Combine all the best trappings of a yacht, mixed with the luxury of a five star hotel, and you have ‘floatels’ – the up-and-coming hotel concept that offers guests unparalleled views of crystal clear oceans and unbridled proximity to famous landmarks like the Seine in Paris. We’ve picked out five of the best ‘floatels’ across the world that are definitely worth a visit.
OFF Paris Seine
OFF is the first hotel and bar on water in Paris. A stone’s throw from Austerlitz station – one of Paris’ six main stations – this uber-cool hotel is situated in the 13th arrondissement (although Parisians have taken to calling the Seine River the 21st district).
With 58 rooms and a plunge pool giving spectacular views of the Seine, OFF will undoubtedly become the new place to be seen in Paris.
Bonus – you don’t even have to be a guest at Off Paris Seine to enjoy the hotel’s cocktail and tapas bar (open 5pm-1am).
The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort
This eco-friendly boutique hotel is a peaceful paradise situated in western Thailand. Boasting 12 thatched roof floating villas, each with scenic views of the lushious mountains, spacious living areas and private terraces – perfect for sunbathing in privacy. The hotel even offers activities for guests such as elephant rides and kayaking.
Six Senses Laamu
The ultimate paradise retreat in the Maldives’ Laamu Atolll, this hotel is the first word in luxury and serenity. Laamu dominates its own island, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and schools of manta rays, and offers a combination of land and water villas (each comes with its own butler). Guests are requested to stay barefoot throughout their stay at the idyllic resort and are provided with personal bikes to get around the island.
King Pacific Lodge
Accessible only by helicopter, this grand lodge is a world class fishing resort. Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Central Coast, each of the 34 rooms come with king size beds, hot tubs and panoramic views of the Great Bear Rainforest. With a gourmet restaurant and fleet of boats, this is the dream for any fishing fanatic.
Spitbank Fort
This 138-year-old British sea fort is now a super-luxe boutique hotel. Built in the 1800s to protect Britain from Napoleon, it can now house 18 guests, who arrive by private boat. Spitbank features a hot tub and spa, wine cellar and champagne bar, library, game room and sundeck with a fire pit.
By Aimee Phillips
