HotelChatter

The spa, recently opened and designed by Sofie, a renowned Indonesian spa director, oozes serenity with gracious service. The spa menu is extensive with a large variety of treatments, including massage, skin polishing, body wrap, facial care, as well as decadent spa combinations lasting two to five hours. My road weary body settled on the Travelers Perk JetLag Recovery Massage. I was led into a spacious room complete with steam room, shower, large stone tub, massage table and daybed, and had a view overlooking a park and the whole city of Taipei. The room itself was as large as the guest rooms and inspired by quality Indonesian resorts.

The staff, handpicked and trained by Sofie herself, was multilingual due to the hotel's clientele. (Mandarin, Japanese and English are spoken.) After enjoying a wellness tea and foot soak, I climbed up on a massage table, which was heated from head to toe. Warm and cozy, it alone can put you to sleep, but add in a long-stroke massage with therapeutic oil and I was out for the count. I had to be awakened to turn over midway through the treatment. One hour of kneading, massaging and stretching left me limp and relaxed. I was in heaven. I spent another ten minutes in a steam room, and then a long shower and shampoo, before retiring to the windowseat/daybed and enjoying a rejuvenating cup of tea and sweet treat. Relaxing, peaceful, and therapeutic, the full treatment of two hours was just what the doctor ordered. I was again ready to rejoin my group for another round of banquets and events.

(If you don't have time for the wonderful spa at The Grand Formosa Regent Taipei, check out their Pillow Menu to help you relax and fall asleep. A full line of pillows, including Tealeaf, Foam, Goosedown, Memory, Aqua-wool, Sealy Posturpedic, or Feather is available free of charge.