10 Waterside Hotels Around the World Where You Can Arrive by Boat–
The arrival is just as much a part of the experience at these amazing hotels around the world.
The following written content by Becca Hensley
Some hotels were meant to be seen first from the water — not just glimpsed, but truly approached by boat from across a glassy lake or murmuring sea. Arrivals like these ensure a sensory overload — surrounded by nature, with the wind in your face and the destination growing larger with each splash, you glide directly into the stunning property. It’s the ultimate way to check in.
I’ve rocketed down the Mekong and Ruak rivers in a long-tail boat, Laos on one side and a bamboo forest on the other, en route to Thailand’s secluded Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. In Rajasthan’s Udaipur, a canopied boat, as colorful as a sari, has delivered me across Lake Pichola to the palatial Oberoi Udaivilas. Luffing sails have drowned out my conversation on the Chesapeake Bay as I sailed, Champagne flute in hand, toward the Inn at Perry Cabin in Maryland. Carried within the Cipriani hotel’s vintage wooden boat — a motoscafo dubbed Shirley — I’ve channeled my inner silver screen star. And, in Austin, I’ve foregone the city’s traffic to nab a ride on Lake Austin Spa Resort‘s speedboat from downtown to the property — a trip that passes through miles of unspoiled nature, grounding riders in the relaxing powers of water long before they’ve reached the wellness getaway’s pier.
Here are 10 amazing waterside hotels that offer arrivals by boat.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand
With the verve and fearlessness of a 19th-century explorer, hold onto the edge of your long-tail boat as you buzz down the rivers that border northern Thailand, Laos, and Burma. Upon arrival at this rustically glamorous camp, with rescued elephants in attendance, you’ll disembark to strike a ritual gong — its universal om sound grounding you to the harmony of the leafy surroundings.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, French Polynesia
In truth, it starts with the landing in French Polynesia’s Bora Bora, where your plane seems to fall like a leaf, landing quickly on a slip of motu amid a thousand shades of blue. Steps from your plane, a slew of boats await. One takes you to your private islet, edged with radiating piers and overwater bungalows. Watch for manta rays and the ancient volcano, Otemanu, along the way. Greetings of flowered crowns and tropical libations meet you on shore.
Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Italy
With its labyrinthine passageways, ancient warrens, bridges, and charming architecture, Venice strikes a Machiavellian note. This timeless mood of mystery lingers as you get lost again and again — as one does in the City of Canals. That’s why coming “home” to the Cipriani on its vintage wooden boat, steered by captain Fabio, at the end of each exploratory foray, feels like a refuge. You can also zip to less bustling Giudecca Island across the water from St. Mark’s Square, just minutes from the hubbub.
Hoshinoya Kyoto, Japan
The ride to Hoshinoya Kyoto, a harmonious hideaway overlooking Japan’s Oigawa River, might be called the boating version of forest bathing — every aspect of the float touches the spirit. Verdant, rife with wildlife sightings, and slow, the trip, steered solely with a rod, rudder, and oar, promises a peacefulness long before arrival. Read more from T & L.
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