Escape to Paradise: Bali-Style Hot Springs in Taichung!
Escape to Paradise: Bali-Style Hot Springs in Taichung – My Unfiltered Soak
Alright, let's get real. "Escape to Paradise: Bali-Style Hot Springs in Taichung" sounds like a brochure, right? Like, polished photos and empty promises. But my weary soul, fresh off a particularly brutal work week, needed an escape. So, against my better judgement and a healthy dose of skepticism, I booked a room.
Getting There & Settling In (The Good & The Grumbles)
First off, Accessibility: They do advertise some facilities for disabled guests. I, thankfully, am not disabled, but I did see an elevator, meaning, at the very least, they're trying. (Don't @ me about proper assessment, I'm just reporting what I saw). Car park [free of charge] was a massive win. Free parking is a love language, people. The car park [on-site] was a little confusing at first – navigating parking spots feels like a mental agility test sometimes. It's a decent walk from the parking to the front desk.
The check-in/out [express] was a godsend. I'm a fan of speed when it comes to arriving and leaving, seriously. The front desk [24-hour] means no stress about late arrivals. However, the concierge seemed… stressed. I asked for directions – basic ones! – and got a slightly vacant stare that could launch a thousand ships. Not ideal for a relaxing escape.
My room? A mixed bag. Let's dive in.
Room Reality: Expect the Unexpected (and Prepare to Overthink It)
Okay, the air conditioning worked, thank heavens. Taichung humidity is a beast. The air conditioning in public area was a welcome addition, but not as powerful as the AC in my room. The internet access – wireless (and the touted Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was, blessedly, reliable. I need my Netflix. And my work. (Don't judge, I was trying to unwind). They also had Internet access – LAN, which is cool, but who uses those anymore? I didn't bother, I am perfectly alright with wireless.
The bed itself was comfy. The extra long bed was appreciated by your average height person (me!). Blackout curtains? Essential. I'm practically nocturnal on weekends. The non-smoking room was a priority (thankfully!) – I hate the smell of stale smoke. The desk was big enough for my laptop, and the laptop workspace was actually decent. However, the chair? Not so much. My back is still complaining.
The bathroom was…well, it had a bathtub. And a separate shower/bathtub. Score! I was ready for a serious soak. The bathrobes were luxurious, but I immediately spilled tea everywhere (yes, there was a coffee/tea maker - a plus!). The slippers were a nice touch. The shampoo smelled divine. The additional toilet? Brilliant. Small things, but definitely a big win.
The Spa: From Bliss to… Okay
Now, the spa. This is where "Bali-Style" got its chance to shine. I made a beeline for the sauna and the steamroom. The spa/sauna setup could use some more signage to tell you where to go. A little confusing, honestly. The pool with view was gorgeous, although a little crowded. The swimming pool [outdoor] was refreshing. I would have liked more detail about the different options for relaxing. The foot bath was the perfect way to start. The massage itself was good, but not life-changing. I was definitely hoping for more options for body scrub and body wrap, but they were not available. However, it didn’t completely reach the level of my expectations.
Food, Glorious Food (And a Plea for Variety)
The restaurants were… okay. They offered a Western breakfast and an Asian breakfast, which catered to my companions. The breakfast [buffet] was actually impressive, with a wide variety of both cuisines. The coffee/tea in restaurant was good, but the desserts in restaurant were far too sugary for my taste. I would add that they seemed to cater to the usual suspects when it comes to dietary restrictions. The vegetarian restaurant was a plus, though. They also had a poolside bar, but I didn’t have a chance to catch it. They have a happy hour, nice.
There were restaurants and a coffee shop - but frankly, the dining options felt a bit limited. I'd have loved more variety, maybe even a proper taco vendor! Though I'm being pretty spoiled, it looks like.
Beyond the Basics: What Else Did I Notice?
Cleanliness and Safety: They seem to be taking things seriously. Lots of hand sanitizer stations, evident daily disinfection in common areas, and all the staff wearing masks. They have hygiene certification. There are fire extinguisher and smoke alarms. I suppose.
Services and Conveniences: They had laundry service and dry cleaning options. Useful! The gift/souvenir shop was… well, a gift shop. Cash withdrawal was a plus. It has all the usual suspects.
Things to Do (Or Really, Not Do)
There was a fitness center! I, of course, did not use it. (Let's be honest, I was there to relax). I should have used it, but…
The Verdict: Relaxed but Room for Improvement
Escape to Paradise: Bali-Style Hot Springs in Taichung? Does it live up to the hype? Partially. It's a decent option for a relaxing getaway. Did I escape? Kinda. The spa could have been better, the concierge needs some training. The food needs a shakeup. But the hot springs were great, my room was a comfortable space, and I managed to mostly unplug.
Would I return? Maybe. If the price is right and they promise more tacos. And perhaps invest in some better chairs.
Escape to Columbia: Microtel Inn & Suites' Unbeatable Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your slick, perfectly-edited travel brochure. This is me, about to spill the tea (or, you know, the hot spring water) on a trip to the Bali Nature Spa Hot Spring Resort in Taichung, Taiwan. Prepare for some serious rambling… and hopefully, the occasional laugh.
Bali Nature Spa: My Taiwan Temper Tantrum (In a Good Way)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and a Mild Panic Attack…Over Towels?
- Morning (08:00 AM): Wake up in the weirdest state of being: excited, jetlagged, and smelling faintly of airplane peanuts. Fly into Taichung Airport.
- Transportation (08:30 AM): Taxi! Okay, getting a taxi in Taiwan is like a lottery – a surprisingly efficient lottery. Thankfully, our hotel had a taxi service option, and the driver was a sweet little grandpa with a serious aversion to talking. Excellent. Less awkward small talk, more daydreaming about hot springs.
- Check-in (10:00 AM): Bali Nature Spa! Pictures DO NOT do this place justice. Okay, maybe they do. It's all lush greenery, trickling water features, and the subtle scent of… relaxation. This is going to be amazing. Except… where are the towels?! The room is huge, bamboo everything, and then, no towels. Panic sets in. I'm a towel gal, okay? I need my fluffy security blanket. Turns out, they're just really good at hiding them. Found them after an embarrassing rummage through the bathroom drawers. Crisis averted.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Oh, the food! The spa restaurant – bless them – offered a mix of Taiwanese deliciousness and Western comfort food. I went full-on local, because, when in Rome… or, in this case, Bali-themed Taichung. Spicy noodles, some mystery meat (probably chicken), and a side of intense chili oil that almost made my eyes water. Worth it. Every. Single. Bite.
- First Soak (01:00 PM): This is why we’re here, people! The mixed hot spring pools. Think: outdoor rainforest, complete with mist and strategically placed boulders. The water’s the most beautiful shade of turquoise. I spent a solid hour just floating, watching the clouds drift by, and feeling every single muscle in my body sigh with relief. Pure. Bliss.
- Afternoon (03:00 PM): I decided to try the aromatherapy massage. I'm normally a bit of a hands-off person when it comes to strangers touching me, but the masseuse was so skilled, my mind emptied of every thought, and I might have drooled. No regrets.
- Evening (06:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant again. I’m starting to think I might live here. This time, I went for the Taiwanese hot pot. So many delicious things, I’m going to be rolling back to the room. But the most important part? The company. I’m travelling solo, but I’m surrounded by families, couples, everyone is smiling.
- Night (08:00 PM): One last soak in the hot springs. This time, under the stars. It’s quiet, peaceful, and I can’t stop smiling. This is what life should always be like. It's perfect. (Insert the obligatory "I'm never leaving" thought here).
Day 2: Exploring, Impatience, and a Close Encounter with a Frog (Maybe)
- Morning (08:00 AM): Breakfast buffet. They have an entire section dedicated to pickled vegetables. PICKLED VEGETABLES, y'all! I'm in heaven. Plus, strong Taiwanese coffee. I might actually be functional today.
- Explore (09:30 AM): The resort has some walking trails. I'm feeling ambitious! And maybe slightly guilty about all the eating. The trails wind through the forest, past waterfalls, and even a little bamboo forest. I actually got a little lost. I kept thinking I saw a frog. Turns out, it was probably a leaf. Close enough.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): I was getting a little impatient for the next hot spring session. So, I had a snack on the way (they have small restaurants or snack points on the way)
- Afternoon (01:00 PM): Back to the hot springs. This time, I tried the private onsen (Japanese style bath) instead of the public ones. I really recommend. It was like my own personal sanctuary.
- Explore (03:00 PM): I actually left the resort, to see the surrounding things. I needed a change of scenery. I was starting to get addicted to the spas.
- Dinner (06:00 PM): Dinner again. I’m now friends with one of the waitresses, who keeps bringing me new dishes to try. I can safely say, I’ve had more food in the last two days than I normally eat in a week. But it's worth it.
- Night (08:00 PM): Another late-night soak. I'm embracing the full laziness of it all. I'm not sure I'll ever get tired of this place.
Day 3: Departure, Acceptance, and a Promise to Return
- Morning (08:00 AM): Breakfast. The pickled vegetables are calling my name. Also, the realisation that I have to leave. Sob.
- Check-out (10:00 AM): Saying goodbye is hard. It's like leaving a little piece of paradise. I mean, seriously, can I just live here? Is there a long-term rental option?
- Transportation (10:30 AM): Taxi back to the airport. The sweet grandpa driver again. This time, I didn’t even try to make small talk. I just sat back, looked out the window, and tried to memorize every single detail of the mountains and the temples.
- Departure (12:00 PM): Fly away. I'm already plotting my return. Bali Nature Spa, you have officially stolen my heart (and my stresses).
Quirky Observations & Imperfections:
- I may have developed a mild addiction to the ginger tea they serve. I consumed gallons. No regrets.
- My attempts to speak Mandarin were hilariously bad. But the staff were so patient and kind.
- I definitely overate. Constantly. I was so tired.
- I spent way too much time just staring into the hot springs. No regrets.
The Verdict:
This trip wasn't perfect. No trip ever is. There were moments of mild panic (towel-related, remember?), moments of total bliss, and a whole lot of delicious food consumed. But the end? The important thing? The overall experience was something that will stay with me for a long time. I'd go back to Bali Nature Spa in a heartbeat. And I probably will. Very, very soon.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go plan my next trip… and maybe invest in some extra towels.
Escape to Paradise: Marina El Cid's All-Inclusive Luxury Awaits!
Okay, so… Escape to Paradise. Is it ACTUALLY paradise? Or just… warm water?
The pools. Spill the tea. Are they clean? Do they *smell* clean? Seriously, I'm a germaphobe.
Are there different types of pools? What's the deal with the temperatures? DON'T MAKE ME DO THE MATH!
Is there a SPA? And are they worth the price?
Food and drinks? I get hangry. Can I bring my own snacks?
What's the atmosphere like? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Loud?
Okay, so the million-dollar question: Would you go back?
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Bali-Style Hot Springs in Taichung!"