Japan’s bathing culture is a large part of its history. Head to this onsen on the Ishikawa Prefecture for utter serenity.
There are several things that can make or break a trip: airport accessibility, hotel availability, the number of great restaurants.
But there are also amenities you may not think about until you arrive—how easy it is to get a taxi or Uber, the attentiveness of the hotel staff, or the view from your hotel bathtub.
If you've never booked a trip based on the bathtub view, these photos may change your mind.
We asked travel company Epic Road, who can plan ultra-luxurious safaris and vacations, to share their favorite bathtub perches. And if this does inspire a trip, they’re the ones who can help you get the exact room—and the exact view.
Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, Namibia
Oryx—antelope that have adapted to the desert—tend to gather near this tub.
Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana
This safari camp is known for its amazing baths, and you may even see hippo, elephants, and big cats while you’re relaxing away.
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
At this outdoor tub on a private island resort in Cambodia, you’ll feel almost as if you’re bathing in the warm ocean.
Ayada, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
This freestanding tub in the Maldives comes with incredible bath amenities—as well as gorgeous water views.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
At the Taj Lake Palace, you can take their Jiva Spa Boat (outfitted with a hot tub) out for a spin.
Huvafen Fushi, Kaafu, Maldives
Ask for the Lagoon Bungalow at Huvafen Fushi for this perfectly situated bathtub.
The Elephant Camp, Zimbabwe
You can take a dip indoors or out at this camp, located by Zambezi River.
The Conrad, Rangali Island, Maldives
An open-air hot tub that manages to feel completely private, thanks to surrounding greenery.
The Twelve Apostles, Cape Town, South Africa
The best view of all of Cape Town might just be from this bathtub, in the hotel’s presidential suite.
Lukula Camp, Selous Private Reserve, Tanzania
Among the over-the-top features at this camp are two copper bathtubs floating on the water.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Rajasthan, India
The bathtub in the Maharani Suite is a work of art in itself: it was carved from a single piece of pink Italian marble.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania
This ultra-romantic lodge has everything you need for quiet soak—with champagne, of course.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Namibia
This big-enough-for-two bath was designed for use any time of day—an early morning soak, an afternoon respite, or candlelit evening dip.
North Island, Seychelles
Ask for Villa 11 so you can get this oversized marble bath—it’s almost as good of a perk as the secret entrance to the beach that also comes with the villa.
Four Seasons, Petite Anse, Seychelles
Leave it to the Four Seasons to design this pitch-perfect bath nook—it’s the only thing that could drag us away from the Seychelles’ gorgeous beaches.
