Forest Retreat Getaway: Immerse Yourself in a “Mountain SPA” at Kenting’s Hwatai Royale for Ultimate Relaxation

▲ Hwatai Royale in Kenting is nestled amidst greenery,making it perfect for a slow-living getaway.

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Pingtung

Besides rushing to the beach in Kenting to soak up the sunshine and waves of Southern Taiwan, venturing into the tropical forests for a rendezvous with nature offers another delightful way to enjoy a slow-paced vacation. Nestled within Kenting National Park, the understated white architecture of Hwatai Royale blends seamlessly into the lush greenery. Stay here and listen to the breeze rustling through century-old trees, birds chirping softly, and—if you're lucky—catch a glimpse of wild Formosan sika deer roaming nearby.

▲ The poolside setting elevates your vacation mood.

▲ Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea by the pool.

▲ The macarons shaped like sika deer are absolutely adorable.

Built in 1969, Hwatai Royale was once chosen by Chiang Kai-shek as his Southern Taiwan residence due to its unique natural surroundings and breathtaking sea views. Known as the Kenting Guesthouse back then, it became an instant sensation and one of the most popular honeymoon destinations of its era. Now, nearly six decades later, the original structure has been renovated into the Hwatai Royale Kenting Guesthouse. Designed with the concept of living in harmony with nature, the hotel even transformed its historic staircase into a glass corridor to preserve the view of the century-old trees that have witnessed the passage of time.

▲ This century-old tree was once a childhood playmate for local elders.

Unlike typical luxury resorts, Hwatai Royale offers not only a beautiful pool, top-tier dining, and modern amenities but also nearly half a century of historical charm. Strolling through Chiang Kai-shek’s former study evokes the ambiance of early Taiwan, with its vintage furnishings awakening nostalgic memories for many elder guests.

▲ The furniture used by Chiang Kai-shek has been preserved intact.

Time seems to move more slowly here. Calm your mind and live in harmony with nature—sit on the balcony overlooking the sea, run across the grass flying a kite, and watch birds play by the window or butterflies flutter among the flowers. Zhong Juncai, manager of the activity planning office at Hwatai Royale, jokes, “Sometimes when I get off work in the evening, I’m surrounded by a herd of hungry wild sika deer.”

▲ The resort is designed around the theme of coexisting with nature, where signs of wildlife are everywhere.

▲ Rooms feature eco-friendly themes—water bottles and bamboo slippers are yours to take home.

▲ Rooms thoughtfully display the sunset time.

▲ The bathtub is luxurious and grand.

Since taking over management from the forestry authority nearly four years ago, Hwatai Royale Kenting Guesthouse has been dedicated not only to reviving the elegance of Chiang Kai-shek’s era but also to creating a multifunctional complex this year. New additions include an ecological exhibition hall, a SPA center, a forest gym, and a family play area, allowing visitors to breathe deeply in this sea of green. Getting a SPA in the forest is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hwatai Royale has introduced a top Swiss SPA brand along with its exclusive lymphatic drainage massage technique, offering guests genuine relaxation and tranquility amid the woods.

▲ The multifunctional complex officially opened in January this year.

▲ Enjoy a SPA in the forest while listening to birds and insects for complete relaxation.