Ayawan Hot Spring Resort

I’ve been here many times. The spa facilities are great, and the people are friendly. I’ve never stayed overnight.

The hot spring itself is great, and the view is lovely, but we didn’t sleep well because of loud construction at 7am on Sunday. My friend said it had started even earlier. We came to relax and sleep somewhere quiet, surrounded by nature, so the noise was a nasty surprise. And on a Sunday, too. The piano player did his best, though, and I appreciate that. We paid 5100 ntd per night for a room that felt overrated. It was old, the towels were very thin, and there was no bottled water, so bring your own. The room was for four, but the balcony with the hot spring tub only had two chairs. We asked for two more and got chairs I’d be afraid to sit on. I’d suggest coming for the day, but not staying overnight.

I came to soak, so I can’t say anything about the rooms. The soaking area is spacious, with lots of pools at different temperatures. The hottest is around 45C, which many people won’t go in. I loved the natural steam area, where the steam comes from the hot spring itself. Each stall is individual, so you can come and go without interrupting anyone. The cold pool is right beside the hottest one, and switching between them feels so refreshing. Guests can use the kitchen, which has a stove, sink, and most utensils for cooking. There are drinks for sale in vending machines too. One tip: after 3:30pm, an advance-purchase day pass is half off. You can buy tickets at many stores that sell spa tickets. We went in the afternoon, and our pass was only $4USD, quite a deal.

I’ve heard these are the best hot springs in the area, though they don’t really compare with those in higher-quality, higher-standard locations. Half the pools were closed, much of the place looked like construction that would never finish, and some roofs were falling apart. Still, it was a very nice afternoon. If you’re nearby, don’t miss it.