11 Shower Heads For Your Master Bathroom

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There is no better feeling in the world than coming home to a warm shower and having the water run along your face. Showers are supposed to be soothing. They are meant to make you forget work, soccer practice or reality TV. As such, given that the shower can do all the above, you better have the best shower head on the market.

Shower heads come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a handheld, rainfall, dual or double shower head, it better take you to a place you can’t experience anywhere else in the home. The designs have greatly changed over the years and that is why I gathered 11 of the best shower head designs on the market.

If you're thinking about installing a new shower head, let us help you find reliable shower contractors near you!

Hand Held Shower Heads

As you will see with the other shower heads mentioned in this article, many are made of chrome that give your shower the shiny and bright design all of us desire. This hand held shower head is part of a casual and comfortable shower surrounded by different sized tile. The shower head may have a small diameter, but homeowners can adjust the height while you wash your hair.

Thinking about upgrading or converting your tub into a more luxurious shower? See some of the costs involved with our shower installation cost estimator.

As you can see in our next handheld shower head, they are many updates you can implement to make sure your shower experience is up there with the best. The silver shower fixtures are part of a traditional bathroom that is covered in white wall coverings. The shower head comes with an adjustable height feature, as well as multiple shower panels below. With this shower head system, you surely won’t miss a spot.

Dual Shower Heads

This is one of my favorite shower heads as the traditional beauty features dual shower heads, slate tile all around, extra panels below the shower heads and a frameless shower door. Clearly, this shower was designed for two people, but I doubt anyone would complain about the extra space if they go at it alone.

If you are thinking of installing a glass shower door like you see here, see what it costs with our glass shower door cost estimator.

Rainfall Showers

If there is one dominant theme in new shower design, it’s the idea of the rainfall shower. No matter where you look, more and more homeowners are asking for rainfall showers in their master bathrooms. After all, they are easy, relaxing and fast.

This contemporary shower features a walk-in shower with a square, silver rainfall shower head. The simple shower handle matches the design of the gray and white bathroom. The shower head is not as flashy as some of the rainfall shower heads below, but it enhances a shower experience like no other.

Who said all great shower heads belong indoors? This courtyard shower added teak floors, tile backsplashes, a soap dish and of course, a large rainfall shower head.

Outdoor showers are often used to remove dirt or sand, but even so, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your design creativity. As you can see, if weather permits, your outdoor shower can look as good as any in America.

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Now we are really stepping up our outdoor shower. These homeowners decided to go all out with an entire indoor-outdoor bathroom, complete with a luxurious inground tub, mosaic wall tile, glass doors, an outdoor shower with a stone floor and of course, a chrome, rainfall shower head.

No need to worry about privacy, as this outdoor shower is completely surrounded by a tall, stone wall and greenery. If you want to add an outdoor shower, make sure you know what plumbing costs come with it.

Multiple Shower Heads

As you have read, there is no one shower head fits all. Many showers and bathrooms demand more and therefore, installed multiple shower heads in their newly remodeled bathroom.

Shower heads and bathrooms do not get more contemporary than this masterpiece with the massive rainfall shower head above and a smooth, thin handheld shower head below. The bathroom also highlights smooth, gray wall tile, stainless steel all around, a floating sink and tile flooring.

No matter your design preference, when you turn this amazing shower on, you’re in for an unforgettable shower experience.

I understand the size of this massive shower will not fit for most of our fans, but the shower head system is one that can go in any master bathroom. Two rainfall shower heads, a handheld option and multiple panels right in front highlight this frameless shower.

This brighter, international shower design also incorporated a built-in shower seat, recessed lights and a marble soaking tub.

Many Americans don’t like to hold the shower head, but still want the experience of multiple water outlets. That is why this shower head combo is perfect with the wide rainfall shower above, dual shower heads on the side and a small shower head next to the corner seat. Despite the size of the smaller shower head, it would be hard to turn down those shower jets.

Dual, detachable shower heads made their way into this gorgeous shower remodel with marble shower walls, a rock shower floor and bronze fixtures all around. They added a small bench for comfort as well as multiple shower shelves for storage.

This simple modern shower design implemented both a small ceiling shower head, in addition to a handheld shower head near the shower bench. Overall, they did a great job of implementing a mix of modern and industrial design with the white tile and cement wall in front.

Conclusion

Shower heads come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to enhance your shower experience and establish that relaxing and soothing aroma every night, then you may want to install one of these 11 shower heads as part of your next bathroom remodel.

As always, make sure you talk to local bathroom remodeling pros before you take out your checkbook.

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The 23 Most Romantic Hotels in the Caribbean

Read article : The 23 Most Romantic Hotels in the Caribbean

With infinity pools overlooking the water, canopied beds ideal for cuddling, and elegant spas for couples' massages, many Caribbean hotels were designed for romantic escapes. But of course, some are better than others for vacationing with a significant other, so we set out to find the best of the best. After visiting hundreds (and hundreds) of hotels throughout St. Lucia, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and dozens more Caribbean destinations, we compared and evaluated each breathtaking property. Take a look at the most romantic hotels in the Caribbean, and get inspired!

1. 

   Romantic? Undoubtedly. Unique? Absolutely. Expensive? For sure. Through an innovative, open fourth wall, each of Jade's 29 enormous suites overlooks the sea from its canopied bed, raised whirlpool tub, and (in all but the entry-level category) private infinity pool. Getting to Jade Mountain can be tedious, even nauseating, but its organic cuisine, doting service, unwavering silence (no TVs, radios, or children), and extraordinary design make the long journey worthwhile.

2. 

   Interiors here are designed by fashion icon Oscar de la Renta, and the 30 rooms feature comfortable four-poster beds with crisp, white Frette linens and unique wicker canopies. Bathrooms have coral floors, deep hot tubs, large stand-up glass showers, and toiletries from L'Occitane -- about as good as it gets in the D.R. The best part: the nightly turndown includes a drawn bath with floating red flower petals and tea lights. Tortuga Bay's luxury Six Senses Spa is one of the D.R.'s best.

3. 

   This unique luxury resort in St. Lucia is made up of 32 one- and two-bedroom villas, each carefully carved into the surrounding hillside overlooking the island’s iconic twin Pitons. The treehouse-style villas -- which have missing fourth walls, and in most cases, private plunge pools -- are a main draw, as are the spectacular views and lush grounds. The resort also features some fabulous amenities, such as an infinity lagoon pool, a gorgeous open-air restaurant and bar, a (tiny) open-air fitness center, and a lovely spa with a multi-level series of small outdoor mineral pools. All of this comes at a price, but Ladera is still significantly cheaper than the ultra-glam Jade Mountain (rates are often around half as much). Ladera is within close range of several of the island’s best tourist destinations -- notable cocoa plantations are within walking distance, the pristine white sands of Jalousie beach are a short drive away, and tourist hot spots like the volcano and Tet-Paul nature trails are both nearby.

4. 

   This 23-room luxury boutique hotel is a Balinese-inspired paradise in Curacao where the details make the difference -- hand-carved teakwood pieces, gift bags left on the beds, and candles lit all around the property are just a few examples. The highlights of the resort are the elegant rooms and villas, some with private pools, the excellent fine-dining restaurant, and a lovely (though man-made) stretch of tranquil beach. This is the top luxury resort on Curacao, without contest.

5. 

   One of Jamaica's most romantic escape (for adults only), the Caves' 11 unique, private cottages and suites are tucked along lush garden paths and dramatic seaside cliffs (there's no beach) carved with steep stairways down to the water and into incredible grottos.. A top-shelf bar, an Aveda spa, free cooking classes, and intimate, incredibly attentive service make it Jamaica's best all-inclusive. High-quality food celebrates local ingredients, and the scene is laid-back and bohemian -- suited to travelers who appreciate outdoor showers and artful decor in favor of conventional luxury.

6. 

   This luxury all-inclusive resort is one of the most elegant and well-regarded hotels on the island, with 64 posh suites dotting a quarter mile of beachfront. Spice Island is a serene oasis amidst the bustling Grand Anse beach area, with clean lines, and a polished, upscale vibe that still maintains the laid-back charm of the Caribbean. The resort includes two restaurants, a beautiful spa, and a variety of activities, but peace and relaxation are also easy to find. The nice pool area is quiet and private, yet the beach -- though beautiful and clean -- is shared by locals and guests of nearby resorts.

7. 

   Accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, this 1,000-acre resort on a private island is the definition of tranquility. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, world-renowned COMO Shambhala Spa, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service, and more than three miles of pristine beaches, it's easily one of the most luxurious and romantic options in the Caribbean. But hefty price tags put it out of reach for many, and the rare level of privacy comes as the cost of convenience -- a boat commute is required to reach any nightlife or shopping.

8. 

   This luxurious Viceroy is truly a stunner. It has arguably the best location on St. Lucia, right in between the Pitons, St. Lucia's famous volcanic spires, and on a beautiful white-sand beach. Its 79 rooms are minimalistic, chic, and mostly white, and all come with private plunge pools, butlers, and 24-hour room service; the larger villas and cottages offer living rooms and huge bathrooms (some with outdoor showers and hot tubs). Features include a family-friendly pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and free water sports. The romantic tree-house spa is one of the island's best. The resort's restaurants and bars are pricey, but all-inclusive rates are available to help guests keep costs in check. Unlike Ladera and Jade Mountain, the other two St. Lucia properties on this list, Sugar Beach does allows children, but it tries to ensure peace and quiet for couples, as well, and opened an adult-only beach in spring 2016. 

9. 

   The Geejam is made up of only five private, high-tech cottages on the lush (rainy) foothills of Port Antonio. The setting is gorgeous, the service is extraordinary, and one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches is only 10 minutes away. Quiet seclusion it has; a pool, spa facilities, and direct beach access it does not.

10. 

    This adults-only luxury resort offers just two room types: deluxe rooms on the second floor, and slightly larger junior suites on the lower level with access to the beach. Sprawling across 11 acres on the west coast of Barbados, the property is situated closer to the waterfront than others in the area, due to it being built before legislation forced future resorts to build further inland. The pink Colonial-style property is romantic, and offers two restaurants and bars, as well as free afternoon tea on the terrace. Because there are only 72 rooms, the beach never feels crowded. Excellent amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and free non-motorized water sports. But all this comes at a price -- room and restaurant prices are some of the steepest in Barbados.

11. 

    One of Barbados' most exclusive resorts, The House is the definition of luxury. Located on the ritzy west coast, the adult-only property doesn’t even have a sign out front on the road. The property is secluded and private, with manicured gardens, koi ponds, and a chic lounge area. The rooms are spacious and contemporary with upscale amenities including a massage jet shower and a free bottle of rum punch. Thoughtful freebies include welcome drinks, champagne breakfast, and jet lag revival massages. There is no spa on-site -- surprising for a hotel of this caliber.

12. 

    This is called One&Only for good reason -- there’s nothing quite like it on Paradise Island, or anywhere in the Bahamas for that matter. The 106 rooms and suites, split into two sections, are luxurious, though those in the newer Crescent Wing are a bit more modern and stylish. Guests have access to the amenities at the Atlantis but the advantage of being removed from the crowds. Expansive manicured grounds have two outdoor pools, a romantic garden and statuary modeled after Versailles (a dream for weddings), and the endless stretch of white-sand beach and turquoise waves. Health and wellness nuts are spoilt for choice with daily yoga, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, an indoor/outdoorfitness center, and a Balinese-style spa with private villas. After a day in the sun, guests return to the room to find champagne and strawberries waiting, and many choose to begin their evening with sunset drinks at Jean-Georges' Dune restaurant.

13. 

    Rosewood Tucker's Point's obvious lures aside -- four pools, a private beach, a championship golf club, a tranquil spa, four restaurants, and spacious rooms featuring million-dollar views -- it’s the fine-tuned details that make this 200-acre property truly spectacular. For example, in the library just behind the lobby, old photos of Bermudian cricket matches, cabinets filled with china, and an antique Oriental rug feel like a swanky 1920s living room frozen in time. Rosewood is easily one of Bermuda’s top luxury resorts, but the rates are also higher here than anywhere else on the island. But perfection (or near-perfection) has its price, and at Tucker’s Point, it’s well worth it.

14. 

    Crowded beaches are unheard of on this private island resort where a maximum of 28 guests at a time have free range of 50 acres and three beaches. Personal boats for daily excursions, on-call service, spacious villas with fully stocked kitchens and wet bars, and a host of all-inclusive activities make Fowl Cay a standout gem in the Exumas. However, some of the villas feature outdated decor and worn furnishings that seem inconsistent with the resort's high nightly rates.

15. 

    If you ever wondered where the stars might go for R&R, look no further than the minimalist Le Sereno, a chic five-pearl boutique hotel reserved for travelers seeking all-around luxury. The simple, elegant interiors by famed designer Christian Liaigre are matched by top-notch amenities and lovely views of the ocean, and the option of in-room (or oceanfront) spa treatments as well as 24-hour room service makes for a truly pampering experience. The hotel’s restaurant, while tasty, is quite pricey -- even for fancy St. Barth's -- and the semi-private beach is not as pretty or wide as the island’s numerous other strips of sand. The hotel is best for couples who don’t mind paying a little extra and renting a car to reach the secluded romance of this hillside hotel.

16. 

    This luxury boutique is heavy on style and refinement, with British Colonial design and 28 huge multi-room suites (they start at 1,080 square feet) featuring kitchens, terraces, and high-end bathrooms. Property highlights include a lovely, tranquil pool, personal beachfront service, a small but spectacular spa, and one of the Providenciales’ most romantic dinner spots. However, its remote location on the point of the beautiful, 12-mile Grace Bay beach -- while peaceful and quiet -- makes it necessary for guests to rely on expensive taxis or car rentals to explore the island.

17. 

    The Caribbean Club is a luxury boutique hotel located on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach. The 37 spacious suites and villas are individually owned and exquisitely decorated, and all have full kitchens, balconies with ocean views, and marble bathrooms with separate whirlpool tubs and rainfall showers. The Club has one of the nicest stretches of beach along the Seven Mile coast with white sand, turquoise water, and calm waves. The beach and pool areas are not crowded, allowing for a quiet and serene tropical getaway. The restaurant here is one of the best on the island, but note that there is no spa.

18. 

    Easily the most luxurious resort in St. Martin, the 55-acre La Samanna resort brings tranquility to an otherwise tourist-filled island. Featuring two beautiful pools, an extensive wine cellar, a yoga and Pilates studio, a European-style spa, and the island's most pristine beach, this 81-room, eight-villa retreat is hard to beat. The vibe is about as fancy as it gets for St. Martin, so of course everything -- from the nightly rates to the dinners and spa treatments -- comes at a sky-high cost.

19. 

    Decked out in signature pink, the 112-room Sandy Lane is the creme de la creme of Barbados -- indeed, it's one of the most luxurious resorts in the world -- known for unparalleled service and distinct touches. Guest amenities run rampant; perhaps the most noteworthy is access to the super exclusive Green Monkey golf course with a separate apparel line that can only be purchased after completion. A Rolls Royce Phantom, top-notch spa, outstanding restaurants, and celebrity sightings are just a few aspects that set the elegant Palladian-style hotel apart from the rest. This is a very special place, for those who can afford it.

20. 

    Sandals is the epitome of a couples-only Caribbean mega-resort. With 11 restaurants, 373 luxurious rooms, and six pools, it's expansive, if not a bit overwhelming. You could easily get lost in the 27 acres of meticulously groomed gardens and along the pathwayswinding between buildings. The Sandals brand is evident at every turn, and the experience can feel generic, pre-packaged, and lacking in authenticity. However, this popular upscale all-inclusive with elegant rooms is definitely dedicated to creating memorable, romantic getaways. (Just be prepared to share yours with a few hundred other couples.)

21. 

    The relaxed, tranquil environment of this adults-only boutique resort is a major part of its appeal. This isn't Antigua's fanciest property, but it doesn't need to be: Simple Caribbean style (think: thatched roofs, stone, and rattan), a truly gorgeous beach, and all-inclusive food that's better than average for the island make for a winning combo. Water sports are also included in the rate, but the ocean here can get a bit rough so guests shouldn't count on being able to swim in it every day.

22. 

    The Bucuti is a romantic, adults-only resort at the southern end of Eagle Beach. This intimate, 104-room property has 14 acres of beach, and the main activity here involves lingering on the sand under shaded palapas; there's also a chic infinity edge pool. Rooms are stylish and have higher-end amenities such as iHome systems, charging docks, and built-in TVs in the bathroom mirrors. A free breakfast buffet is served daily, and dining is a highlight -- including five-course menus at the intimate gourmet spot, Carte Blanche -- and plenty more restaurants are within walking distance. The resort sees a high percentage of repeat visitors, so book early.

23. 

    This charming all-inclusive boutique resort, situated on a bluff overlooking the sea, features 57 separate cottage-style rooms painted in Caribbean pinks and blues. The rooms have a rustic style featuring exposed wood beams, and some have private plunge pools. It is a posh adults-only property catering to couples, wedding parties, and honeymooners -- but it offers a much more intimate atmosphere than massive couples-only resorts like Sandals.

Emerging Hotel Bathroom Trends | Hotel Industry Magazine

Read article : Emerging Hotel Bathroom Trends | Hotel Industry Magazine

Boutique Hotels Featured Hotel Industry Trends Hotel Interior Design Hotel News

Emerging Hotel Bathroom Trends" title="" />

Hotel bathrooms have come a long way from being purely functional and have arguably become one of the most marketable parts of the hospitality experience. As a result they are often used to sell the hotel to potential customers. But are your bathrooms on trend? We ask C.P. Hart’s Ian Dutch to explore the emerging hotel bathroom trends.

Finishes and Forms

A strong trend we are seeing is the desire to mix and blend different materials and finishes. Designers and specifiers are experimenting with developments in materials and new combinations of finishes and surfaces, resulting in a more tactile and luxurious bathroom experience. Grey continues to be the dominant key colour trend and applied to bathroom furniture in particular, varying from the very light to the very dark with added elements of blue and green hues. This dominating palette is being mixed with the growing trend for natural materials and textured finishes over high gloss finishes.

Bathroom furniture units are being treated as design pieces in their own right, showcasing the beauty of wood or drawing upon contemporary new materials. Tactile textures are increasingly playing a more important role when it comes to planning high specification hotel bathrooms, with designers and specifiers thinking more about the way a bathroom feels as well as how it looks. Textured furniture pieces are also being stripped back to their wood form; a natural aesthetic has emerged as manufacturers celebrate the natural beauty of wood through distinctive grain finishes.

In addition to texture we are seeing experimentation in terms of sculptural shapes and forms, especially when it comes to brassware and washbowls, as small no longer means insignificant. Statement basins such as hand-blown lead crystal basins fuse Italian artisan craftsmanship with beautiful contemporary design. When it comes to brassware we are seeing graceful statement pieces that show an instinctive appreciation of the beauty of flowing water. Brassware in a gold or nickel material are being specified more at the top end of the market, while feature walls using gold leaf or metallic materials deliver a truly luxurious finish. Marble is being used as a form of wall art, applied alongside clean white sanitaryware and neutral walls.

Experience

The configuration of a hotel bathroom space is being reworked and re-examined, with bathroom and bedroom areas merging to create a hybrid space. At the heart of this is an emphasis on pampering which has become synonymous with hotel bathrooms. Contemporary baths are now deeper and more comfortable. The versatility of the latest composite materials allows more fluidity in shape and structure. Shower enclosures are becoming streamlined, but shower heads are now much larger in scale and replicate the cascading effects created by a waterfall or rainfall. Spa elements are becoming more practical to install, allowing guests to enjoy the luxury of steam in their room as part of an integrated shower enclosure (eliminating the need for additional space). It all comes down to personal comfort and relaxation, but translated in a way that works with the room layout.

The all-important vanity unit typically forms the centrepiece of the hotel bathroom, blending decorative and functional furniture elements to avoid a clinical finish and ensure the room becomes a living and breathing space in its own right. Large decadent vanity units that function as a dressing area for beauty treatments are also a key ingredient as they’ve become increasingly decorative in style and work as an extension of the hotel bedroom. Vanity units are being accentuated with strategic eye level lighting to enhance the experience and create a flattering effect. Mirrored cabinetry around the dressing area is multifunctional, offering 360° visual views through intelligent mirror placement, built-in shaver sockets and strategic internal shelving and storage for complete guest usability.

Technology

Technology is an ever-growing trend; from multifunctional brassware to all-singing, all-dancing showers, the bathroom is beginning to meet the needs of our technology driven culture, creating a more liveable space that strikes the right balance between design and experience. Digital showers emerged onto the market with button controls, but are now starting to feature simple touch screen controls that control the lighting, scents, varying water temperatures and pressures. And whilst digital showers are leading the way the rest of the bathroom is quickly catching up. Brassware is moving into a more digital realm, with manufacturers starting to incorporate technology in the form of a digital screen interface that controls flow and temperature. Baths will be able to be filled using a smart phone or tablet, and home spa elements are becoming more accessible and fit for purpose in the modern hotel as steam starts to be integrated into the shower enclosure.

Accessible Design

Where specialist accessible design guidance is required, C.P. Hart believes that an impressive bathroom should have universal appeal. Each and every functional component of the bathroom has to be considered to ensure practicality and durability is achieved throughout the entire bathroom. C.P. Hart’s coordinated Accessible Design range by Hewi is testament to our belief that DDA compliance need not mean unappealing and utilitarian design. Sleek and minimalist in style, the collection has been designed to aid mobility around the bathroom, providing support through subtle recesses and support rails which perfectly complement the range’s minimalist aesthetic. Support rails are sculpted to ensure they are understated yet practical, featuring easy to grip contours for those requiring support when standing up or sitting down to use the WC, shower or washbasin. The rails are available in either a rounded or square profile, in addition to a variety of length options. The shower seat is geometric in its design and available in clean white or architectural anthracite that complement the minimalist finish. Manufactured from high quality materials, the seat has been designed to be both comfortable and slip resistant due to its lightly structured surface.

C.P. Hart Contracts works exclusively on building and refurbishment projects, from luxury apartments through to hotels and commercial developments. For more information visit www.cphart.co.uk/pro or call 0845 873 1121.

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Miami's Top Hotel Penthouse Suites

Read article : Miami's Top Hotel Penthouse Suites

When a standard room simply won’t do, it’s a good thing that Miami’s already luxurious hotels can accommodate with over the top digs—and price tags to match. Here’s a peek inside Miami’s most sought after suites with room to spare, floor-to-ceiling windows, private rooftop pools, marble bathrooms, and panoramic views stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the downtown skyline. This is our ranking of the most outrageous penthouses in Miami.

1. The Setai 

The Setai (pictured at top) is perhaps the most expensive hotel in South Beach—period. And the penthouse gives you 10,000 square-feet of zen-luxe accommodations, including a 3,000 square foot ocean front terrace—all for a mere $32,000 a night. The views from the 40th floor are best enjoyed from the private terrace’s infinity pool and Jacuzzi. The four-bedroom, four-bath suite also includes a Steinway piano, a full-service kitchen and amenities like butler service upon request, Frette linens, a rainfall shower, and a Bose surround-sound system. 2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-520-6000; thesetaihotel.com.

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2. Faena

Checking into the Faena Suite is like setting foot on a Baz Luhrmann movie set. The filmmaker and his wife, set and costume designer Catharine Martin, collaborated with Alan Faeana on the creative direction of the hotel. The suite is awash in lush red velvet, lavish animal prints and turquoise and gold accents. Connecting to a premiere oceanfront suite, it can be arranged into an extravagant four-bedroom suite at 3,549-square-feet. Drink in panoramic views of the Atlantic from multiple bathrooms or retreat in one of the five oversized bathrooms with a soaking tub. From $20,000 per night. 3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-534-8800; faena.com. 

 

3. The Miami Beach EDITION 

A two-story bungalow at The Miami Beach EDITION is like a little slice of heaven. With blonde oak and walnut wood paneling and plush, white sofas piled high with pillows, the aesthetic is all understated elegance. Outfitted with a separate bedroom, dining room and living room, the bathroom is a spa-like treat with a personal sauna. Top floor bungalows are equipped with private rooftop soaking tub and all enjoy panoramic views of the sea with oversized balconies. 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-257-4500; editionhotels.com/miami-beach.  

 

4. Mandarin Oriental Miami

Famous for being a Forbes Travel Guide Triple Five Star Hotel in Miami, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami features two presidential suite options that channel this tranquil-luxe experience. The Oriental Suite on the 20th floor is the largest room in the hotel at 2,365 square-feet. With floor-to-ceiling windows, an oversized master bathroom, and a working fireplace, it’s a cozy retreat with a wraparound balcony and sweeping views of the city and Biscayne Bay. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room that entertains eight, and a piano “christened” by Luciano Pavarotti. For the true spa seeker, reserve the Mandarin Suite on the 19th floor and enjoy a personal therapist on call 24 hours a day for in-room services in your designated relaxation room. The 2,000 square-foot room also boasts an infinity-edge soaking tub and a two-person, glass-enclosed steam shower. A night in either room will run you $9,500. 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami; 305-913-8288. mandarinoriental.com/miami.

5. The Confidante Miami Beach

The 14th floor penthouse at The Confidante Miami Beach boasts a wraparound private terrace with both ocean and city views. The 980-square-foot pied a terrehas a master king bedroom with separate living and dining room and can be expanded to include an additional 367-square-foot deluxe king room with balcony. The luxurious bathroom includes a rainfall shower and whirlpool tub. All of this in Confidante’s signature playful palette of bright colors and patterns with a touch of vintage glamour. Nightly rates start at $1,500. 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-605-4041; theconfidante.unbound.hyatt.com

6. W South Beach

The W South Beach has a collection of VIP suites, but none is so glamorous as the E-WOW Penthouse. The 2,600 square-foot suite has three bedrooms, all outfitted with king-sized beds and four balconies with unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean. The modern-luxe furnishings are complimented with fresh orchids, a Nespresso machine, and a plush robe and slippers. Add to this a rooftop deck with private plunge pool and a grill, and you’ve found your home away from home. E-WOW comes with all the perks of a true VIP, including personalized concierge service, guaranteed entry into W’s nightclub Wall, and a farewell gift on the night of your departure. The E-WOW Penthouse is $4,000 a night. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-938-3000; wsouthbeach.com.

 

7. JW Marriott Marquis Miami

Situated 41 skyscraping stories above downtown Miami with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River, the JW Marriott Marquis’ Presidential Suite with floor-to-ceiling soundproof windows seems to float above it all. At 2,479 square-feet, the suite includes two bedrooms with Brazilian cherry wood floors, two and a half baths with Italian marble, a living room, dining room, office, and private treadmill room. This modern luxury in the clouds can be yours for $4,000 a night. 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami; 305-421-8600; marriott.com.

8. SLS South Beach

You can party like a rock star—or just sleep like one—at the SLS South Beach inside one of Lenny Kravitz’s Kravitz Design Inc. penthouses. Choose from the Villa overlooking the action at Hyde Beach or the Tower on the top floor of the historic tower originally designed by architect L. Murray Dixon in 1939. Each high design penthouse is about 1,500 square-feet with a spacious ocean view balcony. The Tower features a grand living room, dining room, bar, and master suite with sumptuous interiors, like black and white marble, glass mosaic tile, textured leather, and screen-printed wallpaper in pewter and gold. The Villa has a contemporary feel with Cyprus wood paneled walls and stone floors, and a master bath with white Thassos marble walls and glass mosaic floors. If “you’re gonna go [this] way,” pricing starts at $2,500 per night. 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-674-1701; slshotels.com/southbea ch.

 

9. InterContinental Miami

Originally named for President Ronald Reagan and Princess Caroline of Monaco, the InterContinental Miami’s pair of penthouse suites have been given an upgrade thanks to a 30 million dollar hotel renovation and the eye of tennis superstar Venus Williams and her V Starr design firm. Now named the Royal Palm and the Metropolis, each 3,300 square-foot suite offers a master bedroom, living room, dining room, multi-media room, office, and kitchen with gorgeous views of Miami and Biscayne Bay. A favorite hotel of competitors and attendees of the annual Sony Open Tennis tournament, Williams’ aesthetic is the perfect compliment to this classic downtown destination. Both penthouses start at $3,000 per night. 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami; 305-577-1000; icmiamihotel.com.

 

10. 1 Hotel South Beach

At 3,600 square-feet, boasting two king master bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a living room, pool table alcove, media room and a balcony with sweeping ocean views and a daybed for lounging, 1 Hotel’s Presidential suite is a luxurious retreat. With furniture made of rough hewn white oak and natural fibers, wood-grained tile floors and nature-inspired pendant lamps, 1’s penthouse reflects the aesthetic of “bringing the outside in” at this eco-driven luxury hotel. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers and free-standing Boffi tubs. A throne-worthy rattan swing adds a touch of whimsy to the blissful space. Rates available upon request. 2341 Collins Ave., South Beach; 305-604-1000; 1hotels.com/south-beach.

11. Delano

Delano is considered the original South Beach “scene” hotel. Designed by Philippe Starck to resemble a glamorous stumble down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, it has an equally stylish penthouse. At 1,660 square-feet, it features a master bedroom, dining room, sitting area, and wet bar. Picture dazzling all-white rooms with Starck-designed custom furniture and the signature bowl of green apples amidst billowing floor-to-ceiling white curtains. The bathrooms feature oversized Italian marble soaking tubs, and there’s also a spacious private balcony for discreet sunbathing and incredible views of the aquamarine sea. Rates are available upon request. 1685 Collins Ave.; Miami Beach; 305-672-2000; morganshotelgroup.com/delano.

Shayne Benowitz is Miami.com’s Travel Editor. Sign up for her monthly newsletter at ShayneBenowitz.com.

Design trends for the bathroom

Read article : Design trends for the bathroom

No longer are lavish bathrooms reserved for the wealthy. Modern designers are bringing luxury bathroom hardware to the mainstream market.

More than the ordinary

Ditch the ratty shower curtain: frameless glass screens will make your bathroom look elegant and more spacious. They’re also practical, since they have fewer nooks and crannies to clean.

Toilet paper holders are usually fairly prosaic, unless they are made of rubbed bronze, gold brass or have an inlay of Swarovski crystals.

Go chasing waterfalls

With an ever-increasing range of showerheads, nozzles and wall mounts designed to emulate gentle rainfall, it’s easier than ever to lose track of time while you scrub up.

• Incorporating elements of hydrotherapy, some designs use multiple wall spouts that release opulent streams of water from varying directions toward the lucky soul in the shower.
• Perfect for the minimalist or the small bathroom, the ceiling shower is installed flush against the ceiling – you choose whether you stand under a rain shower or a ‘blade’ of water.
• Other fixtures drawing inspiration from nature are waterfall or elephant spout faucets. With a thin, wide mouth flowing from a sleek, often curved fitting, waterfall spouts live up to their namesake by pouring out a steady screen of water. Made for baths, showers and sinks, they look amazing but are possibly not suitable for use in areas with water restrictions.

Black is the new chrome

Taps have traditionally been made with polished copper or chrome, but now black is gaining popularity in contemporary bathroom design. Favoured for its subtle finish and softer appearance, matt black taps resist the lasting impression of fingerprints and make a bold statement.

Fill your bathroom with sound and light

If you like to sing in the shower, evolving technology is putting the music right into your showerhead. With the use of wireless speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, designers are finding new ways to flood your shower with culture, both classical and modern.

LED technology is also being put to use in baths, taps and showerheads which change colour to reflect the temperature of the water as it flows through.

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Bathsphere

The ultimate in bathroom hardware would have to be the Bathsphere by Russian designer Alexander Zhukovsky. Essentially, it is a hanging, clear glass sphere that acts as both bath and shower, with settings for you to alter its internal temperature, humidity, light, sounds and smell – and even simulate rain.

You can easily create your own luxurious bathroom with the help of some designer hardware, so why not give it a try?