Written by The Leap on 22 / 02 / 2018
Gap Year Advice
Baths with a view... 8 of the best
If you're anything like me then you probably love a good bath. It's the ultimate in relaxation, a place to unwind after a stressful day and let essential oils do their magic.
Now you may think travelling isn't stressful so why would you need a bath? Whilst the stresses might be different it is important to relax the muscles after a long day on the tourist trail...
So, with this in mind, there is nothing I could want more than a relaxing bath with a view to match... Whether it's watching the waves roll in on your very own private island in Tanzania or taking in a city skyline there's a bath out there for you, here's my top 8.
Now, before you get stuck in be aware that most of these are at the higher end of the market but don't let that put you off... Hotels will often run last minute deals to fill rooms, alternatively, you can visit for dinner or breakfast in their swanky restaurants or just treat yourself to a night after spending a few months 'roughing it' in backpacker haunts.
Everyone knows the Maldives is hard to rival when it comes to luxury but just check out the bath at Huvafen Fushi Hotel. The hotel is set in a private lagoon and each villa boats its own private pool and tub with views out across the water. A little slice of heaven that is worth splashing out for. Literally.
It's hard to escape the spectacular scenery in Cape Town, but then why would you want to. If you stay at the 12 Apostles Hotel in Cape Town you can continue to enjoy the views of Lions Head even while you have a soak in the tub. It's not just the view that's going to take your breath away whilst you sip a glass of Moet, check out the fancy marble bath too...
What would your first thought be if you had your own private island? Bath on the beach? That's what the owners of Thanda Island in Tanzania came up with and aren't we grateful. Rent out one of their villas and you can soak in the tub whilst listing to the waves roll in, sipping a cocktail and watching the sunset. It may be at the higher end of the market but its worth it.
Relax after doing a volunteer program in Tanzania?
Read more here
Whats better than listening to the song of the African bush, beer in hand as you admire one of Africa's famous sunsets...? Doing it all from a bath. This is completely possible if you make a visit to Tongabezi Tree House in Zambia. Just to make it that bit more special you also get a view of the Zambezi, complete paradise.
The Taj Mahal, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the centre piece of your view from the tub if you stay at Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra. People travel from every corner of the globe to see this jewel of India so why not keep the long saught after view for as long as possible. Bear in mind that the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan as a sign of undying love in memory if his wife so it's also quite romantic...
Have you ever wanted to relax in a beth with views of sparkling lake waters, pine forests and rugged mountains? Well nows your chance. If you stay at Azur Lodge in Queenstown, South Island's adventure capital, then you can relax with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and its surrounds.
You don't have to travel too far afield to find a bath with a view... the UK has a lot to offer as well. Rather than a hotel, this beautiful bath is situated in The Fallen Angel B & B making it that much more unique. Relax in this freestanding steel beauty of a tub and enjoy views over the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole in Cornwall and the Atlantic beyond.
Staying in the UK and just moving a little further north you get to Croft 103 on the shores of Loch Eriboll. Scotland is long know for its breathtaking scenery and unpredicatbale weather so here you have the option of an indoor or outdoor bath, both offering the same view just one with that extra element of adventure.
When doing the research for this blog I've fallen in love with every single bath. Okay, so some of these places are slightly more upmarket and not everyday hotels for your average backpacker but treating yourself is an essential part of travelling. Everyone needs at least one night of luxury every now and again.
I know which is my favourite, but where will you go first?
