Goya Spring Resort: Your Taichung Paradise Awaits!
Goya Spring Resort: My Taichung Paradise… Or Was It? A Review Dripping in Honesty (and Maybe a Bit of Steamroom Sweat)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Goya Spring Resort in Taichung and honey, do I have stories. Forget your meticulously curated travel blogs, because I'm laying down the real deal - the good, the bad, and the slightly-too-close-for-comfort proximity to a very loud karaoke session. Let's dive in, shall we?
SEO & Metadata (because the internet demands it):
- Title: Goya Spring Resort Review: Taichung Paradise? My Unfiltered Experience!
- Keywords: Goya Spring Resort, Taichung, Taiwan, Spa, Hot Springs, Hotel Review, Accessible, Wheelchair Friendly, Food, Restaurant, Pool, Sauna, Fitness Center, Family Friendly, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, COVID-19 Safety, Luxury, Travel, Accommodation
- Meta Description: My honest review of Goya Spring Resort in Taichung! Find out if it lives up to the hype. Accessibility, food, spa, cleanliness – I cover it all! Warning: May contain excessive love for the sauna. And maybe a little rant.
Accessibility: The Rollercoaster of Mobility
So, I'm not going to lie, the accessibility situation at Goya was a bit of a mixed bag. The website promised a lot, you know? Promises, promises… Let me just say, I wasn't personally navigating with a wheelchair, but I observed enough to paint a decent picture.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Some areas were genuinely great! The elevators were large and easy to use, the paths were generally smooth, and the public restrooms I peeked into (because, curiosity, right?) seemed accessible. However… there were definitely some areas where things got tricky. Steep ramps outside were a bit of a challenge, and maneuvering tables in the restaurants felt a bit tight. I heard grumbles, definitely grumbles!
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: This is where it should have shone. And, to be fair they tried… but I got a sense they were still working on it. The staff were friendly and helpful when they were around (more on that later).
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Okay, these were definitely touch-and-go. The main restaurant had some accessible seating, but the spacing was a bit cramped. The "lounge" area, well, let's just say it was more of a "seating area" and it wasn't overly conducive for accessibility.
Getting Around: The Quest for a Parking Spot (and a Taxi)
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Okay, parking was a nightmare. Seriously. Even though they claim to have ample parking, it was a free-for-all. I spent a good 20 minutes circling like a vulture trying to find a spot. Valet was available, and a lifesaver after the driving ordeal! And hey! They had a Car power charging station, so, bonus points for the EV crowd.
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: I didn't use the airport transfer, but cabs were readily available, but the taxi stand was a bit of a hike—especially with luggage!
- Bicycle parking: I didn't see any serious bicycle parking, there were some racks, but not great!
Rooms: Cozy… and Maybe a Little Claustrophobic?
Okay, the rooms! The advertised Non-smoking rooms were a godsend! Thank god!
- The Air conditioning was a lifesaver in the Taichung heat (phew!).
- The Bed was comfy.
- Wi-Fi [free] was a blessing.
- Blackout curtains: Yes! because, sleep.
- Seating area: was good.
- Mirror: yes, very important!
- Desk: Yes, because I was forced to still do some work sigh.
- Additional toilet: Good points for that one.
- Bathtub: I took a bath and it was amazing.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: were comfy.
- Separate shower/bathtub - YES!
- Free bottled water: Was a lifesaver.
- Coffee/tea maker: essential for survival.
- Refrigerator: perfect for storing my midnight snacks.
- In-room safe box: for storing valuables.
- Complimentary tea: shrugs whatever.
- Wake-up service: Yes! Great!
- Alarm clock: Needed one.
- High floor: Good!
- Linens, Towels: Good quality!
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- On-demand movies: meh.
- Soundproofing: Questionable during karaoke hour.
However… the "cozy" factor edged a little too close to claustrophobic, especially when you added in the luggage. The Internet access – wireless worked great, but I wished it had Internet access – LAN as well.
Internet Access & Services: Staying Connected… Mostly
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - HUGE win! Seriously. Essential!
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: Wi-Fi was generally reliable, but the public areas, like the lobby, could get a bit spotty during peak hours. I didn't test the LAN because who even uses that anymore? Unless you are me, it wasn't me, it was another person's project.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buffets, Karaoke, and Questionable Coffee Decisions
This is where Goya really shines… or at least, attempts to. Let's break it down:
- Breakfast [buffet]:, Buffet in restaurant - Oh, the buffet! It was a glorious spread. Asian and Western options mingled happily (and sometimes, a bit confusingly). The Asian breakfast was spot-on. The Western breakfast, well, let's just say they tried. Don't expect a gourmet experience, but hey – free food!
- Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant - The main restaurant had an a la carte menu, with everything from noodles to pizza. Dinner was good, but I was expecting more from the Asian cuisine in restaurant.
- Poolside bar, Bar: The poolside bar was a great touch! I mean, who doesn't love sipping a cocktail while pretending to be on vacation? The bar also offered some happy hour deals.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: The coffee situation, though… let's just say it wasn't a highlight. I am a coffee snob, and I was deeply disappointed. I could have used some bottle of water to wash the taste of the coffee out.
- Poolside bar, Snack bar: The snack bar had the usual suspects - nothing to write home about, but gets the job done.
- Room service [24-hour]: Always a plus. Perfect for those late-night snack attacks.
- Happy hour: Score!
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant - fine, nothing amazing, nothing terrible.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They seemed accommodating to dietary restrictions, which is a plus.
But here's the thing… The dining experience was slightly overshadowed by the… ahem… karaoke. Yes, you heard me. The resort, for some reason, seemed to be a magnet for belting enthusiasts. At all hours. My room may have been Soundproof, but those vocals will haunt me.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa-tacular (and Sauna-tastic!)
Okay, this is where Goya redeems itself. The spa! THE SPA!
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Foot bath, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Gym/fitness: This is where Goya is a CHAMPION! Seriously, that sauna was my happy place. I spent hours in there, sweating out all my worries (and probably a few toxins). The steam room was also fantastic. The pool was gorgeous, with a breathtaking view (perfect for Instagram!). The Gym/fitness, nothing special. I didn't get a body scrub or body wrap, but I heard good things. And the massage… oh, the massage. Heavenly.
- Couple's room: I didn't end up in one, but if I was with someone, I would have taken it.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Considerations
- **Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at
Alright, here we go. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your polished, Instagram-filtered travel guide. This is me, in Goya Spring Resort, Taichung, Taiwan, and it's gonna be… well, chaotic. Let’s see if I survive.
Goya Spring Resort: A Messy Adventure (in Progress)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic
- 1:00 PM: Landing at Taichung International Airport. Okay, first hurdle: Passport Control. Smooth as melted butter, thankfully. I swear, sometimes I feel like I'm channeling my inner international spy (who can't speak a lick of the local language).
- 1:30 PM: Taxi to Goya Spring Resort. The driver… well, he drove. We communicated in a glorious tapestry of pointing, gesturing, and me repeating the resort name like a broken record. The air is thick with humidity and the scent of… something floral I can't quite place. Exotic, and slightly unnerving.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. The front desk staff are impossibly polite. Like, suspiciously polite. Are they robots? Are they judging my travel-weary appearance? (Probably). They hand over the keycard and give me a weird little smile. I hope it's a friendly smile.
- 3:00 PM: Room Reveal! Oh my god, the room is… actually pretty amazing. Big, with a balcony that overlooks… something. Lush greenery, a hint of steam, and a general feeling of "I'm definitely not in my usual, cramped apartment". I immediately dump my backpack on the bed and then remember I haven't brushed my teeth. Priorities, people, priorities.
- 3:30 PM: Attempt to navigate the "In-Room Amenities" guide. It’s all in Chinese. Well, mostly in Chinese. After ten minutes of struggling I give up and just hope I don't accidentally summon a demon or something by pushing the wrong button.
- 4:00 PM: The Pool. Ah, yes. The pool. It looks idyllic in the photos. In reality? I'm pretty sure it's a slightly less chlorinated version of the ocean, filled with… well, I’m not sure what, but it's green. I dip a toe in and immediately regret it. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe.
- 5:00 PM: Wandering around the resort. Okay, this place is vast. I feel a deep, abiding urge to get lost. The architecture is… eclectic. Part modern, part traditional, with a healthy dose of "I hope this structurally sound". I pass a karaoke room (tempting, but no) and a "children's activity center" that looks suspiciously like a prison for tiny humans.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Trying the resort's “renowned” buffet and I'm already regretting my decision. I'm pretty sure I ate something that moved. The soup was… an experience. I try and use my broken Mandarin to order some dumplings and the waiter just stares at me. Okay, maybe I am channeling my inner international spy. A very inept spy.
- 7:30 PM: Stumbling back to the room. Exhausted and slightly defeated. But hey, I survived Day 1! (Almost).
Day 2: Onsen and Existential Dread
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast buffet round two. Okay, the fruit selection is actually pretty good. But the coffee? It tastes like pond water. I’m going to need a LOT of caffeine to survive this trip.
- 9:00 AM: The famed onsen experience. This is what I came here for. I’ve read all about the therapeutic waters, the serene atmosphere. I’m ready to soak away my troubles. (And maybe my questionable food choices from last night).
- 9:30 AM: Changing room. Oh. My. God. I am not prepared for this. The other women are… confident. And I’m here covered in touristy freckles, wearing a slightly wonky swimsuit. I feel like a beached whale.
- 9:45 AM: Stepping into the onsen. The water is lovely, I'll give it that. Hot, soothing, and… crowded. I accidentally make eye contact with a woman who looks like she’s been coming here for centuries. She gives me a look that could curdle milk. I quickly find a less-occupied corner, trying not to splash anyone.
- 10:00 AM: Okay, the onsen is… meditative. In the way that staring at a wall is meditative. I am surrounded by steam and the gentle murmur of Taiwanese conversations I cannot understand. I’m sure I have never felt more self-conscious. I’m also fairly sure I'm going to get pruney.
- 11:00 AM: Exit the Onsen: I somehow manage to avoid any further social gaffes. The world feels slightly cleaner. Slightly less chaotic. Perhaps my troubles are gone… temporarily.
- 12:00 PM: A (probably) too expensive lunch. The restaurant only has one English menu. It took me about 20 minutes to work out that I needed to order a spicy noodle soup. Was it delicious? Yes. Was it worth the price? I’m not sure. I’m also starting to suspect I’m allergic to something in the broth.
- 1:00 PM: Napping. Because Onsen.
- 3:00 PM: Hiking! Or, at least, the attempt at hiking. The resort has a "nearby" trail. "Nearby" turns out to be a 45-minute uphill walk through a forest filled with… well, a lot of things I can’t identify. Bugs, chirping noises, and the distinct feeling of being watched.
- 4:00 PM: Reached a lookout point. The view? Stunning. Worth the sweat, the bugs, and the existential dread I’ve been feeling. The world looks… manageable from up here. For now.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the resort. I'm sweaty, exhausted, and covered in… something. But also, strangely content. Maybe this whole Goya Spring Resort thing isn’t so bad after all.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I'm sticking to the fruit selection, I don't trust the buffet.
Day 3: Farewell (and Possibly a Return)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. More fruit. More pond water coffee. Attempt to read a few lines of Chinese from the complimentary newspaper, fail miserably.
- 10:00 AM: Packing! It is my least favorite activity in the world. I am a terrible packer. My suitcase will probably explode at the airport.
- 11:00 AM: Final wander around the resort. I've grown… fond… of this bizarre place. The slightly-off architecture, the questionable food, the intense humidity. It's all part of the charm, I guess.
- 12:00 PM: Check-out. Surprisingly smooth. No demons summoned, no international incidents.
- 12:30 PM: Taxi to the airport. Back to the real world. But I know I might just return to this mess, as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts:
Goya Spring Resort? It’s weird. It's not perfect. The food is a gamble. But it’s also… an adventure. And as a wise person (probably me, after a few hours in the onsen) once said, "Life is too short to eat boring food and stay in boring places." I'd come back. And I’d probably bring a friend. Just so I have someone to complain to.
Rating: 7/10 - Would recommend (with caveats).
Escape to Paradise: Angelos B's Stunning Corfu Beach House!
Goya Spring Resort: FAQ - Because Let's Be Real, You *Need* This
Okay, So Like, What *Exactly* Is Goya Spring Resort? Is It Just...Hot Springs?
Alright, picture this: Lush green hills, the air smelling faintly of...well, sulfur, in a good way (I swear!). Goya Spring Resort is more than *just* hot springs, although, let's be real, the hot springs are a HUGE selling point. It's a whole vibe. Think: A little bit of luxury, a whole lot of relaxation, and a healthy dose of "I need this right now." There are pools, spas, restaurants...Stuff to keep you busy for days. I went expecting just a soak, and ended up wandering around in a daze of happy exhaustion. It's a good daze.
Is it Family-Friendly? I Have Like, Three Kids Who Think Baths are a Punishment.
This is a HUGE question, and honestly, a tough one! Yes and no. They *do* have kid-friendly pools with water slides, and there's a whole playground area. But, a significant chunk of the experience is geared towards, shall we say, *tranquility.* My neighbor took her brood, and it was...a mixed bag. The kids loved the slides, but the serene spa area? That was a total no-go. There were some *loud* disagreements. So, if your kids are on the quieter side or adore water, great! If they thrive on chaos...maybe scope out the location of the nearest emergency chocolate stash before you go. Think a little ahead for the sake of your own sanity.
The Hot Springs! Tell Me About the Hot Springs! Are They, You Know, Clean?
Okay, THE HOT SPRINGS. Let's get this straight: amazing. Honestly, they're the reason you're going! Yes, they are clean! I’m a bit of a germaphobe, and I didn't get a single itchy rash. There are various pools, different temperatures. Some are indoors, some are out, under the twinkling stars. There's this one pool, the "milk bath", I kept going back to it because of its relaxing properties. It was pure bliss. Just...watch out for that sneaky steam. I almost walked straight into a wall the first time, blinded by the hot vapors. Not my finest moment. (True story! Mortified.)
What About Food? Do I Need to Pack Snacks? (Because I Always Need Snacks.)
Snacks? Yes, probably. I mean, the resort has restaurants, and they are pretty good. There are buffets and a la carte options. BUT! Listen, they’re not *cheap*. I, being a cheapskate by nature, had a minor heart attack when I saw the prices on the menu. Bring some snacks! You know, the ones you hide from your kids. The good stuff. You can always sneak some in. No judgment here. Also, the breakfast buffet is included with some packages, which is a lifesaver on your wallet and in deliciousness.
Is it Expensive? Because, Budget.
Alright, let's be real. Goya isn’t *cheap*. It’s not the kind of place you go on a whim with loose change. Packages vary wildly, depending on what you get. Weekends are pricier. But! Here's the thing: I think the value is there. The quality is high, the experience is memorable, and honestly, sometimes you *deserve* to splurge on yourself. I'd suggest looking at their website for deals, especially during weekdays or off-season. If the budget’s genuinely tight, maybe just the day pass. It may be an investment; a good one at that!
What About Accommodation? Are the Rooms Nice?
The rooms are *lovely*. Spacious, clean, and comfortable. Many have balconies overlooking the mountains, which is seriously dreamy. Some even have private hot spring tubs on the deck. (Bragging rights!) I stayed in one of those (I splurged!), and it was pure indulgence. Waking up, stepping out onto the balcony, and easing into a hot spring bath... pure heaven. Trust me, it's hard to leave your room!
How Do I Get There? Public Transport? Rent a Car? (I'm Clumsy!)
Getting there is relatively easy, but it depends on where you're coming from. Most people drive, as it provides more freedom. Rental cars are a good option. Public transport? There are buses, but honestly, it's not the most convenient. Plus, if you're like me (clumsy and directionally challenged), you probably want the ease of your own vehicle; if you can find someone to drive!
Anything I Should Definitely Pack? Beyond the Obvious (Swimsuit, Towel...)?
Oh, yes! Absolutely!
- A GOOD BOOK: You'll have time. Loads of it.
- Flip-flops/Sandals: Necessary for traipsing around the pools.
- Your Best Bathing Suit: So you can get those epic Instagram shots!
- A Waterproof Phone Case: Because, memories! (And selfies. Lots of selfies.)
- A Robe: Very, very comforting.
- Dry bag: To keep your electronic devices safe!
- Cash: Not everything takes cards.
- Most importantly, a good attitude: Ready to *relax*!
Is There Something to do Besides Hot Springs? I Get Bored Easily.
Yes! While the hot springs are the main attraction, there's more. There are spa treatments (massage, anyone?), walking trails, a gym, and karaoke. If you are like me and get bored sitting on a couch, this is your chance to mix it up. You can explore the surrounding area. Plus the food! Seriously great restaurants. However, if you're *seriously* prone to boredom, maybe mix a few days at Goya with a few days more active pursuits in Taichung.
Is It Actually Worth It? The Big Question!
