A freestanding tub framed with stones creates a zen feel.

Huge sliding doors and walls of glass in the spa-like principal bathroom all but erase lines between indoors and out.

See more Warm-Weather Vacation Homes, Spa-Like Bathrooms, plus more from this Dominican home.

A simple, freestanding tub strikes a sculptural note.

Painted shutters and limestone tiles that extend up the walls create a zen atmosphere in this principal bathroom. A wooden stool and patterned rug add a global, organic touch.

Black window frames add modern edge to a classic space.

A freestanding cast-iron tub is perfectly centred beneath a wide double window in this principal ensuite. The floors are heated Calacatta marble. An ornate 18th-century Italian stool looks spa-fresh covered in a striped seersucker fabric.

For more ideas see our Scott Yetman Designs photo gallery, Best of the Eastern Townships photo gallery, and Spa-Like Bathrooms photo gallery.

Floor-to-ceiling tiles add a luxurious, spa-like feel.

Ocean blue Italian-glass mosaic tiles flecked with gold run over the walls and floor in designer Patti Rosati’s principal bathroom, providing sparkle and sea-inspired glamour.

Watch a tour of Patti Rosati’s Modern Condo on Online TV, get more Decorating To Sell tips, and see more Spa-Like Bathrooms.

Serene colours and polished accents create a sense of calm.

Quiet artwork and a blue Fortuny light transform a principal bath into an elegant retreat. A deep ledge circling the panelled tub keeps essentials at hand. Towels and toiletries are tucked away in symmetrical floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets. Panelling and glass-front built-ins create a clean, custom look that exudes luxury.

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Large windows expose stunning city views.

A departure from the white walls found in the rest of the condo, interior designer Nancy Boultbee chose to paint this peaceful space a moody charcoal colour. The sleek soaker tub and chic accessories keep the focus on the view.

For more inspiration from western Canada, see our photo gallery of The Best Of The West, plus see more Spa-Like Bathrooms.

A mix of marble and glossy white surfaces add sparkle.

This white-on-white bathroom boasts a stunning skylight that floods the glass shower with light. A small raw-wood stool keeps shower essentials at hand.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Les Ensembliers Interiors and Spa-Like Bathrooms.

Unexpected design details add elegance.

Bathrooms don’t have to be bland, as this one shows with its glittery marble mosaic-tiled floor, glass-droplet chandelier and pretty Schumacher wallpaper. A custom-designed vanity features double sinks and built-in storage, a marble countertop and panel moulding that smartly blends two mirrors in the insets. The low, freestanding tub makes the room feel more spacious and opulent.

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Light tiles and a single plant create a sense of calm.

The principal bathroom in Vancouver architect Clinton Cuddington’s completely green home features a Japanese soaker tub encased in off-white 1″ square tile. Fritted glass provides privacy for the tub and steam shower and maintains the room’s clean, simple style. Minimal, desert and country-inspired accessories like a raw wood stool and aloe plants contribute to the calm, zen-like atmosphere.

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A silver and white palette evokes serenity and glamour.

Floor to ceiling, damask-patterned Bisazza tiles with an opalescent sheen make a statement in this large bathroom. Using a nook by a picture window for a freestanding bathtub adds more drama, while an oversized feather chandelier completes the luxe, feminine look. Top-of-the-line finishes such as these eliminate the need for any further accessories.

Watch a tour of this bathroom and connected bedroom. Plus, see more Dramatic Bathrooms and Spa-Like Bathrooms.

Rustic wood accents take the spotlight against a white backdrop.

The bathroom fittings in this Swiss holiday home were designed by the German design studio Sieger Design for Dornbracht, while the tub and sink units are by Philippe Starck. The stone floors here — and on the entire main floor of Joergen Bodum’s family retreat — are made of Italian granite and equipped with radiant heating.

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A Sarah Richardson-designed bathroom.

A sleek glass-fronted shower stall and watery glass mosaic tiles make this room feel spacious and bright. The zebrano-wood vanity and square sink speak to the room’s zen-like quality, while the vanity’s lower shelf provides the perfect place to store necessities, keeping walls and countertop clear of clutter.

For more before and after projects, see our Bathroom Makeovers photo gallery, plus more Spa-Like Bathrooms.

A deep tub for long soaks.

This stunning bathroom is filled with antiques, an 1890s chandelier, gilded marble-topped Louis XVI table, a pine mantel, fireplace and room for seating.

Teak slats and a rain showerhead lend a high-end spa look to a small space.

Toronto designer Barbara Purdy gutted the entire bathroom — except the original ’50s-style hanging globe lights — to achieve the fresh, bright look she wanted in her cottage. An open-storage washstand was custom built to hold an affordable Ikea sink, keeping the space open and airy. White walls and faux marble porcelain shower tiles also brighten the once-dark room. Teak slats and a rain showerhead lend a high-end look.

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A cheerful yet calm sanctuary.

This bright powder-blue and white bathroom brings together eclectic elements like a ceramic buddha, modern ottoman and fiberglass clawfoot tub for a relaxing, spa-like feel. A sparkly chandelier and floral curtains add feminine charm.

A warm and feminine space.

Top L.A. designer Kelly Wearstler created this room to offer an unexpected thrill and a complexion-friendly backdrop. “Everyone looks good in pink!” she says. Wrapped in wide ribbons of iridescent tile, this bathroom is an ode to mosaics. The wet room’s slick, clean-lined fixtures and transparent glass door hold their own next to the bold stripes.

See more Dramatic Bathrooms, Spa-Like Bathrooms, plus get more tips on Decorating With Pink.

A sophisticated yet uncluttered space.

Classic elements like Carrara marble and a hand-painted tub surround make this bathroom elegant and timeless. A handheld shower, chandelier and window hardware add to the old world ambiance of the space.

A neutral colour scheme lets the tub take centre stage.

This freestanding bathtub, situated in a gracefully bowed window, echoes the architectural lines of the space to dramatic effect. The panelling on the tub surround repeats the understated traditional moulding found on the vanity, while the contemporary fixtures and towel rack keep the space from looking old-fashioned.

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An 18th-century French side table with its original paint holds towels next to the tub.

A Persian carpet is an unusually luxurious choice for a bathroom, but stands up well to wear and tear. An antique wrought-iron chandelier from Europe illuminates the tub area. To the left, a display cabinet stores towels, bath accessories and cleaning products.

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Extra alcove space is the perfect spot for a spa-like soaker tub.

Homeowners Virginie Martocq and Mark McLean decided to move their tub from the original bathroom area to the western window and install a three-sided fireplace (not shown) that would link the bedroom and bathroom. Now the soaker tub has a view of the fireplace, offering these busy parents a spa-like retreat.

See more Bathroom Makeovers and Spa-Like Bathrooms.

Luxurious finishes add a spa feel.

Montreal designer Julie Charbonneau introduced materials like wood, linen and marble to elevate the look of this space. Consider relocating the tub to a window for a separate space to unwind. An antique chair near the tub invites you to relax after a soak, and the neutral colour scheme keeps the attention on the large picture window.

See more interiors by Julie Charbonneau, browse photos of her own home, plus see more Spa-Like Bathrooms.

A wide tub ledge allows for colourful flower arrangements.

Floor-to-ceiling tile enhances the spa feel of this bathroom. Sleek hardware complements the clean angles in the shower and tub area. A thin wall divider separates the shower from the bath without sacrificing style.

See more minimalist interiors by Jennifer Post, plus see more Spa-Like Bathrooms.

A clean and minimal space.

Anna Grzesiowski of Toronto was a runner-up in our 2009 Design Contest. She wanted to incorporate classic elements like dark cabinets and a clawfoot tub in her bathroom renovation. “I always like to mix old and new, like luxurious fabrics, art and ornate details with modern touches like a sleek countertop,” she says.

See more rooms from Design Contest Finalists, plus see more Spa-Like Bathrooms.

Chinese, Indian and English influences create a sense of worldly nonchalance.

“I approach decorating a bathroom as I do any other room,” says Los Angeles-based designer Mary McDonald. “And the lady’s principal bath in this hacienda estate is an extension of the boudoir in every way.” The sofa makes the bathroom feel like a luxurious spa, while the “Gloria Swanson-goes-to-Rajastan” mirror, antique Chinese vases and Lefroy Brooks handset on the tub create a global feel.

See more of Mary McDonald’s Interiors, plus see more Spa-Like Bathrooms.

Soft blue walls play up a fresh, watery feel that’s perfect for a bathroom.

This serene space features mosaic tile on the floor and full-height subway tile behind the built-in bath and glass freestanding shower (not shown). By mounting the cabinets on the wall instead of the floor, Suzanne created the illusion of a larger bathroom. She added extra sparkle with a vintage metal cabinet she’s had for years, gilded mirror and a collection of glass vessels lining the shelf behind of the tub.

See more of Suzanne Dimma’s Houses and Spa-Like Bathrooms.