11 Airbnbs Around the World That Are Practically Floating on Water

From overwater bungalows in Washington to hilltop hideaways in Greece, these Airbnbs are the ultimate blue escapes.Courtesy AirbnbIn 2014, marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols popularized the idea that being near a body of water can have powerfully positive psychological effects. This so-called “Blue Mind Theory” might explain why blue is the world's most popular color, why we gush at the sight of infinity pools, or why we feel more relaxed by the sound of crashing waves. The Airbnbs on this list don’t merely offer ocean or lake views; they’re practically built atop the water, allowing you to feel as though you’re floating above the horizon. From suspended lofts in Chile where floor-to-ceiling windows are colored by the Quintay Bay to lakeside cottages in Massachusetts with private docks for gazing, these waterfront rentals will have your heart rate slowing down and meditation on the mind. In some cases, the magnificent views extend to the bedroom, so you’ll wake up to the sight of blue from your bed (certainly beats checking your phone first thing). Below: 11 Airbnbs around the world to stay in if you want to feel like you’re floating on water.These listings were chosen by our editors based on Superhost and Guest Favorite status, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.Airbnbs in EuropeAirbnbs in North AmericaAirbnbs in OceaniaAirbnbs in South AmericaAirbnbs in AsiaAirbnbs in AfricaHilltop hideaway in GreeceNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Shared beach access, private gardens, outdoor kitchenI stayed in this gem of an Airbnb in July, and have not stopped talking about it since. It sits on a hilltop in the Kalamaki settlement of Andros, an underrated Cycladic island that needs to be on everyone’s radar. The home gives you access to a semi-private beach that you share with another one of the host’s properties, as well as a garden where you can pick ripe tomatoes to enjoy in the shady outdoor kitchen and dining area. Best of all is the boundless view of the Aegean from both bedrooms, so blue it can bring you to tears.Location: Andros, GreeceThings to do nearby: Achla Beach, The Aegean Balcony, Museum of Contemporary ArtArchitect-designed waterfront cabin in NorwayNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Shared beach access, in-unit washer/dryer, private patioThe water surrounding this seaside cabin is so turquoise, you might think it’s located in Fiji or Hawaii. But it’s actually set in the heart of Norway’s Lofoten archipelago, sitting right at the edge of the Arctic Sea. What makes this retreat so special is its peace and privacy; sheltered from busy roads and neighboring cabins, it’s also on the inner side of the archipelago, which means you’ll get less wind and warmer temperatures. From the comfort of the living room couch, you might be able to spot a sea eagle gliding in the distance, or better yet, the northern lights.Location: Vestvågøy, NorwayThings to do nearby: Summit of Dalstinden, Lofotr Viking Museum, Lofoten Links Golf ResortCharming boathouse on the Faroe IslandsNumber of guests: 5Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Private deck, beach access, in-unit washer and dryerExperience the unspoilt beauty of the Faroe Islands from this three-bedroom boathouse in the fjord village of Árnafjørður. While the home is tucked away in nature, there’s a bus service that runs to nearby Klaksvík, the second-largest city in the Faroe Islands. The interiors are both minimal and neutral, making way for the star of the show: the A-shaped floor-to-ceiling windows facing the calm water. There’s no better place to enjoy your morning coffee than on the private deck, where you can breathe in the sea air.Location: Árnafjørður, Faroe IslandsThings to do nearby: Svartidalurfoss waterfall, Gøtusandur beach, Klakkur trailheadRustic lakeside cottage in MassachusettsNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Private dock, firepit, desk overlooking the waterPlopped right on Wequaquet Lake, this charming Massachusetts cottage offers views of the water from nearly every room. There are two bedrooms (one with a queen-size bed and the other with a bunk bed), a fully stocked kitchen, an outdoor rainfall shower, and a private deck with comfy seats to enjoy the views. You’ll also find books, puzzles, and board games to kick back in the lounge area, plus kayaks and a canoe (life vests included) for outdoor adventures. Perhaps the best feature, though, is the little desk in the living room that faces the water, perfect for when inspiration strikes.Location: Barnstable, MassachusettsThings to do nearby: Wequaquet Lake Beach, Gooseberry Island, Cape Cod BeerNautical cabin in CaliforniaNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathsWhy we love it: Bay view, beach access, hot tubRight on the eastern shore of Tomales Bay, this waterfront cottage features all kinds of nautical details, from the wooden steering wheel on the front door to the glass window punctuating the living room floor (if you’re lucky, you’ll see a stingray at high tide). Spend your mornings on the private deck, where you might even spot some seals and otters, then launch a kayak on the bay. When it's time to unwind at the end of the day, soak in the hot tub located in the backyard. One guest reviewer wrote, “[It’s] so difficult to describe the magical feeling you get from this home.”Location: Marshall, CaliforniaThings to do nearby: Tomales Bay State Park, Hog Island Oyster General Store, Tony’s Seafood RestaurantOverwater bungalow in WashingtonNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Shared beach access, hot tub, panoramic viewsIt’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest boasts some of the most stunning coastal landscapes, and this boathouse on the Hood Canal fjord offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. On the top floor, French doors open out onto the majestic horizon, while a secret passageway leads to a speakeasy-style bedroom downstairs. From there, you can access the private hot tub, all while enjoying the views of the waterway’s edge. Multiple guest reviews state the photos simply don’t do the place justice. Expect to see everything from bald eagles and herons to seals and otters.Location: Seabeck, WashingtonThings to do nearby: Olympic National Park, Big Beef Spit, Kitsap County Anderson Landing ParkLuxury lakehouse in New ZealandNumber of guests: 8Bed and bath: 4 beds, 3.5 bathsWhy we love it: Fireplace, in-unit washer/dryer, private patioOffering too-good-to-be-true views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, this modern split-level villa in Queenstown makes for an unforgettable stay. With floor-to-ceiling windows running throughout the house (and two of the bedrooms), it’s impossible to ignore the beauty unfolding outside. Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure tourism capital, and this pad provides the perfect base for outdoor excursions, whether you want to bike the Queenstown Trail or hike Ben Lomond for incredible alpine views.Location: Queenstown, New ZealandThings to do nearby: Queenstown Trail, Ben Lomond, Coronet Peak ski resortSuspended loft in ChileNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Beach access, firepit, barbecueThis charming Chilean loft is essentially a rectangular box on stilts—simple enough, until you take in the view: Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the gorgeous vista of the Bay of Quintay. A stay here means you’ll be completely secluded away from any neighbors, though you’re just a 45-minute drive from Valparaíso. Right near the beach of Playa Grande, the one-bedroom loft gives you access to salt-sprayed walks. Plus the barbecue in the outdoor kitchen means you can enjoy dinner and a sunset. One guest reviewer wrote, “Honestly, this is the most beautiful Airbnb I’ve ever stayed at anywhere in the world.”Location: Quintay, ChileThings to do nearby: Playa Grande, Rotonda Wolf Park, Cave of the MonkeysSerene seaside inn in JapanNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Patio, full kitchen, views from the bathtubSet alongside the Seto Inland Sea, this serene studio is a lesson in Japanese minimalism; with a few simple furnishings and tons of natural light, the rental draws guests’ attention to the beautiful water outside. Notable design details include the marumado, or circular window, which perfectly frames the ocean view, as well as the tatami mats that line the bedroom. It’s hard to say where the best place to take in the sea is, but the freestanding bathtub in the bathroom is a good start. Located in the coastal city of Imabari, this Airbnb is just a 25-minute drive away from Setonaikai National Park and is situated at the start of the scenic Shimanami Kaido cycling route.Location: Imabari, JapanThings to do nearby: Hirakiyama Park, Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, Setonaikai National ParkWhale-friendly cottage in South AfricaNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Beach access, pet-friendly, wildlife sightingsIf you stay at this tranquil cottage during South African winter, you might get lucky with some whale and dolphin sightings (Cape grey buck, porcupines, owls, and mongooses are also known to roam the area). Located just outside of the Fish Hoek neighborhood, this two-bedroom is bathed in blue, thanks to the expansive windows that run throughout the house. After a day spent exploring Fish Hoek’s crystal-clear beaches and endless hiking trails, cook dinner on the barbecue located on the private veranda, where you’ll be able to gaze at the South African sunset.Location: Cape Town, South AfricaThings to do nearby: Elsie’s Peak hiking trail, Fish Hoek beach, Jager’s WalkLuxe villa in IndonesiaNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathsWhy we love it: Infinity pool, beach access, pet-friendlyMountains in the back, sea views in the front—this dreamy vacation home in Indonesia blends traditional Balinese and modern design, built from natural stone, rattan, and cogon grass. It has everything you need to unwind, from a gorgeous 26-foot-long infinity pool that’s as tranquil as the waters in front of it to comfy bedrooms with room-darkening shades (all of which come with sea views). There’s a direct pathway that leads to the beach, and snorkelers will love the proximity to the Lombok Strait, which contains one of the most diverse coral reefs in the world.Location: Abang, IndonesiaThings to do nearby: Lipah Beach, Uma Ning Cafe, Gili Selang View PointJessica Sulima is a Commerce Writer at Condé Nast Traveler, where she covers hotel and booking content, as well as travel deals. Originally from New Jersey, she attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she holds a Bachelor’s degree in English with minors in Spanish and Art History. Previously at Thrillist, ... Read More