South Africa is home to the world’s first ever dry-dock marina where guests can stay on any one of five yachts or boats (with one more in the making!) without the pulse of water rushing underneath. Whether you’re prone to seasickness or just longing to channel your inner-pirate personality sans ...

A Ship in the Ice is just what it sounds like — a frozen ship in Tempel fjord, one surpassing 100 years of age and that has been remade into a very nice accommodation. Sure, they could probably thaw the ship out, but what’s the fun in that? It’s far ...

*As opposed to Stormborn* Who can afford the ₤150,000-a-week it costs to charter a superyacht? Not many. But thanks to the Sunborn London you can still experience the life of a sexy sea-dog. It is a 394ft superyach that has been converted into a luxury hotel. Permanently moored at Royal ...

*Floating through Venice* A luxury 26ft cruise boat that will take you to Venice and Croatia. Breakfast is served on board and you can eat dinner in their luxury on-board restaurant. The top deck is equipped with sun loungers and there is a covered bar and lounge to sit in. ...

The world’s first on-land cruise ship, this hotel takes all the joy of a cruise ship and combines it with the usefulness of staying in one place. The sound of waves lapping at the hull are simulated so you can imagine that you really are on a cruise. The location ...

*Cool, cool water where I rest my head* The peaceful waterways of the Netherlands have long been a popular holiday destination. There is something about calm, fresh water, trees and far-distant grasslands that relaxes the soul. Trouble is, you always have to leave the water and return back to reality ...

*Luxury boat hotel by Jordi Puig* This hotel is located on a boat; no big deal there; lots of hotels are on boats – hell, what about cruise ships? Well this boat is a little different. Not only does it feature stunning design (more on that later) but it sails ...

*Blimey, it’s a Barge* Built at the starboard end of the British obsession with the seaside, this holiday bungalow is shaped like a barge and decorated with a nautical theme. The bungalow is self-catering with all modern conveniences provided for. Wooden shutters allow air to circulate in summer and protect ...

*16th Century Cruise Ship* This traditional Indonesian Phinisi ship is the first of its kind to offer cruises for up to 10 passengers. These ships were first built by the Konjo tribe in the 17th Century and have been in continuous use ever since. For the most part, they have ...

Virgin Magnate, Richard Branson has recently added a luxury catamaran to his collection of unique hotels. Necker Belle specializes in Whale watching and every year it follows thousands of whales as they meet at Silver Bank in the Caribbean for the annual mating. During this time the Whales come to ...

In Northern Netherlands people don’t drive so much. They cycle the flatlands breathing fresh air or they take a boat along a network of clean waterways. The area is full of historic attractions and European charm. To make the most of your stay, the Werf Ijlst hotel offers its guests ...

For much of last century Woodlyn Park was a farm but today it is an educational centre and family fun park with some unique accommodation. Before we get onto that, it is worth mentioning Billy Black’s Kiwi Culture Show where you get a sheep-shearing, cow-riding, wood-chopping experience of Kiwi life. ...

The Mekong River is the 12th longest river in the world. It begins in Tibet and flows through six countries all the way to the sea. In section that flows through Laos, barges have long been used on the river as the main source of transportation for traders and travelers ...

The main bulk of the hotel resembles an upside-down boat and a complex of tourist lodgings spreading out through this wooded stretch of coastline on the island of Chiloe in Chile. The area is famous for its wildlife and is an excellent place to spot rare Dolphins and Whales. There ...

Unusually for a decommissioned lifeboat hotel (wow, I’ve talked about so many unique hotels that this phrase doesn’t even seem strange) this one is still functioning. You can hire a captain to take you, your partner and your whole hotel out into the open sea. Now that sounds fun! This ...

All the pomp and grandeur of the Titanic without any of that sillyness with iceburgs; the Queen Mary has had a long and prosperous career with no (fingers crossed) bad renditions of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ yet. Beginning life in the 1930s, it was built in Scotland and became ...

Forget staying in a hotel by the sea. How about staying in one in the sea? Your room in this unique hotel is on a floating platform in the beautiful Swedish fjords. Each 2-storey unit was built off-site and towed to Klädesholmen where each piece was permanently moored ready for ...

F.A.S.T (Free Architecture Surf Terrain) is an alternative surfing community that has a hostel, an all-summer beach party and a number of ‘survival capsules’. These originally came from an off-shore oil rig and are now available to stay in. There are a few pods you can choose from, each with ...