While traveling with family and friends, and having people around to share memories with is always wonderful, the trend of solo traveling has seen an uptick in recent years. The pace of life in this digital age has accelerated, and with that comes its pressures and stressors, some of them carried forward from the pandemic. Taking that solo trip has become a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of life, as well as a time for introspection and self-care.
Explore these five MICHELIN hotels for solo travelers looking for a zen escape to calm the body and mind, where even a short weekend getaway can do wonders for the spirit.
Hoshinoya Guguan
Highlights: Hot springs and sceneryHoshinoya Guguan in Taichung is probably top of mind when it comes to hotels far away from the bustle of city life. The first luxury hot spring resort in Taiwan, Hoshinoya Guguan is developed by Japan’s Hoshinoya hotel group to resemble a Japanese ryokan in a hot spring valley. Guest rooms come in different styles and sizes, but each comes with an in-room private semi-open-air onsen bath, affording views of the majestic hills overlooking the property. The natural spring water is known for its beautifying properties, and every bath is a cleansing of the body and mind.
Guest rooms are so comfortable you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to leave the room, so the hotel makes it worth it for you to step out. Whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll through the verdant grounds through the water garden and quaint Western-style pavilion or joining in the organized activities, every venture outside the guest rooms offers something new for the lone traveler.
InterContinental Kaohsiung
Highlights: Luxe detailsAs the first hotel in Taiwan directly managed by the IHG InterContinental Hotel brand, the InterContinental Kaohsiung is co-constructed with and set within the iconic skyscraper Farglory THE ONE. Its aquamarine color scheme echoes its location within the port city and surrounding ocean, evoking peace and calm. The hotel’s meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the guest experience redefines luxury travel.
Beds are the new Perfect Sleeper series, a collaboration between American bedding brand Serta and the National Sleep Foundation, while bath products are by Swedish brand Byredo. LG Smart TVs are complemented by Bose smart home entertainment speakers, all powered by Aiello’s intelligent voice control system that comes in three language channels: Chinese, English, and Japanese. Appliances uphold both form and function, such as the retro-style electric SMEG kettles. All these carefully considered details add up to an unforgettable guest experience.
Mandarin Oriental Taipei
Highlights: Top-to-toe splendorThis hotel and the iconic Taipei 101 share the same famous architect: Chu-yuan Lee. The magnificent European-style building has become one of Taipei's famous landmarks; the interiors are distinctly Art Deco, classic, and timeless, with stunning original art at every corner, waiting to be admired and pondered over.
The magnificent chandelier that welcomes guests at the lobby entrance is designed by Czech designer Tafana Dvorakova and is made of 50,000 crystal beads and light amber crystal drops. Its light-as-air appearance, floating overhead like a butterfly, belies its 1,400kg weight — it is enough to distract one into leaving their cares at the door.
Check into a guest room for another level of tranquility: flower-engraved leather walls, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and handcrafted wallpaper showcase the ultimate in luxury, inviting guests to slow down and appreciate the beauty in every detail.
Regent Taipei
Highlights: Restaurants and aromatherapy spaOne of the main attractions of the Regent Taipei, located in the bustling business, entertainment, and cultural center, is its diverse and world-class dining options. In addition to MICHELIN-recommended restaurants Silks House and Robin's Teppanyaki, the hotel is also home to one-MICHELIN-Starred Impromptu by Paul Lee.
Another jewel in Regent Taipei’s crown is its Mulan Wellspring SPA on the 20th floor. A first for a hotel spa in Taiwan, the facility has won the World SPA Awards for seven consecutive years as a testament to its exquisite aromatherapy techniques and delicate pampering services.
The spa exudes calm in its minimalist simplicity, with 10 spacious aromatherapy suites, spanning about 13 square meters each. Each suite is equipped with a steam shower and private bath. Fully trained professional aromatherapists provide considerate and meticulous service before, during, and after the treatment, tailored to individual needs with smooth communication done in Chinese, English, or Japanese.
Silks Club
Highlights: Privacy and artistryLocated in Qianzhen District in Kaohsiung City, Silks Club offers state-of-the-art comfort from its public spaces into its private ones, making it a prime choice for a relaxing trip to southern Taiwan. It is a luxury hotel with a private apartment living concept at heart. Building materials are carefully chosen — the floors and wall panels are decked in a five-layer sound insulation system that dampens noise, giving visitors a feeling of being isolated from the world as soon as they step into the hotel.
Silks Club only accepts guests over the age of 10, and has an average of only 7.7 rooms per floor. Its commitment to the privacy and comfort of its clientele only serves to improve the quality of accommodation and its calming atmosphere.
Original article by Chelsea Su here, translated into English by Rachel Tan
