There’s something supremely serene about free-standing soaking tubs — particularly when they’re placed with prominence in a room. Now, recent data reveals that statement-making tubs are on trend, and designers of luxury bathrooms are taking notice.
Indeed, many hotels have put these marble, porcelain and stainless steel works of art on display in bathrooms or guest rooms, often with epic views of the sea or mountains as backdrop, so guests can indulge in a spalike experience without ever leaving their rooms.
These soaking tubs may be round, oval or rectangular in shape and vary in style — some feature clean, sharp lines, while others are more amorphous and fluid, mimicking the ocean waves they overlook.
Discover 13 epic soaking tubs across five continents where your stresses can slip away one bath at a time.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Unwind in This Turkish Delight
The sleek, clean design and amenities at the JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea put travelers’ minds and bodies at ease. This spacious soaking tub in the luxe Presidential Suite’s marble bathroom lets guests unwind with water views after a day of sightseeing.
Step Into Opulence in Vietnam
Renowned hotel architect Bill Bensley designed the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa — a former 19th-century French university-turned-beachfront resort — as a luxurious getaway whose whimsical details extend to the opulent bathrooms. Soak your cares away in the Lamarck House villa’s freestanding tub while basking in the abundant natural light and warm glow of hanging lamps.
Soak Up Island Dreams
A lush, private-island escape, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort‘s pinnacle of opulence lies in it John Jacob Astor Estate overwater villa — which houses a private gym, cinema room, staff quarters, infinity pool and two plunge pools. The three-bedroom villa features a soaking tub with unbeatable views of the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waters.
A Tub, but Make It Space Age
The bold design of W Osaka amps you up to indulge in the city’s nightlife. The aesthetic extends to the suite bathrooms, where a large, circular steel soaking tub reflects the mirrors’ electric blue lights and overlooks the glittering cityscape.
Music City Meets Mod Design
Contemporary suites at W Nashville feature soaking tubs, some with incredible views of the chic Gulch neighborhood. Luxurious bath products, slippers and robes will ease you into sleep after an evening in Music City.
Find Your Philadelphia Freedom
Circular soaking tubs in W Philadelphia suites make for great escapes after exploring the Center City neighborhood’s attractions, including City Hall and Reading Terminal Market. A spa, swimming pool and 24-hour fitness center will complete your relaxing getaway.
See Mexico City Views
The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City towers 58 stories above the capital city, providing generous views from its sleek, window-filled rooms and polished marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and double vanities. Key attractions, including Paseo de la Reforma and Chapultepec Park, are just steps away.
Bathe in a Mexican Beauty
Lapping waves and sand dunes beckon at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Enjoy the serenity from the oversized, free-standing tubs surrounded by natural wood and hanging plants.
Get Sleek and Industrial Chic
At The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale, a Member of Design Hotels, exposed brick and concrete pay homage to the once industrial area, now a creative hub, in Sydney’s Chippendale neighborhood. The unique character extends to the standalone tub in certain suites where you can relax before a restful night.
Love Is in the (Tropical) Air
Nestled in a tropical forest overlooking the Guanacaste shoreline, Punta Islita, Autograph Collection is surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. This includes the Honeymoon Suite’s window-filled bathroom, where you can take in the lush green scenery while lying in the soaking tub.
Seek Solace in Vancouver
The centrally located Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites puts you within walking distance of some of the Canadian city’s top attractions, including the Gastown neighborhood and Stanley Park. The hotel’s spacious suites provide the best places to recharge. Gaze at the towering skyscrapers and mountain views from the Cityscape Suite’s windows, followed by a dip in the oval soaking tub.
Go for Gold in Croatia
Enjoy views of the Adriatic Sea from the rooms and suites at the beachfront Le Méridien Lav, Split. The tranquility continues in the marble bathrooms with gold trim and sleek soaking tubs.
London (Tubs) Are Calling
Ornate Victorian design flourishes throughout the timeless St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, housed in a structure that dates back to 1873. Still, the property’s luxurious bathroom design is also rooted in the present, with deep soaking tubs next to floor-to-ceiling windows and lighted mirrors.
Find more inspiration with Travel by Design.
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