Sans the
horrid service by Jetstar, we took the limo provided by the resort for an additional fee (that was well-worth the experience). Hence, the entire experience was very 'princess-like' and pampering. The driver was polite and helpful, immediately assisting us with the luggage without having to be asked. After an hour or so we finally arrived at our destination!
Upon entering the lobby, the serene view that greeted us was simply a delight. We were greeted warmly and since it was still too early for check-in, we were recommended to explore the waterfalls and
Wulai Old Street (烏來老街); the staff were very friendly and helpful. Before we left, we were asked about our preferred timings for breakfast (7.30am to 10am) and dinner (7pm to 9pm), which was to be a daily affair from 2.30pm to 5pm at the
SILQ restaurant.
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| The entrance to the lobby |
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| The serene surroundings from within the lobby |
So after our exploration (about 3-4 hours), it was time to finally head back to check-in. As the check-in procedures were settled earlier that morning, we were ushered to our room the moment we entered the lobby. With around 20 or so rooms, the resort manages to exude an exclusive feeling without any pretentiousness.
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| The corridor |
We stayed in a corner Grand View Room on the 6th floor (which also happens to be where the SILQ restaurant is located!) overlooking the river. The view from there was splendid and worth the money spent (especially when tea, dinner and breakfast, even supper are included, and did I mention that the mini-bar is complimentary too? ^^).
Our
Grand View Room was spacious with comfy beds and pillows, and the (complimentary) mini-bar was well-stocked. The room was done up nicely and exceeded expectations. And don't worry about water, there are 6 bottles of water that replenished daily (2 in the fridge, 2 in the bath, and 2 at the pantry).
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| Comfy bed and pillows under a canopy. The twin beds had a good distance between them. |
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| Mini-bar filled with drinks (even Taiwan Beer!) that are replenished daily and pantry area with a kettle for tea/coffee sachets |
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| TV console with CD / DVD player and a list of channels available |
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| Sofa, study table and TV console |
For the bathroom, it was well-appointed with
L'occitane toiletries, and the toilet was equipped with a heated hi-tech bidget. The toilet was separated from the shower and bathtub area. Regardless of type, all rooms have enuite hot springs, and with a view overlooking the river (for the
Grand View Room)... it was simply awesome!
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| Bathroom sink and counter equipped with L'occitane toiletries, combs, toothbrushes and toothpastes etc... |
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| Bathtub that is piped with hot springs water and the shower area, with a fantastic view |
While the resort isn't exactly brand new, and considering that is is near nature, the upkeep of the place was well maintained and everything was in relatively good condition. That being said, the maintenance to the exterior of the building could be further improved to enhance the experience and the walls could do with a fresh coat of paint.
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| The air-conditioning vents on the outside were a little dusty & the walls could do with a fresh coat of paint. |
Turndown service was done each time we were out of the room for dinner. For the first night, after a relaxing meal at
ABU, which serves French cuisine, it was back to a cosy room to turn in for the night. The bed was nice and comfy, and the pillows were a delight; with a pillow menu to get the pillow of your dreams. We slept like babies given the tranquil surroundings and comfortable beds. If it weren't for breakfast, I don't think we would even want to wake up early!
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| The cosy bed all made up for the night with the canopy drawn. (Pardon that black blob of jacket which DramaQueen so dramatically left in a haste to dinner lol) |
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| Bathtub at night after turndown service |
For the second night (which was also our last night there), turndown service included a cute little souvenir that we could bring home - the adorable
Volando Bear!
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| Adorable! |
Besides welcome tea, breakfast and dinner, which were included in the booking, there was also complimentary supper of light congee and other light refreshments.
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| Simple yet satisfying supper |
It is endearing to note that there are tiny gifts to take back home: in the form of a book and a CD of the music that's played throughout the hotel.
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| Thoughtful take home gifts |
Being secluded doesn't make Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort a boring place, as long as you are there for some peace and quiet (and lots of relaxing!). There are are shows (singing bowls ceremony/performance) in the morning and afternoons which are culturally engaging. And if you want to stay in your room all day, there are DVDs that you can rent (complimentary of course).
In addition to the shows, there is a 7-Eleven next door in case you start feeling peckish. Overall, I would recommend Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort (馥蘭朵烏來渡假酒店) as an ideal place for rest, relaxation and pampering (from the hassle and busyness of life).
When travel collides with a byte, a unit of information made up of bits, TravelBytez is formed: snippets of ramblings on travel, food, shopping, living and anything else that comes to mind.
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