Experience Spanish-style romance in Hualien – Take a cruise along the "River of Promise" passing three islands

▲A cruise on the "River of Promise" is a classic experience at Ideal Resort. (Photo provided by Ideal Resort)

Reported by Lin Yuling, Hualien

You don’t have to go abroad to experience European charm. Known as the "Promised Land," Ideal Resort in the Huatung Valley features traditional Spanish and Gaudí-style architecture, and the resort also has a 2.2-kilometer-long Venetian-style canal. Guests can take a boat ride along the river, passing large, medium, and small islands, seven docks, 16 bridges, and abundant greenery where ducks and fish live. The scenery varies beautifully between day and night, creating a romantic atmosphere.

The entire Ideal Resort exudes tranquility and the beauty of an exotic vacation. It is managed with a focus on wellness, ecological conservation, and environmental protection, allowing the flora and fauna on the land to thrive in a peaceful environment.It has even been recognized by the international publication "100 Hotels + Resorts" as one of the "World’s Top 100 Hotels," hailed as a place that can "elevate the soul."The canal is also one of its "signature" features, filled with Venetian charm. Visitors call it the "River of Promise," echoing the resort’s nickname, the "Promised Land."

The canal surrounds three areas within the resort: Big Island, Medium Island, and Small Island. A boat ride around the canal takes about 15 minutes, passing waterfalls, seven docks, 16 bridges, and endless greenery. Though man-made, the canal has developed its own ecosystem, home to fish, ducks, and rare-colored water lilies. One of the bridges is modeled after the "Bridge of Madison," and the surrounding Spanish-style buildings blend beautifully with Hualien’s natural scenery, making you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.

▲A boat ride around the canal takes about 15 minutes, passing waterfalls, seven docks, 16 bridges, and endless greenery. (Photo provided by Ideal Resort)

▲The replica "Bridge of Madison" makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie. (Photo provided by Ideal Resort)

The most common plant is the "creeping fig," which covers the walls, adding a castle-like charm to the buildings. The rooms are also noteworthy, featuring antique wooden furniture and Spanish Southern-style decor. For example, the "twisted rope" once used in the Age of Sail to anchor ships is now used as bedposts and ceiling trim. There’s also the Spanish tradition of young women sewing "patchwork quilts" with their friends before marriage as a dowry, symbolizing blessings for the newlyweds. Additionally, each room has a sturdy "nautical treasure chest" that can store luggage or be used as a chair. In the age of medieval seafaring, it symbolized a spirit of adventure—and today, it represents the idea that everyone carries their own treasure island within, ensuring a fulfilling journey.

▲Standard suite. (Photo by reporter Lin Yuling)

▲The TV can rotate freely left and right, a thoughtful design. (Photo by reporter Lin Yuling)

▲Premier Suite. (Photo by reporter Lin Yuling)

▲Muslim-certified suite, equipped with a prayer mat and prayer timetable. (Photo by reporter Lin Yuling)

▲Bathroom. (Photo by reporter Lin Yuling)

▲Each room has a sturdy "nautical treasure chest" that can store luggage or be used as a chair. In the age of medieval seafaring, it symbolized a spirit of adventure—and today, it represents the idea that everyone carries their own treasure island within, ensuring a fulfilling journey. (Photo by reporter Lin Yuling)

In recent years, air quality has declined across Taiwan, with serious pollution issues. Recognizing this, Hualien has become one of the few clean havens in Taiwan. In response, Ideal Resort launched the "Ideal Deep Breath" vacation package from April to October this year, offering accommodation and two meals for just under 6,000 NTD. Prices vary depending on the room and package, ranging approximately from 5,500 NTD to 7,480 NTD.

Ideal Resort states that the resort has planted over 23,000 trees, 2,860 floral plants, and 155 species of flowers. Based on estimates, this contributes to significant carbon reduction.Guests can enjoy air that is 1,423 times cleaner than that of residents in Da’an Forest Park.With 262 rooms, each room is surrounded by over 100 different types of plants. The goal is to help more people understand the importance of proper breathing and healthy air, reconnect with nature, and spend a day away from the city.

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