During the cold winter, what could be more delightful than taking your furry friend to soak in a hot spring? However, can you really bring your pet along to enjoy the hot springs? In reality, most hot spring resorts rarely allow pets inside. Even if dogs are allowed, they might only be able to watch you enjoy the soak. Nonetheless, if your pet can stay overnight with you, it's still a great comfort, as you won't have to leave them alone in a pet hotel.
As autumn and winter approach, many families look forward to relaxing and rejuvenating their minds and bodies through hot spring bathing, benefiting from the natural nourishment it provides. Planning a simple two-day, one-night trip can be an easy way to release a year's worth of stress. Of course, bringing along your best travel companion—your furry friend—is an excellent plan!
Nowadays, Taiwan has an increasing number of pet-friendly hot spring resorts in the north, central, and southern regions. These resorts allow pet owners to bring their pets along during winter without any hassle, ensuring a joyful journey for all. Today, let's recommend some pet-friendly hot spring hotels in Taiwan with ratings of four stars or higher. Each of these friendly resorts combines beautiful springs, scenery, and hot spring facilities.
Yufuin Hot Spring Resort
Address: No. 85, Wenquan Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
Contact: Facebook Page
Located in the Wulai Hot Spring District, Yufuin Hot Spring Resort is a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
About the Resort
Yufuin Hot Spring Resort is nestled within the Wulai Hot Spring area, known for its weak alkaline carbonate springs, affectionately referred to as "Beauty Soup." During winter, Wulai is a top choice for visitors from northern and central Taiwan due to its naturally clear water quality, which makes bathing an exceptionally comfortable experience. The unique terrain of Wulai also attracts many enthusiasts who come to enjoy the hot springs.
The resort's architecture blends indigenous Atayal and Japanese styles, offering a unique aesthetic experience. It is conveniently located near the Nanshih River, with Wulai Old Street just a five-minute walk away. The resort offers affordable accommodations with a variety of room types, allowing guests to choose between carbonate and sodium bicarbonate springs, catering to both digestive health and skin care needs.
Features and Amenities
What sets Yufuin apart is its pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their small dogs along. This is particularly rare in Wulai, making it a gem for pet owners. The resort features simple yet cozy rooms where guests can enjoy scenic views while soaking in the hot springs. Additionally, there is a charming mascot, a small black dog named Xiao Pang, who welcomes guests at the entrance.
Visitors can explore Wulai Old Street, appreciate the natural beauty of Wulai, and let their pets interact with the warm natural spring water. The resort also offers a cedar wood aroma experience, enhancing the overall ambiance. Notably, there are no additional pet cleaning fees, though this is limited to small dogs. All rooms are thoroughly disinfected daily, and air purifiers are installed on each floor to ensure a pleasant stay.
Another pet-friendly option in the area is the 51 Hot Spring Resort, though it is advisable to confirm their current policies before planning a visit.
Angel's Inn Jaioxi Hotspring
Address: No. 12, Section 6, Jiaoxi Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County
This hotel offers pet-friendly rooms with oversized bathtubs made from Bali stone, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Jiaoxi hot springs right in your room. It feels like a vacation without leaving the country! Although pets are not allowed in the pool, it's still delightful to stay with them. The hotel is conveniently located near the train station and Jiaoxi bus transfer station, making it about a 5-minute walk away. It's ideal for travelers using public transportation. Remember to follow regulations by carrying a pet carrier or using a suitable pet stroller when bringing your dog on public transport.
Greenpeak Holiday Villa
Address: No.22, Sanchongqiao, Jinshan District, New Taipei City
Contact: Website
Located in Jinshan, Greenpeak Holiday Villa has been a local favorite for 30 years. Beyond hot spring bathing, it offers accommodations, swimming, camping, and pet-friendly rooms. As the only carbonated sulfur spring in Yangmingshan, the hot spring water is not recycled, ensuring it meets health department standards for a worry-free soak. The facility includes various options such as private tubs, gender-separated public pools, and outdoor pools. However, pets are not allowed in the hot spring areas.
The Great Roots Forestry Spa Resort
Address: No.79, Chajiao, Sanxia District, New Taipei City
Contact: Website | Facebook Page | Instagram
Nestled in a forest, The Great Roots Forestry Spa Resort offers a unique pet-friendly experience. Each pet-themed room allows up to two pets, with an additional cleaning fee of NT$500 for each pet beyond the second, up to a maximum of four pets per room. The resort thoughtfully provides dog houses, dog bowls, and pee pads, along with pet treats as a welcome gift.
Pets are only allowed in pet-friendly rooms and forest areas. If pets need to pass through indoor areas, they must be carried in a pet carrier or stroller and cannot be on the floor.
Since only specific room types are pet-friendly, it is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.
Mingao Hot Spring Resort
Address: No. 92, Section 1, Dongguan Road, Heping District, Taichung City
Contact: Website
Since its discovery in 1907, Mingao Hot Spring Resort has been one of the earliest developed hot spring resorts during the Japanese colonial era, boasting a rich history. All rooms offer high-quality carbonated spring water from Guguan for bathing. If you plan to bring pets, please make sure to book in advance. The resort is conveniently located near the Baxianshan National Forest Recreation Area, which allows pets under certain conditions. Please refer to the latest government announcements for detailed regulations.
Gukeng Hot Springs: A Perfect Winter Getaway
Among the most renowned hot spring areas in central Taiwan, Gukeng Hot Springs stands out. The hot springs in Gukeng are carbonated springs with crystal-clear water, offering numerous health benefits for the nervous system, digestive system, joints, and skin. Alongside Fuyan and Sakura hot springs, Gukeng is considered one of the top three hot springs in the region. If you don't want to travel far to the mountains in the south, Gukeng is an excellent choice, being conveniently close to Taichung City. It's perfect for a relaxing winter soak with your beloved pets.
The next morning, you can wake up early and take your pets to the Gukeng Suspension Bridge and the Shou Lai Trail for a hike, combining outdoor exercise with your hot spring trip. It's a perfect way to enjoy nature with your pets, who will surely be eager to explore and stroll with you in the beautiful surroundings.
King's Resort & Spa
Address: No. 72, Henglongshan, Jinshui Village, Tai'an Township, Miaoli County
Contact: Website | Facebook Page | Instagram
About the Resort
Located in the picturesque mountains and valleys of Tai'an, Miaoli County, King's Resort & Spa offers breathtaking views and a serene environment. The resort features private hot spring rooms and a public outdoor hot spring area. Guests can visit solely for hot spring experiences, and those staying overnight can enjoy complimentary access to the hot spring facilities once. However, pets are not allowed in the hot spring areas.
Public Hot Spring Facilities
The public hot spring area requires guests to wear swimwear and swim caps. It is divided into three zones, allowing visitors to choose from various facilities based on their preferences:
- Hydrotherapy Pool
- Infrared Sauna
- Aromatic Steam Room
- Cold Water Pool
- Tropical Rainforest Zone
SUNLINE Motel & Resort
Address: No. 81, Mujiliao, Baihe District, Tainan City
Contact: Facebook Page
Located in Tainan's Baihe District, SUNLINE Resort is situated near the Guanziling Hot Spring area. However, its hot springs are colorless sodium bicarbonate springs, distinct from Guanziling's mud springs.
The resort offers various room types, but not all rooms are equipped with hot spring facilities. Business rooms only have shower facilities, and guests who wish to soak in hot springs can use the outdoor public pool.
This resort is pet-friendly, requiring a cleaning fee of NT$400. Pets are not allowed in the pools or on beds.
Guanling Lin Kuei Yuan Spring Resort
Address: 53-18 Guanling Village (Guanziling), Baihe District, Tainan City
Contact: Website | Facebook Page | Instagram
About the Resort
This resort features one of the world's rarest mud spring hot springs, found in only three locations globally: Sicily, Italy; Kagoshima, Japan; and Guanziling, Taiwan.
Facilities
The resort offers two types of accommodations: pure hot spring facilities without beds and lodging options. Each is equipped with a mud pool, cold spring pool, and steam box. The resort is pet-friendly, with no cleaning fees charged for pets. However, a deposit of NT$1,000 is required per pet.
Pet Policy
The maximum number of dogs allowed per room is equal to the room's occupancy capacity. For example, a double room can accommodate up to two dogs. Please refer to the official pet policy announcement for more details.
Luminous Hot Spring Resort & Spa
Address: No. 200, Section 1, Zhonghua Road, Luye Township, Taitung County
Contact: Website
Have you ever attended the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival? Luminous Hot Spring Resort is conveniently located near Luye Highland, just a 10-minute drive away.
Pet-friendly accommodations are situated on the first floor, where you can step out into a lush meadow right from your door. The hotel thoughtfully provides pet supplies and treats. Each room allows one pet, with an additional cleaning fee of NT$300 for each extra pet. When dining, pets must be carried in a bag or placed in a strolle
Pet Bathing Precautions
When it comes to bathing your pets, there are several important considerations to ensure their safety and comfort. Here are some key guidelines to follow:
- Confirm Pool Access: Before entering the pool, confirm whether pets are allowed. Inform the facility about the number of pets you will be bringing during booking.
- Water Temperature: Ensure the water temperature is moderate and not too hot. After bathing, immediately dry your pet thoroughly.
- Health Considerations: Avoid bathing elderly pets or those with cardiovascular issues whenever possible.
- Consult a Veterinarian: If your pet has any illnesses or health concerns, consult with a veterinarian before bathing.
- Respect Their Will: Do not force your pet to bathe if they are unwilling. Always respect their comfort and consent.
Conclusion
After exploring the above 10 stunning hot spring resorts, aren't you thrilled? The highlight is that each one is incredibly pet-friendly. If you're a hot spring enthusiast and a pet parent, I highly recommend planning a winter hot spring getaway. This unique experience will leave you and your furry companion with cherished memories!
