For a bath with a view, Elsa’s Kopje in Kenya’s Meru National Park is hard to beat. Guests can return from a game drive and relax in a warm, open-air bath as elephants and giraffes amble by.
Spot marine life as you bathe at luxury Dubai hotel Atlantis the Palm. The hotel's two underwater suites, Poseidon and Neptune, stretch over three floors and both have huge bathroom windows looking into the Ambassador Lagoon. As well as their own private aquarium, guests have soap scattered with 24-karat gold flakes and a 24-hour butler.
Love this? Follow us on Facebook for more travel inspiration
The only resort in the northern Shaviyani Atoll, the Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi offers pristine beaches, untouched coral and crystalline waters. Stay in a Water Sunrise Villa with a huge copper tub and dreamy views over the Indian Ocean. There’s a Bose sound system and, if bathing al fresco is more your bag, you can also enjoy an outdoor bath and shower.
Set high on Monte Igueldo hill, just outside San Sebastián, Akelarre Hotel’s 22 bedrooms have massive windows with magnificent views over the Bay of Biscay. Bathrooms have bespoke organic toiletries (inspired by local flora) and marble units. The most breathtaking views are from the Akelarre Suite which has a private plunge pool, set adjacent to a floor-to-ceiling window.
At the Alila Jabal Akhdar, guests can soothe their muscles in a grand oval tub, perched high above a plunging canyon in the dramatic Al Hajar mountain range. In the resort’s two Jabal Villas, guests enjoy their own in-house spa with oversized marble tubs, a sauna and Jacuzzi.
This boutique hotel, right inside Marrakesh’s medina, is a labyrinthine riot of colour. Bathrooms at El Fenn feature monsoon power showers and dual sinks, but the stand-out feature is this deep marble bath in one of the large bedrooms. In a shoot for Vogue, actress Lupita Nyong’o was photographed here surrounded by rose buds.
The villas at this Phuket resort are built high into a hillside and set amid lush, green foliage, overlooking the Andaman Sea. In Keemala's Bird’s Nest villas, bathrooms are made from wood and stone, tubs are al fresco and the monsoon showers have intricate mosaic tile floors, designed by Chiang Mai artist Surachai Sripaiboon.
Six Senses resorts have a reputation for decadence and the Zil Pasyon hotel is no exception. When it comes to the bathrooms, the vibe is seriously opulent – think deep green quartzite tiles, bathtubs with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean and natural outdoor rock showers, embedded into the verdant surroundings. There’s even a swing, suspended from the ceiling by ropes.
The bathrooms at Indonesia’s Bawah Reserve are gorgeous – the Overwater Bungalows are decorated with stunning murals and units made from an eco-friendly mix of bamboo and driftwood. Kick back in a copper-plated tub and, if you decide to soak for hours, you can operate the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign outside your villa via a rope.
At The Siam you can escape from the bustle of Bangkok in style. The chic monochrome bathrooms in the immense Siam Suites are an Art Deco delight, with cavernous freestanding tubs, glittering metallic sinks set atop marble counters and soft, draping fabrics. Fancy an iced tea or a Singha beer? Just ask your personal butler.
The Burj Al Arab claims to be the ‘world’s most luxurious hotel’ and the bathrooms don’t disappoint. The Presidential Suite comes with a private butler, while the rotunda-style tub is flanked by gold pillars. Fill it with the Hermès bath products and admire views over the city below.
A 2008 makeover by French designer Philippe Starck has ensured the bathrooms at the Royal Monceau are anything but ordinary. Embrace your inner narcissist in the Royal Monceau Suite’s salle de bain, which has mirrors layered upon mirrors, stretching from floor to ceiling. Here, even the toilets are top-tier Japanese TOTO models, which spritz and dry your derrière. Guests are given Clarins toiletries too and children are treated to organic skincare products by Bonpoint.
Pretend you're a Renaissance courtier at the Four Seasons Firenze with its vaulted ceilings, ornate archways and period furniture. The Royal Suite, dripping with stunning 17th-century frescoes and glittering chandeliers, features a huge bathroom with a centrepiece marble tub. After drying off, slip on a thick, fluffy robe and kick back with a cocktail.
The brainchild of US designer Bill Bensley, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc opened in 2017 to international acclaim. The decor has a collegiate vibe and the Turquoise Suites, found in the so-called Department of Conchology (that’s the study of shells), feature breathtaking bathrooms. Choose between two showers and a roll top bath, then slather yourself in Aromatherapy Associates products.
Sir Richard Branson’s tented Kenyan safari camp promises a front row seat to the annual Great Migration, when over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles gallop to fresh pastures. Watch the action from a roll top bath while indulging in Africology products. There are double sinks and you’ll find insect repellent and sunscreen in the cupboards. There’s even a Maasai warrior rubber duck to take home.
Originally designed for former queen Maharani Badan Kanwar, the Maharani Suite at this Rajasthan hotel is literally fit for royalty. You’ll find exotic murals, flaming torches and faux leopard-skin sofas, all leading onto a cavernous bathroom. Relax in the steam room, bubble away in the Jacuzzi or sink into the impressive bath. All carved out of a single piece of pink Italian marble, it was designed by Polish artist Stefan Norblin.
Strictly speaking this is more of a bedroom than a bathroom but this tub, seemingly suspended high over the Tyrrhenian sea, is so incredible we had to feature it. It sits proudly in the Art Suite at Capri’s Punta Tragara Hotel, five floors above the dramatic Faraglioni rock formations. If you tire of your soapy suds, throw open the glass doors behind it and you’ll find an enormous shower.
At this exclusive rainforest retreat, bathing is something very special. The Villa Especial Esmeralda has a sauna and Jacuzzi bath – both positioned for thrilling views over the aquamarine sea – and private spa area for in-room treatments. This is luxury to the max.
If money’s no object, opt for the Hilltop Reserve Villa at the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam, which is immersed in lush jungle, above a pristine sand beach. The open-sided bathroom has a steam shower and enormous hand-crafted wooden tub, both with mesmerising views over the East Vietnam Sea.
Modelled on an Indian palace and with stellar views over the magical Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas oozes romance. Make the most of the remarkable vista from either the octagonal glass-panelled rain shower or standalone bath, before venturing out onto the balcony for a sundowner.
In the Mandarin Oriental’s Presidential Suite, admire the spellbinding sight of Tokyo's glittering skyline while wallowing in the marble Jacuzzi tub. Afterwards, step out onto the heated floor and order fine Japanese cuisine, such as sake and salted squid, from the gourmet in-room menu.
There’s obviously something in the water at Jamaica’s GoldenEye resort. This is where Ian Fleming penned multiple James Bond novels and Sting wrote The Police hit ‘Every Breath You Take’. Get to the heart of the action at the three-bed Fleming Villa, designed by the man himself. You’ll find three large garden bathing areas, complete with cascading showers and claw foot tubs, nestled in lush vegetation.
50 experiences you didn't know you could have in the Caribbean
Baths don't get much more intimate than this tub at Zambia's Royal Chundu Island Lodge. The four villas – all built on a private island in the middle of the Zambezi River – have egg-shaped baths on private decks. Bathe under the stars surrounded by lanterns, as you listen to the immense river rolling below.
In the heart of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, The Silo Hotel occupies what was once a vast grain silo. Today, it’s a luxury hotel, with pillowed glass windows that give a lantern-like effect at night. As well as incredible views, bathrooms have beautiful Victorian-style units, produced locally from coloured glass and chrome. For the wow factor, try the Royal Suite with a sumptuous velvet chaise, impressive chandelier and chic monochrome floor.
Perched on Morocco’s northeast coast, the Banyan Tree villas are tranquil with arched doorways, wood panels and earthy tones. The vast bathrooms are Moorish and Andalusian-inspired, with two sinks decorated in vibrant Moroccan-style zellige mosaic tiles. When you arrive back in the evening, a warm bath will be ready, sprinkled with rose petals and surrounded by candles.
At the Stonefield Resort’s secluded Hibiscus Villa, wash away the day under a glorious outdoor shower, flanked by bird of paradise flowers and tropical ferns. This is rustic luxury at its best with nothing to disturb you but the sound of birdsong and the Caribbean sea below.
The Grade II-listed Lympstone Manor was renovated by chef-turned-hotelier Michael Caines and opened to much fanfare in 2017. For tasteful decadence, plump for the Heron Suite. Alongside the expected luxuries, like L’Occitane toiletries and a walk-in shower, you’ll find twin, gold-plated bathtubs with stunning views over the Exe Estuary.
French bathtubs, Elemis products and outdoor rain showers are the order of the day at the JA Enchanted Island resort. Stay in the Owner’s Signature Villa, where you’ll find a stunning open-air bathroom and 24/7 butler service.
Carefully curated art, dramatic mirrors and sparkling chandeliers ensure the Extreme Wow Suite at the W Singapore lives up to its name. The centrepiece – a stainless steel, oval Jacuzzi bath tub – is flanked by marble sinks and a textured, purple leather accent wall. There’s even a state-of-the-art exercise bike for anyone wanting a quick workout.
New York City's Hotel Chelsea is a Victorian gem of a stay with a rock 'n' roll pedigree – and its 2022-renovated bathrooms are testament to its atmosphere of cool. All rooms feature 19th-century style white marble bathrooms with antique brass accents, giving them the feel of a Turkish hammam. The hotel's top suite – a two-bedroom pied-à-terre (pictured) – includes two-and-a-half bathrooms, one of which has a customised Red Flower soaking tub and aromatic toiletries, ideal for washing the city off tired skin.
Given a brand new look in 2023, the Regent Hong Kong prides itself on its 'Oasis Bathrooms' – in each of its rooms, the tub promises an astonishing soaking experience. Bathrooms are specially designed by Hong Kong designer Chi Wing Lo and feature a 'moongate bath' with a high back to support your head and neck, so you can soak and read – or look at the view – for hours. Pick from a menu of curated Perricone MD products for the ultimate in-room spa session. Pictured here is the Harbour View Corner Suite with its additional whirlpool tub.
Opened in June 2022, the Buahan Banyan Tree is one of Bali's best new hotels, but special mention must go to its bathrooms. In each of the resort's three exclusive bungalows, a huge hand-hammered copper soaking tub overlooks the rainforest, so you can lie back as birds-of-paradise sing under the stars. The no-doors design honours Balinese architectural tradition, as do the unique mirrors and cabinets, made from wood recycled from Balinese shipyards and carved by local artisans.
Menorca's crystal-clear seas are tonic for the soul. Cleanse your mind and body at the same time by taking up residence in one of the all-new Villa Le Blanc's terrace bathtub suites. Set on balconies with totally transparent glass railings – so you can scan the panoramic views – the Scandi-style, circular tubs have pillowy loungers right next to them, so after your bath you can chill out with a glass of local wine and watch the sunset. If the weather's bad, there are tubs and walk-in showers indoors, so you really are spoiled for choice.
Now discover the European hotels that once thronged with tourists – but now lie abandoned