Well-being: hot springs - Taiwan

The island of Taiwan is dotted with hot springs (around 80°C) of volcanic origin, making Taiwan the second best hydro-spa destination in the world after Japan. The springs are rich in gas carbon, sulphur or silica, which are very good for general well-being. Only eight miles north of Taipei, you will stumble upon the Beitou springs which are very popular, as are the springs of Wulai, also in the Taipei district, 16 miles south of the capital. The Wulai springs are in the Atayals mountainous territory, home to Taiwan's second-largest aboriginal tribe.

You can make the most of the natural springs of the river which, at the heart of a grandiose setting of mountains dotted with waterfalls, make for a simply fantastical experience. You can also have a hot spring experience at hotels such as Pause Landis Resort Hotel. There are several pools of varying (hot) temperatures as well as cold pools with hydro-massage jets which massage every part of the body?a very relaxing and enjoyable experience indeed! As your legs turn to jelly, try not to fall asleep! There is also a sauna and a Turkish bath-great to recharge your batteries. Don't stay too long in pools hotter than 40°C though. The idea is to alternate between hot and cold temperatures. Also, you will have to put any prudishness aside as the baths are taken naked, although you can borrow a small towel to cover the essentials. This of course means that there are separate baths for men and women.

Every hotel in urban Taiwan tends to be equipped with a spa, the speciality of the country being the foot massage?relaxing and stimulating, absolutely unmissable!