5 Amazing Floating Hotels

Cherese Weekes
by Cherese Weekes
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Sun September 21, 2014

PHOTO: Gili Lankanfushi Resort. (Courtesy of Gili Lankanfushi Resort)

When water and great hospitality come together they create high-quality accommodations immersed in the beauty of nature. As proof, we present the following five hotels that were wonderfully created amid gentle waves to stun their guests with breathtaking views while fulfilling their vacation desires. So take your shoes off and enjoy the overwater amenities of these hotels elevated above glimmering waterscapes.

Switzerland: Hotel Palafitte

Who says five star quality only exists on land? Hotel Palafitte is a prized treasure of Switzerland that offers luxurious accommodations while sparkling water bathes at its feet.

Its architecturally unique buildings majestically stand on stilts while balancing plush bedrooms, bathrooms as well as other chic facilities that invite the beauty of Switzerland's waterscape in. This allows guests to enjoy the hotel's lavish accommodations while the most pristine views remain arm's length away.

As Europe's most prestigious floating hotel built on stilts, once guests are showered by Hotel Palafitte's charming overwater décor, delicious cuisine and round-the-clock service, they'll quickly see that taking advantage of Switzerland's aquatic adventures does not necessarily mean becoming drenched.

China: Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort

Its appearance alone causes the hotel to magnificently stand out on the coast of Lake Taihu, specifically since it flaunts a horseshoe-like appearance that brilliantly lights up at night. The Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort is a remarkable display of futuristic style that not only decorates its exterior, but floats from room-to-room on each of its 27 floors.

From the twinkle of the lake to the Swarovski crystal enhancing the lobby and ceilings of the bedrooms, the resort was made to use its impressive features to persuade visitors to extend their stay. Even its strategic location on Taihu Lake helps in fashioning the exclusive experience of the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort, where guests can unwind in the tranquility of its calming waves.

French Polynesia: Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa

Travelers flock to Bora Bora Beach Resort & Spa to have their highest demands meticulously catered to. It provides the feeling of being in the best place in the world with thatched-roofs jut out of the blue ocean, glittering in the sunlight like jewels as they dot along 17 acres of unspoiled scenery.

Bringing Bora Bora's immaculate beauty to the feet of its guests with a wide spectrum of luxurious amenities to match, Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa gives every guest a taste of heaven. Especially with exquisite restaurants that are saturated in the aromas of gourmet specialties, cozy rooms facing the water or the nearby mountainside as well as the spa that is filled with soothing treatments.

Myanmar: Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort Hotel

Nestling on Myanmar's Inlay Lake, the Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort Hotel makes a big splash from the moment guests arrive. That's because they are encouraged to dive full force into the hotel's amenities, which are steeped in culture and submersed in nature's splendor with the Blue Mountains and scintillating lake surrounding it on all sides.

Boasting thatched-roofs decorating its straw-like style cottages that warmly invite visitors in, the Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort ideal location also plays host to Myanmar's diverse attractions. Do you desire to be swept off your feet? Well you won't feel the ground at this quaint resort because you'll be floating high above the water.

Maldives: Gili Lankanfushi Resort

Set on the private island of Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives, the Gili Lankanfushi Resort is a dream come true for vacationers, especially because its pavilions magically protrude out of a glinting Indian Ocean. Offering the best of barefoot luxuries, they can enjoy the depths of the ocean by venturing on a snorkeling adventure and come up for air to relish in the fine dining experiences and tantalizing spa amenities located here.

And when guests are in need of help, Mr. or Ms. Friday, who are Gili Lankanfushi Resort's round-the-clock butlers, are never too far to lend a helping hand. When life gets a bit too rough, why not soak your stress away in the blue lagoon surrounding this extravagant private getaway?


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Watch Now!
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Watch Now!
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Watch Now!
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...