This weekend, I got the chance to takeover Jetset Times’ Instagram, sharing a little bit of a lovely spot in the middle of Taiwan long been adored by my family. Hopefully the next time you visit this beautiful island, you can put The Lalu on the itinerary.
Nothing beats a relaxing weekend getaway, regardless of where you are in the world. Every family has a “go-to” destination, somewhere to zone out and reconnect with the people you love most. My life in Taipei is normally surrounded by high-rise buildings, the discord of a modern metropolis including constant noises from scooters and cars often congested in heavy smog.
To avoid the chaos of city life, my family and I routinely escape to Nantou – the sole non-coastal province in Taiwan. Although Nantou isn’t surrounded by sea water, it embodies the gorgeous Sun Moon Lake which many mainland Chinese dream of visiting since childhood.
This tropical Taiwan island is frequently deemed overly humid or too hot, but the temperature near Sun Moon Lake is what we refer to as: a forever spring. Expect cool breeze during early mornings and nighttime but pleasant warmth throughout the day. Simply perfection!
Our choice of home away from home is The Lalu, a resort infinitely exudes the fusion of zen and beauty. The entire hotel is minimally designed with the use of white marble, natural wood and stones. Although minimal, elements of ancient Chinese influences can be seen throughout the hotel. From two Chinese lions at the front door, lotus flowers placed along the exterior walkway to a signature bonsai plant pensively situated at the entrance.
Upon entering, guests are offered lemon iced tea and scented wet towels. In all the years my family and I have stayed at The Lalu, the entire staff have remained so friendly that The Lalu wouldn’t be the same without these familiar faces. The main selling point, however, is the view. The hotel gracefully faces Sun Moon Lake. There isn’t a room in the entire space that doesn’t allow guests to inhale the blend of water, mountain and clouds. The picturesque scenery is somewhat like a Chinese watercolor painting cradling the splendid resort in its entirety.
Other elements that make The Lalu om-azing include tea houses next to a lotus pond filled with koi fish, the infinity pool that opens the swimming experience to the vastness of the lake. A must-do at the hotel is indulging in its spa services featuring floor-to-ceiling open windows that highlight the allure of the lake. Our favorite choice of dining is The Lake View Chinese restaurant which focuses on locally grown produce that compose dishes of authentic Taiwanese culture. Some are famously, and deliciously, known as Chiang Kai-Shek’s personal favorites (Chiang was the leader of Taiwan from 1928 – 1975.)
Although Taipei is where travelers spend most of their time in Taiwan, a road trip down to Sun Moon Lake and The Lalu will provide a meditative perspective leaving you in om zone for days.
https://instagram.com/p/3oc4DerY-M/?taken-by=wendyhung915
