An alpine hot spring resort in the heart of Guguan valley
HOSHINOYA Guguan opened on June 30th, 2019, in the hot spring town of Guguan, on the outskirts of Taichung, the second largest city on the island. It is Hoshino Resorts’ first luxury hot spring resort in Taiwan. Based on the concept of an "eastern castle tower in a hot spring valley," Hoshino Resorts takes advantage of the spring water and rich hot springs provided by the deep valleys to create an architecture and landscape design that resonates with the environment. The hotel gives a true feeling of communion with the nature of the surrounding valleys, with open spaces allowing people to feel the wind and water. All guest rooms are provided with semi-open-air hot spring baths. Dishes served at the restaurant are tailored to blend with the atmosphere of the place, and special programs are proposed to get more familiar with the nature and culture of the valleys.
Guguan is a hot spring resort at the foot of Taiwan's Xue mountain range surrounded by 3,000-meter-high peaks. Hot springs gush out in the valley carved out by the Dajia River, and while the place is reminiscent of a Japanese hot spring resort, it managed to preserve its luscious nature. Behind HOSHINOYA Guguan, one can find a 1,300 meter-long promenade in an extraordinary environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the middle of the promenade, an observatory with a panoramic view of the valley porch allows passersby to admire spring cherry blossoms or autumn foliage late in the year.
Design & Architecture
Architecture– Rie Azuma, Azuma Architect & Associates
“I heard that many Taiwanese love hot springs. The first thing I considered during the planning was the difference in hot spring culture between Taiwan and Japan. For example, many Taiwanese hot springs require swimsuits, but from a Japanese point of view, this means losing the feeling of openness and taking away one of the best parts of a hot spring. Another important point is appreciating the scenery and enjoying the natural breeze. In the public bath, guests can enjoy a Japanese-style wood-based indoor bath with windows designed to narrow the view outside and an innovative outdoor hot spring design. Through its design, I hope guests can feel how much thought was put into this place and how I faced nature here. All guest rooms have a semi-open-air hot spring bath, and most of them are constructed as maisonettes. The room is divided between the bathroom floor and the living space area in order to enjoy two independent floors: a place to soak in the hot spring while feeling the breeze, and a place for sleeping and relaxing indoors.”
Landscape – Hiroki Hasegawa, Studio on site
“HOSHINOYA Guguan is located on a ridge surrounded by mountains, but it has a relatively flat shape. It thus resembles a flat garden floating on top of a mountain. Because of its abundant fresh water and natural hot springs, a blessing from the mountains, the whole area was set up as a “water garden.” The garden possesses two water sources: the wall fountain at the back of the outdoor hot spring and the pond in front of the spa. The spring water passes through the side of the outdoor hot spring and the bamboo forest and flows through the forest as it merges in various forms. The waterway is decorated with flowers, and the water streams can be heard as it weaves through the trees, making for a pleasant walk. The swimming pool and outdoor hot spring spa follow these streams, all of which forms together a “water garden.” Restaurants, spas, hot springs, swimming pools, libraries, everywhere guests can feel and enjoy the presence of water.”
Lighting – Masanobu Takeishi, Illumination of City Environment, Ltd.
“There are two things that I value when I think about lights in HOSHINOYA. The first is that HOSHINOYA is a place for slow sojourns; thus, the lighting is carefully adapted to suit the needs of people who spend time indoors. Therefore, from the landscape to public areas, up to the guest rooms, the lighting was meticulously arranged to have a reduced glare. The second thing I value is incorporating the region's unique character into the design. At HOSHINOYA Guguan, the design is an architectural layering that incorporates traditional Taiwanese fabrics, woodwork, and crafts. HOSHINOYA Guguan stands on a land rich in nature surrounded by mountains, and the presence of water can be felt anywhere on the site. The lighting was reduced to a minimum in the landscape, outdoor hot springs, and other external spaces in order to admire the starry sky in the mountains and melt away into a pleasant, quiet environment. Only in obscurity can one truly feel nature’s beauty and the stretch of space.”
Guest Rooms
All guest rooms have a semi-open-air hot spring baths for guests to enjoy “onsen” water from the source. Most guest rooms are constructed as a maisonette with an entire floor dedicated to a hot spring for more privacy. There are windows on both sides of the floor, and the design allows the wind to pass through. The windows offer views of the majestic mountains and water gardens, and even during the hot season, one can enjoy a bath while feeling the fresh breeze on their skin. There is a resting area for relaxing after the bath. Large glass windows stretch up to the ceiling in the living room and bedroom floor, allowing guests to enjoy the landscape as a painting changing overtime.
Unique guest rooms
Sen (capacity 7 persons/216 square meters)
This unique suite room can accommodate up to 7 people and is recommended for group stays. One room only is available for reservation. There are three bedrooms on the living room and bedroom floors. The central terrace has a dining table for family meals and other gatherings outdoors in the fresh air of the mountains. The room has two semi-open-air hot spring baths on the hot spring floor for everyone to enjoy a hot, relaxing bath.
Yue (capacity 2 persons/105 square meters)
With a hot spring floor that is about twice the size of other guest room types, this guest room is recommended for those who want to enjoy a full spa holiday. There is a large semi-open-air hot spring bath on the hot spring floor and a sofa where two people can lie comfortably while feeling the wind. An after-bath resting area with a tatami floor makes for a comfortable space with a sweet-smelling scent of grass. The other floor consists of a living room, a bedroom, and a moon-viewing platform to admire the landscape.
Special Facilities
Public Hot Spring
The public space is designed around the abundant hot springs and spring water from Taiwan's Xue mountain range. Guguan Hot Spring never runs out, providing steady hot water throughout the year. HOSHINOYA Guguan's hot springs are colorless, tasteless, weakly alkaline bicarbonate springs (*1) that are not irritating to the skin and are commonly referred to as “beauty hot springs.” Our public bath consists of a Japanese-style wood-based indoor bath and an ingeniously designed outdoor hot spring, allowing guests to enjoy bathing in an open space while feeling closer to Guguan’s nature.
*1: According to Taiwan's Hot-spring Law
Water Garden
HOSHINOYA Guguan, standing on a hill, was designed to feel the presence of water in all places, using the natural spring water and hot springs. The water garden, lined with waterways weaving through the trees, lets one enjoy the pleasant sound of the stream. It is a charming place to stroll around while glancing at the flowers blooming beside the channel, dragonflies, and butterflies. The clear blue pool, lying at the center of the premises, feels like a pond deep in the forest, offering a unique swimming experience. Drinks are available in the gazebo by the pool. Dozing off there while feeling the wind passing through the trees, guests can spend a magical moment here surrounded by nature.
Food & Beverages
HOSHINOYA Guguan proposes a complete menu with variety, a perfect match for guests staying over a long period for thermal cures. Innovative dishes combine the native ingredients of Taiwan with the cooking techniques of Japanese cuisine. Indigenous spices beloved by Guguan locals, such as maqaw and crow prickly-ash are used as accents in dishes. They marry well with meat and fish, and the refreshing and tangy spiciness enhances the taste of the ingredients. Japanese plates and vessels such as Kutani ware, Bizen ware, and Arita ware incorporate Japanese elements.
For breakfast, Taiwanese, Japanese, and Western food options are available. For Taiwanese breakfast, congee cooked slowly with scallops and chicken broth is served with popular Taiwanese condiments such as roasted peanuts, mashed swordfish, Szechuan pickles, and century eggs. For dessert, guests can enjoy the traditional Taiwanese “Tofa,” a sweet tofu pudding.
Dinner
■Time: 17:30~ or 19:30~
■Price: Course: NT $3,990 (excluding tax and service fees)
A la carte: NT $160 ~ (excluding tax and service fees)
*A la carte is only available for in-room dining
Breakfast
■Time: 7:00 ~ (Last order 9:30)
■Price: NT $1,050 (excluding tax and service charges)
Lunch
■Time: 12:00 ~ (Last order 13:30)
■Price: NT $400 ~ (excluding tax and service charge)
Experiences
A Historical Morning Stroll in Guguan
HOSHINOYA Guguan proposes a morning walk where guests can learn more about the history of the hot spring town of Guguan. A staff familiar with the surroundings will guide them through while showing pictures from the past. This stroll allows for a true slip in time in the streets of Guguan.
Date & Time: Daily from 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Place: Guguan hot spring town
Price: Free of charge
The Atayal’s Secret Musical Notes
Using a carving knife to cut bamboo pieces, guests will make a traditional harmonica and learn how to play it. This traditional instrument is a communication tool for Atayal people, Taiwan aborigines. Guests will not only learn about crafting the instrument, but also about Atayal people culture and beliefs.
Date & Time: Every Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Place: Multipurpose room
Price: 650 NTD (includes tax and service charge)
The Colorful Legacy of Atayal Weaving
This activity introduces the Atayal people’s traditional textile weaving culture and techniques to use it f0r the desktop loom to weave fabrics. A teacher will demonstrate and teach guests how to create their own unique cup sleeve with a traditional weaving machine.
Date & Time: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Place: Multipurpose room
Price: 850 NTD (includes tax and service charge)
Star Light Deep Breath Stretch
The water garden at night is surrounded by silence, only disturbed by the quiet sound of insects. A soft breeze blows through the garden, and when looking up, countless stars light up the sky. Deep breathing in this peaceful environment will help the body and mind to relax and allow for a deep, healing sleep.
Date & Time: Daily from 9:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Place: Poolside
Price: Free of charge
Forest in a bottle
With abundant water and a pleasant breeze, the expansive water garden has about a hundred different plant species, and various plants and flowers bloom each season. Guests can choose from those plants to create their own miniature forest.
Date & Time: Daily from 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Place: Water Garden
Price: 700 NTD (includes tax and service charge)
*Due to sanitary restrictions, guests may not be able to bring them back to their country.
Overview of HOSHINOYA Guguan
Address: No.16, Wenquan Ln., Sec. 1, Dongguan Rd., Heping Dist., Taichung City, Taiwan (424)
Number of Rooms: 49
Check-in: 3:00 pm/Check-out: 12:00 pm
Price: from NT $12,350 per night per room (includes tax and service charge, excludes meals)
Directions: 2.5 hours from Taipei by Taiwan High Speed Rail. HOSHINOYA Guguan can arrange for a chauffeur to pick up guests from the airport, Taichung Station, or Taichung High Speed Rail Station (reservation needed at least three days before arrival).
About HOSHINOYA Brand
Luxury hotel embodying the true characteristics of land, history, and culture
HOSHINOYA is an accommodation with distinct themes, conceptualized from each location's land, history, and culture. Woven into these distinct themes is our attention to detail in every aspect from the design to hospitality; contributing to the creation of a one-of-a-kind world of HOSHINOYA. Enrich the heart with the epiphanies of travel through a unique stay experience.
About Hoshino Resorts
Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.
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