Just south of Taipei, Wulai is a riverside village where steaming hot springs meet Atayal indigenous culture. Bathhouses and outdoor pools line the river, while waterfalls cascade through forested hills. Wooden bridges, cable cars, and local craft stalls give the town a traditional feel, while the mineral waters remain the main draw. Wulai is both close to the capital and deeply rooted in its own heritage — a retreat shaped by water and forest.

High in the central mountains, Alishan is famed for misty forests, sunrise views, and ancient cypress groves. The Alishan Forest Railway winds through tea plantations and towering trees, creating one of Taiwan’s most scenic journeys. While not a spa town, the wellness here comes from crisp air, tea culture, and mountain calm. Alishan feels timeless and mythic — a retreat where nature itself is the restorative force.

In the hills east of Taichung, Guguan has been a hot spring retreat for over a century. The waters are silky and clear, piped into riverside pools, hotels, and public baths. Surrounded by forested slopes, it’s a favourite escape for city dwellers seeking rest in nature. Local legend says the springs bring fertility, adding a touch of folklore to the experience. Guguan is intimate, relaxed, and closely tied to the mountain landscape around it.

Taiwan’s largest lake is a place of tranquil beauty, where forested hills frame turquoise waters that shift with the light. Cycling paths and boat cruises reveal its curves, while temples and pagodas dot the shoreline. Spa hotels and bathhouses draw on local springs, offering soaks with lake views. Between indigenous culture, tea plantations, and sunrise walks, Sun Moon Lake carries a meditative rhythm — a balance of water, mountain, and tradition.