25 of the World’s Most Spectacular Hotel Bathtubs
And I've floated in them all...
Over the past fifteen years, I’ve floated in some of the world’s most luxurious hotel bathtubs. So much so that it sort of became “a thing I was known for.” I sought out the bathtubs that were unique in one way or another. It could be that they had an amazing view, an outstanding size, unique functions, or built-in entertainment—but none of the 25 baths you’re about to bear witness to could ever be considered run of the mill. I feel now, more than ever, that when taking a vacation we need to find a place of peace and relaxation. Those two words don’t come together for me without a bath. So, here’s where I’ve floated that I’ve voted best of the best.
First up, above, we have…
1. A Poet’s Corner
The Last Poet, Notting Hill, England
This hotel is located on one of the most iconic corners of Notting Hill in London and has a terrace overlooking the neighbourhood that is second to none in this part of the city. The bathtub, located in the Muse Suite, is actually in the bedroom. It sits opposite the bed, with a view of Notting Hill that will encourage you to pull the blinds before stepping into a different sort of hot water.
2. The Laundry
This is far and away the biggest bathtub I’ve ever floated in. This large copper tub is actually located in a suite at The Pig that once served as the estate’s laundry room before it was renovated and turned into a hotel. The basin is rumoured to be the same one used for laundering the estate’s larger linens. Well, call me a larger linen—I’m headed in.
3. A New York Minute
The Lowell, New York, New York
The Lowell has repeatedly been named the best hotel in New York City—and with good reason. The service here is second to none. On my first night in residence, I discovered two framed pictures of my golden retrievers by the bed to welcome me home. Luxury is found in the details, and that includes their all-marble bathroom with a television perfectly placed above the tub for those nights when only a movie and a soak (and maybe a glass of wine) will do.
4. Bright and Shiny in Brighton
The Artist’s Residence, Brighton, England
I must admit I had plans to see Brighton while in town, but one look at the bath in The Artist’s Residence suite and all plans for my one-night visit were dashed. I had a date with a cup of tea, a copper bath, and a view of the sea. This quirky hotel group always delivers.
5. The White Lotus Lounge
The Four Seasons, Koh Samui, Thailand
Yes, the very same hotel where the latest season of The White Lotus was filmed. With a bath overlooking a pool that then overlooks the ocean, it’s easy to understand why such a location was chosen. One starts by sunbathing and swimming in the sea, heads up to the pool for some solo R&R, and finishes with a long, hot soak as the sun sets. This hotel is a dream for any traveller—and yes, it’s one of the most romantic places I’ve ever been in my life!
6. A Farmhouse Float
Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire, England
As if Soho Farmhouse weren’t dreamy enough as the perfect weekend escape from London, they take things up a notch with their outdoor bathtubs. Some suites even offer a view—and the soothing sound—of a real-life bubbling stream. The tub is big enough for two (I refuse to admit how I know that) and is surrounded by full-size Cowshed products that smell absolutely divine.
7. Under Swaying Palms
There should be an entire book written about the baths in the homes of Jumby Bay, but for today’s purposes, we’ll focus on the island’s hotel facilities. Both the shower and bath are, in fact, not in your room but outside. The weather here is consistently beautiful and the area so private that, of course, bathing and showering take place in the great outdoors. Tell me this doesn’t look like heaven.
8. You’re So Golden
Four Seasons Ten Trinity, London
The Four Seasons Ten Trinity wins for the most luxurious bathtub I’ve ever blown bubbles in. The bath is surrounded by gold tiles—yes, real gold. Marble and gold... a recipe I never thought I’d find where the gold outweighs the marble. I should also mention that the bathroom itself is bigger than any London bedroom I’ve ever had to myself. This is luxury’s top level of bath-time pleasure.
9. Sightseeing From The Tub
Shangri La at The Shard, London
If you’re afraid of heights, this might not be the hotel bathtub you want to swish around in. This is the view from the Shangri-La in London’s 42nd-floor bathtub at sunrise. And yes, it’s surrounded by glass (as is the shower) for a view that’s both remarkable and memorable. There’s also zero worry about stepping out of the tub in your birthday suit—who’s going to see you this high in the London sky? No one!
10. A City View
EAST Miami is truly a remarkable hotel in downtown, featuring covetable pool spaces, gorgeous rooftop bars with secret corners, and bathtubs—in suites—that offer outstanding views straight down to Miami Beach. Its minimalist approach to design allows each guest to enjoy the view as much as the space around them, creating a calm and soothing environment high above the hustle and bustle of the city below.
11. In Full Bloom
The Hari in London feels like a local secret. This gorgeous hotel doesn’t need to shout for attention—the beautiful rooms and intimate meeting spaces do that all on their own. From velvet-covered window seats to bathtubs that seem to hang over the streets below, this corner of London is all about quiet luxury in the heart of Belgravia.
12. A Butler’s Bath
This was my first bathtub on a balcony. It’s also the first time I’ve had to say, “there’s a bigger tub inside.” Yes, Sandals Resort has a two-tub policy for certain suites. Both are big enough for two, and as this is a couples resort, the setup is ideal. Every night, returning to the room, our butler had drawn a bath (after asking what time our dinner would finish and when we’d be back) with the perfect amount of bubbles and flower petals scattered as far as the eye could see. This is romance on another level.
Behind the paywall…
The best tub with a view of the Northern Lights
The most luxurious tub at sea (yes, you're floating in a bath... on a boat... on the ocean)
The spectacular Icelandic tub made famous by the ladies of The Real Housewives of Orange County
and many more