If your current idea of a peaceful escape consists of the four walls of your bathroom, then it's time to switch up the scenery! There's no better place to hide, unwind, and find some peace and quiet than soaking in a geothermal bathtub made of volcanic rock in Iceland, exchanging one filled with bubbles for one filled with bubbly in Italy, or gazing at amazing views while bathing in a St. Lucia sanctuary. In honor of National Relaxation Day, which falls on August 15th, here are some alternative bathtubs we all can't wait to relax in instead.
Baoase Luxury Resort Curaçao
Baoase Luxury Resort, Curaçao’s only five-star resort, features gorgeous Asian-inspired villas that pay homage to a signature Balinese style with impeccable attention to detail. The resort’s Superior Beachfront Pool Suites, for instance, feature a private garden, pool, patio and beach, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, an oversized canopy king bed, Dolby surround sound system and a private outdoor bathtub and rain shower. The bathrooms, often surrounded by the lush foliage of the tropics, feature a signature Indonesian-inspired design with elements - including the bathtub and sinks - that have been imported from Indonesia. The gorgeous oversized tubs are carved from large rocks found on the secluded island of Java, while the sinks are often made of Belgian slate, and the shower heads are the creation of an Italian designer.
Hotel Ranga Iceland
As one-of-a-kind as Iceland itself, and just like Hotel Ranga's seven renowned continent-themed suites, the new Icelandic Suite has at its center a freestanding custom-made tub specifically shaped for comfortable sitting. The bathtub is covered in smooth stones that can be found on Iceland's iconic black sand beaches, and is also surrounded by a floor paved with volcanic basalt rock. The freestanding tub also faces toward the window, providing perfect views of the countryside, East Ranga river and the frequent, favorite visitor, Aurora Borealis. In addition to this bathtub, the other six suites offer interesting tubs, including a square wooden one in the Asia Suite, an old-fashioned, copper tub to fit the North America motif and changes color with age, and a sleek monochrome design from the famous Italian manufacturer Pininfarina (known for designing automobiles, including Ferrari).
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa Cancun, Mexico
Fresh off a $40 million renovation, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is an ideal destination for beach bums, adventure lovers, foodies, or anyone who can relish in having nowhere else to be. Perfect for a relaxing, stress-free detox, travelers can rest easy knowing Bali-style day beds, brunch baskets, cocktails by the infinity pool, restorative spa treatments, and gourmet culinary experiences await. For the ultimate in-room spa experience without the price tag, guests can draw a steamy bath as every reimagined guest room features free-standing soaking tubs and complimentary aromatic, lavender bath salts. The oversized bathrooms are also marked by sleek rainfall showers, dual sinks and granite vanity tops with chrome detailing that deliver an elevated look and feel.
Lions Dive Curaçao
Get lost in paradise at the idyllic Lions Dive Beach Resort in Curaçao. The spacious penthouse suite features a spacious bathroom with a rain shower, gym (really!) and a large tub to soak in while you take in panoramic Caribbean ocean views. When you’re not lounging in your room, go for a dip in the resort’s sparkling Olympic-sized infinity pool, get dive certified at the resort’s neighboring dive school (the largest in Curaçao) or just relax on the private beach and order an in-room massage. With four delicious on-site restaurants, this casual, cozy resort is the perfect tropical vacation without the crowds.
Jade Mountain Saint Lucia
Arguably one of the most upscale and breathtakingly beautiful resorts in the Caribbean, Jade Mountain is known for its stunning, 3-walled, guest ‘sanctuaries’ that feature touches like sweeping views of the twin Piton Mountains & Caribbean Sea, private en-suite infinity pools, and 24/7 butler service. For some of the resort’s best views, guests staying in Jade’s Galaxy Infinity Pool Sanctuary can relax in their bathtubs while enjoying panoramic views of the starry night sky.
Casa Palopo Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Spend the night at Casa Palopó and you’ll be occupying one of just 15 individually decorated, Mayan-inspired rooms of this former private home turned boutique hotel. Bathrooms in each of Casa Palopo’s suite are all individually decorated with bright colors, fine wooden furnishings, and elegant open showers. The San Juan Deluxe suite features a tub on the outdoor terrace, for guests to indulge in a calming bath while taking in views of Lake Atitlan and its three mesmerizing volcanos. Bliss.
Il Salviatino Florence, Italy
Il Salviatino is a luxurious Renaissance villa set within the sloping hills of Fiesole, yet only a stone’s throw away from the Florence city centre. Surrounded by a lush, 12.5-acre private park, the hotel was built in the 15th century and for centuries was used as a cultural gathering place for artists, performers, and intellectuals. Now a 43-room luxury hotel, each room is individually decorated and offers a different angle of Florence’s outdoor landscape, from the Tuscan capital to the Tuscan hills, or the lush gardens and forest that surround the property. Il Salviatino’s Ojetti Suite houses one of the property’s most coveted amenities — a rooftop bathtub with stunning views of the Florence city center and rolling Tuscan hills. Trade in the water for bubbles with ‘The Ultimate Bubble Bath’ amenity, where the bathtub is filled to the brim with guests’ choice of bubbles (Prosecco, Spumante, or French Champagne).
Barnsley Resort Adairsville, Georgia
North Georgia's hidden gem Barnsley Resort, is where nature meets upscale Southern living featuring private cottage-style accommodations for guests. These secluded cottages portray the look of old-warm charm meets modern luxury, with design details like colorful wallpaper and a clawfoot tub to unwind. After a day of outdoor exploration, spend some quality time back in your private cottage and draw a bath to unwind. Add some bubbles and play calming background music for next level relaxation. These cottage estates are perfect for guests looking to find the balance between privacy and comfort. Complete with a pantry-style kitchen, dining room, en-suite fireplace, and front porch to sit back and enjoy the fresh air.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Soak in more than just a luxurious jacuzzi, but in those dreamy Puerto Vallarta sunsets too on this suite terrace at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. Nestled along the beautiful beachfront of the Banderas Bay and framed by the iconic Sierra Madre mountains, the ocean views from this tub are breathtaking. There’s not place better to relax after a day at the Ohtli Spa or tequila tasting with the resort’s own tequila sommelier, than in the newly renovated resort’s Luxury Suite which features plenty of room to relax, Jalisco-inspired decor, and a terrace that you can spot humpback whales from when in season.
Couples Swept Away Negril, Jamaica
Set on 19 acres along Negril’s world-famous Seven Mile Beach, Couples Swept Away is a tropical romantic paradise in Jamaica. Book the Great House Ocean Suite at the adults-only, all-inclusive resort and take in beautiful hues of the Caribbean Sea while soaking in the oversized tub for two. With waves as your soundtrack, lovebirds won’t want to break away from the beautiful bathroom to enjoy the portfolio of amenities including 24-hour dining, unlimited premium bar selections, unlimited watersports, a 10-acre fitness complex and three pools with swim up bars.
W Punta de Mita Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
A chic beach resort located on Mexico’s coveted Riviera Nayarit, W Punta de Mita offers an edgy, yet laid-back escape that pays homage to the area’s indigenous influences and bohemian local surf culture. When guests aren’t busy practicing their hang-ten on -- the resort is home to one of the area’s best surf breaks -- they can unwind to the sounds of the rolling waves from the tub in one of the property’s Oceanfront Haven Suites. Featuring private entrances and beach access, plus sun decks with plunge pools, this stylish haven is the perfect spot to see stunning sunsets and watch surfers catching waves in the distance.
