Hoshinoya Guguan Review: Luxurious Hot Spring Resort in Taiwan
Hoshinoya, a luxury hotel brand by Hoshino originating from Japan, is renowned for curating exceptional retreats that seamlessly blend traditional Japanese hospitality with modern luxury. The brand is synonymous with relaxation, meticulous attention to detail, and immersive experiences. If you are wondering which area of Taiwan is best to stay in, a tiny little town near Taichung city in the middle of the country may not have been the first thing to come to mind.
But nestled on the edge of a quaint hot spring town, Hoshinoya Guguan offers an oasis of tranquility in Taiwan. Because yes, there are natural hot springs in Taiwan, but they will require a scenic journey of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to reach from Taipei. Whether by car or train, the anticipation builds as you approach the property, set against the backdrop of lush greenery and mountain ranges.
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Hot Springs Bath Experience
At Hoshinoya Guguan, the highlight is undoubtedly indulging in the therapeutic benefits of traditional Japanese-style Onsen hot springs. Separate bathing facilities for men and women allow for a serene and intimate experience. The etiquette for using these hot springs in Taiwan is that clothing is not permitted, which fosters a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
Here guests can choose to soak in the indoor hot spring, relaxing in front of a giant picture window to the plush gardens beyond, or, they can choose to venture out into those gardens. This is where you will find a magical outdoor meandering hot spring surrounded by plants, abutting against a waterfall cold plunge pool. There is even a sauna tucked away outside for an added benefit. The feeling of soaking in rejuvenating hot springs as you gaze up at the star-lit sky is unparalleled.
That, however, is not the end of your hot spring journey. Every room at Hoshinoya Guguan is equipped with an in-room private Onsen. Nestled on a separate floor from the main living area, this private hot spring bath offers not only convenience but a unique twist – the ability to control the water temperature with a cold water tap.
We spent mornings here immersed in the soothing waters, gazing out of the floor-to-ceiling windows of the balcony at the tranquil views of trees, plants, and distant mountains, with a cup of tea in hand. You will definitely be using this feature, as the resort closes the public bath every day from 10:30 am - 4 pm for cleaning, a large amount of prime time in our opinion. Still, the seamless integration of traditional Japanese-style bathing with modern amenities provided a truly rejuvenating experience, leaving us feeling refreshed and invigorated each day of our stay.
Accommodation and Amenities
The room we chose at Hoshinoya Guguan, known as the Shui room, epitomized luxury and comfort. Designed in a traditional Japanese style, the room featured elegant tatami flooring and minimalist decor, creating a serene and calming atmosphere. Our spacious living area boasted floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of lush greenery and the majestic mountain range beyond, which is important as there are no TVs in the rooms to distract from the tranquility.
Guests are provided with an impressive selection of spa quality amenities, including facial wash, toner, moisturizer, and sheet masks, as well as comfortable pajamas and a set of separate hotel clothing for lounging around the property. For us, the in-room Nespresso machine and a variety of teas served as our relaxing start to the day, however for a more balanced meal the dining options on offer are a choice of Taiwanese, Japanese, or Western breakfasts.
Delectable Delights
Dining at Hoshinoya Guguan was a culinary journey showcasing traditional Taiwanese cuisine and ingredients. Lunch served in the main restaurant, offered a small selection of delectable dishes, including a succulent chicken cutlet and a flavorful vegetarian curry. For dinner, guests may embark on a grand Taiwanese kaiseki experience, showcasing a multi-course tasting of local delicacies served in a Japanese style. Our meal even included a personal-sized wagyu hot pot course. You can also opt for the sake pairing to enjoy an elevated dining experience.
Alternatively, you may elect to enjoy in-room dining, where only one option is available: hot pot. This unique offering provides a personalized and interactive dining adventure, where guests select their protein and at a predetermined time, have a hot pot meal expertly delivered and assembled in the comfort of their room. Reservations were mandatory for all dining experiences, including lunch and in-room dining, so reaching out to the hotel ahead of time to book your intended dining options may be a good idea.
Leisure and Exploration
In addition to the rejuvenating hot springs, Hoshinoya Guguan offers a range of leisure facilities and opportunities for exploration. The resort has a small water garden nestled just outside the main restaurant, providing a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll. The main pool is not heated, and so although beautiful, depending on the time of year you visit you may or may not want to jump in. It is however surrounded by cabanas you can relax in and complimentary beverages such as sparkling or electrolyte water are available here during daytime hours.
Hosinoya Guguan also offers several activities on-site you can participate in, including an evening time starlight deep breath stretch class, which must surely lead to an excellent night of sleep. For those seeking adventure, a hiking trail starting from the back of the property provides an opportunity to explore the surrounding area. However, it is a moderately difficult climb up a mountain with a lot of stairs to navigate.
Though the trail lacked a clear viewpoint at the summit, we extended our journey into a full loop, meandering down a different path, through the main town and across a couple of suspension bridges. This provided a delightful way to get a little exercise, as the property itself does not have a fitness center. When you finish your hike we would suggest you make your way over to our most delightful discovery, the hidden gem of the free popsicle bar, available 24/7 and offering delicious fruit and milk options to cool off and enjoy.
Final Thoughts on Hoshinoya Guguan Resort Hotel
In conclusion, our stay at Hoshinoya Guguan was nothing short of extraordinary. From the tranquil Onsen baths to the culinary adventures and opportunities for leisure and exploration, every moment was filled with serenity and rejuvenation. While some aspects, such as mandatory dining reservations and the midday closure of the public Onsen for cleaning, may have been slightly restrictive, they did little to detract from the overall experience.
Ultimately, Hoshinoya Guguan proved to be one of the best hotels in Taiwan for unplugging and unwinding, offering a perfect blend of tranquility, luxury, and natural beauty. Whether soaking in the healing waters of the Onsen, savoring the flavors of authentic Taiwanese cuisine, or embarking on mountainous hikes through the surrounding landscapes, this retreat provided a sanctuary for both body and soul. We departed feeling refreshed, revitalized, and deeply grateful for the unforgettable memories created during our time at this hidden gem, the only Hoshinoya property in Taiwan.
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