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Simply put, Taipei is exploding with life. On this week-long experience, explore Taipei’s cultural side, indulge your taste buds in some exquisite food, unwind in Taiwan’s many hot springs, get lost down old streets and enjoy locally brewed tea in the mountains.
cook up a storm in the city
the national palace museum
Taipei is a fascinating city with a great mix of old and new, from ancient shrines to towering buildings emerging out of the city skyline. With Hotel Éclat as your base, you’re in the perfect location to explore the sights and sounds of Taipei. Don’t know where to start? Panic not, we’ll arm you with your own private guide and car to take you to all the hot spots. Get insider knowledge at the world famous National Palace Museum before catching the change of guards at Martyr’s Shrine. Trained to resemble expressionless statues, every hour on the hour the guards break their front with marches, turns and swivels. An elaborate show not to be missed and bound to make you work up an appetite. With your own private chef, cook up a storm of Chinese cuisine from simple sautéed garlic greens to delicious meaty stews. And, if there is any room left, why not continue your foodie adventure late into the night with a visit to Taipei’s famous Shilin night market.
hot springs galore
taiwan's hot springs
Get a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and head north to Yangmingshan National Park. Filled with majestic mountains, whispery grass fields, and luscious forests, you won’t believe you’re still in the Far East. Unwind in the many hot springs that wrap themselves around the mountains taking your pick between the hot white and green sulphur pools or the cooler iron sulphur ones, perfect for first timers. Next, head towards Beitou to Villa 32 for an evening of ultimate relaxation. This Zen-like boutique comes with a string of private hot spring pools, a luxurious spa and countless products, so be prepared to be pampered and well and truly soaked.
old cities and tea parties
the delicate tea making process
After all that relaxation you’ll be ready to hit the city all over again. Your private guide will take you to the Wanhua district – Taipei’s oldest where temples mark the end of every street. It’s overflowing with stuff to see from Taipei’s oldest temple, Longshan, to alleys filled with snakes, birds and clocks. After a whirlwind tour through the district head to the highlands in Wulai and surround yourself with green forests, cascading waterfalls and tea farms. Here you’ll learn the Taiwanese etiquette of drinking tea, from arranging Chinese tea cups to brewing and perfect pouring practice. Nothing like ending your Taipei adventure with a ‘cuppa’.
