From a James Bond themed loo on a mountain top to cubicles reserved for guide dogs – the six best toilets from around the world have been revealed.
The winners of the International Toilet Tourism Award were announced yesterday to celebrate quirky and innovative lavatories.
Entries from tourism destinations across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia were shortlisted for the top prizes.
The toilets were judged for their design, quirkiness, location, accessibility and economic contribution.
Overall winner
The most prestigious award went to the bathrooms at restaurant Piz Gloria.
The luxury loo sits on top of Switzerland’s Mount Schilthorn, where users can go to the toilet at 2,970 metres above sea level.
The most prestigious award went to Piz Gloria, which sits on top of Mount Schilthorn in Switzerland
Piz Gloria was one of the locations in the 1969 James Bond classic On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The 007 affiliation has been expressed in the bathroom’s design
The bathroom has a 007 theme to celebrate Piz Gloria’s appearance in one of the main action scenes of the 1969 Bond classic On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Quirkiest experience
Bowl Plaza, in Lucas, Kansas, picked up the Quirkiest Experience prize thanks to its intricate design.
Bowl Plaza, in Lucas, Kansas, picked up the Quirkiest Experience prize for its intricate design
The bathroom took four years to build and is covered with mosaics created by local residents and artists.
Visitors from 70 countries have signed the guestbook.
‘The whole space is a quirky altar to creativity run riot. Kids and adults love it,’ said the judges.
Best design
The award for Best Design was handed to the forest-themed restroom in the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Canada.
The bathroom promises a calming toilet experience and brings users at one with nature.
Bird songs and nature sounds are played through speakers while the walls are covered in images of the Canadian wilderness in the toilets of the Saskatchewan Science Centre
Bird songs and nature sounds are played through speakers while the walls are covered in images of the Canadian wilderness.
The judges said the restroom is like ‘stepping into another world’.
Best economic contributor
The Cummins Mosaic Loo took home the Best Economic Contributor award.
The Australian public restroom was recognised for the work done by the community to turn a simple red brick toilet block into a ‘public loo with personality’.
Locals slowly added murals, mosaics, and sculptures to breathe new life into an old run down building.
The Cummins Mosaic Loo in Australia took home the Best Economic Contributor award and was described as a ‘tourist attraction in its own right’
‘The public toilets in the town have become a tourist attraction in their own right, which shows smart thinking by the local community.’
‘Unlike some entries in the awards, Cummins has few visitors.
‘They have therefore done a great job creating a “must-see” attraction that generates income for local businesses.’
Best accessible toilet
The Best Accessible Toilet prize went to the restrooms in the Brisbane Airport thanks to their specialised and forward-thinking equipment for disabled people.
The restrooms in Brisbane Airport, Australia, include an adult change table, a hoist and even a customised indoor loo for guide dogs
The facilities includes an adult change table, a hoist and even a customised indoor loo for guide dogs.
‘Their whole approach has empowered travellers with disabilities and made it much easier for them and their carers to meet their needs with dignity and comfort,’ the judges said.
Best location
Toilets on the 11th floor of the Californian Hotel La Jolla won the Best Location Toilet award.
Users can gaze out onto the Pacific Ocean while using the loos in the Californian Hotel La Jolla
Users can gaze out onto the Pacific Ocean while using the loo in the luxury hotel.
‘The view from the loo connects visitors to the beautiful destination that surrounds them.
‘Guests experience a wonderful vista bathed in constantly changing ocean light,’ said the judges.