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The 15 Best Hotel Bathtubs Around The World

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I have a mild soaking obsession if you haven’t noticed from my Instagram account. Would you book a hotel just because of its luxurious guest bathrooms? *Lesley raises her hand.*

Not all baths are created equal. Some present breathtaking views while others rely on their luxurious bath and body works to sell the experience, and I’m not talking about the American retail store in your neighborhood mall. I’m referring to the Jo Malone Orange Blossom bath oil, Ahava Dead Sea Calming Lavender bath salt, my favorite L’Occitane Verbena shower gel, or the back-to-basics bubble bath. I wouldn’t accept your rose, but I’d snatch up your Red Roses bath oil in a heartbeat.

I’ve made it my mission to seek out the best tubs around the world, one soak at a time. The coolest bathtubs give guests a sense of their own private in-room spa. This happened when they left the ole shower-tub combo back home. Nothing screams “I got away from it all” quite like slipping into a bubble bath – in a basin polished to a sparkle with a glass of wine, view and maybe even some company. Without further ado, let’s get on with the tub talk. Time to make a splash!

15. Tcherassi Hotel + Spa – Cartagena, Colombia

14. Mandarin Oriental – Prague, Czech Republic 

13. Four Seasons Carmelo – Carmelo, Uruguay

12. Ritz Carlton Shanghai, Pudong – Shanghai, China

11. Inkaterra Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru

10. Viceroy Bali – Bali, Indonesia

9. Algodon Mansion – Buenos Aires, Argentina

8. Four Seasons Tented Camp – Golden Triangle, Thailand

7. Ayana Resort – Bali, Indonesia

6. Amanfayun – Hangzhou, China

5. Casa de Uco – Mendoza, Argentina

4. Four Seasons Tented Camp – Golden Triangle, Thailand (so nice it’s on here twice!)

3. Four Seasons Paris George V – Paris, France

2. Six Senses Laamu – Laamu Atoll, Maldives

1. The Peninsula Hotel – Hong Kong

Have a favorite tub of your own? Tell me in the comments below so I can happily continue my worldwide bath quest 🙂

Travel Tag: Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa

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I’d been hearing more and more about the Maldives, these magical islands out in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Seeing photos invited an escape, a reminder that beauty exists in all corners of the earth, and that there are actual real live people from here. Could you imagine? Out of all the times you’ve been asked in life, “Where are you from?” you could’ve answered “The Maldives.” Better luck next time.

There are 1,200 islands in the Maldives, ranging in size and function. A few hundred miles south of India and Sri Lanka, the Maldives is known as the lowest country on the planet with an average ground level elevation of five feet above sea level and a peak elevation of eight feet – the major factor of why it’s a collectively sinking ship. Literally, the Maldives are sinking thanks to global warming. Scientists predict the country will be gone before the end of the century. Go now before this paradise is under water!

Now that we’ve gotten that history lesson out of the way, it’s time for the good stuff. What to do, where to stay, how to party? Like a rockstar, obviously. YOMO, people. You Only Maldives Once (most likely), so make it count. Where to head first? Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, of course. There is no other answer.

The Experience

After departing the bustling city of Singapore, lounging for a week on a Maldivian beach was mouth-watering. I was especially ready to arrive after the safe landing of MH Flight 177 from Kuala Lumpur. Sound somewhat familiar? I’ll recap that adventure later, but after four hours in the air obsessing over every little ounce of turbulence and sound, I was exhausted.

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa staff whisked us away from the Male airport via speedboat (complete with complimentary wifi!) to arrive at a vibrant garden island with the charm and intimacy of a traditional Maldivian village. A leisurely walk down a sandy, shady lane was all it took to arrive at my bungalow. It’s set up like Pleasantville with staff members driving by in golf carts giving a friendly smile and a wave. Passerbys on foot are meandering to one of three places: dining terraces, pool, beach. Ahhh, island life. Don’t ever let me go.

The Bungalow

Bungalow 10 is set up on the shores of the Indian Ocean. With a bathtub the size of my Argentina apartment, two showers, two rooms and a private outdoor patio, I had officially arrived in heaven, a rainy heaven, that is. I had apparently traveled all this way during one of the rainiest months of the year. I couldn’t complain. With the kind of water my eyes were seeing…I’ll take more water where that came from, thank you!

The Cuisine

With eight different styles of eateries on the island, you’ll need a good week to discover them all. Don’t you hate that – a vacation in the Maldives for a WEEK?! Ugh. Allow me to present my top three dining experiences on Kuda Huraa: Cafe Huraa serves up some breakfast alright – champion style. I’m talking exotic fruits, homemade granola (gets me every time), eggs any style, honeycomb, any pastry under the sun, etc, etc. Baraabaru takes guests straight to India as they dine on a deck above water and under the stars. Lastly, what’s tropical cuisine without being able to dine in the center of it all? Reef Club allows you to order poolside, which just so happens to be beachside, which just so happens to be Adults Only. Score!

Activities & Excursions

Where to even begin? One of the reasons I couldn’t wait to get to Kuda Huraa, besides it’s geographic location, was that it was packing some water sports. I’m not talking the run-of-the-mill kayak, water polo, maybe a jet ski if you’re lucky. Think jet-packs, seabobs, jetblades shark & turtle safaris, and if you’re feeling extremely lazy – dolphin cruises and whale submarines! These are water sports of the future. Tell me something. Have you ever seabob’ed before? I didn’t think so.

Don’t even get me started on diving in the Maldives. Dazzling coral walls, magnificent caves and brightly colored fish await you when you get down to the reef. Deeper waters manifest manta rays, turtles, sharks and, drumroll please, the whale shark. The best part? The water is so warm divers don’t need a wetsuit. Head to the middle of the Indian Ocean for some fun under the sun ASAP.

Water logged? Try out sunrise or sunset yoga along with a cooking class. Get educated on the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Program, a government endorsed initiative that aims to protect, monitor and rehabilitate the turtles of the Maldives!

With so much to do in one of the most romantic places the world can offer, it should come as no surprise that Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa comes in at #1 on my list for exotic honeymoon destinations/resorts – for those who like a little adventure in their lives, needing something more than a beach and a piña colada each day. It also happens to be the #1 question I receive via email (or at least top 5!) “Lesley, where should we go on our honeymoon?” Answer: Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa. And there you have it.

The Island Spa

Oh wow. You know your spa is on another level when it’s on its own island. I embarked on a 2 minute pleasure cruise across the bay via traditional Maldivian boat. Once I arrived, Rose the talented masseuse gave me a massage with a blend of techniques from all over Asia including Thai pressure point, Filipino hilot, and Malaysian urut. I think it probably help that I had the spa music going and the ocean floor as my view. Talk about sensory overload and pure bliss.

How To Get There

A plethora of airlines serve Male, the capital of the Maldives. Even though it’s quite far from everything else around it, plenty of people still manage to set aside the time and money to visit. With over 105 resorts, 25,500 beds and over a million arrivals in 2013, tourism is the most important economic activity here.

After arriving to Male, Four Seasons staff will pick you up for a 30-minute speed boat transfer to the hotel, complete with free wifi!

If you’re flying within the Maldives, Maldivian Airlines serves the 10 domestic airports around the region. Get ready for an old school prop plane! Note: Book a window seat. Aerial views over the Maldivian waters are beyond stunning.

With two land-based resorts, Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, and the Explorer – a liveaboard dive boat – the Four Seasons has a huge presence in the Maldives. The resort also has a seaplane available to ensure that guests make it to remote dive spots and the best waves. Cowabungaaaa, dude.

Friendly Four Seasons Faces

They did it again. Each time I visit a FS property, the staff goes above and beyond, and at the very least, I’d like to address them by name if they don’t mind. A huge thank you to Waseem, David, Rose, Martin, Goose and all those working behind the scenes for making my stay so memorable. Who knows, maybe I don’t just Maldives Once, and we’ll meet again soon.

The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to this property as a guest, however, my opinions are as always, my own. 

Get inspired – see more photos from my time in the Maldives below!

Father’s Day Gift Guide

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The Business Traveler

Have a frequent flyer in your life? We’ve rounded up a few must-have travel accessories to make dad’s next trip a breeze.

Portable Phone Charger / Tumi Briefcase / Kiehl’s Starter Kit / Ted Baker iPad Case / Fitbit Flex

The Do-It-Yourselfer

From the hunter to the handyman, the gifts below would be perfect for your Ron Swanson-wannabe dad.

Cole Haan Loafers / Dual Fuel Grill / Personalized BBQ Grill Set / STEAKS! / Smoker Box

The Entertainer

Do your dad’s favorite things include wine and friends…and more wine? Same. Necessities for the life-of-the-party pops below.

Johnnie Walker Double Black Scotch / Wine Tote / Personalized Spirits Decanter / Cutting Board with iPad Stand / Outdoor Wireless Speaker / Leather Covered Cooler

Let us know what you’re giving your dad this year, and cheers to all of the hardworking proud papas out there!

Travel Tag: Capella Singapore

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Thankfully, I’m not a drug trafficker, and rarely do I chew gum, so I was in the clear as I headed to Sentosa Island for a few night’s stay at Capella Singapore.

The Experience

Sentosa Island can best be described as a leisure island, integrating many luxury hotels, cable car attractions and how could I forget – Universal Studios. With only a bridge separating this island from Singapore, visitors feel as if they’ve entered an urban retreat far from the city center. Stay with Capella and receive the best of both worlds – surrounded by lush greenery only steps from the beach and only minutes from the middle of town.

The Room

Capella Hotel was originally owned by the British army in the 1880s. Resembling a massive southern plantation from the facade, go around back and view the modernity built only six years ago that houses the 112 rooms.

Set atop a grassy knoll, the hotel follows the natural flow of the land. Not only a design spectacle from the outside, the interiors of each room are a techies dream. Think bedside touch panel control for lighting, A/C and drapes – all in the push of a button. My favorite area of the room? I’m a lover of light, so of course it’s the expansive window seat overlooking the South China Sea!

Capella Singapore also offers suites, villas and even manors for long term residents! When can I move in?? More images from these options below:

The Food

While on property, I was invited to try an array of menus at Capella. Mediterranean cuisine was especially good, and the Chinese was definitely more authentic than what I’m used to in the Western world. What really made me get out of bed each morning while visiting was breakfast at The Knolls.

Chefs on property manage to turn even the most traditional fruits, granola, yogurt and bread baskets into a culinary feast fit for royals. Exotic fruits, homemade yogurts, puffy warm pastries, and then some had Capella excelling in early morning gastronomy. An entirely additional room existed with Asian breakfast fare, but because I couldn’t make up my mind between pancakes, waffles and the carb basket, I stayed put to debate until my stomach couldn’t handle it any longer. Obviously I went with the pancakes if anybody was wondering…

The Extras

No matter if business or pleasure brings you to Singapore, the Capella hotel will make you feel at ease in your new home or home office. Get to work in your room or the cozy library where complimentary treats will surely distract you.

Take a break from it all in one of the three pools on location. If that’s not enough, walk down the path to the beach. Indulge in the spa, gym, or waste the day away staring the the beautiful colors of the peacocks that roam the property all day long! Capella also offers complimentary shuttles to and from Vivo City, a large shopping complex on Sentosa Island.

The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to Capella Singapore as a guest, however, my opinions are as always. my own.

Summer Travel Must Haves: What To Wear & Pack For Your Next Flight

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What to Wear on the Plane

I know it’s tempting to wear your finest Lululemon on every flight; however, I for one enjoy showing up to my final destination in style. Airport summer style is all about being comfortable, layering, while still staying chic. Think maxi skirts, drapey T shirts, cardigans, slip on sneakers, boyfriend jeans- you get the idea. You can still be comfortable sans sweats, ladies.

Destructed Boyfriend Jeans / Scoop Neck T Shirt / Billabong Print Cardigan / Vans Slip On Sneakers

What to Pack

For summer trips, packing light is easier than you think, especially if you plan on staying beach side. When packing, avoid throwing in 10 sundresses, 4 pairs of shorts, 7 tops if you’re just going on a 5 day trip. You won’t even break the first layer of your suitcase, trust me. Be realistic with what you will actually wear. For instance, if the majority of your trip will be spent on the beach, focus on swimsuits and cover ups.

Topshop Crochet Bikini / L Space Wrap Bikini Top & Bottoms / Steve Madden Cover Up / Lace Tulip Hem Shorts / Raceback Tank / Print Layered Tank / Steve Madden Strappy Sandals / Nike Free Trainers / Floppy Straw Hat / TOMS Sunglasses / Tank Dress / Shiseido SPF 50 Face Cream

Must Haves:

  • Swimsuits, duh.
  • SPF!
  • Flat sandals
  • Beach cover ups
  • A pair of shorts
  • Breezy tops
  • Running shoes, because beach runs are fun! (See our post on how to stay fit on vacay)
  • A Hat and/or Sunglasses

Leave at Home:

  • Heels. Unless you are attending a wedding, you will not wear them. Leave ’em.
  • Cocktail dresses
  • Your entire jewelry box. Sand and diamonds don’t mix.

There you have it! Be sure to have a drink on me with that money you saved on a checked bag. 🙂

Travel Tag: AYANA Resort & Spa Bali

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I’ll tell you that place exists, and while it might take a weekend just to arrive, I’ll also tell you it’s worth the vacation days. AYANA Resort & Spa is Bali’s pleasantville, a resort so accommodating and mesmerizing, the only need to escape would be if you wanted to get in a surf session, or perhaps see the famous Uluwatu Temple. Set on 222 acres of tropical gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean, AYANA and its sister resort right next door, RIMBA Jimbaran, are the perfect places for weddings, engagements, family vacations, honeymoons, mother-daughter trips, beach getaways, and the list goes on and on. If you can dream it, AYANA can do it. That simple.

The Experience

Where to begin? I’m going to be frank. Exploring this place took days – generously sized is an understatement, so you can imagine the overwhelming sensation I experienced while trying to make sense of it in one blog post. Here we go. AYANA and RIMBA together have 11 pools, 650 rooms, 15 restaurants and bars, eight wedding venues, a world-class spa, two gyms, golf putting and private beach. Like I said, there aren’t many reasons to escape. It’s also only a 15 minute drive from the airport. Score! After driving an hour and a half to the city of Ubud upon landing in Bali, visiting AYANA on the coast was a plus because I was able to experience the difference between inland Ubud culture as well as the fishing village of Jimbaran Bay on the coast.

Villa Life

I’ve been fortunate to stay in some posh places in my lifetime, but few rival the Villas at AYANA. Complete with a butler and his golf cart shuttle service, it also incorporates ample space with private pool and a bathroom almost bigger than the bedroom itself. Ahhh, dreams really do come true!

Hands down, one of my favorite features I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing at a hotel is Champagne Floating Brunch. It is exactly how it sounds – a feast that floats! AYANA really takes eating to a whole new level, bringing new meaning to the term bottomless. Breakfast in bed is officially old school.

The Activities

If discovering all 11 pools doesn’t make you water logged, descend the 197 stairs to private Kubu Beach. The white sand and photo opps will have you down there for hours until you can muster up the energy for the journey back up! Try your hand at a Balinese cooking class, create your own perfume at the on-site creation studio, or golf the 18 hole putting course. If you’re feeling the love, go scope out all eight wedding venues. It’ll make you want to elope and throw up, all at the same time. Sunrise yoga won’t disappoint either because what beats shavasana (or wild thing pose) and this beach? Short answer: nothing.

Thirsty for more? No problem. AYANA will fill float your boat with the world’s largest Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pool. I was given complimentary access and told I’d lose a couple pounds by completing the adult-like water park. Are you joking? A free thrill while losing weight? Sign me up! With over 60 jets and geysers, the pool will engulf you for two hours of your life relieving tension, jet-lag and boosting circulation and metabolism.

Rock Bar

Bar on the rocks? Sounds like a drink, and while it could be, I’m talking about Bali’s iconic sunset venue that incorporates 360 degrees of sheer glamour on the rocks. Sitting 45 feet above the Indian Ocean at the base of AYANA’s towering cliffs, this place makes anyone feel like a rockstar, no matter what you’re drinking. Tip: If you’re there for sunset views, you’re not alone. You’ll need to get in line early as most people head down via trolly, allowing only 8 people at a time. If the line is long, ask a staff member for directions to the stairs. Don’t miss the sunset while waiting in line!

Food

Let’s just say you can find any cuisine in the world from any corner of the world here at AYANA. Eating is a culinary journey at the resort, so partake in Italian, Japanese, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Western and more. Close your eyes, throw a pin at a map, and AYANA will transport you to the best of their abilities.

Service

I typically mention service if it so deserves to be mentioned, but I believe AYANA needs its own service section. I’ve never stayed with a hotel where its staff knows about my every move, want and desire. That’s not meant to sound creepy or intrusive. Instead, it was attentive and genuine, allowing me to get to know Balinese people how every traveler should – on a deeper level. Other cultures could learn a thing or two from their generosity and ability to make authentic, sincere and fluid conversation.

RIMBA by AYANA

Hotel hopping has never been easier. If you’re the type of traveler who likes to experience it all, hop on the complimentary shuttle bus for a five minute joy ride to RIMBA, AYANA’s modern sister, born in September 2013.

Upon the seamless/integrated hotel & room change, you’re in for a treat if you’ve booked the Premium View Suite. Think marble bath, soaking tub, large day beds, and oceanic views. Suite dreams? You can say that again.

The hotel’s most unique (and photographed) feature is its lobby pond with sunken lounges perfectly positioned to capture the colors of the sun. If it’s not here, head on up to UNIQUE’s rooftop bar where pool club meets treetop dinner and million-dollar views. Why not double the pleasure, double the fun in Bali? I did! You should, too.

See more photos from my time at AYANA below! 

 

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