Butterfly Valley Resort

“Amazing suite, everything else outdated”

Our stay was booked online and there was some communication problems as we did not understand chinese in the email. We ended up using Google translate and this led to some miscommunication (i.e. they thought we had cancelled therefore constantly having to reconfirm our booking). The location is in … more

Our stay was booked online and there was some communication problems as we did not understand chinese in the email. We ended up using Google translate and this led to some miscommunication (i.e. they thought we had cancelled therefore constantly having to reconfirm our booking). The location is in the countryside of Taiwan and was accessible by the close by Fuyuan or Guangfu stations. Which the hotel provided complimentary pick-up and drop-off. We quickly learnt that the resort mainly caters to Chinese speaking guests as there were very few English speaking staff, and signs were not translated. The villas are situated separately to the main reception, and there was golf carts that could take you there if needed. We had booked the Japanese suite and it was amazing. The room was spacious and sectioned off like a typical Japanese living space (entrance, main bed area, elevates floor seating, bathroom with spa). The highlight was definitely the private hot spring water spa. It was excellent quality mineral water as we had never felt so relaxed. The only negative was the drainage in the bathroom, as it could've been better since it was an open shower and the water never dried up. The mattress was comfortable but firm. We booked this mainly to see the Long Ying waterfall which is only a short hike from the resort. Unfortunately this trail was closed off due to a recent Hualien earthquake. There were many short walks throughout the grounds and up to the bridge. In general the place is run down and really needs a refresher. The butterfly house was dead. The plants were not looked after and this meant limited types of butterflies. Even the deers looked depressed. The butterfly exhibition was dusty and neglected. The outdoor public spas looked unappealing. Many areas were permanently closed and abandoned. They did not have any private spa options available when asked, even though there was a sign pointing upstairs for this. Note that you need to wear a one piece bathing suite to use these facilities. Dinner and breakfast were a mediocre buffet with limited options. There was a very lively indigenous show during dinner which asked for crowd participation. Seeing kids join in on the dancing and dessert making was heart-warming. After dinner we joined the night walk to see the fireflies. It was crowded and we were loss due to not understanding the tour guide especially in complete darkness. But we enjoyed it anyway as there were many fireflies to see. Overall, the staff were friendly and tried their hardest to make us feel welcomed. Our villa was amazing but the underlying issue still remains. The resort needs an update.

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“Lovely hot springs, good service ”

You get exactly the five star experience you pay for - good service, beautiful location, lovely hot springs, good amenities, spacious rooms, good food with big portions. Some staff speak English. There are golf karts available very quickly to take you around the grounds. There are lovely gardens an… more

You get exactly the five star experience you pay for - good service, beautiful location, lovely hot springs, good amenities, spacious rooms, good food with big portions. Some staff speak English. There are golf karts available very quickly to take you around the grounds. There are lovely gardens and walks, but be very prepared with mosquito repellent, which is provided free of charge in you room. It was a nice bonus that all drinks and snack provided in the mini bar was free of charge. Just refills are charged. Child friendly.

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“Worth coming for the day spa--the most beautiful natural setting I've encountered in TW!”

I came here the first time with my husband and our host and two kids on a gray day. There are walking and hiking trails for varying levels of experience and fitness, as well as a beautiful rock garden and an impressive collection of insects under glass. The best part are the hot spring pools, whi… more

I came here the first time with my husband and our host and two kids on a gray day. There are walking and hiking trails for varying levels of experience and fitness, as well as a beautiful rock garden and an impressive collection of insects under glass. The best part are the hot spring pools, which are less crowded and distinctive in the kind of hot springs (sodium carbonate and not sulfur) and set in among beautiful cypress trees with a fantastic view of the mountains. The staff in the spa area are friendly and helpful. Changing rooms can get a bit crowded as people are leaving but otherwise well worth a day trip. Have dinner nearby at an Amis restaurant that specializes in homegrown pond vegetables and farmed fish at the Shin Liu Farm adjacent to the Matai'an Wetland Ecological Park, about twenty-minutes drive northwest.

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