Tea Looks Infinity Pool — Enjoy Bali-like Relaxation in Chiayi

Text & Photos byMazzy Bunny

I’ve been a fan of HowToTrip’s cultural and creative design hotels for years, from the earliest [Chiayi Inn] to [Tamsui Breeze] and [Taichung Bird Days], all of which I really liked. The newly opened [Taicheng Tea Looks] in July 2014 is the fourth in this series of cultural and creative design hotels (there are more to come!), and so far it’s my favorite. I truly admire the dedication of the HowToTrip management.

%The moment you step out of the elevator, you’re greeted by an artistic ambiance that feels like a warm welcome.

%The multi-level architecture stands independently in the heart of the city, and just walking in feels like stepping into another world. You can also easily walk to the other popular attractions in the area.

%I’m especially impressed by the interior design here — it’s modern yet cozy, and makes people feel instantly relaxed.

When I first saw the introduction from HowToTrip’s fan page during the soft opening period, I really wanted to book a stay to experience it. Not long after, I received an invitation from the hotel, which made me very happy. I managed to squeeze in a two-day, one-night trip to Chiayi during the busy summer, and my dad even paid extra to book a room so our whole Xiaoximen Time Inn team could have a little staff retreat.

Years ago, during a travel experience at Chiayi Inn, I was deeply impressed by the tea ceremony hosted by artist Huang Weiwei. As someone who loves tea culture, I was even more excited about a cultural and creative design hotel themed around “tea.” When I finally arrived at [Taicheng Tea Looks], I was even more impressed. Having experienced several cultural and creative design hotels, HowToTrip has become even more refined in every aspect. Through [Taicheng Tea Looks], they’ve seamlessly integrated the hotel, cultural creativity, travel, and local culture, creating a slow-living space filled with the aroma of tea, art, and leisure.

When I received this invitation, memories of my past Chiayi trips immediately came flooding back. My classmate’s family-run old shop Qingxiao Restaurant (cloud-Tainan-championed fried rice), the chicken rice from Guo’s at Wenhua Road Night Market, Lin Congming’s Clay Pot Fish Head, soy milk and tofu pudding, Puzi A’Yi Shi’s vegetarian food, Shanmen Coffee… were all delicious spots we couldn’t wait to visit. The North Gate Station Alishan steam train, the nostalgic cultural creative Kuaiyi Sen Living Village, and a bit farther away, the Ban Tao Kiln Community, Peach Blossom Garden Workshop for pottery, Meishan Chen Huangren’s champion coffee, hiking in Fenchihu Forest to see winter fireflies, Ruili’s fireflies, and tasting fresh oysters in Dongshi… Chiayi is actually really amazing.

Because of Chiayi Inn, I’ve gotten to know and love Chiayi even more, and I’ve come to really like this simple yet culturally rich city. Ever since, whenever I come to Chiayi, I always feel very relaxed. This time, we slowed down our pace. Aside from having lunch at Guo’s Chicken Rice and dinner feasting on clay pot fish head, we spent the rest of the time simply enjoying the slow life at [Taicheng Tea Looks].

The elegant lobby offers tea service at any time, there’s an infinity pool for splashing around, stylish drinks by the pool at night, bubble tea baths in the room, and tea-dyeing DIY experiences. One day here just isn’t enough — next time I’ll definitely stay for at least two nights to fully unwind.

The hotel also offers package activities, allowing guests to recharge both mind and spirit even while lounging in the hotel. Take advantage of the new opening promotions and plan a 2-day, 1-night fashionable tea-scented mini-trip.

%The little penguin mascot at the hotel entrance is getting cuter and cuter.

%I posted a photo of my friend holding the sign on the fan page, and it surprisingly got a lot of likes — so funny.

%The decor here is very tasteful and unique.

The tea-themed lobby is full of scholarly elegance, and you can feel a relaxed vibe as soon as you walk in.

The staff here are very friendly — they’ll serve you tea as soon as you sit down. You can enjoy tea anytime here, which is perfect for tea lovers.

I asked and it seems there’s no tea ceremony service here, which is a bit of a pity. I wonder when I can enjoy tea and chat with masters again? I really miss the tea ceremony events at Chiayi Inn.

Even the business cards and postcards are shaped like teacups.

I personally love the lobby at Taicheng Tea Looks — once you sit down, you don’t want to leave.

Every corner is thoughtfully arranged, making it a stress-free place to rest. Very few hotel lobbies make me feel as relaxed and at home as my own living room or study. These past two days, I’d sit down here whenever I passed by, and even spent a long time writing here on the morning of the second day. The overall environment, atmosphere, lighting, and friendly staff all make it a very comfortable place.

The other wall is also quite impressive. In addition to many old items and tea set displays, if you look closely at the bookshelf, there’s a book sculpture of [HOTEL DAY+] — the English name of HowToTrip.

%There’s also a small photo booth provided on each floor (of course, you can’t take the props home!).

The elevator spaces also have unique designs on each floor — a signature style of HowToTrip.

I stayed in two room types this time: [Guyu. Standard Double Room] (with bathtub) and [Xiaoxue. Executive Quadruple Room] (tatami, no bathtub) — one was complimentary, the other paid for. * I loved both rooms, and I’ll write a separate post introducing the room types.

The infinity pool on the rooftop — you don’t need to go to Vegas or Bali. The expansive view is refreshing for both body and soul. Because the pool is so beautiful and the night drinks so fun, I’ll write a separate feature on it later.

%At night you can lounge by the pool or enjoy drinks under the stars.

%There’s also a kids’ game room.

%The hotel offers themed rooms that provide unique local experiences, like staying in a forest without actually being in one. It’s like an immersive experience.

Although there aren’t restaurants like “Men’s Tree” in Tamsui or Taichung here, there’s also the Shan Shan Lai Shi Cooking Kitchen. Breakfast is also served here.

This menu with its thick wooden slices has such a tactile and warm feel—I really want to buy a few copies to use back at Little West Gate. I quickly took notes (secretly learning). My dad, seeing all the wooden decorations at Taocheng Tea Appearance, said, “What does Chiayi not have? It’s got the most wood, so you can play with it like this.”

%Lunch here is provided by the hotel staff. If you ask nicely, they can also customize it or recommend dishes. Besides, the environment is relaxing enough to stay for a long time.

%Dining in Chiayi

%Chiayi dining is down-to-earth

%It’s just that the atmosphere here is relaxing and peaceful, making it hard to leave.

%If you’re looking for another kind of vibe, it makes people not want to leave either.

Let the daydream beast Han Ji lead us into a dream. If you also want to briefly escape from a busy life—slowly, gently, taking deep breaths—come to Chiayi’s 【Taocheng Tea Appearance】 and drift into a dream along with the tea aroma and fashionable design.

【Room Type Chapter】, 【Infinity Pool Chapter】... To be continued.

【Taocheng Tea Appearance】
Official Website:http://teascape.hotelday.com.tw/index.html
No. 516, Zhongxiao Road, East District, Chiayi City
Tel +886-5-2280555
Cheng Yi Cultural & Creative Design Hotelhttp://www.hotelday.com.tw/
Taocheng Tea Appearancehttp://test.geometry.com.tw/teascape/index.html
Chiayi Business Travelhttp://www.dayhotel.com.tw/
Tamsui Chillouthttp://tamsui.hotelday.com.tw/

Maji Bunny’s Flying Map
Eat, walk, take photos, and have fun... Welcome to join me in enjoying life.