In recent years, Taipei, Taiwan has stepped up its game when it comes to luxury experiences. Most visitors are familiar with the country’s historic museums, night markets and street food. However, the finest in dining, shopping and spas are all available in Taipei as well. If you love a weekend getaway filled with decadent food, name brand shopping and relaxing spas, then consider making a trip to Taipei. It’s just a three-hour flight from Bangkok to the Taoyuan International Airport, from which you can get to Taipei by bus, train or taxi in about 30 minutes. Once inside the city, public transit and taxis can get you everywhere.
Here’s a guide to some indulgent hot spots perfect for the discerning traveler.
Grand View Resort (No. 30, Yōuyǎ Rd, Beitou District) is Taiwan’s first and only five-star hot spring. It’s located in Beitou, just a 30-minute taxi ride from Taipei. You can feel its understated opulence within minutes after sinking into the sofa of the hotel’s lobby. Soon you start to notice minute details throughout the property that were tailored especially to produce relaxation in both mind and body.
For those who are on a tight budget, the public hot spring pools can be accessed for just THB600 (outdoor), THB1,400 (indoor) or THB2,000 (private room). But we recommend staying overnight (THB12,000) to fully enjoy your stay. Each room includes two bathtubs made in the hot spring tradition of the Taiwanese. One tub is filled with hot spring water while the adjacent tub is filled with refreshing cold water. It is believed that moving between the two temperatures is beneficial for the body. Neatly arranged by the sink is a full toiletries set that has you covered with all the essentials and more (e.g. face mask for her and aftershave for him). Also worth noting is the mini-bar (fully complimentary) which is stocked with only the best things for your health, along with the coveted Nespresso machine. You won’t find any cokes or Snickers bars here!
The only time you’ll want to leave your room is to enjoy fine dining at one of Grand View’s in-house restaurants, such as C’est Bon where both international and traditional Beitou mountain cuisine is made with a French flair.
Orient Retreat Wellness Village houses the most unique spa experience in Taipei. Situated below the surface of the street, you enter the Village through a cave-like aperture that transports you into spa heaven. New patrons hear of this particular spa only through word-of-mouth because the spa prefers not to advertise in order to maintain an exclusive atmosphere for its clientele.
Treatments start from about THB5,000 and include access to shared jacuzzi and sauna facilities. We suggest the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, which uses egg-shaped balls of Himalayan salt to massage the entire body. According to the therapist, who has been specially trained by Orient Retreat, our bodies slowly absorb the salt throughout the treatment. After an hour of this most relaxing massage, the balls are significantly smaller as the salt melts into the body.
The in-house restaurant, Wellness Bistro, offers a menu of healthy, organic dishes created by a nutritionist chef. In accordance with the Chinese belief of eating food to combat certain seasonal illness, the menu changes with the seasons. For instance, during the winter months, diners can enjoy an immune system boost from chicken soup infused with traditional Chinese herbs. The goal of Orient Retreat’s dining venues is to prove that healthy food can taste just as good as any other of your favorite dishes.
Vivian Nail Design is Taipei’s premier spot for full-service manicures and pedicures. Favored by local celebrities and Taiwanese socialites, you’ll be pleased to find that everyone is treated like family here. On most days the salon dog, Cutie, will come to greet you at the door and even sit on your lap quietly as your nails are handled with precision. One thing you should know is that the manicurists are trained to treat your hands and nails in a way that is best for optimal nail health, such as trimming as little skin around the cuticles as possible. The owner, Sherry, was trained in New York where she also ran a nail salon. In Taipei, her practice follows stringent regulations in health and safety that are on par with US standards. Today, she continues to make trips to the States and brings back the latest and highest quality nail products for her clients. Acrylic nails are a specialty at Vivian Nail Design; in fact, many of Sherry’s protégés have won awards at nail design competitions. Rows of nail art are displayed throughout the salon, showing all who come in the endlessness of the business’ possibilities.
Bellavita (No. 28, Song Ren Road) is the ultimate shopping center for high rollers seeking an exclusive shopping experience. Stunning in its European architecture, the mall has also been specially designed to accommodate its VIP clientele. Each store has a private viewing room so that well known persons can peruse in peace. At Bellavita, shoppers will be pleased to find a selection of international brands such as Christofle, John Lobb and Roger Vivier whose Taiwan stores are all exclusive to the high-end shopping center. Some brands, such as Hermes, feature the most complete selection of products available n all of Taiwan. Children’s designer wear, men’s shoes and electronics are also available so there’s something for the whole family.
Dining is also a joy at Bellavita and features internationally renowned names such as L’Atelier Etoile de Joel Robuchon. On the ground level is the popular a3 bar & restaurant. The bar is home to a vast wine cellar filled with famous European labels that true wine aficionados can appreciate. Brunch and afternoon tea are popular times to visit a3. This dining venue spawned what is now the most coveted mall in Taiwan – Bellavita.
Toutouan (20, Ln 81, Dunhua S Rd Sec 2) is a Japanese restaurant worth visiting in Taipei. It comes straight from Japan and carries a 60-year legacy. Popular as a restaurant for businessmen looking to close deals with their clients, Toutouan offers a classy environment for extended meals of 7-to-8 courses. Each course conveys delicate flavors that only a passionate chef can execute so perfectly.
Locals return often to dine at Toutouan due to its ever-changing menu, which is revitalized every month with fresh concepts. Menus are written in Chinese, but the servers are trained to explain each dish adequately in English. Expect high quality Japanese fare created with the ultimate refinement. The food here is exquisite in every aspect – creativity, taste and presentation. Toutouan is an absolute joy for foodies as long as you have time to spare. Lunch set menus start from THB800 and dinner starts at THB1,600.
Located within the trendiest shopping district of Taipei, Dunhua Road is YoFroyo’s flagship frozen yoghurt joint (No. 39, Lane 187, Section 1, Dūnhuà South Rd). After a fancy, 8-course meal or in between shopping, YoFroyo’s frozen yogurt treats are a guilt-free way to satisfy your craving for dessert. Most frozen yogurt establishments offer simple fruit toppings and the common crushed Oreos or graham crackers, but YoFroyo takes it one step further by creating a variety of flavorful frozen yogurt desserts filled with local, traditional delicacies. Taiwanese cheesecake bits, red bean, and green tea mochi are just a few of the toppings that are made in-house at YoFroyo. Due to its location in one of the trendiest parts of the city, you can expect a bevy of fashionistas and other stylish individuals here.
W Taipei (10 Zhongxiao East Road Sec. 5 Xinyi District) upholds the hotel brand’s reputation for being the hottest and trendiest spot for the young and fabulous. Lady Gaga stayed at the WOW suite, W Hotel’s presidential suite, when the she was in town for her concert. These days the W Taipei’s Bar At Yen is booked daily for its afternoon tea, which is inspired by the neighboring Taipei 101 building, which can be seen from your table. Afternoon tea (THB1,400 for two) is served in a tower shaped like the famous 101 building, carrying all sorts of sweet and savory treats such as Mont Blanc tart, chestnut cranberry scone and snow crab roll.
Two of the most conveniently located five star hotels in Taipei are W Taipei (THB9,000+) and Sheraton Taipei (THB9,000+,12 Zhongxiao Chung Hsiao) East Rd. Section 1), both of which are located within walking distance of the city’s mass transit MRT. The Sheraton Taipei used to be called “Lai Lai Sheraton” and that’s how most taxi drivers still refer to it. Rooms are more than comfortable, service is top notch and the breakfast excellent. Anyplace that says it’s okay to have Movenpick ice cream as part of the first meal of the day gets extra brownie points from us!
