Greek philosopher Plutarch wrote of Cleopatra receiving Mark Antony in Alexandria with a ceremony that extended beyond feasts, into water and oil – where politics gave way to intimacy. To step into a hotel bath is to step into another world: part sanctuary, part stage. It is where jet lag dissolves, city noises recede, and time stretches. In Japan, the onsen is a place of purification and quiet. In Morocco, the hammam is a destination for heat, steam, and release. A great tub can transform the simplest act into celebration – an indulgence that lingers long after the water drains. Today, the most remarkable hotels know that a bath should be so much more than an afterthought. From a hinoki-lined bath in Tokyo that floats above the city, to a sea-view sanctuary on a Cambodian island – these 10 extraordinary bathtubs all demand time.
This one-bedroom boutique hotel sits above a famed perfumery in Mérida’s Old Town. Everything is gilded and thoughtful, but nowhere more so than in the bathroom where two freestanding tubs sit side by side. The best bit – there’s a third bath outside and a rooftop pool too. We suggest staying fully submerged for the duration.
Aman, Tokyo
In the Otemachi Tower overlooking the Japanese capital the Aman bedrooms have large stone ofuro-style tubs with the most spectacular city views. Inhale the comforting cypress fragrance of Aman Tokyo’s Original Bath Salt, and relax. The surrounding slate interiors purposefully leave all the focus on what’s outside.
El Fenn Marrakech, Morocco
At El Fenn, deep, green-tiled tubs sit beneath intricate wooden ceilings and flickering candlelight reflects off mosaic walls. Locally made soaps infused with argan oil turn each soak into a sensory escape while some of the bedrooms have their own hammam-style steam showers. A hotel where the baths are designed to spend time in.
Vik, Chile
Here the view is part of the bathing ritual. Set among vineyards that stretch toward the Andes, each of the bedrooms have a standout bathtub to match its standout view. This hammock-shaped tub (pictured) has a foam-insulated core which means the bath water will stay hotter for longer – all the better for soaking in that scenery.
Jnane Rumi, Morocco
Marrakesh is a city with some stellar stalwart hotels, but newer to the city is Jnane Rumi in the Palmeraie. The most stunning bathroom has ceilings that are eight-metres high and daylight glinting from spotlights onto striking pink marble bath and basins.
Golden Eye, Jamaica
On Jamaica’s north coast, Golden Eye’s freestanding outdoor tubs look out over tropical greenery while the hotel’s signature hibiscus and rum-infused bath oils add a distinctly Caribbean scent. A soak here is an invitation to slow down, surrender, and absorb the island.
Sterrekopje, Franschhoek, South Africa
Perched on a hill above the Cape Winelands, each of the Sterrekopje bathrooms is its own own work of art, with enormously deep tubs for lounging in. Bathing is central to the experience of the hotel – the farm’s original manor house is now used as a bath house and apothecary where healing tinctures are made. Think fynbos-infused bath oils and hand-crafted soaps.
Villa Valguarnera, Sicily, Italy
This baroque villa near Palermo is not a hotel but does offer exclusive stays, allowing guests to experience its opulent interiors and indulgent bathing opportunities. The bathrooms are spacious, with marble floors and frescoed ceilings, while freestanding tubs look out over manicured gardens. Sicilian bath products – citrus-scented oils and olive-oil soaps – invite a slow, ceremonial soak.
Song Saa, Cambodia
On a private island in the Gulf of Thailand, Song Saa’s baths have the best views of the turquoise sea. The stone baths are large and inviting, while the hotel’s signature coconut and frangipani oils enhance the ritual. Bathing here is a moment of communion with nature and the island’s gentle rhythms.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Benguerra island, Mozambique
This freestanding stone tub faces the Indian Ocean, with a natural rope railing and sun-bleached dunes just beyond. Bathing here should be done with the door open and the sound of the sea in the background – an elemental, restorative experience where water, light, and horizon converge.