Most of us love a steaming hot, soapy bath at the end of long day. It relieves stress, relaxes the muscles and lets you have some time to yourself and your thoughts. But there’s more to baths than suds and salts, you know. Bathing is an art. And when all the elements come together to create the perfect ambience, it’s true magic.
Some tub architects clearly appreciate this luxury. These ‘Masters of the Bath’ have managed to enhance the experience to even greater heights of bliss through ingenious location, innovative materials and thoughtful add-ons.
1. The ‘scenic tub’—Song Saa Resort, Cambodia
Song Saa bungalows are made from recycled materials, including reclaimed timber (Credit/Song Saa)
What could be more serene than soaking in this treetop bathtub while watching the sun set over the ocean? The top-tier tub is located in one of Song Saa Private Island’s luxury Over-Water, Jungle and Ocean-View villas in Cambodia—all built with sustainable materials. Plus, the Song Saa Foundation goes to extensive measures to safeguard the environment, including reforestation of surrounding jungle and mangrove forests. Supporting our planet while you soak.
2. The ‘earthy tub’—Mio Buenos Aires, Argentina
Be the centre of attention in the centre of the room in this hand-carved tub (Credit/Mio)
This wooden bathtub serves to enhance the warm, intimate feeling of relaxing in a hot bath. The bespoke, one-piece tub was handmade from a centennial fallen tree, and sculpted by Argentinian artist Mario Dasso. According to hotel representatives, Dasso goes into the mountains and “listens to that inner voice that guides him, the same voice that his ancestors—the Mapuche Indian tribes—used to hear” when selecting the tree that will become your tub. Truly special and oh-so-inviting.
3. The ‘zen tub’—Alila Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Take a candlelight bath with the sound of frogs to serenade you (Credit/travelplusstyle)
Submerge yourself like never before in the Private Pool Villa bath at Alila Ubud on the ‘Island of the Gods’. This sizeable alfresco bath is surrounded by a fish pond complete with lily pads, frogs and koi fish, adding a soothing soundtrack to your soak. What a wonderful way to reconnect with nature while harnessing stillness of the mind in a gorgeous bath. Added bath-time bonus includes the divine, organic amenities that are provided in environmentally friendly, reusable containers.
4. The ‘hot (spring) tub’—Gora Kadan, Hakone, Japan
The tatami-mat rooms come with an open-air natural stone bath (Credit/Gora Kadan)
Why not view Japan’s wintry wonderland moutain-scape from a private, natural hot spring jacuzzi in the middle of an unspoiled forest? Don’t mind if I do! Located just outside Tokyo in Hakone, Gora Kadan is styled after a traditional Japanese ryokan, and was once the summer residence of the Imperial family. This particular room also comes with a steam sauna, so go on, soak in imperial style at this classy, chic and all-natural option.
5. The ‘do-good tub’—Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia
Nihiwatu is a luxury resort with a conscience (Credit/Nihiwatu)
Approximately 400 kilometres from Bali, Nihiwatu has been voted No. 1 hotel in the world in Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best list for the second year in a row. Take in the splendour of the views over the Indian Ocean from a soak in the open-air copper bathtub. But first, you have to work for it. Nihiwatu also has first-class surfing, award-winning spas, horseback riding and fishing, amongst many other relaxing and thrill-seeking activities. And the luxury resort gives back to the local community through its philanthropic Sumba Foundation that likes to involve guests. So feel good while doing good.
6. The ‘wild tub’—andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Tanzania
A treehouse soak followed by an outdoor shower but remember: tie the taps or the monkeys will turn them on again! (Credit/andBeyond)
andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge offers an exclusive safari experience in a remote, game-rich wilderness. The Lodge is designed to have minimal impact on the environment but maximum impact on guests. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge overlooks a forest boma, or outdoor dining area, lined with traditional dugout canoes. The design is characterised by soaring spaces decorated with local artworks and tactile fabrics. Step into the family treehouse suite bathtub after exploring Lake Manyara by bicycle and keep a lookout for the famous tree-climbing lions!
7. The ‘oh-my-God’ tub’—Six Senses Laamu Resort, Maldives
Eco-sustainable Maldivian resort with unparalleled views, even from the bathtub (Credit/pilotmadeleine.de)
The Maldives—ah the luxury, oh the beauty. While there are several resorts to choose from, there’s only one resort in the Laamu Atoll and it’s a stunner. The Six Senses Laamu Resort‘s overwater villas enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise Indian Ocean waters and white sandy beaches surrounding the bungalows. Each suite also includes a private bar, open-air bathroom with rain shower, and sunken all-glass bathtubs that can feel a little revealing, at first! You’ll soon get used to the serenity, Six Senses way.
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Written By: Alex Andersson and Adriane Rysz