The Great Roots Forestry SPA Resort

We spent two days here with friends, arriving together by car and heading back on our own when they went elsewhere. The property sits in hilly forest and has hot springs, a small tea museum, and an entertainment center full of arcade games. We enjoyed walks in the hills just behind the hotel, probably on its property, and made several trips to the hot springs. The breakfast was good, and the cafe had a small but nice lunch menu, so we could stay onsite most of the time and drive nearby for dinner. Getting back to Taipei was easy: we took a bus from the hotel doorstep to an MRT station. That bus only runs on weekends, though, so on weekdays you may need another way to get there.

Sanxia feels like a nature escape, even though it's only about 30 minutes from Taipei. The grounds were beautifully maintained, and we had plenty to do, from hiking trails and natural hot springs to BBQ, several dining options, and a kids' park. The staff were dedicated and friendly, always going out of their way to make the stay a good one. Jenny Wong, the front desk manager, made us feel especially welcome and looked after. We stayed in a Family 2 bedroom villa with a living room, which I highly recommend if one is available. It felt very private and came with personal concierge service. One of our most memorable stays, and we'll definitely be back!

There are full facilities, a hiking trail right by the hotel, and a spa open day and night. It's also a short walk to the river and shops. I loved the big room, comfortable bed, and good bathroom.

We had a really good two-day stay with our two kids, arriving Friday morning and leaving Saturday afternoon. The kids' playground was clean and great, and the toilets were very clean too. We enjoyed the hiking, relaxing in the onsen, and getting a foot massage, which was incredibly good. The hot springs were great, with water boilers, good changing rooms, and free hot ginger tea. We also loved the evening buffet at the western restaurant and the breakfast the next morning. The tea they sell is amazing, including white tea, which felt special. The location is amazing, and the staff and service were very good and friendly. Not everyone speaks English, but we used Google translator when needed. If you're coming with kids, it's a good place to visit. Our bedroom was nice, with water, coffee, tea, and biscuits. You need to ask at the lobby for toothbrushes, as they don't keep them in the room, which I understand is to save the planet. We liked that. Some people have complained about this hotel, but I don't really understand why. The air conditioners in the rooms aren't good, and it could be quite cold if you came unprepared and without clothes, so bring warm clothes for yourself and the kids and enjoy your vacation.