might add,' says Sauss with a smile. More submerged rooms were planned for 2018.

The Manta Resort, Psv-zanzibar estate, Tanzania; +(0) 255 776 718 852

3. Good Hotel London, UK

Opened in late 2016, this 148-room hotel transforms a former detention center for illegal immigrants into a lavish 'floatel.'

Good Hotel first debuted in Amsterdam in 2015, before making its way to the UK, transported across the North Sea on a submerged barge.

It has now taken up residence in London’s Royal Victoria Docks, where it will stay for the next five years. True to its name, the hotel aims to 'do good' by offering a three-month traineeship to help the long-term unemployed find jobs.

Notable features include a rooftop garden terrace with stunning views of the River Thames. The room designs focus on simplicity, featuring dark walls and raw wooden furniture, complemented by fabrics in soft, neutral tones.

'The design is very pure,' says Good Group’s marketing director Marie Julie Craeymeersch. 'It’s crafted with great attention to detail, incorporating local touches through the textures used.'

Conscientious travelers will be pleased to know that all the food and drinks are locally sourced.

Good Hotel London; Docklands Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London, England; +44 (0) 203 637 7401

4. Conrad Maldives

Suspended between two islands and perched on stilts above the Indian Ocean, the overwater villas at Conrad Maldives offer some of the finest barefoot luxury around.

The Sunset Water Villas on Rangali Island can only be reached by jet boat or through a private walkway, while the main Rangalifinolhu Island is connected by a 500-meter bridge.

Each of the 50 villas on Rangali Island comes with an infinity pool, and inside, guests can gaze through glass flooring at the turquoise waters below.

In 2005, Conrad Maldives introduced Ithaa, the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant, with a name that means 'Mother of Pearl.'

Located 5 meters (16 feet) below sea level, Ithaa’s transparent roof and walls offer a stunning 180-degree view. Indulge in caviar and Maldivian lobster while manta rays, sharks, and turtles glide overhead. The restaurant also serves as an underwater chapel for couples wishing to exchange their vows.

Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island, Rangali 20077, Maldives; +960 668 0629

5. Salt & Sill, Sweden

Nestled in the Bohuslan Archipelago, which boasts around 10,000 islands, Salt & Sill floats along Kladesholmen Island, an area teeming with fish and affectionately known to locals as Herring Island.

When owners Sanna and Patrik Hermansson sought to expand their seafood restaurant, they faced a challenge: the island had no space for more rooms. So, they ingeniously constructed six two-story buildings on pontoons in the Skagerrak waters.

The name “Sill” translates to herring in Swedish, and the hotel takes pride in offering this local delicacy in three delicious variations, paired with schnapps.

Boasting 23 rooms, the hotel features Scandinavian minimalist design, with some rooms on the lower level offering direct access to the sea via a private ladder.

Owner Sanna Hermansson explains that the marine life thriving beneath the floating pontoons creates a perfect environment for shells and mussels.

A major attraction at Salt & Sill is its artificial lobster reef, spanning about 40 square meters, along with a catamaran equipped with a floating sauna. The hotel also embraces sustainability, with a portion of its electricity generated by the powerful currents of the sea.

Salt & Sill; 471 51 Klädesholmen, Tjörn, Sweden; +46 (0) 304 67 34 80

6. Beach Villa Ocean Suites at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore

Not exactly floating, but partially submerged along one side of Singapore’s S.E.A. Aquarium – the world’s largest aquarium – these villas offer a unique underwater escape.

Resorts World Sentosa offers an extraordinary experience, giving you the rare chance to 'live under the sea,' surrounded by over 50,000 marine creatures.

The 11 two-story suites are designed like townhouses, with a living area on the upper level and an outdoor space featuring a Jacuzzi. The lower level holds the bedroom, complete with a sunken Jacuzzi bathtub and floor-to-ceiling acrylic walls offering stunning views into the aquarium’s Open Ocean habitat.

Guests can unwind in bed while watching as graceful manta rays and leopard sharks glide past the suite’s windows.

Even though the suites are submerged, they still offer five-star amenities, including Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and personal butler assistance around the clock.

Resorts World Sentosa Ocean Suite, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore; +65 6577 8899

7. Salt & Water Catamarans, Serbia

These compact, 'houseboat-style' catamarans are designed to host two to four people. They come with a bathroom, a storage-filled hall, and a bedroom located above the living area.

Developed by Novi Sad’s Salt & Water design studio, these catamarans aim to redefine nautical vacations, offering experiences that extend beyond the traditional seaside escape.

We noticed many inland waterways that weren't being fully utilized or appreciated, and we saw immense potential,” says director Svetlana Mojić. “This design is tailored for lakes, rivers, and canals, providing a perfect solution for inland waters.

Each catamaran is docked at a central floating hotel that features a reception area and restaurant, but it can be detached and navigated for a more secluded and private getaway.

This design offers guests the freedom to choose the ideal spot for their vacation experience,” Mojić adds.

Functionally, the catamarans are just like any other boat, but with the added benefit of solar panels on the roof, making them an environmentally conscious option.

Winning a Millennium Yacht Design Award for its blueprints last year, the physical catamarans were set to go into production by the end of 2017.

Salt & Water Architecture and Yacht Design, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia; +381638830903

8. OFF Paris Seine, France

When it comes to style, the Parisians set the bar high, and this boat hotel on the River Seine is no exception.

Docked near Austerlitz station, OFF Paris Seine features a mix of quirky design touches – a lounge ceiling adorned with thousands of hanging metal sheets, glowing bathtubs and sinks, and a plunge pool crowned with a massive inflatable gold swan.

The 80-meter-long hotel boasts 54 rooms, including four suites, split across the main and upper decks.

The Sunset Suite is drenched in orange, from its walls to the soft furnishings, all conceived by trendsetter Tal Lancman and haute couture designer Maurizio Galante.

On balmy evenings, guests can enjoy tapas and cocktails at the bar.

OFF Paris Seine; 20-22 Port d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France; +33 (0) 1 44 06 62 65

9. Solent Forts, UK

Off the southern coast of England, Solent Forts began as three sea fortresses constructed in the mid-1800s to fend off a French invasion that never came to pass.

Used as military strongholds during World War II, these fortresses were abandoned in the 1960s. Today, two of them have been transformed into exclusive vacation islands.

Guests begin their adventure at Solent’s exclusive departure lounge at Gunwharf Quays before boarding a boat to either Spitbank, which features eight luxurious suites for private hire, or the larger No Mans Land, home to 22 elegant bedrooms.

Both fortresses offer a range of amenities, including bars, restaurants, rooftop hot tubs, and spas. On arrival, guests are greeted with champagne before embarking on a brief architectural tour.

Spitbank's public areas feature a fun tribute to British naval history, while the rooms boast sleek, modern designs with chrome accents and expansive glass panels offering panoramic sea views. The original lighthouse and bolthole have been preserved for added charm.

On dreary days, guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including a cabaret club, a games room, and nostalgic laser tag battles that evoke memories of the '80s.

Solent Forts Port Office; Canal Side, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, England; +44 (0) 330 333 7222