Nothing beats a long, hot steep in a luxurious tub, or does it? More than your average dip, these 5-star baths allow you to soak up the sights as well as the suds, with sprawling skyline, city, ocean and jungle views setting the dreamy scene. Oh, and don’t forget the champers – things are about to get bubbly.
The Langham, Chicago
Ask for… the Regent Suite
For eyes on… up-close Chicago skyscrapers
The Langham’s 11th-floor Regent Suite flaunts an ultra-glam and oversized free-standing tub in marble-ous surrounds. And just on the other side of the vast glass wall? All of downtown Chi-town’s most iconic archi.
330 North Wabash Ave, Chicago. +1 312 923 9988. langhamhotels.com
Andara Resort, Phuket
Ask for… a Pool Villa
For eyes on… the azure Andaman Sea
Check into a Pool Villa at this mod Thai hideaway and you can enjoy stagger ocean outlooks from a white porcelain plunger, then dive into your own private lap pool for yet another swim/scene combo.
15 Moo 6 Layi Naka Rd, Kamala, Phuket. +66 76 338 777. andaraphuket.com
Pier One, Sydney
Ask for… the Admiral Suite
For eyes on… that ridgy-didge bridge
A fave of the Insta-opportunists, but don’t let that put you off. There is no better way to see the dazzling Emerald City and her celebrated iron coat-hanger than from an in-tub situ. Open the slider door and listen to the Harbour hum, whilst rays of the Southern sun tickle your face. You beauty!
11 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, Sydney. +61 2 8298 9999. pieronesydneyharbour.com.au
Bambu Indah, Bali
Ask for… the Afrika House
Eyes on… uninterrupted Ubud countryside
The outdoor copper soaker in this African-accented, an-teak Javanese house was handmade by eco-philanthropist owner John Hardy himself. And with verdant views of the surrounding rice paddies and coconut groves, it sure puts the ommm in OMG.
Jl. Banjar Baung, Ubud, Bali. +62 361 977 922. bambuindah.com
Upper House, Hong Kong
Ask for… the Penthouse
For eyes on… Victoria Harbour panoramas
Every taupe-toned room in this Andre Fu-designed urbane temple comes with a show-pony limestone bowl and wow city and/or sea vistas. But Penthouse guests get not one, but two soakers both with heart-stopping harbour angles. Up you go!
88 Queensway, Hong Kong. +852 2918 1838. upperhouse.com
Hassler Hotel, Rome
Ask for… the Penthouse Suite
For eyes on… Eternal City-scapes
Perf perched atop the Spanish Steps, grande dame Hotel Hassler enjoys some of the best birdseye aspects of Rome’s rambling streets and church domes, and you’ll be able to soak them all up from the penthouse’s bella freestanding bath. Swoon.
Piazza Trinità dei Monti, 6, Rome. +39 06 699 340. hotelhasslerroma.com
The Standard Highline, New York
Ask for… the Empire Corner King, Empire Suite, or Liberty Suite
For eyes on… the blockbuster Gotham building of your choice
A floor-to-ceiling window will be all that separates you and some of NYC’s most well known landmarks at this infamously exhibitionist Meatpacking flop. Bob about as you ogle the Hudson and Lady Liberty, or clink and sink in front of the Empire State – just remember, room names indicate the aspects, so choose accordingly.
848 Washington St, New York. +1 212 645 4646. standardhotels.com
Gora Kadan, Hakone
Ask for… an Open-Air Bath Room
For eyes on… your private Japanese garden
When the frenetic bustle of Tokyo becomes too much, nip an hour out of town to Hakone and this zen-sational ryokan retreat where alfrisky, stone-carved baths are nestled amid tranquil scenes of maple trees and bonsai. And if that doesn’t sound stress-relieving enough, there’s an on-site wellness spa with saunas, open-air hot springs and dedicated attendants.
1300 Gora Hakone-Machi, Kanagawa. +81 460-82-3331. gorakadan.com
The Conservatorium, Amsterdam
Ask for… the Junior Suite
For eyes on… Tiled roofs and chimney pots
This former music hall turned jazzy contempo lodging has a number of sumptuous dip-portunities. But take the sleek Junior Suite right up at the tippy top for a spa-sized porcelain bather and bobby scenes of the Dutch capital’s waterways and rooftops.Van Baerlestraat 27, Old South, Amsterdam. +3120570000. conservatoriumhotel.com
