Onsen Papawaqa

The building's architecture is beautiful, and I love the Brutalist style. It sits nicely in the surrounding nature. I booked directly online from London, and the process was quite difficult because the pages stopped translating into English partway through. Luckily, a colleague from Hong Kong helped me. After booking, email communication in written English was efficient, and the team helped arrange both a transfer and a spa treatment. I also asked about a typhoon/tropical storm heading toward the island. Their update reassured me that the area wasn't affected, and I trusted they wouldn't have let me travel if there were a danger. The free shuttle from Miaoli HSR was very welcome, with pickup at 14:30 and drop-off at 11:30. I don't know whether the schedule had been reduced because of the typhoon, but there was only one train per hour from Miaoli back to Taipei. It would help if the return shuttle lined up better with that train. I was dropped off just 6 minutes before one was due, missed it, and then waited an hour. On a vacation from Europe, that felt like a huge waste of time. Check-in was easy, and I got the large room I'd selected and requested. The bed was super comfortable, and the bath area was lovely. They take slip hazards seriously, providing flip flops, rubber mats, towel bath mats, and written warnings. The huge bath filled much faster than I expected, and I spent hours in it. There were complimentary snacks and drinks in the room. I had some trouble with the many lights and with the aircon, dehumidifier, and ventilation fan. Several things made noise, and some kept making noise even after I turned them off, so the room wasn't as peaceful as it could have been. Earplugs were provided. I couldn't find switches for two lights, one under the bathroom sink and another under the wooden bed frame, and they wouldn't turn off. That was annoying, though I found workarounds. They also supplied an eye mask, but I don't like sleeping with one on my face. The onsen baths were bliss, and the cooler pools felt lovely after the steam room. I found the pool with jacuzzi beds very calming when I had it to myself, lying there and looking at the trees. The swimming pool was too cold for me, and you also need a swimming cap to use it. I didn't try the naked onsen. Towels were available at the desk by the pool entrance, and there was a locker for the changing room. The changing facilities seemed well equipped. I didn't rate the free bar's drinks much. If you don't want some kind of hot or cold tea, there's not much else on offer. I booked a 90 minute hot stone massage in advance. The therapist was friendly and very skilled, and I felt wonderful afterward. Breakfast had plenty to choose from, mostly Taiwanese dishes, along with a few continental staples like boiled eggs, toast, yoghurts, and cereals. As others have said, an earlier check-in would make a big difference to the stay.