Super soakers

Lave in luxury with a modern, minimal freestanding tub

Looking to find lasting peace of mind? There’s no need for intensive or expensive yoga retreats. The solution may be closer than you think — as in just down the hall.

In recent years, bathrooms have evolved from basic functionality to ultimate retreats. The time we spend in these tiled rooms now extend beyond daily routines — upscale bathrooms are places that provide relaxing, luxurious experiences. “The bathroom is becoming an extension of the bedroom or of the living room,” says Luca Lanzetta, owner of an eponymous company that’s the exclusive U.S. distributor of high-end bath manufacturer Antonio Lupi. “The bathroom is no longer an element to hide but rather to show.”

The crown jewel of this increasingly high-profile haven? The bathtub. “Having a beautiful tub is luxury,” said Manhattan-based designer Caroline Beaupere, who describes the tub as the ultimate tool to escape the daily craziness of urban life. “When I take a bath I want to disconnect. It’s my moment.”

No longer content to be tucked into a corner, the tub has been elevated to the centerpiece of the washroom — both literally and figuratively. “In recent decades, we have rediscovered the beauty of freestanding bathtubs and have assigned them a new value of luxury,” said Matteo Thun, an interior architect who has designed several bath pieces. “This new value starts from the design: There are uncountable options for shape and size.”

Sales of freestanding tubs have increased in the past couple of years, said Mark Fletcher, a manager at bath showroom AF New York. While many New Yorkers prefer built-in tubs due to space concerns, he said, freestanding tubs are popular on the high end.

Whirlpool baths are still sought after for their hydrotherapeutic qualities, notes Fletcher — but true design mavens with money to burn are seeking out freestanding soaking tubs. (“At this level, people usually hire a masseur,” notes Lanzetta.) “It is a sculptural object of design, something to admire and to use for very special occasions, a luxury treat,” Lanzetta said.

Another advantage of a freestanding tub? They allow homeowners to think outside the box, so to speak. These tubs aren’t just for bathrooms; there’s an increasing array of sweet new spots for soaks: “At the foot of the bed, next to a wide window with a view, right on the door of a balcony,” Lanzetta said.

The options are about as limited as your imagination, and today’s tub designers are playing with materials, colors and shapes. But make no mistake: comfort remains the top priority. Ready to take the plunge? Read on for our top tub picks.

Teuco’s Accademia tub (above) plays with lines and patterns (and, in some limited editions, colors), unveiling a charming minimalism that winks to a lavish elegance. Simple but still luxurious, this tub sets new styling standards, combining neat geometry with the smooth curves of a more classical design. From $7,400; www.teuco.com