Being enveloped by as it rises from warm, mineral-rich waters has long been a unifying pleasure spanning cultures. For an authentic hot spring experience, Taiwan is home to some of the best natural spas in the world. The island’s bathing culture dates back more than a century and despite originally having taken its cues from Japanese onsen, it’s since developed distinct traditions that make it an essential destination for wellness seekers. There are more than 100 hot springs throughout Taiwan, each boasting unique characteristics and benefits. From north to south, from the popular to the lesser known and from luxury to budget-friendly, here’s where to take a wellbeing-boosting soak in Taiwan.

Beitou

This mountainous district in northern Taipei is famous for its green sulphur springs and “sacred healing waters”, said to help improve skin conditions and alleviate pain. At the Radium Kagaya Taipei , the only hot spring resort recommended in the Taipei Michelin Guide, bedrock bath combines unique Beitou stones with high temperatures to help you de-stress. Meanwhile, The Gaia Hotel has 14 hot spring therapies, including whirlpools and bubble massage beds. For public baths, head to the century-old Japanese-style Marshal Zen Garden , which has exquisite private bath houses and foot baths, and the option for afternoon tea in the teahouse at the highest point of the garden.

Yilan

Jiaoxi hot spring in Yilan is a rare hot spring in the plains region of Taiwan, known for clear, colourless, odourless water so rich in minerals and beneficial for skin that it’s been dubbed the “beauty spring”. The Hotel Royal Chiaohsi ’s Cave Bath lets you feel at-one with nature with a range of herbal and hydrotherapy baths. The Chuang-Tang Spring Spa Hotel has a rainbow pool with rose, lemongrass, lavender and other floral-themed baths, making for a relaxingly fragrant soak.

Meanwhile, the Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park near Jiaoxi Station features forest-themed baths with separate areas for men, women and children.

Taichung

Surrounded by the Xueshan Mountain Range, the Guguan Hot Springs Area in Taichung’s Dajia River Valley is one of the most popular places for a soak in Taiwan. The water is rich in sulphides and salt, and comes with myriad purported benefits for the skin and joints. Each room at the elegant Hoshinoya Guguan has a semi-open-air bath, letting you enjoy a private hot spring experience with a panoramic view of the nearby mountains. On a budget? The Guguan Hot Springs Park, surrounded by mountains, operating around the clock and free of charge, offers an enjoyable soak with stunning views of maple leaves in winter.

Nantou

The springs in Nantou are primarily carbonated and have a lower temperature. Known as the “spring for the heart”, the water here is said to aid circulation and promote heart health. The Fleur de Chine Hotel , located at the first hot spring found in the Sun Moon Lake area, offers a relaxing hinoki-scented bath. If you’re travelling with little ones, the hotel has a children’s pool area, while Fuxing Hot Spring Area Parent-Child Park in the town of Puli is the area’s first family hot spring-themed park.

Taitung

The Vakangan Hot Spring Park , located in a mountainous area of Taitung, offers a geothermally powered hot spring experience. Inside, you’ll find open-air and semi-open-air baths as well as a hydrotherapy area with massage pools. For a rare seawater hot spring experience, visit Zhaori Hot Springs on Green Island. In addition to indoor and outdoor baths, an area for making onsen eggs and a spa, you’ll enjoy a soak with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Come early to catch sunrise.

Southern Taiwan

The century-old Guanziling in Southern Taiwan is the only mud hot spring in Taiwan, and its grey-black mud water leaves the skin smooth and refreshed after soaking. Experience it at Reikei Hot Spring Resort , which offers a variety of accommodation types, from family rooms to Japanese-style rooms perfect for couples or friends, alongside a public pool area with mud baths, infrared saunas and steam rooms. Check out Guanziling Scenic Area, comprising a hot spring park which is open around the clock. Stay at one of its many hot spring hotels and visit the 200-year-old Biyun Temple, which offers superb views of the area.

Soak up the difference

Preparing for the bath

Unlike in Japan, it’s not a strict requirement to bathe before entering a public hot spring in Taiwan. Instead, people usually shower afterwards to wash off residual minerals from the spring water.

To wear or not to wear

People in Taiwan prefer to wear swimsuits and swim caps in public bats, and it’s common for men and women to bathe in the same hot spring. Nude bathing is typically reserved for private bathhouses.

Bathing with tattoos

In Japan, individuals with tattoos are often banned from hot springs, but this restriction doesn’t apply to Taiwan’s hot springs. However, it’s recommended to refrain from going to a hot spring for a month after getting a new tattoo, to give it time to fully heal.

When to bathe

While the Japanese typically soak in hot springs in the early morning or late evening before bed, Taiwanese people have no specific preference. For them, bathing in a hot spring is a leisure activity typically enjoyed over the holiday.