It takes a great climate, substantial outdoor space and an incredible view to make an outdoor bathtub worthwhile. And in the case of those not blessed with a warm climate (sorry London) we figured floor-to-ceiling glass is the next best thing.
Our favourites include bathrooms overlooking African game resorts, Maldivian lagoons and Spanish deserts. So draw yourself an exquisite hot bath filled with bubbles and dream yourself into one of these ten places…
The XL rooms in the 25 Hours Hotel in Vienna are full of surprises, but not least is the bathtub on the balcony. From the comfort of your tub you can look out over the Weghuberpark and other parts of this beautiful city. The room also features a king-size bed, terrace, free Wi-Fi, bathroom with shower (in case you don’t fancy braving the elements) and free bike rental for exploring the city.
The 25 Hours hotels are kind of like a ‘falling down the rabbit hole’ experience with bright colours, wild art works and a distinctive young hipster vibe. ‘We’re all mad in here’ is their statement of self-expression and inclusiveness. The hotel’s communal spaces are relaxed, friendly environments where you can grab a coffee, meet with friends or get down to some work.
Ok so it’s not exactly outside but an outdoor bathtub in England is unlikely to be a pleasant experience – there are certain places that no one wants frostbite. So we’ve found the next best thing, a bathtub with floor to ceiling windows, so high up that no one can spy on you but you can almost certainly spy on them from this incredible viewing point.
The Shangri La is located inside London’s most iconic building, The Shard. At 310 metres high, it creates a world of tranquillity and also hosts Europe’s highest swimming pool. Considered to be quite literally, the height of luxury, a room at the Shangri La comes with full length windows on all sides looking out over the city, and bathrooms serviced with Aqua di Parma amenities. Depending on the room you choose this may include a free standing bath, the perfect place to feel at one with the great outdoors whilst remaining firmly behind closed doors.
Book a double room with an exterior bathtub and you will be treated to a large circular bath in your own private garden, where you can bathe under the stars. This modern and minimalist hotel is located in the middle of a wheat field near the Natural Park of the Bardenas of Navarra. The architecture of the building blends perfectly with the surrounding desert landscape, in fact, it’s won 26 architecture and design prizes.
The hotel’s restaurant is an elegant affair with white table cloths and pendant lamps draped against the chocolate browns of the walls behind. The hotel is also available for weddings, with a beautiful fairy-lit outdoor space and the dramatic dessert background.
Situated on the dramatic Ninh Van Bay, the Six Senses resort is nestled between white sandy beaches and towering green mountains. Who needs walls when you can take in incredible views, fresh sea air and the sound of lapping waves. Book a Rock Pool Villa for the best in outdoor bathroom relaxation, with everything you need including a hand crafted bathtub.
Each of the Rock Pool Villas features its own plunge pool set into the rocks, elegant bedrooms, walk-in closets, and are far away from the main villas of the resort for extra privacy. The resort is proud of its heritage and thus has a respectful environmental ethos, with architecture that matches the traditional Vietnamese style.
How about lying in a bath whilst looking out over a crystal clear ocean? The COMO Cocoa Island hotel is nothing short of paradise. The hotel takes a luxury approach with 33 overwater suites all opening out onto the private lagoon with its own exceptional reef.
The hotel prides itself on individual experiences, tailoring your holiday to suit you. Whether that means private dinners in stunning locations, wellness treatments, reef exploration, or simply enjoying a hot candle lit bath whilst watching the sunset over the ocean.
Throw open the walls of your bathroom and stare out onto African plains where you can spot giraffes, elephants and even lions. The luxury suites of Madikwe Hills are floor to ceiling luxury with a terrace featuring your own private plunge pool, comfortable sitting rooms, and a bedroom with more full length windows so you don’t miss a second of wildlife watching.
The lodge is the perfect place to come and relax and to go on safari and try your hand at some wildlife photography. After your evening game drive, the ranger can join your table at dinner to tell you more about what you’ve seen and to learn a little about each other’s cultures. The hotel prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and lack of formality so that everyone can feel at home.
A luxurious resort not far from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is the perfect place to relax, sight-see and spot some incredible wildlife. But what could be better than coming home to a hot bath tub with views out over the nearby lake after a day of helicoptering over one of the world’s seven natural wonders and driving around looking for big game.
Check in to the Honeymoon House, (even if that’s not strictly true – no one needs to know) and enjoy luxury at every turn including your own outdoor bathtub. The wooden terrace also features a plunge pool, relaxing sunbeds, an indoor sitting room and large comfortable bedroom.
The aNayar Suite at the Nayara Hotel features a Jacuzzi on the wrap-around balcony, overlooking the imposing Arenal Volcano and the surrounding lush rainforest. The suite’s unique Octagonal design means the room feels comfortably spacious, with a private garden and an outdoor rain shower for two, so you can feel completely at one with the rainforest.
The Spa at Nayara is well worth a visit. Perched on a cliff overlooking the forest, the Spa is a spiritual retreat surrounded by the emerald jungle, a place of true relaxation. Once you’ve relaxed at the spa head to the excellent restaurant serving both international and luxury cuisine.
The resort is committed to sustainable tourism and strives to be environmentally responsible across all facets of its business.
The Banyan Tree located in Phuket, Thailand, is a breath taking resort filled with sun-kissed sands, pristine gardens, inviting pools, everything in short to create the perfect backdrop to your holiday. When you aren’t enjoying the sparkling salt waters of the lagoon you can enjoy relaxing in your outdoor bathtub in the Banyan Pool villa.
The villa is decorated in a traditional Thai style with a distinct modern infusion, the result are warm rooms, natural materials, and state of the art modern facilities. The pool villa naturally comes with its own private 3 x 6 metre plunge pool along with a spacious wooden deck for you to relax on.
Sanya is positioned along the Southern coast of Hainan Island in China. Just 15 minutes outside of the city and surrounded by white sandy beaches, the Sanya is a haven of luxury. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows from your bathtub, protecting you from the cliff-top elements but still allowing you to soak up the incredible views as you take a bath.
A two-bedroom suite comes at a spacious 105 square metres including a luxury master bedroom, and a second queen sized bedroom, a comfortable living area, fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and private balcony. You can be completely self-sufficient and simply enjoy the company of friends or family on your stay.