Be surrounded by mountains and the sea ! 3 incredibly romantic "glass house" homestays in Hualien

Reporter Lee Tzu-yi / Comprehensive report

Hualien boasts beautiful mountains and waters, with an exceptionally rich natural environment. Whether you want to relax, gaze at the sea, or be embraced by greenery, why not spend a few nights in Hualien? ETtoday EBC News has handpicked 3 dreamy "glass house" homestays in Hualien — come and heal with the island’s landscapes while learning to slow down and enjoy life.

▲ Mediterranean Lovers offers direct views of the Pacific Ocean, letting you admire the beautiful sea-meets-sky horizon. (Photo / Provided by Mediterranean Lovers, same for all below)

Mediterranean Lovers Homestay

With a secluded, off-the-beaten-path vibe, there are still 7–8 restaurants nearby, making it super convenient and worry-free when it comes to meals. Located along Hualien’s coastline, Mediterranean Lovers sits right by the Pacific — the moment you step outside, an endless blue sea greets you, offering healing views before you even realize it.

▲ Taking a shower while overlooking the ocean feels especially luxurious.

Every room here offers ocean views. The two most popular glass house room types — Ocean Villa and Starry Sky Villa — let you bathe in glass-walled rooms, showered in starlight and ocean views as if merging with nature itself. Sit in the courtyard to take in the unbroken sea-and-sky horizon; the sunrise and sunset views are simply enchanting. When in Hualien, you should embrace what nature has to offer.

▲ The rooms are uniquely designed, with the Pacific just outside.

Address: No. 28, Fude, Yenliao Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County (Yellow sign at 11.5 km on Provincial Highway 11)
Room rates: NT$2,300 – NT$8,800
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▲ Echo Valley Forest Homestay, hidden away in the mountains. (Photo / IG@wang.chen.yuProvided, please do not reproduce without permission)

Echo Valley Forest Homestay

Echo Valley Forest Homestay is a mid-century standalone house nestled against the mountain. After being renovated by the owner’s family, it has transformed into a glass house homestay hidden within the forest. Here, you can sleep under the stars in a glass house and enjoy the joy of being surrounded by vast woodland.

▲ The stargazing loft also features a separate loft area where you can stargaze and moon-gaze on clear nights. (Photo / IG@bra1214Provided, please do not reproduce without permission)

▲ The Starbark room type is surrounded by glass on three sides — wake up in the morning and enjoy breakfast right in your room, offering great comfort and convenience. (Photo / IG@dadaya0423Provided, please do not reproduce without permission, same for below)

The three-story building offers 5 room types, with the most popular being Starbark and the Stargazing Loft on the second floor. The Stargazing Loft features a distinctive design style, with three walls of glass that offer star-filled skies day and night, along with a private loft that lets you enjoy breakfast in fine weather. The Starbark room comes with a large glass-walled living area that blends beautifully with the surrounding nature.

▲ For guests without a car, the owner will even pick you up and drop you off at the train station in their cute vintage car.

Address: No. 21, Lane 168, Alley 289, Guofu Street, Hualien City (near Tzu Chi Campus)
Room rates: NT$2,000 – NT$6,300
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▲ The lobby of Manman Cultural Travel is also beautiful, featuring cute transparent chairs alongside flowers and lush greenery. (Photo / Provided by Manman Cultural Travel, same for below)

Manman Cultural Travel

Hualien’s Manman Design Homestay launched a new brand, “Manman Cultural Travel,” in January 2017. Located in the Meilun area, the overall architecture is pure white, elegantly minimalist, and includes a recently popular glass house room type.

▲ The affordable glass house room type is surprisingly romantic.

Want to stay in a glass house but have a limited budget? The affordable-style Manman Cultural Travel offers a double room in a glass house for about 2,600–3,000 NT dollars per night. Plus, it’s not far from Qixingtan and downtown Hualien. If you’re looking to stay at a new hotel and experience a glass house, why not give Manman Cultural Travel a try!

Address: No. 308-3, Fufuian Road, Hualien City
Room rates: 1,900–4,100 NT dollars
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