Travel Quiz: Is a Floating Breakfast Really Worth It?

Floating Breakfast is the latest travel flex that is taking social media by storm. Picture this: you wake up in your private villa, stroll outside to the pool, and instead of the typical room service tray on your bed, your breakfast is floating gracefully on the surface of the water.

This might sound extravagant – and it is. But it is exactly why this experience is so appealing to many travelers seeking the next Instagram-worthy moment.

From Bali to the Maldives, the floating breakfast is the ultimate symbol of luxury travel. It is catching on fast, especially with American tourists. But is it all is cracked up to be?

What Exactly Is a Floating Breakfast?

At its core, a floating breakfast is pretty simple. The meal itself consists of the typical breakfast spread you would expect from any high-end hotel or resort: Pastries, fresh fruit, toast, eggs, and of course, your choice of tea or coffee.

Expedia / Instead of being served at a table or in your room, your breakfast is delivered to you on a floating tray while you lounge in your private pool.

These trays, often styled like mini rafts, come in various shapes, from circular wicker baskets to sleek rectangular platforms, and can carry everything from a light continental breakfast to a full-blown brunch spread. Depending on where you are and the level of luxury, this experience can cost you anywhere from $16 to a staggering $280.

However, for some, the idea of sipping coffee while floating in a serene pool is the epitome of luxury. For others, it is just another over-the-top travel trend fueled by social media hype. Yet, one thing is undeniable: The floating breakfast is quickly becoming a staple for travelers looking to add that extra “wow” factor to their vacation.

Why Are Floating Breakfasts So Popular?

The rise of the floating breakfast can be attributed to two major things: The pursuit of unique travel experiences and the ever-growing power of Instagram. Social media has played an enormous role in pushing this trend into the spotlight.

Scroll through Instagram! You will find thousands of posts from Bali, the Maldives, Thailand, and even the Caribbean, where tourists are showcasing their poolside feasts in stunning villas.

Let’s be honest! This trend is not about the food. Sure, the pastries are likely flaky, the eggs poached to perfection, and the fruit as fresh as it gets, but the real star of the show is the aesthetic. There is something about the contrast of a tropical pool, the morning sunlight, and the perfect breakfast spread that begs to be photographed.

Where Can You Experience a Floating Breakfast?

Eca / In Bali, this trend has become so popular that it is almost expected if you are staying in one of the island’s luxurious private villas.

The floating breakfast may have originated in Southeast Asia, particularly Bali. But it has since spread far and wide. Resorts in the Maldives, Thailand, and even the Caribbean have caught onto the trend, offering it as an upgrade for villa guests. These destinations are known for their private villas with infinity pools, which are the perfect setting for the ultimate floating breakfast experience.

Similarly, resorts in the Maldives have fully embraced the concept, often including it as part of honeymoon or romantic getaway packages. In Thailand, especially in places like Phuket and Koh Samui, floating breakfasts are becoming just as common as beachfront yoga.

However, some high-end hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and even certain parts of Europe are jumping on the bandwagon, offering this poolside indulgence to their guests. Wherever you go, expect the price to vary depending on the resort’s level of luxury.