We have a V&A Toulouse and love it.

It’s marketing BS. Its just Corian, off patent, with a different name, that is thermoformed. And far too cheap to be using good quality resins that won’t yellow over time. A Corian fabricator can build something out of the genuine article, and it will be guaranteed to never yellow and be infinitely renewable.

I can't fathom a tub with a value of THOUSANDS...someone saw you coming from waaaay off.

IMO free standing tubs are awful to get in and out of since you went to see in person did you actually try it out. Even as a teenager I found our cast iron claw foot tub a PITA to use . The FS tubs also need a huge space and at lest 12"all around the sides not exposed to the open space . If less than that you will need to stand on your head to clean the wall behind it . As for a solid surface one what is the advantage to that > We all have hot water tanks so no issue keeping the water hot. IMO a much nicer choice is a deep soaker either drop in or alcove and I happen to love acrylic tubs they are easy to clean actually hold the heat not badly at all and certainly not 5K I can think of a lot of stuff that would be better to spend that on.

I have the Signature Hardware Ocala tub - it’s a great size (I’m 5’11” and find many tubs I can’t submerge in). I have no problem getting out or cleaning around it, and the water stays nice and warm. No complaints here.

https://www.build.com/product/s1707132?uid=4028089