Escape the hustle and bustle of Taipei and embark on an amazing holiday in Taiwan’s hidden gem – Silks Place Taroko.
Nestled in the heart of Taroko National Park, Silks Place Taroko offers a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and modern comforts. It comes with a variety of activities to connect with the great outdoors while indulging in breathtaking views and a variety of activities.
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At A Glance
- Location of Silks Place Taroko Hotel, Xiulin, Taiwan
Location of Silks Place Taroko Hotel, Xiulin, Taiwan
Silks Place Taroko is located in Taroko National Park, which draws its name from the renowned Taroko Gorge, a majestic landmark carved by the Liwu River.
Silks Place Taroko is the only 5-star hotel within the Taroko National Park.
There’s a paid shuttle service provided by the hotel, from Hualien Train Station and Hualien Airport, you can learn more information on their official website.
Checking into Silks Place Taroko Hotel, Xiulin, Taiwan
Check-in was fuss-free. The check-in time is after 3pm and the check-out time is before 11am.
The Room
The rooms in Silks Place Taroko are divided into Resort and Retreat rooms, separated by different floors. The Retreat rooms are more luxurious and include all-day access to the Retreat Lounge.
We had the chance to stop by the River View Suite from the Retreat floor, with breathtaking views of the Gorge!
I stayed at the Garden View Suite, with the same room configuration, facing this courtyard instead. The courtyard holds some entertainment and festivities on the weekends.
The room itself was massive at 70 square metres, with a king-sized bed, and a spacious lounging area. I found myself losing track of where I had kept my things just because the place was so huge!
The table holds some snacks like dried fish, nuts and dried fruits. There’s also a Jenga set, which I enjoyed. It’s been a while since I’ve played!
Come evening time, during the night turndown service, we were served some Pineapple Ice Tea, thoughtfully kept in a thermal flask and warmer. This was a kind gesture that brought a smile to my face.
The star of the show has got to be this bathroom, with a double vanity area, and a nice bathtub– with even a pillow, bath salts and essential oils for the ultimate relaxation.
There are Aesop bathroom amenities, and a Dyson hair dryer as well. Talk about luxury living!
The mini-bar is well stocked, with a capsule coffee machine, kettle, bottled water, coffee and tea.
There’s also a complimentary mini-fridge, with a face mask placed inside. I had the best time just using the mask while taking a hot bath, melting my troubles away.
A small note though, was that wifi was spotty for me, which was understandable given that we were in such a natural environment. I took the opportunity to unplug and simply enjoy every moment in this place.
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Facilities at Silks Place Taroko Hotel, Xiulin, Taiwan
1. Outdoor infinity pool
The outdoor pool has a magnificent natural view. There are also hot spring tubs for relaxing.
The pool area transforms into a pool cinema at night, which I’ve come to realise is a feature of many Silks Place hotels.
This lounging area beside the pool even comes with a fireplace, and come nighttime, it turns into a magical area with song and dance. Read on to find out more!
For most summer days, guests can also indulge in these multi-flavoured ice cream scoops by the pool, with tropical flavours like dragonfruit, kiwi, blackcurrant, and even one made from blue curacao. It was fun trying to guess the flavours.
2. Indoor pool
The indoor pool area is an excellent wet-weather alternative. There’s also a thermal pool, and even one full of rubber duckies.
3. Recreational area
The recreational area is packed full of activities, from Xbox games, snooker, table tennis, and a variety of children’s play areas.
I didn’t get a chance to check them out, but there are also gym and spa facilities in the hotel and even a tennis court. You can learn more about it on their official website.
4. Retreat Lounge
The Retreat Lounge is open all day for Retreat guests, with that same magnificent view.
Guests can enjoy a variety of sweet and savoury treats during the afternoon tea and happy hour timings.
You can tell that they’re more on the gourmet side of things, with a lot of care put into their flavours and presentations.
I was impressed by how they had this Balmuda toaster. This toaster is known for using steam-powered technology, ideal for toasting and reheating.
There was also a station to make your cocktail with millet wine, a local specialty.
5. Library
Located on the same floor as the Retreat guestrooms, this library has a calming view of the gorge and a quiet zone to read a book or do some reflections.
Dining at Silks Place Taroko Hotel, Xiulin, Taiwan
1. Dinner at Retreat Lounge
We opted for the Chef’s Table Menu, a specially curated dinner with seasonal delicacies. This comes with an additional fee and is reservation-only.
The meat was grilled right before our very eyes. We also learnt that some herbs like litsea and marigold are grown directly from the hotel’s garden.
I loved the fusion of Western and Asian flavours in this meal, using less-known ingredients like Australian finger lime, corn husks and Japanese prickly ash. The standout for me was the tea-flavoured chicken, scallop and mushroom broth, served from a teapot.
2. Breakfast at the Retreat Lounge
I opted for the Chinese breakfast at the Retreat Lounge. Tell me, is this not the most colourful and Instagram-worthy breakfast you’ve ever seen?
Everything was delicious, especially the seafood congee which was hearty and full of umami. It was also my first time trying salted soybean– mixed in with all condiments, it was like a harmony of saltiness, richness, nuttiness, and a hint of sweetness.
Here’s the Western breakfast, for comparison’s sake.
Silks Place Taroko Hotel, Xiulin, Taiwan Activities
There’s no lack of activities prepared by Silks Place Taroko, both within and around the hotel.
1. Weekly Activities– Making herb-flavoured salt
There are nature-inspired activities like making herbal insect repellent spray, bubble bath bombs and marbling art coasters. These activities are either held in an indoor room in the recreational area or outdoors beside a river.
I joined their herb salt-making activity and walked home with a salt flavoured with rosemary and lemon marigold.
Here’s a timetable of activities.
2. Private beach experience: Glaming Picnic and Beach Buggy Ride
During the summer, Silks Place Taroko organises a variety of seasonal activities.
We joined in the private beach experience, which includes a beach buggy ride, a scrumptious afternoon tea, and a convenient shuttle service to and from the secluded beach.
I gotta say, having the whole beach to ourselves was pretty great. Just riding along the coastline, with the sea breeze, without a care in the world.
The afternoon tea was intricately prepared, and the flavoured rice ball was especially yummy. Taroko the hotel dog also made a special appearance!
There were even some photoshoot setups, super cute.
This experience requires a minimum of 12, so come along with your friends and family!
3. Forest Yoga
Forest yoga was a relaxing experience. I’ve never done yoga in the outdoors before, much less in such a beautiful environment.
4. Night time
Come night time, at 8:30pm, there’s a mini concert held by local Truku Aboriginal natives. The atmosphere was really nice, with folks dancing and clapping along to the music!
Holding hands and dancing around the fireplace along with fellow guests– an experience I’ll never forget.
We also got to enjoy some evening snacks, like millet wine sausage or a rainbow ice popsicle.
Tours at Silks Place Taroko Hotel, Xiulin, Taiwan
Silks Place Taroko also provides half-day and full-day tours for an additional fee.
1. Tunnel of the Nine Turns (Jiuqudong) Trail
The Tunnel of the Nine Turns (Jiuqudong) Trail was a breezy 700 metres walk, allowing us to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Liwu River through a sheltered walkway while being up close to the marble walls of the Gorge Canyon.
TIP: It starts and ends at the same point, and we were advised by the tour guide to let the naturescapes and history sink in as we walked into the tunnel, and then take all the photos on our way out. Just remember to leave enough time!
This winding route is an engineering feat in itself, and we were told that construction involved carving through the sheer rock face.
We had a bit of fun angling our shots to match the map of Taiwan!
Here I’m, making a mental note to come back in the future, to check out more of what Taraoko National Park has to offer.
2. Buluowan Sightseeing
We also went to check out this area in Bulowan, which inspired the logo of the Taroko National Park!
With its impeccable service and curated list of activities and tours (and not forgetting that amazing outdoor infinity pool), Silks Place Taroko is the ultimate hidden gem.
I’ll recommend Silks Place Taroko to anyone looking for an indulgent getaway surrounded by nature! Personally, it was an extraordinary experience.
Silks Place Taroko No.18, Tianxiang Rd, Xiulin Township, Hualien County 972, Taiwan
Written by Esther Yip.
Special thanks to Silks Place Taroko for making this stay possible! All opinions remain my own.
