Let your bathroom inspiration flow from these style-soaked tubs
When choosing a boutique hotel, travellers are often swayed by picturesque pools, serene spas, and breath-taking bedrooms – leaving the bathroom to be overlooked by most bookers. But these are holiday-inspiring tubs, the sort which transport you to a swirling, bubbling world of relaxation. From a twin set of freestanding tubs overlooking the Cotswold countryside, to an outdoor bath in the Arizona desert filled with natural spring water, these are 20 of the best bathtubs worth taking a trip for.
1. Foxhill Manor, Cotswolds – England
The eight-bedroom, honey-hued Foxhill Manor oozes home-from-home charm from every countrified corner of its Grade II listed walls. While each of the elegantly styled suites comes with its own claw-foot tub, the twin set of freestanding bath tubs cleverly positioned before the bay window of the Oak Suite boast verdant views over rolling Cotswold hills – with a table in between for the champagne bucket, naturally.
2. Castello di Reschio, Umbria – Italy
Rooms at Castello di Reschio, an enchanting thousand-year-old castle, come courtesy of nine bespoke farmhouses dotted across a 1,500-hectare landscape. Like the rest of the exquisitely put together interiors, freestanding tubs and marble washstands have been designed by Count Benedikt Bolza and his B.B. For Reschio team, based in the estate’s converted Tabaccaia. Soak to the sound of silence on a sun-drenched morning, broken only by the distant echo of cantering Andalusian horses as you take in the Umbrian countryside – baths have been perfectly positioned by shuttered windows to allow Renaissance artist-approved views to filter through.
3. Finca Serena, Mallorca – Spain
The delicate scent of olive trees greets you as you walk through the grounds of Finca Serena – past cypresses and lemon trees – with rippling hills and dramatic peaks as far as the eye can see. Interiors have been kept bright and white, flooding rooms with natural light. A large tub takes centre stage in the indoor-outdoor style bathroom in Villa Serena, with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors opening out onto a private terrace so you can dry au naturel in the Mallorcan sunshine.
4. Hôtel Crillon le Brave, Provence – France
A quintessentially French hideaway that fuses the charms of a 17th-century hamlet with contemporary luxury, Hôtel Crillon le Brave is housed within nine charming stone buildings on a Provence hilltop. Splash out on the Suite Prestige Ventoux for a twin set of tubs overlooking Mont Ventoux, the same views which inspired the likes of Van Gogh and Cézanne.
5. VALA Hua Hin, Petchburi – Thailand
Bathe to the sound of waves lapping the shore in the Beachfront Suites at VALA Hua Hin, with uninterrupted views over the Gulf of Thailand. Sky Beachfront tubs bask in the glow of natural light which floods through a floor-to-ceiling window, while guests staying in Deluxe Beachfront rooms and Beachfront Mini Suites can soak up the elements from the large outdoor tubs positioned just steps away from the sea.
6. The Roseate Edinburgh, Edinburgh – Scotland
Bedrooms at The Roseate Edinburgh are spread across Dunstane House and Hampton House, two meticulously restored Victorian townhouses in the heart of Edinburgh – brimming with character thanks to warm tweeds, rich velvets and printed wallpapers. But it’s the freestanding bathtubs in the light-filled bay windows which steal the show here. You’ll find roll-top copper tubs in the Scapa Suite and the Dunstane Suite, while the deep blue bath in the Ronaldsay Suite beautifully blends with the king-size Vispring bed. Our insider tip? Order an Orkney cheese board and G&T on room service to enjoy as you bathe.
7. Quinta da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort, Comporta – Portugal
With a complete focus on wellness and nature, Quinta Da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort’s culture is as serene as its setting. Each room has a luxurious beach hut feel, with rustic-style furniture drawn from a natural colour palette. The spacious bathrooms in the Deluxe Rooms open up to a private outside patio, perfect for taking in the idyllic surroundings wrapped in palm trees and rice fields.
8. Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha Valley – Bhutan
Bathing at this Himalayan hideaway is a ritual in its own right. Three in-suite bath experiences (Herbal, Relax & Refresh) are available on request at Gangtey Lodge, using some of the world’s best natural salts and finest plant based essential oils in the English roll-top tubs standing in the aptly named Farmhouse Suites which overlook the Phobjikha Valley. Dip into an ancient Bhutanese tradition with a hot stone bath, or ‘dotsho’, which uses river rocks to heat the water, releasing key minerals that relieve aches and pains in the body.
9. Sailrock Resort, Turks & Caicos Islands – Caribbean
Natural hues and light, open spaces set the contemporary tone throughout Sailrock Resort, a private piece of Caribbean paradise to enjoy at your own pace. The Beachfront Villas, nestled directly on Long Beach, come with large soaking tubs, over-sized walk-in showers, and some with outdoor shower gardens to immerse guests in the natural beauty of South Caicos.
10. Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire – Wales
A wonderfully rustic retreat which started life as a traditional Welsh longhouse, the Grove of Narberth is perfectly positioned on a hillside overlooking rolling Pembrokeshire countryside. The guest rooms which are spread amongst the original country house, and the traditional Welsh cottages in the grounds, all beautifully preserve the Grove’s heritage. Curated by Martin Hulbert Design, period features blend with local crafts and neutral tones, and each room has its own distinct character and features – including deep, standalone cast iron tubs in a variety of colours and styles.
11. Keemala, Phuket – Thailand
With streams and waterfalls running through the resort, Keemala is seamlessly woven into its natural surroundings. Stay in a Clay Cottage, inspired by the ‘Pa-ta-pea’ clan, or a Tent Pool Villa with spectacular views. For something truly individual, pick one of the seven Tree Houses that seem suspended from the canopy itself. Or, for the ultimate indulgence, book a Bird’s Nest Pool Villa. Each one comes with a spectacular stand-alone bathtub, monsoon shower, and a bathroom which brings the sights, scents, and sounds of the rainforest in.
12. Can Ferrereta, Mallorca – Spain
A converted 17th-century country house in one of Mallorca’s least discovered areas, Can Ferrereta is full of contemporary comfort – but wears its heritage proudly on its sleeve. Exposed beams and stone walls are a nod to its rustic roots, while sleek four-poster beds are juxtaposed with furnishings in calming shades. As the hotel’s most exclusive room, the Pool Suite comes with an expansive en suite bathroom with a free-standing bathtub and access to a second terrace. Natural light floods through the large double window into the lounge area with garden views, sundeck and, of course, its own pool inspired by Mallorcan lavoirs, known as safareigs.
13. Kenoa – Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort, Alagoas – Brazil
Rooms with a view come as standard at Kenoa – Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort. Huge suites have far-reaching vistas over the green treetops of the neighbouring natural reserve and coastline – plus Japanese cedar bathtubs on their balconies and rustically beautiful bathrooms. Villas take things up a notch with ocean views and infinity edged private plunge pools made from Balinese stone.
14. Milaidhoo Maldives, Baa Atoll – Maldives
Open the door to your luxury retreat at Milaidhoo Maldives – either a lodge nestled between palm trees, or an over-water villa. Large soaking tubs stand between beachfront bathrooms and the protected waters of the Baa Atoll beyond, while each of the four Serenity Spa suites come with a freestanding bath for water-based treatments. Devote your day to total relaxation: drift in your private pool, take a meditation class, and indulge in a spa treatment using fragrant lime and coconut oils.
15. The Mitre Hotel, Surrey – England
Originally built to host visitors to Hampton Court Palace, just across the river, The Mitre Hotel has been reincarnated in modern, elegant English country house style with interiors by designer Nicola Harding. No two rooms, or indeed bathrooms, are the same at this riverside retreat – from the copper bathtubs in the Catherine Parr and King Henry VIII suites, to the classic white tubs in the Royal Rooms, each bathroom is fit for a king or queen.
16. Mezzanine, Tulum – Mexico
With just nine beachfront bedrooms just steps away from the crystal clear Caribbean waters, Mezzanine is a small and perfectly formed Tulum retreat. With so few other guests you’ll be well cared for – and if you stay in the Master Suite, Laura, the wonderful General Manager will create one of her special flower baths for you in the huge bathtub.
17. Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux – France
A ‘buco-chic’ collection of contemporary buildings, created from recycled local materials specifically designed to blend in with the estate of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Les Sources de Caudalie is surrounded by its own vineyards and lake-filled gardens. The rooms and suites are styled to reflect the Aquitaine region in paintings and antiques, while brightly coloured bathtubs are hidden behind patterned drapes where organic Caudalie products await – giving bathers a sample of the Vinothérapie spa.
18. Terra Dominicata, Escaladei – Spain
This former monastery may date from the 12th century, but inside, Terra Dominicata is utterly up-to-date. The minimalist rooms and suites feel in tune with the building’s history, with earth tones and natural materials – including some original stone walls. Deep soaking tubs stand at the foot of Deluxe Suite beds, where guests can relax at the end of a sun-drenched day with a glass of locally made Montsant or Priorat wine in hand.
19. Brick Hotel, Mexico City – Mexico
Set in Mexico City’s fascinating Roma neighbourhood, Brick Hotel fuses the best in contemporary luxury with the Belle Époque’s atmospheric architecture. Bedrooms are inviting, with parquet floors, smooth white sheets and soothing tones helping you to disconnect in style after a day in the city. Suites feature claw-foot baths and private balconies, and you can recline on your very own sun-lounger – or in the outdoor tub – while gazing down over the streets of Roma in the aptly named Rooftop Suite.
20. Castle Hot Springs, Arizona – USA
As you arrive at Castle Hot Springs, you can almost hear the thermal springs bubbling up all around this boutique retreat – creating the sense of a natural, luxury oasis amid the Arizonan desert. This is somewhere to switch off from the always-on digital world and immerse yourself in nature. Bathe in the healing properties of the natural spring waters in a private, custom Sonoma stone tub as you gaze on the quiet peaks around you from the Spring Bungalows, while Sky View Cabins come with an expansive wood deck equipped with a telescope for stargazing and a private outdoor deep soaking tub.