10 unforgettable hotel bathtubs

Bathing can be so much more than a mindless chore. Travelers looking to clean up will find that blowing bubbles in these tubs is definitely not kid’s stuff.

10. Afrika House, Bambu Indah (Bali, Indonesia)

Bathers get an excellent view of Ayung River Valley from inside this heavily hand-beaten copper tub -- which is entirely exposed to the elements and those who tend them. 

Recycled wood was used to construct the open-air bathroom attached to this re-purposed 19th century Javanese prince’s house. Not that most bathers will have saving the world on their minds as they stare at the climax of Mount Batu Kau on the horizon.

Price: US$260 per night

Website: Bambu Indah

9. Ginger Suite, Clove Hall (Penang, Malaysia)

It takes a whopping 45 minutes to fill this behemoth stone bath, the only one at the gentlemen’s club turned six-suite B&B.

Anticipation is half the thrill, and guests are more than welcome to roll around on the handwoven bed linens while they wait.

Price: US$210 per night

Website: Clove Hall

8. Lagoon Bungalows, Huvafen Fushi (Maldives)

At this Indian Ocean-facing basin built for two, schools of flying fish break the surface as does the occasional snorkeler.

Bathers also have the opportunity to dunk with resident baby sharks and sting rays (body parts are of of no interest to these tuna-eating flesh seekers).

Price: US$1,400 per night;

Website: Huvafen Fushi

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7. L600 and L900 Landmark Suites at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental (Hong Kong)

Two feet deep and seven across, you can almost do laps around this tub.

These urban plunge pools have been known to cause the occasional businessman to go missing from meetings. One call to the spa and a bath attendant rocks up to fill the tub while pimping it out with candles and massage oils.

Price: L600 US$820 per night; L900 US$1,190 per night

Website: The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

6. One Bedroom Villas, The Nam Hai (Hoi An, Vietnam)

Baths at the Nam Hai come clad in a patchwork of pressed eggshell. This slippery surface is all the better for slipping into the sunken indoor spot hidden behind the day bed.

There’s not much of a view, but that just leaves more room for your imagination.

Price: US$450 per night

Website: Nam Hai

5. Diplomatic Suites, Park Hyatt Seoul (Seoul, South Korea)

In the Diplomatic Suites, bathers soak alongside floor-to-ceiling glass windows allowing you to overlook the high tech metropolis while you scrub up. Blinds are available for non-exhibitionists.

Japan’s 'Super Potato' juxtaposes the contoured granite bath against cool Chinese aji stone.

Price: Diplomatic Suite: US$3,500 per night

Website: Park Hyatt Seoul

4. Hibiya Suite, The Peninsula Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)

That steam-proof 15-inch TV at one end of this ceramic soaker with city views can’t be getting much play when there's so much more fun to be had by pressing the spa button instead. Guests probably aren't spending US$12,000 a night just to watch Macaroni Rascals in the bath.

Or maybe they are. More power to them.

Everything is within reach will while soaking in the granite bath designed to engorge itself onto the surrounding marble floor, Japanese onsen style.

Price: US$12,000 per night

Website: The Peninsula

3. Studios, Upper House (Hong Kong)

For those who like their cleansing a little festive, this over-sized tub inside a stark white stone bathroom is elevated for maximum exposure to Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights, the urban illumination at 8 p.m. every night.

Culture nuts may be curious about the room’s central artwork called Cocoon, while others will want to do just that under water in the shadow of Victoria Harbour or views of Peak Hill. 

Price: US$387 per night

Website: Upper House

2. Amankora (Paro, Bhutan)

This traditional bath made toasty by hot stones helps explain Bhutan’s national preoccupation with happiness.

Views of the blue pine forest and the smell of cedar wood might make one think of summer camp, but with enough rom for two, the activity at hand here will probably end up with less thinking. 

Price: US$1,300 per night

Website: Amankora

1. Attic Suites, New Majestic Hotel (Singapore)

Teasing becomes an art form as much as the contemporary works plastered above these dual vintage cast-iron bathtubs placed side by side in each top floor enclave.

There’s a surrounding polished concrete basin to catch the overflow should one decide to squeeze in with the other.

Price: US$420 per night

Website: New Majestic Hotel