4 Modern Bathtubs That Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa Retreat
Let’s be honest. You’ve scrolled past them on Instagram. That perfectly centred, impossibly white freestanding tub, steam rising, a book casually resting on a chic wooden tray. It’s the ultimate “I have my life together” visual, isn’t it?
We all dream of that spa retreat bathroom, but the reality is often… different. We’re staring at questionable grout, a shower curtain that’s seen better days, and a tub so shallow it’s basically a glorified foot bath.
I’m here to tell you that the dream isn’t as far off as you think. The absolute centrepiece, the heart and soul of any spa bathroom, is the tub. But not just any tub. I’m talking about 4 modern bathtubs that are total game-changers, designed for pure, unadulterated relaxation.
Forget the builder-grade box. Your upgrade to vacation-level bliss starts right here.
Hold On… A Quick Reality Check Before You Buy
Okay, before we get to the pretty pictures, let’s have a real chat. As someone who almost bought a 400-pound stone resin tub for a second-floor bathroom with questionable floor joists, I need you to promise me you’ll check these things first.
Nothing kills a spa vibe faster than a bathtub crashing into your kitchen.
Space: Do You Really Have the Room?
That freestanding tub looks incredible… in a room the size of a studio apartment. In a standard 5×8 bathroom, it mostly just looks like you’re storing a boat.
Be brutally honest about your square footage. Measure everything. Twice. Then, add “clearance space” to your measurements, at least 6 inches from every wall for a freestanding model, just so you can actually get a mop back there.
Plumbing: Where Budgets Go to Die
This is the big one. Do you see that gorgeous, floor-mounted tub filler? That’s not just a faucet; it’s a plumbing nightmare if your pipes are currently in the wall.
- Alcove Tubs: These are the easiest. They use the standard drain and faucet setup you probably already have.
- Freestanding Tubs: These require a floor-mounted or wall-mounted filler and a drain in the floor, which often means opening up the ceiling below or jackhammering your slab. Cha-ching.
Weight: Is Your Floor Ready for This?
I wasn’t joking about that 400-pound tub. Modern bathtubs made of solid surface, stone resin, or cast iron are incredibly heavy before you add 50+ gallons of water and your own body weight.
Solid Surface/Stone Resin: These are the heavy hitters. They feel like stone, hold heat like a dream, and look wildly expensive (because they are). Please consult a contractor to make sure your floor can handle the load, especially on an upper floor.
Acrylic: This is your lightweight champion. It’s warm to the touch, affordable, and won’t make your floor joists cry for help. It’s my top pick for most DIY renovations.
1. The “Main Character” Tub: Freestanding Sculptural
This is the tub. The one. The icon. The Freestanding Sculptural tub is less a bathing vessel and more an art installation you happen to be able to sit in.
It doesn’t hide against a wall. It demands attention. It’s the centrepiece of the room, and honestly, it’s the fastest way to make your bathroom look like it belongs in a luxury hotel.
Why It Feels Like a Spa
The spa vibe here is 100% visual and immersive. Because it’s not boxed in, it feels more like a natural hot spring or a traditional bathing pool. You’re not just in the tub; the entire room revolves around the tub.
This style of tub is also almost always a deep soaker. We’re talking 20-24 inches of water depth, letting you fully submerge. You can’t help but relax when you’re floating in that much water.
The (Not-So-Glamorous) Catches
I promised you honesty, right? Well, here it is.
First, cleaning is a pain. You have to mop behind and under it. That tiny gap between the tub and the wall? It’s a magnet for dust, stray hairs, and the occasional lost shampoo cap.
Second, storage is zero. There’s no ledge for your shampoo, your razor, or your glass of wine. This means you must invest in a good bath caddy (that wooden tray) or a stylish side stool. It’s an extra cost, but a non-negotiable one.
I have a friend who put a gorgeous oval one in her new build. She adores it, but she also admitted her first water bill was shocking. FYI: These giant tubs take forever to fill, so they aren’t exactly the most eco-friendly option if you’re a daily bather.
2. The Practical Powerhouse: The Modern Deep-Soak Alcove Tub
Okay, let’s get real. Most of us have a standard three-wall alcove. This is the space where your current, probably sad, tub/shower combo lives. But just because you’re limited to an alcove doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a boring tub.
I’m not talking about that shallow, beige misery-box from 1990. Modern alcove bathtubs are a completely different breed. They are sleek, stylish, and, most importantly, unbelievably deep.
What Makes It a “Modern” Alcove Tub?
Two things: a clean design and serious soaking depth.
- A Clean Apron Front: The “apron” is the visible side of the tub. Modern versions are flat, sharp, and minimalist. They have no weird ’80s-era decorative swirls or lines. They just look clean.
- Soaking Depth: This is the key. Older tubs have a water depth of maybe 12-14 inches. Modern deep-soak alcoves boast 18-22 inches. This is the difference between a bath and a soak.
The Smartest Spa Solution
IMO, this is the single best upgrade for 90% of bathrooms. Why? You get the best of all worlds.
You get that luxurious, shoulder-deep soak that defines a spa retreat, but you keep the practicality of an overhead shower. You don’t have to find space for a separate walk-in shower, which is a massive space-saver.
Plus, the installation is a breeze (relatively speaking). It uses your existing plumbing. Your drain is in the right place. Your faucets are in the wall. Your contractor won’t quit on the spot. You get maximum spa-feel for minimum renovation chaos.ilisis gravida neque convallis. In hendrerit gravida rutrum quisque.
3. The Zen Master: The Japanese Soaking Tub (Ofuro)
Now we’re talking. If your idea of a spa retreat is less “bubbly and wine” and more “silent, meditative, hot spring,” this is your tub.
A Japanese Soaking Tub, or Ofuro, is built on a totally different principle. It’s deep, not long. You sit upright, often on a built-in seat, and the water comes right up to your chin.
The experience is just… different. It’s less about lazing and stretching out (you can’t, really) and more about the simple, profound act of soaking. It’s almost meditative. Because the surface area of the water is smaller, it also holds its heat for an incredibly long time.
Big Luxury, Tiny Footprint
Here’s the hidden genius: this is the ultimate small-bathroom solution.
Because they are tall and not long, many ofuros have a footprint of just 40-50 inches, compared to the standard 60 inches of a normal tub. You can tuck this into a corner, a small wet room, or a bathroom where you thought a tub was impossible.
I’ve seen these installed in apartments, and they look absolutely stunning. They add such a unique, zen-like quality to the room.
What to Consider Before You Buy
The main thing is the entry height. These tubs are tall. You must physically step up and over a high side to get in. This is a serious consideration if you have any mobility issues or plan to age in this house. Many people build a small step or platform next to it to make entry easier.
They also almost always require a separate shower, as you’re meant to wash before you soak.
4. The Space-Saver: The Sleek Modern Corner Tub
Stop. I know exactly what you’re thinking. You’re picturing a giant, jetted, heart-shaped monstrosity from a 1990s honeymoon suite in the Poconos, probably surrounded by mirrors. :/
Forget that. Erase it from your mind. Modern corner bathtubs are not that.
Today’s corner tubs are sleek, sharp, and smart. They have minimalist lines, angular, geometric shapes, and a sophisticated vibe. Instead of being a clunky waste of space, they are designed to fit snugly into an unused corner, which can actually free up central floor space in an awkwardly shaped bathroom.
The “Two-Person” Spa Nook
The biggest benefit? They are often designed for two. Unlike a standard tub where one person is always stuck by the drain, a corner tub’s shape is perfect for two people to soak side-by-side.
Hello, at-home couple’s retreat.
This is a fantastic option if you have a non-standard, L-shaped bathroom layout. Instead of trying to force a long tub against one wall, a corner tub can create a dedicated “bathing nook” that feels intentional, cozy, and surprisingly spacious. Pair it with a tile accent wall in that corner, and you’ve got a stunning focal point.
So, Which Spa Tub is Calling Your Name?
Whew. We’ve covered a lot of ground, from the practical alcove to the “Main Character” freestanding tub.
Choosing one of these 4 modern bathtubs is the single most impactful step you can take to finally get that spa retreat you deserve. The right tub sets the entire tone for the room, forcing you to slow down, unplug, and just… be.
It’s an investment, for sure. But unlike a vacation that ends in a week, this is an upgrade you get to enjoy every single day.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk has me needing a good, long soak. Go run that water. 🙂