They may look like floating Portakabins, but the owners of new boats moored by Salcombe in Devon prefer to describe them as being “like really posh caravans”.

H20 Resorts is offering week-long stays in three US-built boats that could soon become a feature of waterways across Europe.

The boats are 60ft long and 16ft wide, sleeping up to six adults and two children, with a hot-tub on the upper deck and a water slide into the sea.

Inside, there is a big flat-screen television, a well-equipped kitchen and four plush cabins.

Guests can use a speedboat that comes with the booking to explore the coastline and there is also a daily maid service and food delivery. They cost from £1,195 to £3,275 a week.

“We’re mainly aiming at families or large groups of professionals,” said a spokes-woman. “There are lots of bars and restaurants to go to in Salcombe.”

She added that the boats are energy efficient and that food provided supports local traders.

There are plans to offer boats soon on Lake Como in Italy and in Scandinavia.

They have already proved popular in Florida, Nevada and California.

Details: H2O Resorts (0845 2020820, www.h2oresorts.co.uk).

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