TRUK: Ghostly ocean-floor graveyard of hundreds of ships and planes

 

 

 

For 70 years, they have sheltered at the bottom of a clear blue lagoon... which happens to mask the largest ship graveyard in the world. Now, a photographer has captured the World War Two artifacts that lie beneath the surface of Chuuk Lagoon in the Central Pacific. Below background battles of WWII around Truk. January 1943: The bodies of three American soldiers, fallen in the battle for Buna and Gona, lie on the beach of the island in the Papua New Guinea region during World War II. (AP Photo)   49 January 1944: These U.S. Marine Raiders, with the reputation of being skillful jungle fighters, pose in front of a Japanese stronghold they conquered at Cape Totkina, Bougainville. (AP Photo) 50 February 23, 1944: Captain Carter, upper center with map, briefs his men for amphibious assault operations at Arawe, New Britain aboard a troop transport ship. (AP Photo) 51 February 1944: A wounded marine receives treatment from a Navy medical corpsman at a jungle first aid station behind the lines on New Britain Island, New Guinea, in the Battle for the Strategic Japanese air field on Cape Gloucester during World War II. (AP Photo/U.S. Marine Corps) 52 May 1944: The first wave of U.S. Infantrymen leave their higgins boats and race through the surf for the beach during the invasion of Wakde Island, Dutch New Guinea during World War II. (AP Photo/U.S. Army Signal Corps) 53 MArch 1944: Hundreds of pictures of pin-up girls adorn the entire wall of this bomber crew shack on Adak Island in the Aleutians in Alaska during World War II. (AP Photo) 54 March 1944: Following in the cover of a tank, American infantrymen secure an area on Bougainville, Solomon Islands after Japanese forces infiltrated their lines during the night. (AP Photo) 55 June 1944: U.S. Marines move up the beach on Saipan under heavy machine gun fire, during landing operations at the island of the Mariana group. (AP Photo) 56 June 1944: A Japanese bomber is shot down as it attempted to attack the USS Kitkun Bay, near the Mariana Islands. (AP Photo) 57 June 1944: Two U.S. Marines are seen crawling to their assigned positions under enemy fire on the beach at Saipan, Mariana Islands. (AP Photo) 58 July 1944: Columns of troop-packed LCIs trail in the wake of a Coast Guard-manned transport ship en route for the invasion of Cape Sansapor, New Guinea. The deck of the LST is densely packed with heavy military machinery and other war supplies. (AP Photo) January 1943: While on a bombing run over Salamau, New Guinea, before its capture by Allied forces, photographer Sgt. John A. Boiteau aboard an army Liberator took this photograph of a B-24 Liberator during World War II. Bomb bursts can be seen below in lower left and a ship at upper right along the beach. (AP Photo/U.S. Army Force) February 2, 1943: An American jeep proceeds along a trail through the jungle on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands during World War II. (AP Photo)   The preserved items include gas masks, human skulls and metal bullets - as well as personal photographs belonging to wartime victims. The lagoon was Japan's main base during the war, but in 1944, U.S. forces launched a fatal attack - sinking more than 60 Japanese warships and 250 planes. The body of water, formally known as Truk Lagoon, is now considered to be one of the top wreck diving destinations in the world. +22 Preserved: A photographer has captured the World War Two artefacts - including a gas mask, above - that lie beneath the surface of Chuuk Lagoon in the Central Pacific As part of the colonial territory of the Caroline Islands, Truk was part of the Spanish Empire. The Caroline Islands were sold to the German Empire in 1899. It became a possession of the Empire of Japan under a mandate from the League of Nations following Germany's defeat in World War IDuring World War II, Truk Lagoon was the Empire of Japan's main base in the South Pacific theatre. Truk was a heavily fortified base for Japanese operations against Allied forces in New Guinea and theSolomon Islands, serving as the forward anchorage for the JapaneseImperial Fleet. Truk Lagoon was considered the most formidable of all Japanese strongholds in the Pacific. On the various islands, the Japanese Civil Engineering Department and Naval Construction Department had built roads, trenches, bunkers and caves. Five airstrips, seaplane bases, a torpedo boat station, submarine repair shops, a communications center and a radar station were constructed during the war. Protecting these various facilities were coastal defense guns and mortar emplacements. The Japanese garrison consisted of 27,856 IJN men, under the command of Vice Admiral Masami Kobayashi, then Vice Admiral Chuichi Hara, and 16,737 IJA men, under the command of Major General Kanenobu Ishuin.[6] Due to its heavy fortifications, both natural and manmade, the base at Truk was known to Allied forces as "the Gibraltar of the Pacific".[7][8] A significant portion of the Japanese fleet was based at Truk, with its administrative center on Tonoas (south of Weno). At anchor in thelagoon, were the Imperial Japanese Navy's battleships, aircraft carriers,cruisers, destroyers, tankers, cargo ships, tugboats, gunboats,minesweepers, landing craft, and submarines. Some have described Truk as Japan's equivalent of the Americans' Pearl Harbor.[8] In 1944, Truk was devastated in one of the important naval attacks of the war. Forewarned by intelligence a week before the US raid, the Japanese had withdrawn their larger warships (heavy cruisers and larger vessels) toPalau. Once the American forces captured the Marshall Islands, they used them as a base from which to launch an early morning attack on February 17, 1944 against Truk Lagoon. Operation Hailstone lasted for three days, as American carrier-based planes sank twelve smaller Japanese warships (light cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliaries) and thirty-two merchant ships, while destroying 275 aircraft, mainly on the ground. The consequences of the attack made "Truk lagoon the biggest graveyard of ships in the world". [9][10] The attacks for the most part ended Truk as a major threat to Allied operations in the central Pacific. The Japanese garrison on Eniwetok was denied any realistic hope of reinforcement and support during the invasion that began on February 18, 1944, greatly assisting U.S. forces in their conquest of that island. Truk was isolated by Allied (primarily U.S.) forces, as they continued their advance towards Japan, by invading other Pacific islands, such as Guam, Saipan, Palau, and Iwo Jima. Cut off, the Japanese forces on Truk and other central Pacific islands ran low on food and faced starvation before Japan surrendered in August 1945 +22 Haunting: The items include human skulls, unexploded bombs and metal bullets - as well as personal photographs belonging to wartime victims, such as the one above +22 In the deep: The lagoon, now formally known as Truk Lagoon, masks the largest ship graveyard in the world. Above, a set of engine controls is pictured on the seabed +22 Creepy: The body of water was Japan's main base during World War Two, but in 1944, U.S. forces launched an attack. Above, an operating table lies beneath the water +22 Artillery: The attack on February 17 resulted in the sinking of more than 60 Japanese warships and 250 planes. Above, a collection of metal bullets rests on the seabed +22 Masking a secret: The clear blue lagoon is pictured as it looks today. Seventy years after the attack, the Japanese still pay their respects at the watery graves each year   Location: Chuuk lagoon is a body of water in the central Pacific. About 1800km north-east of New Guinea, it is part of Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia +22 Spooky: Chuuk Lagoon is now considered to be one of the top wreck diving destinations in the world. Above, several Saki bottles are pictured on the ocean floor +22 Wreckage: Photographer Super Jolly, from Wraysbury, Berkshire, described the incredible shoot as 'one of the scariest' dives she has ever done. Above, a telegraph +22 Eerie: 'The atmosphere was really spooky,' she said. 'Seeing piles of bones and medicine bottles on the operating table filled me with fear.' Above, a set of engine tubes +22 Operations: Ms Jolly, 32, said the deep-sea dive provided her with some 'hard hitting images' of the war - including this haunting photo of the ship's machine room Artefacts: The 32-year-old added: 'I wasn't expecting the artefacts to be so well preserved.' Above, a medicine box (left) and a steering column (right) lie on the sea floor +22 Risks: Ms Jolly said breathing in compressed air at depth can lead to 'narcotic effects' - impairing divers' judgement and sensory perception. Above, a sunken truck +22 Remains: She added: 'Another nitrogen related danger is decompression sickness, caused by the bodies tissues absorb nitrogen under pressure.' Above, another truck +22 Deadly: If the pressure underwater is rapidly reduced then bubbles can form - leading to painful joints, tissue damage, paralysis and even death. Above, a stock of bullets +22 Urinals: 'When exploring wrecks, there is always the danger of getting lost inside a wreck or getting tangled on something,' said Ms Jolly. Above, the officers' washroom +22 Put out: A lantern is pictured at the bottom of the lagoon, which is the world's largest ship graveyard. It joins an array of other artefacts from the World War Two attack     Yet to perish: Wartime items, including a Japanese newspaper (left) and dozens of undetonated bombs (right) are captured on the sea floor during the photography shoot +22 Deceased: Chuuk Lagoon is part of the larger Caroline Islands group, comprising eleven major islands. Above, human bones - including part of a skull - lie on the seabed +22 Worn: These damaged shoes are among hundreds of artefacts to have been discovered in ship wrecks following the U.S. deadly airstrike on February 17, 1944 +22 Left behind: Small blue fish surround a a pair of spanners that are resting atop a container - believed to be a tool box - beneath the surface of the tropical lagoon     Ghostly ocean-floor graveyard of hundreds of ships and planes makes eerie memorial for WWII attack on Japanese Pacific base. More than a thousand miles away from the nearest nation, at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, lies a ghostly graveyard of ships and aircraft sunk in the height of the Second World War. More than 40 Japanese ships and 250 aircraft have their final resting place at the bottom of the Truk Lagoon, 1,118miles from Micronesia, making it the largest of its kind. The vessels and airplanes went down during a two-day attack by the Allied forces known as Operation Hailstone, on February 16-17, 1944, destroying cruisers, auxiliaries and merchant ships which severely injured Japan's presence in the Pacific.  +11 More than 40 Japanese ships and 250 aircraft have their final resting place at the bottom of the Truk Lagoon, 1,118miles from Micronesia +11 Aircraft wreck: Yokosuka D4Y Judy Dive Bomber was one of 250 planes to go down during the two-day attack by the Allies +11 Discovery: A diver explores the interior of the wreck of the Gosei Maru, in Truk Lagoon, Pacific Ocean During the war, which ended seventy years ago, the Japanese used the surrounding islands of the Truk Lagoon - now known as Chuuk - as a base against the Allied forces in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.  Seventy-one years later the underwater grave is a popular site for divers as fish invade the decayed war wreckage. Nick Blake, 49, from Woking, visited the site in May last year as turtles swam among the debris. He said: 'Dives were typically about one hour, sometimes a little longer on the shallower wrecks. We would typically do three days per day and I clocked up over 30 dives during my trip. 'Whilst I had gone to Truk fully prepared to photograph wrecks, what surprised me was the diversity of subject matter on each wreck site. As well as the wreck itself and the fascinating contents of the holds, they are festooned in coral, which makes for some fantastic photo opportunities. 'Without a doubt this stunning destination, with almost 70 charted wrecks, is truly the world's wreck capital - particularly in view of the sheer number of wrecks, their preservation and stunning condition.'   The remains of the Kansho Maru which was struck by a bomb and an aerial torpedo, and a Telegraph on the wreck of the Shinkoku Maru, +11 Attack: The Allies' Operation Hailstone, on February 16-17, 1944, severely injured Japan's presence in the Pacific +11 A propeller and engine broken away from the wreck of an 'Emily' flying boat wreck, in Truk Lagoon, Micronesia +11 Underwater grave: The bow of the Shinkoku Maru, a ship that was sunk by two aerial torpedoes during Operation Hailstone +11 Trucks resting in one of the holds of the wreck of the Hoki Maru, a ship that was sunk by a torpedo in the height of the Second World War +11 During the war the Japanese used the islands of the Truk Lagoon as a base against the Allied forces in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands +11 Resting: A diver explores submarine periscopes located on the wreck of the Heian Maru, in May 2014 It may look like a tropical paradise, but this stunning lagoon masks a dark secret... under the clear blue waters lies the biggest graveyard of ships in the world. In the Second World War Chuuk Lagoon was Japan's main base in the South Pacific, but in 1944, American forces launched an attack and over a two day bombardment more than 60 warships ended up on the floor of the lagoon. Years later the Japanese still pay their respects at the watery graves each year, but now the site, formally known as Truk Lagoon due to a mispronunciation, offers scuba divers a chance to explore a piece of living history.   Explore: It may look like a tropical paradise, but this stunning South Pacific masks a dark secret as under the clear blue waters lies the biggest graveyard of ships in the world Morbid: Japanese skulls on a shipwreck in the lagoon. In War World Two Truk Lagoon was Japan's main base in the South Pacific Decaying: A fish swims through the rusting interior of a bathroom on the sunken boat. In 1944, American forced attacked the base during a two day bombardment Reminders of life: Porcelain dishes from the wreck of the World War II vessel Fujikawa, lie at the bottom of Chuuk Lagoon Chuuk Lagoon is a sheltered body of water in the central Pacific north-east of New Guinea - it is part of Chuuk State within the Federated States of Micronesia. It provided Japan with a perfect natural harbour to protect its large ships and they moved their military across and fortified the islands. They built an airstrip there and made it such a successful base it soon caught the eye of America as the 'Gibraltar of the Pacific.' Japanese Pearl Harbour: A Grumman Avenger drops a bomb on his this Japanese destroyer, veiled in a gigantic cloud of smoke steam and foam. It was one of many enemy ships that were sent to the bottom in the smashing task force raid       Attack: A Nakajima B6N Tenzan torpedo bomber, known to the Allies as "Jill", flies through anti-aircraft fire during a battle in the Truk Islands and right,  crew on a  OS2U near Truk await rescue by USS Tang Assault: US airplanes attack the Truk Anchorage as part of the two-day attack against the Japanese The codename for the assault on Chuuk Lagoon was 'Operation Hailstone' and the attack began on 17 February, lasting for two bitter and bloody days. The American armada included five fleets carriers and four light carriers - they were also seven battleships, submarines, destroyers and over 500 aircraft. Over 250 Japanese aircraft were destroyed - most of them had not had a chance to take off as they had only just arrived from Japan and were partly dissembled. Remnants: The Betty Bomber sits at the bottom of the lagoon. more than 60 warships and 275 aircraft ended up on the floor of the lagoon Depths: Several divers explore the wreckage of a sunken aircraft in the lagoon   The few Japanese aircraft that did take off were claimed destroyed -  the U.S. lost twenty-five aircraft during the attack, mainly due to the intense anti-aircraft fire from Truk's defenses. Very few of the troops aboard the sunken ships survived - the attacks ended Chuuk Lagoon as a major threat to Allied operations in the central Pacific. Most of the wrecks were left untouched for nearly 25 years since people feared setting off the thousands of sunken bombs. Many of the shipwrecks in the scuba diving paradise have full cargo holds full of fighter aircraft, tanks and bulldozers. They also have spooky reminders of human life such as perfectly preserved porcelain cups positioned next to skulls. Location: Chuuk lagoon is a body of water in the central Pacific. About 1800km north-east of New Guinea, it is part of Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia Wreck: A Japanese Betty Bomber aircraft lies in a mangled wreck in the bottom of the lagoon       Grim: A scuba diver gazes at a human skull from a Japanese sailor who died in Operation Hailstorm Ammunition: Bullets found in the shipwreck after the 1944 attack     A diver checks out the Kenshu cargo hold. The American bombardment of the base wiped out their supplies and reduced Japanese threat A car which was inside a Japanese ship which sank Resting place: A tank settles on the bottom of the lagoon covered in barnacles       Focus: The attacks ended Truk as a major threat to Allied operations in the central Pacific during the Second World War Condition: Dishes in the shipwreck are still perfectly preserved despite decades under the water Search: Two snorkelers try and catch a glimpse of the hidden shipwrecks under the water Left over: Many of the shipwrecks in the scuba diving paradise have full cargo holds of items used during the Second World War Above the surface: Islanders fishing in Truk Lagoon - the clear waters have proven popular with tourists and scuba divers

The Largest Graveyard of Ships in the World: Chuuk Lagoon   Downed American airmen nearTruk Lagoon are ferried by a Vought OS2U Kingfisher to USS Tang. Starved Japanese surrender in October 1945.   Chuuk Lagoon (formerly known as Truk Lagoon) was Imperial Japan's main naval base in the South Pacific theater of WW2. In 1944Operation Hailstone was launched by the United States – during which 12 Japanese warships, 32 merchant ships and 249 aircraft were destroyed. Some say this is Japanese equivalent of Pearl Harbor. Today the lagoon attracts divers from all around the world to experience some of the best wreck diving that can be found on earth. The relatively shallow waters and the vast amount of wrecks are the main factors in this being one of the best spots for wreck divers. The bow of the MV Beau. Photo by gh0stdot. Bridge of Nippo Maru. Photo by gh0stdot. A wreck of Kawanishi H8K “Emily” "Flying" boat. Photo by gh0stdot. Another angle of the H8K airplane wreck. Photo by Peter Tee. The bow of Nippo Maru (a cargo ship that was sunk on July 16, 1944). Photo by Lawrence Tulissi. Forward gun on the cargo ship Nippo Maru. Photo by Lawrence Tulissi. Trucks inside of the sunken cargo ship Hoki Maru. Photo by Lawrence Tulissi. Random gas masks. Photo by gh0stdot. Swimming through a Mitsubishi G4M “Betty” bomber. Photo by gh0stdot. The bow of San Francisco Maru Cargo ship. Photo by gh0stdot. A6M “Zero” fighters and a tail from a Mitsubishi G4M Bomber inside of the Fujikawa Maru. Photo bygh0stdot. Light tanks (Type 95 by the look of it) on the sunken Nippo Maru cargo ship. Photo by Lawrence Tulissi. A wreck of a Mitsubishi G4M bomber. Photo by gh0stdot. Engine room of Kensho Maru cargo ship. Photo by Lawrence Tulissi. Engine room of the cargo ship Unkai Maru. Photo by gh0stdot. A cockpit of a A6M “Zero” fighter. Photo by Lawrence Tulissi. Sunset over Chuuk Lagoon. Photo by Jesuit Volunteer Corp.

Inside the luxury Peter Pan-style treehouse perched among 150-year-old pines

 

 

 

Inside the luxury Peter Pan-style treehouse perched among 150-year-old pines Peter and Katie Bahouth spent six months designing the perfect woodland retreat in Atlanta, USA The Buckland is adorned with fairy lights and has a hammock, rope-bridges, and a deck that seats up to 10 people You can book a minimum two-night stay in the tree house on Airbnb If you've ever dreamed of a fairytale tree house, complete with twinkling lights and romantic bridges, it probably looks a lot like this.   The Buckland retreat, nestled in pristine woodland in the heart of Atlanta, has now been listed on AirBnB, and it even comes with wifi! Set amid the branches of a 150-year-old Southern Short-Leaf Pine tree, the enchanting tree house is the handywork of creative couple Peter and Katie Bahouth, and consists of three separate rooms that are connected by rope bridges strewn with fairy lights. +9 If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise... This stunning tree house is nestled amid lush woodland in Atlanta +9 Peter and Katie Bahouth bought the land in 2000 and spent six months designing and building the fairytale retreat, which they now rent out Former Greenpeace executive director Mr Bahouth, bought the pretty woodland spot in 2000, and spent the next six months designing and building the perfect forest hideaway. The cosy living room is decked out with a masterful blend of beautiful antiques and up-cycled furniture, including a chandelier to add a touch a glamour to scheme, and an 80-year-old butterfly window. And just in case you feel like entertaining, there is even an indoor dining area with room to comfortably seat six people. +9 Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interior with natural light, while pretty fairy lights and swishy curtains add a dash of romance to the scheme +9 The rustic living room has been decked out with shabby chic furniture, while colourful accessories add warmth to the cosy scheme Over in the bedroom, you'll be able to enjoy nature without leaving the comfort of your bed, as it can be pushed out onto a platform overlooking a local stream. You don't even have to worry about catching a chill - the organic linen bedding has been teamed with a heated mattress pad to keep you toasty all night long. +9 The tree house consists of three separate rooms which can be reached via rope bridges strewn with fairy lights to light the way Outside, a generous decking area seats up to 10 people and comes complete with a hammock for day-time dreaming or star-spotting at night. But if you do get the urge to leave the confines of the tee house, the Bahouth's have provided a list of local beauty spots to explore. Or, like some guests, you could just order pizza delivered straight to your branch. But enchanting beauty doesn't come cheap. A minimum two night stay at the retreat will set you back £236 per night - but we reckon it's worth it! +9 The couple have even installed wifi in the tree house for those guests who feel the need to stay connected to the outside world +9 Pretty mirrored furniture and pooling curtains create a sense of romance in the retreat's only bedroom +9 The luxurious double bed is on wheels and can be pushed out onto the mezzanine for guests who want sleep outdoors It's no surprise this Peter Pan-style tree house comes with a five-star rating from former guests.  One former occupant called Brent said: 'I surprised my wife with a visit for her birthday. The whole visit was like something out of a fairy tale... all lit up in the night. 'I enjoyed the rickety bridge and the feeling that we were on a pirate ship. Every detail is quirky and fun, including a bed that pushes out on a track so you can sleep on a plank under a canopy of trees - unbelievable.'  +9 But don't worry, you won't catch a chill. Raw linen bedding has been teamed with a heated mattress to keep guests toasty all night long     So close yet so far from the parties of Patong on Thailand's biggest island, developers hope a new hotel in Phuket will be the epitome of serenity. Keemala is a small wellness-focused resort in the woodlands just outside the village and beach of Kamala, on the west coast of the island, and is set for a September 2015 opening. Small Luxury Hotels of the World says the tranquil setting of the resort will 'encourage guests to rebalance, rejuvenate and relax' among the trees, streams and waterfalls seamlessly added to enhance the natural landscape.  +17 Keemala is a small wellness-focused resort in the woodlands just outside the village and beach of Kamala on the island of Phuket +17 The picturesque resort's 'Meditation Bridge' takes guest over the rippling stream and serene waterfall +17 While all villas have access to a private pool, Keemala also has a communal pool at its centre for relaxing with fellow guests +17 The lobby area of the resort with a distinctive design that morphs in with the natural surrounds of its forest setting  The resort's 38 pool villas come in in four separate styles - clay and straw cottages, tent villas, tree houses and bird's nest villas - with each one representing a clan of fictitious early Phuket settlers. The hotel said: ‘The architecture of the four different villa types reflects the skills and way of life of each of the groups. ‘Keemala and its grounds are designed as an expansion of the surrounding landscape, making use of natural features such as mature trees, streams and waterfalls and integrating these into the overall design and creating a wonderland for guests to enjoy.’ Each of the villas comes with a private pool and outdoor terrace, while a communal pool forms the centrepiece of the resort around which all revolves. +17 Natural building materials combine with sleek, modern designs in the area which will greet those who stay at Keemala +17 With health and well-being the heart and soul of the project, this is the wellness spa among the trees for guests +17 The resort's 38 pool villas come in in four separate styles - clay and straw cottages, tent villas, tree houses and bird's nest villas According to the hotel, 16 clay cottages reflect the earthiness of the Pa-ta-pea clan, which believed in a strong connection to the Earth and were leaders in agriculture. Seven tent villas are inspired by the nomadic Khon-Jorn tribe of wanderers who excelled in hunting and trading. The hotel also boasts seven treehouses inspired by the We-ha clan, whose people worshipped the university and lived in trees to be closer to the sky. Keemala’s bird nest villas reflect the opulent lifestyle – compared to other clans, at least – led by the Rung-Nok people. The interwoven design of their homes helped with protection and privacy. +17 The bauble-shaped treehouses, one of four types of dwelling, loosely resemble James Cameron's Pandora from the blockbuster film Avatar +17 The versatile design makes guests in the treehouse feel part of the environment with the balcony jutting out into the trees +17 The exterior of each treehouse villa is mirrored by the bespoke cane furniture and tribal-style artwork on the inside +17 The treehouse's bathroom has the all-natural feeling of being inside a tree, with wooden stumps even forming the casing for the dual sinks With wellness high on the agenda, a spa offers organic and traditional treatments, while there is also a gym, yoga pavilions and areas devoted to meditation for those keen to dictate their own fitness and health schedule. The in-house restaurant will feature 'wholesome cuisine' along with fine dining and there are also quaint spots around the resort for destination dining - ideal for private parties, romantic picnics and cooking classes. Keemala is like no other resort on Phuket Island, due to its architecture and experiences offered, making it an ideal addition to the collection. +17 The tent cottages have a more modern appeal but are essentially a wooden frame structure engulfed by a white sail-like cover +17 The restaurant will specialise in wholesome cuisine for guests when they don't want to explore the plethora of options around Kamala With wellness high on the agenda, a spa offers organic and traditional treatments, while there is also a gym, yoga pavilions and areas devoted to meditation for those keen to dictate their own fitness and health schedule. Communal areas are designed as open spaces that offer spectacular views of lush forest and invite the sounds of nature. The in-house restaurant boasts a Thai executive chef and will feature 'wholesome cuisine' along with fine dining. +17 The opulent bird's nest suite, inspired by the Rung-Nok clan, has splashes of bold colour looking into the peaceful forest over the private pool +17 The bird nest's typical bathroom features a massive rain shower and a bath that connects guests to the outdoors There are also quaint spots around the resort for destination dining - ideal for private parties, romantic picnics and cooking classes. Aiming to offer experiences that are ‘beyond enchanting’, Keemala is like no other resort on Phuket Island, due to its architecture and experiences offered, making it an ideal addition to the collection. While embracing traditional Thai culture and customs, the hotel bills itself as a five-star sanctuary for those who wish to rebalance, rejuvenate and relax in a serene rainforest. +17 At the opposite end of the spectrum from their Avatar-like treehouses, the clay and straw cottages channel the homes of The Hobbit +17 The interior of the clay and straw cottage with all of the doors opening outwards and fresh air and sunshine streaming into the bedroom Despite its seemingly isolated setting Keemala is just a five-minute drive from Kamala beach and a ten-minute drive from the lively Patong, Phuket’s main tourist resort and a hotspot for nightlife.

When booking a hotel, most guests pay attention to the location, what the pool looks like, perhaps the quality of the restaurant... but what about the loo? There are some hotels around the world that are worth booking for their bathroom amenities alone - from an all-glass washroom overlooking a game reserve in Botswana, to a Jacuzzi with 270-degree panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline. But a luxurious bathing experience will set you back, with the magnificent bathroom of the Penthouse suite at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris setting guests back a staggering £15,229 per night (bedroom included). These are the world's most jaw-dropping hotel bathrooms. +11 Bathroom with a view! The Kingston Tree house at Lion Sands Game Reserve in South Africa features a bathroom with a view of the surrounding wildlife The Lion Sands Game Reserve in South Africa: Be at one with nature   Staying in a tree house on a South African game reserve is always going to be an unforgettable experience... and using the glass bathroom while keeping an eye out for the Big Five just makes the experience even more special... even if you do end up with a giraffe audience during your shower. But don't worry about another human catching you unawares. The tree house is located five minutes from the main hotel, with communication by radio. This is a truly secluded experience. From £608 per person per night. +11 Hong Kong hot tub: The oversized Jacuzzi in the Ritz Carlton Suite at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong enjoys spectacular views After long hours exploring buzzing Hong Kong, guests can wash away the day the comfort of this oversized jacuzzi, or the shower with its rain forest shower head - both of which enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline. The suite itself has magical 270 degree panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island from every room. From £3,165 per person per night. +11 Soak under the stars: The 'star bath' at the Sanctuary Baines’ Camp in Botswana is the ultimate bubble bath experience... but it will set guests back £936 per night The ultimate in safari chic, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is built on raised platforms high above the Boro River in amidst a grove of trees bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. The 'star bath' allows guests to enjoy an open-air bubble bath under the star, listening to bird calls as they soak in style. From £936 per night. +11 Infinity tub: The glamorous  £15,229 per night Penthouse suite bathroom at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris features a beautiful infinity-edge bath filled with jets The elegant Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris has a Penthouse suite bathroom fit for royalty. The magnificent bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a sliding glass door and fitted with floor to ceiling marble. The oversized walk-in shower, though impressive, is overshadowed by the centrepiece of the room: A beautiful infinity-edge bathtub filled with jets and colour therapy system. From £15,229 per night. +11 Suit to sea: Four Seasons Seychelles' Serenity Villa has a deep-soaking tub enclosed with glass walls Four Seasons Seychelles offers a level of luxury like no other   It's sister property in the Seychelles easily rivals the George V though. The Serenity Villa's deep-soaking tub is enclosed by glass walls that make it appear as though the bath is one with the private infinity pool. Indoor/outdoor showers complete the serene suite, which offers incredible Indian ocean and tropical forest views. From £1,161 per night. +11 Renaissance retreat: At Il Salviatino in Florence, the Affresco suite's showpiece is its unique freestanding ancient stone bathtub The Affresco suite at Il Salviatino in Florence is certainly for art lovers. Offering a quintessential 'renaissance retreat', the room features a breathtaking 1886 fresco by Bruschi and features two oil canvases by Gabriel van der Leeuw. Equally enchanting is the bathroom's freestanding ancient stone bathtub. From £1,410 per night. +11 Isolated: The Osprey Pavilion bathroom at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island has a hand sculptured granite bath placed in front of floor-to-ceiling windows They know how to bathe in style Down Under too. The secluded Southern Ocean Lodge enjoys panoramic views from its clifftop position on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. The property's most luxurious suite, the Osprey Pavilion, has a bathroom that features a hand sculptured granite bath, heated limestone floors and deluxe rain shower. From £1,060 per person per night. +11 Understated: The Fujiya Inn, located in Yamagata, Japan, aims to 'create an environment where one can rest both the body and the spirit' While the other bathrooms tend to boast spectacular views and oversized amenities, the Fujiya Inn bathrooms are all about serene style. The ensuites  feature bamboo fixtures with an understated tub. The hotel, located in Yamagata, Japan, aims to 'create an environment where one can rest both the body and the spirit'. From £280 per person per night. +11 City view: The Banyan Tree Shanghai Panorama Oasis suite has a huge bathtub in the room, with a view across the Huangpu River to the skyline It is all about the romance in the Panorama Oasis suite at Shanghai's Banyan Tree hotel. The 66-square metre suite has an in-room tub big enough for two, with showstopping views across the Huangpu River to the city skyline. From £269 per night. +11 No need to share: The Foxhill Manor Oak Suite features not, but two, free standing baths Speaking of big enough for two... there's no need to share at Foxhill Manor in the Cotswolds. The Oak Suite has not one, but two, deep-soaking baths. The twin tubs face the large windows, so guests can stare out across the surrounding landscape while sipping champagne and soaking the worries away. Exclusive use of manor starts from £3,500 per night. +11 Loo over London: The Iconic City View room at Shangri-la hotel at The Shard offers magnificent vistas across the capital A hotel room in The Shard, London's newest iconic skyscraper, was always going to boast magnificent views. A bubble bath with a view of the Thames, Tower Bridge and Westminster is available from the Iconic City View rooms.