Sun Moon Lake has long been the go-to place for Taiwanese families and friend groups to escape Taipei, Kaohsiung and other bustling cities with its fresh air, thick forests, clear water, misty sunrises and alpine views. Wyndham Sun Moon Lake, opened November 2024, provides international visitors with an even greater incentive to rent a car or take high-speed rail (TaiChung HRS) to explore this “best-kept secret” area.

© Elyse Glickman

The modern, 203-room and -suite hotel is located in the heart of Yuchi Township, with one entrance facing town center and Ita Shao Street. Many of the rooms either face the lakeshore or the Central Mountain Range. The award-winning interior aesthetic, created by Taipei’s Infospace Design Ltd., starts with a fresh, minimalist foundation that sprinkles in Asian and European influences. The lobby and other public areas are adorned with vibrant canvases from regional artists. The in-house kids’ club offers the youngest guests a safe, fun environment as they acclimate to new sights and sounds.

The most distinctive feature of the rooms are hot spring tubs that can be filled with healing waters obtained from a 1,000-meter-deep hot spring discovered near the entrance. While the hotel’s Lalu Sun Moon Lake Spa also takes advantage of the nourishing hot springs, and has a menu of Eastern and Western therapeutic modalities, the in-room hot springs tubs suit the healthy outdoor lifestyle Sun Moon Lake has long been famous for, providing sublime relaxation after more active days.

© Elyse Glickman

Food offerings include the casual-upscale Shao Chinese Restaurant and The Gourmet Kitchen buffet restaurant, which serves a beautifully presented Eastern-Western breakfast with some vegetarian and vegan items. Some may argue the fresh fruit is one of its highlights.

The picturesque waterfront is a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel, along with access points to places offset by fresh air and misty scenery, including Hanbi Trail, Sun Moon Lake Bikeway (connecting the Xiangshan, Yuetan and Huantan Bikeways to make a full loop around the lake), ferry ride access and water activity rental companies. A few minutes further up the paved walking and bike path, there is a gorgeous building by Tokyo architects Norihiko Dan and Associates housing the starting point of the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (playfully promoted at one of the hotel’s entrances with a  cheerfully painted gondola). You may also get a glimpse of local wildlife if you walk along the paths early in the morning.

© Elyse Glickman

Public art and landmark structures in and around town further enhance the hotel’s sense of place. Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, a 30-minute car ride from the hotel, provides a compelling introduction to the culture and architecture of nine Taiwanese indigenous tribes, adding greater context to the food and art. Tea connoisseurs will want to check out establishments of small artisanal producers in Lugao Village or tea gardens with tours such as Hugosum en route between Taipei and Yuchi Township.

Wyndham Sun Moon Lake

No. 312號, Zhongzheng Road, Yuchi Township,

Nantou County, Taiwan 555005

tel 886 4 9285 0085