More than any other room in the house, it is the bathroom that lends itself to lavish displays of luxury. Today’s homeowners demand premium bathroom amenities that don’t just rival those of the finest hotels, but are worthy of the world’s top spas. In the 20th century, master architect Frank Lloyd Wright re-introduced the idea of transforming the bathroom from a utilitarian mainstay into a tranquil haven devoted to creature comforts (the ancient Romans had done it for centuries). In the September 1956 issue of House and Home, Wright outlined the home-design techniques that he used in the construction of his Usonian houses: “Punch a hole in the roof of an inside bath; light it from above. … Give the owner a huge bathroom mirror, and light it evenly all around the border.” We’ve come a long way since 1956, as this collection of pleasure palaces suggests. Wright would be pleased.
Darlington
Mahwah, New Jersey
Darlington is a magnificent Jacobean-inspired manor on 12 resplendent acres overlooking the Ramapo Mountains. This historic treasure was conceived over a century ago by railroad scion George Crocker, who commissioned architects James Brite and Henry Bacon (whose work includes the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.) to build his dream estate away from the bustle of New York City, 25 miles away. The 50,000-square-foot, three-story, 58-room mansion that today is listed on the National Register of Historic Places has been meticulously restored over a period of seven years by a team of internationally renowned artisans. Among the lavish contemporary upgrades is a master bedroom wing with his-and-her spa bathroom as well as a dedicated luxury spa with lap pool, wet and dry saunas, massage room, and beauty salon.
700 Seven South
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
One of the most exclusive residences in the Caribbean, 700 Seven South is a one-of-a-kind penthouse with panoramic views of the renowned Seven Mile Beach. This four-bedroom, three and one half bathroom residence atop the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has all the hallmarks expected for luxury island living. The master bathroom is a work of art, with marble walls and floors and designer fixtures, including a double rainforest shower and an oversized soaking tub by Lacava, and a mirror with a built-in TV. Residents enjoy full access to all of the amenities and privileges of The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, including La Prairie spa, a fitness center, two outdoor pools, five restaurants, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment eco-adventure program, a Bollettieri tennis center, and an 18-hole golf course.
Contemporary Aerie
Los Angeles, California
This contemporary marvel by world-renowned Belzberg Architects is poised on one of the last great promontories along Los Angeles’ famed Sunset Strip, with jet-liner views that take in Downtown Los Angeles, Century City, and the Pacific Ocean beyond. A warm, minimalist palette creates a fluid living environment. Highest quality finishes include frameless glass doors by Rimadesio, a kitchen by Dada, and bathroom cabinetry by Antonio Lupi. A slew of lavish amenities include smart-home automation, a theater and bar, a wine room, and gym. And then there’s the master suite: Cantilevered above the pool, it has the best views in the house. The adjoining bathroom provides the ultimate spa experience with a soaking tub overlooking the twinkling lights of Tinseltown.
Villa Xenia
Ibiza, Spain
This contemporary residence has a coveted location in the Vista Alegre complex overlooking three of Ibiza’s top beaches: Las Salinas, Es Cubells, and Porroig. Constructed from concrete, this striking minimalist house boasts 7,696 square feet of living space across three levels with six spacious bedrooms and six ultra-modern bathrooms. The home’s designer decor has a chic aesthetic with top-of-the-line finishes and appointments. The master suite has a stunning en suite bathroom with a walk-in spa shower; residents can also retreat to their own climate-controlled spa with daybeds and an indoor pool. The outdoor living areas include an oversized lap pool with a sun deck, and a dining terrace.
Villa Libeccio
Sardinia, Italy
Villa Libeccio is a sophisticated villa built to be at one with its natural environment. This unique villa on Italy’s aptly named Emerald Coast was designed around an expansive courtyard with a beautiful heated pool bordered by sun terraces. The airy interiors include a sumptuous living room, dining area, kitchen, and eight elegant bedrooms, all with sea views, and en suite bathrooms that open onto the lush grounds. A sweeping terrace offers extraordinary panoramic views, ranging from the Gulf of Cugnana up to the Nibani Islands, and the garden leads down to a private, white-sand beach. This secluded villa guarantees privacy, yet is merely minutes away from Porto Rotondo’s upscale attractions, including one of most prestigious marinas in the Mediterranean.
Mandalay
Sanibel Island, Florida
Mandalay commands 700 feet of private beachfront on the unspoiled barrier island of Sanibel, on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The exquisite 10,960-square-foot Mediterranean-inspired villa is crafted with the finest artisanal details. The master wing is a luxurious private retreat with an office, walk-in closets, and a sensational spa-like bathroom with a dramatic vista of sea and sky. The guest wing provides three additional bedroom suites. The exquisite outdoor spaces comprise terraces and balconies and picturesque grounds, graced with lush foliage, stone fountains, and an oversized saltwater pool with magnificent spillover waterfall. A 25-foot-deep seawall surrounding the grounds ensures privacy and protection from the elements.
Moorish-Style Villa
Marrakech, Morocco
Luxury is at the forefront of this Moorish-style villa in an exclusive gated enclave of Marrakesh. Built to the highest standards by local artisans, the villa boasts 10,764 interior square feet designed for lavish living and entertaining. The public spaces include several palatial reception rooms and a formal dining room, served by a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen. All five bedroom suites have their own private gardens. The master suite boasts a spa bathroom with sunken bathtub overlooking a walled garden with a heated swimming pool. Furthering the resort ambience is a hammam and massage room, movie theater, outdoor entertaining area with kitchen, and aromatic formal grounds with tranquil walkways, surrounded by lush gardens planted with desert flowers and palm trees.