Taiwan has 128 hot mineral springs and many are piped right into your room
Traveling to Taiwan conjures up so many different images: ornate temples, lush green valleys with mountain borders and night markets ablaze with all types of food delicacies. But, when you think of Taiwan, did you think of steam? If you haven’t visited this lovely isle, you probably would say no. After you have, it may be the first image that comes to mind.
Throughout the country, hot springs abound. This volcanically-heated water works its way to the surface at temperatures from 49°C (120°F) to over 90°C (194°F) and can be found in small private pools or large communal baths shared by hundreds at a time. For relaxation, not many things can compare to a leisurely soak in this mineral rich water.
Wherever you travel on the island, chances are you can find a hotel featuring a hot spring – many with your own private bath ensuite. Often set on the patio or porch just outside your room, you can enjoy relaxing in super-heated water while enjoying the cool morning or night air outside.
Grand View Resort Beitou – New Taiwan City
In New Taiwan City, my first experience was at the recently opened Grand View Resort Beitou. Entering my room, I was overjoyed to find all the elements needed for a relaxing evening’s stay. Japanese pajamas were laid out on the bed along with a small carafe of rice wine. Fluffy slippers and soft robe hung in the closet. A CD player with relaxing spa music sat ready to make sure the mood was ultra-relaxed.
Out on the balcony, in addition to a candle and lounge chair, were two soaking tubs. One was for a cold soak and the other was a larger stone tub with the hot spring water. Pull down curtains provided privacy and the music from the CD player drew you into a totally relaxed state of mind.
One experience like this and you‘ll find yourself searching out other hotels with similar amenities. Who’d want to soak in a tub when you could soak in the mystical waters of a volcano?
Tien-Lai Hot Spring Resort – Taipei County
In Jin Shan Xiang, an entire complex is devoted to the healing and relaxing attributes of the hot springs. Tien Lai Spring Resort has over a half-dozen outside pools of various sizes so your group can certainly find one that’s the right size for relaxing and socializing. The pools are free for hotel guests but you can buy a day pass even if you are not staying overnight. There’s also Spa World, an indoor hot spring sauna and a large conventional pool for your enjoyment as well.
Waters come from the His-Huan-Ping hot spring and contain a weak acid composition commonly referred to as sulfate spring. According to a Japanese research firm, this supposedly has “amazing soothing effects on nerve and joint pain, frozen shoulders, chronic digestive & skin disorders, stasis, trauma & the elimination of fatigue.”
If you check into the hotel, be sure to ask for a room with a private hot spring bath of your own. Mine had a large slate tub ensuite that enabled me to luxuriate in private with just my own thoughts. My primary thought was I didn’t want to get out of that overly warm pool of pleasure.
I did get out though to take advantage of a special rate they were offering at the Lulu Spa for a 60-minute massage. With a combination of therapies from hot vanilla powder bag, to 5-element point massage, to whole body message relaxation, this was the perfect way to cap off a day of sight-seeing, hiking and biking.
Luminous Hot Spring Resort and Spa – Luye, Taiwan
Further south on the island, you’ll find Luminous Hot Spring Resort and Spa. Rich in indigenous culture, the hotel has a large atrium entertainment center where native dancers perform regularly. Permanent displays in the lobby give a good overview of life long ago on the island. If there are no performances, check out the huge recreation room with enough to keep you busy for hours.
Again, request the proper suite and you’ll find a relaxing slate tub with a built-in seat and reclining back. Adjust your volcanic supply of water with just the right amount of fresh water to bring to a comfortable temperature and jump in. (On second thought, ease in slowly.) After you’ve relaxed long enough, sit on one of the chairs on the patio and gaze off into the clouds as they try to wrap themselves around the mountains in the distance.
Ready for the big one? Head for Beitou Hot Springs
After gaining a newfound love for hot springs, you’ll enjoy a side trip to Beitou and its famous hot springs. Beitou is known for its green sulphur spring – one of only two in the world. Natural sulphur gas geysers output about 2,000 CMD of green sulphur with a PH of between 1.2 and 1.6, and is visited by researchers from across the world.
There’s a city park wrapping around a huge pool of steaming water where you can wander and meditate at road side shrines or at a small waterfall. Railings keep you from getting lost in all the steam and accidentally falling into the pond.
Across the street is a historic structure, the former Beitou Public Hot Spring Bath. Used as a public bath for years, the building fell into disrepair before being lovingly restored by the preservationists. It gives a great view of what life was like in the old days when the community would come together to socialize at the public bath.
Further down the hill you find a huge valley called the Beitou Thermal Valley. If you can see through all the steam, you can see geysers giving off constant steamy blasts. This area was originally the center of three active volcanos and from all the steam you’d swear they are coming back and about ready to pop.
Just another reason to visit Taiwan
With all the natural beauty of the island, the hot springs are just one more thing you’ll come to love about the place. Plan ahead to get the right room and you’ll have a hard time deciding where you want to spend your time. That’s a good problem to have. Enjoy Taiwan.
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