From 618 to 907AD, Tang developed one of the most refined cultural achievements of Chinese history. The most famous poets like Wang Wei (王維) and Li Bai (李白) wrote beautiful lines in the palaces of the elegant capital: Chang An (長安). As well as literature, arts bloomed: Some might know the feminine shapes of women in the astounding 3 colored pottery typical of this period which we can see in the National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院) in Taipei. But, what if instead of steady picture, we could experience the Tang life for a while?

Danshui (淡水) and Bali (八里) are one of those city mini breaks any Taipeier plans for a short holiday or a lazy weekend. Enjoying the cheerful ambience of a riverside walk, the warm caress of spring and summer, the cool sea breeze of the Formosa Strait. Yummy food stalls, all kind of games and shops mixed with stylish cafes and lounge bars such as Red Castle or Consulate. But, those towns reinvent themselves with new offers and attractions.

We started this journey in Taipei Main Station and took the MRT to Danshui where a short walk riverside, surrounded by cheerful atmosphere and a welcoming spring sun, till the docks where a ferry crossed the river. Bali is smaller than Danshui but keeps this 24/7 holiday ambience.

Right there, the bus R13 or R22 took us quite out of the rush, at the base of Quanying (觀音) Mountain, where hidden in a simple Chinese style roof we can find Sparty, a Tang style spa village with a wide range of water treatments for a healthy, relaxing and funny weekend.

Sparty is actually a fusion of the new trends of design and wellness with an amazing recreation of the Tang dynasty times. Each room has a delightful decoration that melts the typical Japanese bath with ozuro in a modern zen style furniture. All rooms have a view of the gardens through huge windows. Guests walk around with bare feet and elegant yukatas over the wooden floor.

The open garden offers several treatments. Probably one of the most surprising is the Turkish garra rufa fish. A rare species of fish, known as the Doctor fish, which enjoy exfoliation of dead feet skin. Originally from Kangal and Sivas spa towns in Turkey, this treatment is spreading around due to its benefits for several skin diseases such as psoriasis. Those hungry tiny fish seem to eat non-stop, but actually they fancy much more feet skin than other parts of your body.Other successful treatments are the medical and beauty thermal baths, basically perfumed with rose, lavender or grass scents mixed with color therapy, becoming an ideal place for relaxed chat. Natural Taiwanese hot springs are reproduced in the center of this garden with several pools of rock. Temperature is controlled by computer. Japanese jacuzzi, Turkish steam bath and Finnish sauna are also available in the garden, as well as warm rock beds.

A big swimming pool with wide variety of jets (Kurhaus water therapy) completes the variety of this open air spa. Same sex naked baths are located in the annex building, after a small garden with a waterfall. The place imitates a natural environment for the lovers of the real taste of hot springs, while tatami floored rooms are provided for a rest between treatments.

In Tang Dynasty times, the hour was announced by cymbals. Beautiful Tang poems decorate the streets that reproduce a village with tiny food stalls that serve from cappuccino to noodle soup. In the main restaurant, a wide range of dishes is on the menu, including a set of traditional food based on Chinese medicine recipes such as herbal worm and kidney in sesame oil soup.

One day is enough to discover and enjoy all the facilities of this oasis, but a second day would offer us the chance to deep into the treatments. Sparty, as Taiwan itself, is a cosmopolitan experience that mixes the best of its tradition with the latest trends for the enjoyment of locals and tourist from all over the world.

SERVICE HOURS

Weekdays 10.00 – 00.00

Weekend & Holiday 10.00 – 2.00

PRICES

Use of the facilities only from NT$640.

Rooms with basic package from NT$8,800.

CONTACT

1-6 Hsia Ku Zu Pali Hsiang

Taipei Hsien 249, Taiwan

+886226105218

basian@ms14.hitnet.net

www.sparty.com.tw