Our favourite wellness resorts in Taiwan

Taiwan is not only famous for its city life and mouth-watering night market food, but it’s also a diverse island blessed with mountains, lakes, and hot springs. We’ve already shown you are favourite Taipei design hotels (including Eslite Hotel which was created with book lovers in mind), and we’ve shared the lowdown on the best winter hotels across Taiwan, but what if you want to embrace some mindfulness and completely switch off for a while? The island is the perfect place to be one with nature and heal your body from daily stresses and because of that, we’ve rounded up eight beautiful wellness resorts in Taiwan, where you can relax and get pampered in style.

Wellness resorts in Taiwan that we visit regularly

1. The Great Roots Resort

A former tea estate turned resort, The Great Roots Resort (pictured above) is in the Sanxia district of New Taipei City. In the midst of pristine subtropical rainforest with 600 types of plants and thousands of species of birds and insects, the resort has become a paradise for nature lovers. The rooms in both the hotel and resort areas are spacious and can accommodate many people, perfect for a family or a group of friends.

During the day, you can go on excursions and immerse yourself in nature. At night, submerge your wary body in one of the hot springs or book yourself a massage at the Forrest Spa. For tea lovers and history buffs, be sure to check out the tea museum to learn about this ancient industry and how it played a role in Taiwanese history.

Find out more about The Great Roots Resort

2. The Lalu Sun Moon Lake

Designed by the Australian architect Kerry Hill, The Lalu Sun Moon Lake is a gorgeous resort near the picturesque Sun Moon Lake in Nantou. The Courtyard Pool Villa has a living room, fireplace, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a 12 meter long private, temperature-controlled swimming pool—perfect for a family vacay.

Another special feature of The Lalu is the Scenic Steps Inspired by the Great Wall. It is a maze-like 10-story structure that you can explore to get your steps in during your holidays. Head to the Lalu Spa and get a soothing massage while staring into the stunning view of the Sun and Moon Lake.

Find out more about The Lalu Sun Moon Lake

3. Silks Place Taroko

Silks Place wellness spa — Silks Place Taroko

Silks Place Taroko is a tranquil spot located near the awe-inspiring Taroko National Park, one of the nine national parks of Taiwan. Taroko, named by the aborigine Truku people, means: magnificent and splendid, and its moniker does not disappoint. Surrounding Silks Place Taroko are specular waterfalls, towering peaks, and other extraordinary scenic sites worthy of your Instagram feed.

After a day of exploring the Changchun Shrine, a temple tucked in the mountain, take a rest in the luxurious Japanese-style Honeymoon Studio. Don’t forget to take a dip in Silks Place’s gorge-facing whirl and swimming pool, bask in the infrared sauna and soak in the steam bath. Our favourite thing at Silks Place is the Wellness Spa where you can indulge in a rejuvenating massage.

Find out more about Silks Place Taroko

4. HOSHINOYA Guguan

HOSHINOYA (‘the home of the star’ in Japanese) Guguan, is a 90-minute drive from Taichung, the third-largest city of Taiwan. Besides the fabulous hot springs, a massive outdoor pool in nature, and an amazing spa, the property has unique activities like no other.

A morning stroll in the garden is a must to start the day, followed by the signatureDeep Breath Stretch in the Wood,” an exercise inspired by qigong and yoga. Want to get the most out of the healing benefits of hot springs? Visit with the Onsen Master and learn special stretches you can do while sipping on unique Taiwanese teas. All the rooms at HOSHINOYA Guguan are equipped with hot spring baths, but we can’t get enough of Shui, a maisonette-style room facing the mountains and designed for maximum comfort.

Find out more about HOSHINOYA Guguan

5. Fleur de Chine Hotel

Fleur De Chine Hotel spa bath — Fleur de Chine Hotel

Located near the romantic Sun Moon Lake near Nantou, Fleur de Chine Hotel is the first natural hot spring resort in southern Taiwan. In addition to amazing restaurants offering everything from teppanyaki to traditional Chinese food to western-style food—Fleur de Chine has sumptuous facilities.

The Mount Mist Hot Spring is a 42℃ bicarbonate hot spring that is extremely rich in minerals great for good health and glowing skin, while Water World consists of a hot spring spa, hydrotherapy area, a swimming pool, a sunbathing platform and a special children’s section. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, Fleur de Chine Hotel even offers a rock climbing wall! It’s a perfect destination for a day trip but if you are looking for an overnight stay, our favourites are the rooms facing the lake, each room equipped with a marbled tub with water from natural hot springs.

Find out more about Fleur de Chine Hotel

6. Volando Urai

Nestled in the mountainous region of Wulai in New Taipei, Volando Urai is a resort with phenomenal hot springs. Kurhaus is a public bathhouse that offers indoor and outdoor hot springs plus a hydrotherapy pool, steam/sauna room, and a lounge area. For a more private experience, book the Grand View Bath House with a large window that faces the breathtaking scenery.

Volando Urai also has a fantastic restaurant, Soyan, which offers a fusion Taiwanese and French menu using locally sourced ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection. Be sure to try out the aromatherapy at the spa, treating ailments of modern life, such as digestive system issues or stress. As for the rooms, we recommend the Lake View Suite—it has a king-size bed and a spacious balcony that overlooks the lush forest and the turquoise lake.

Find out more about Volando Urai

7. Tien Lai Resort & Spa

Tien Lai Resort & Spa, situated on the plateau with the stunning view of the mountain and the sea, boasts having the Yangmingshan National Park as its back garden. There are wonderful hiking trails around Yangmingshan that you can explore. If you miss the hustle and bustle of city life, Taipei is not too far away.

We recommend the charming blue and white Superior Boathouse Room for an overnight stay. The bed is made with the traditional Japanese tatami mat, but it’s comfy. The resort offers amazing facilities, such as an outdoor pool, open-air hot spring, and a nude sauna. You can cap off your day at the Blue Magpie Lounge for a late dinner and a glass of wine.

Find out more about Tien Lai Resort & Spa

8. Villa 32

Beitou, north of Taipei City, is famous for the white and green sulphur hot springs. Villa 32 is easily accessible from the city, a charming boutique hotel with world-class accommodations. The best feature of Villa 32 is the hot springs. If you want an authentic Japanese onsen experience, you can opt for the public hot spring, divided into men and women sections.

Alternatively, you can book a private room and enjoy it with one other person. If you decide to stay the night, we recommend the Sakura suite, a zen garden-inspired space with a private hot spring. No matter what you choose, you will depart Villa 32 relaxed and wanting for more.

Find out more about Villa 32

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