Escape to Paradise: Go Around B&B, Hualien's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Go Around B&B, Hualien - My Slightly Chaotic, Utterly Honest Review (and a Booking Offer You Can't Refuse!)
Right, let's be real. Travel reviews? They’re either suspiciously glowing or aggressively negative. I’m aiming for… somewhere in between. I've just returned from a stay at Escape to Paradise: Go Around B&B in Hualien, Taiwan, and, honestly, I'm still unpacking – both my suitcase AND my feelings. This place is a trip, yeah, but a good trip. A messy, wonderfully imperfect, utterly charming trip. Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility (Or, Can You Actually Get There?):
Hualien itself is stunning, a mountain-meets-ocean wonderland. Getting to Escape to Paradise was… well, it was an adventure. The taxi driver, bless his soul, spoke about as much English as I speak Mandarin (zero). But we got there! And the place is indeed tucked away, a genuine "hidden gem."
Accessibility: The listing does mention "facilities for disabled guests." I’d say it’s a bit… nuanced. The website needs more detail, perhaps even photos, so I'd say call ahead to confirm and ask specific questions. There’s an elevator, which is a huge plus, and that's always a good start, but I didn't get a sense of deep accessibility beyond that.
Getting Around: They offer Airport transfer and Taxi service, which is a lifesaver, especially if you're arriving at odd hours or don't fancy the public transport. Bonus points for the Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Finding parking in Hualien can be a nightmare, trust me.
Cleanliness and Safety: Are You Going to Catch Something? (Hopefully Not!)
Okay, the elephant in the room: Covid. They seem to get it. I was impressed:
- Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services? Yup. The rooms looked and smelled legitimately clean.
- Daily disinfection in common areas. Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. Again, check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere. Needed, appreciated!
- Staff trained in safety protocol. They were masked, friendly, and seemed genuinely committed to keeping us safe. Seriously, kudos.
- They also have First aid kit, and Doctor/nurse on call which gives you some peace of mind if you're a hypochondriac like me.
- And, of course, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property.
The Room Itself: My Cozy Oasis (Or, How I Didn't Kill My Roommate):
We booked a room with… well, everything.
- Air conditioning – essential in Hualien, honestly.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Thank GOD). AND, blessedly, Internet access – wireless, meaning the phone didn’t become a brick.
- Additional toilet, Private bathroom, Separate shower/bathtub – this is luxury after a long day of hiking!
- Blackout curtains: They were amazing. I actually got proper sleep.
- Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water. These are the small things that make a big difference.
- Extra long bed: A massive win for anyone tall.
- They have Bathrobes, Slippers, Hair dryer.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Ideal if you need to work (ugh).
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea for your valuables.
- Satellite/cable channels: …I think I watched one movie. I was too busy exploring to be honest.
- Mini bar (which I promptly emptied).
The real star was the silence. I’m used to the city’s constant drone, so being in a soundproof room was a balm to my soul. I had this tiny window that opens and the view? Unforgettable. Seriously. It's like they really thought about how to make it feel like a real escape.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Carb-Loading Central (And I Loved It)
Okay, the food. Now this is where things get interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet]. And the Asian breakfast was amazing! Think savory noodles, fish congee, and more. Yes, you will overeat. You must.
- Restaurants: They’ve got a few on-site, including a Vegetarian restaurant, which is a nice touch.
- A la carte in restaurant – Perfect for dinner.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant. The coffee was surprisingly good.
- Poolside bar: I may or may not have spent an afternoon getting gloriously tipsy at the poolside bar.
- Room service [24-hour] – If you're feeling lazy, or the weather is crap, this is a godsend.
- Snack bar. For those late-night cravings.
They also have Essential condiments, which, coming from an avid cook is a great feature! And Alternative meal arrangement, which is great for anyone with dietary requirements. Breakfast takeaway service, brilliant for those early starts! I loved the Bottle of water that's always available, and you can order Desserts in restaurant The Staff trained in safety protocol made sure that dining was a safer, more relaxing experience. They also have Alternative meal arrangement, which is great for anyone with dietary requirements. It's also equipped with Safe dining setup, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
The "Paradise" Part: Relaxation & Things To Do (Or, My Attempt at Zen)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes, a beautiful pool. The water was perfectly cool. And the Pool with view? Magnificent. I spent hours lounging by the pool, and I swear, I felt my life force slowly replenish.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Didn’t try them all (running out of time, and energy, it must be said!), but they were there, promising relaxation.
- Spa: The Massage was divine. Seriously. The masseuse was incredibly skilled. I've had massages all over the world, and this one was top-tier. I'm still chasing the after-glow. I seriously considered extending my stay just for another massage.
- Gym/fitness was there. I did one sweaty session and then hid in the pool instead.
- They also have Foot bath. I tried it!
In terms of Things to do: Hualien is your playground!
- Things to do: The staff were super helpful and directed us towards the stunning Taroko Gorge National Park. The staff were super helpful, but more on them in a minute.
- Luggage storage: Super helpful, and you just know they're not going anywhere!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter (And Some Quirky Extras)
- Concierge: Super helpful, and gave us tips on everything.
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were cleaned immaculately.
- Laundry service: Essential, especially after all that hiking.
- Cash withdrawal. Very helpful. I ran short on NTD.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: I didn't use them, but they are there.
- Convenience store: For snacks and essentials.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Useful for last-minute gifts.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, let's be honest:
- Room decorations: They were… there. Don't expect minimalist chic. Expect… character.
- The signage could be a bit better. Getting around at first felt like a treasure hunt.
The Staff : The Real Heroes (And My Emotional Reaction to Their Kindness!)
The staff. Oh, the staff. They were the real highlight. Friendly, helpful, genuinely kind. They went above and beyond. I have a mild social phobia, always feeling clumsy in a new environment. They saw me faltering and helped me, with gentleness, and warmth. They always greeted me with a smile. The concierge, a young woman with a mischievous glint in her eye, became my unofficial tour guide. She was brilliant. They were patient with my terrible Mandarin and genuinely seemed to want to make our stay special. I actually felt cared for, which is a rare and precious thing when traveling. They really went the extra mile. Seriously. If they're reading this: You're amazing. I miss you already.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly: It certainly seemed that way! *
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your sterilized, perfectly-ordered TripAdvisor review. This is my trip to Go Around B&B in Hualien, Taiwan, and trust me, it's gonna be a ride. Prepare for a rollercoaster of feelings, questionable choices, and a whole lotta delicious Taiwanese food… and maybe a lost sock or two.
Day 1: Arrival - Jetlagged and Hungry (and Slightly Terrified of Bugs)
- 06:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Or rather, be yanked from sleep by the international travel beast. My internal clock is screaming, "IT'S 3 AM! WHY ARE YOU AWAKE?!" But hey, gotta get ready for the adventure. Pack the last minute items : Passport, phone charger, and camera.
- 07:30 AM: (ish) Taxi to the airport, feeling like a zombie. The driver kept asking if I was okay, but I just had to keep my head up.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Flight to Taipei… Okay, this part's boring. Airport security is airport security.
- 13:00 PM (ish): Land in Taipei. The humidity hits you like a warm, wet hug. Or maybe a warm, slightly smothering hug. First impressions: Lots of scooters, and… damn, is everyone stylish? I feel like I've wandered onto a runway.
- 16:30 PM (ish): Flight to Hualien, small plane, super nervous. The flight attendant kept smiling at me and I just wanted to hide in the seat.
- 17:30 PM (ish): Arrive in Hualien! Finally! The B&B recommended a taxi and I happily agreed. I mean, after the flight, I don't think I could even think about public transportation. It seems the airport I've landed is not very accessible.
- 18:30 PM (ish): Check into Go Around B&B. WOW. The photos online don't do it justice. It’s like… a dream. The lobby is decorated with bamboo furniture, giving off a relaxed and laid-back vibe. (And hey, a real bed! Which is what's most important after a long flight!) The owner is super welcoming, and the scent of incense is relaxing. Unfortunately, the room also had a small cockroach. MY IMMEDIATE REACTION: PANIC. Swat it! Swat it! Swat it! Now, where is my shoe?
- 19:30 PM (ish): Dinner at a local night market! My stomach is growling. I found the market with no problem, it was only a 5-minute walk from the B&B. I can get used to this walk! I have to try all the things! Dumplings! Noodles! Bubble tea (duh). I am in heaven. A dumpling fell on the ground but I grabbed it and ate it. I'm not going to let some dirty floor stop me, I'm on vacation after all.
- 21:30 PM (ish): Crash in bed. Jetlag is winning. This is one of those nights where you’re almost afraid to sleep because you know the jet lag monster is going to be hell tomorrow… but you can't fight it.
Day 2: Taroko Gorge - Majestic, Breathtaking, and My Hiking Pants May Be Too Tight
- 07:00 AM (ish): Awake! Sort of. The urge to sleep more is strong, but the promise of Taroko Gorge calls.
- 08:00 AM (ish): Breakfast at the B&B - the owner offered fresh fruit and local pastries, my favorite! I think I may have overeaten a little (cough cough).
- 09:00 AM (ish): Head to Taroko Gorge! The B&B helped me book a tour. The scenery is STUNNING. Honestly, I'm not exaggerating. The mountains are colossal and the marble cliffs are out of this world! I can see why everyone raves about it.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Start hiking the Shakadang Trail (the "Mysterious Valley"). "Mysterious" is right, because I'm pretty sure my butt is about to burst out of these too-skinny hiking pants. I should have brought the loose ones. But the turquoise river below is mesmerizing, so I'm surviving mostly.
- 11:30 AM (ish): Went to the Eternal Spring Shrine. Another gorgeous site. Saw a lot of people taking photos.
- 13:00 PM (ish): Lunch. The tour guide provided a packed lunch, it was very basic but good enough to keep my energy high.
- 14:00 PM (ish): Hiked some more. The Taroko National Park is absolutely breathtaking and there is so many trails to explore.
- 16:00 PM (ish): Back to the B&B. I need a shower and to change out of these pants before I go crazy.
- 17:30 PM (ish): Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the B&B – beef noodle soup. The most delicious soup I've literally ever had in my life. The broth was rich, the noodles were chewy, and I may have actually moaned with pleasure while eating it. Okay, I probably did.
- 19:00 PM (ish): Sit down and reflect on the day. I think I may have actually fallen in love with Taiwan.
- 22:00 PM (ish): Passed out. Exhausted but blissful.
Day 3: Coastal Wonders and (Potential) Regrets
- 08:00 AM (ish): Woke up early, but my body needs to rest. I wish I could stay in bed all day.
- 09:00 AM (ish): Breakfast! The B&B owner offered to make me breakfast this time. I felt like I was being spoiled.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Headed out to Qixingtan Beach. The coastline is simply stunning. The waves crashing against the pebbles are an amazing sight. I wish I brought a book.
- 11:00 AM (ish): Biking a bicycle. It was fun, and I got to visit some parks.
- 14:00 PM (ish): Head to the B&B. I need to get ready for the night.
- 19:00 PM (ish): I joined a night tour to see the stars! It's an unforgettable experience to be surrounded by nature.
- 21:00 PM (ish): End the tour. I went to bed feeling melancholic because tomorrow I have to go.
Day 4: Farewell (For Now!) and a Teeny, Tiny Sock Mystery
- 08:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Packing everything into my luggage.
- 09:00 AM (ish): Breakfast. I wanted to stay in forever.
- 10:30 AM (ish): Check out. Say goodbye to the sweet owner.
- 11:00 AM (ish): Train to Taipei.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Transfer to the airport.
- 14:00 PM (ish): Flight to home!
Final Ramblings… and a Sock Question
Okay, so, Go Around BnB. It's truly special. The location is perfect. The owners are lovely and the breakfast is great. I highly recommend coming here.
One minor thing I didn't mention before. After my first day, I saw that there was one missing sock. I have no idea where it could have gone. Perhaps the sock monster in Taiwan is real.
Taiwan, I'll be back. I am absolutely enchanted by you. And next time… I'm bringing all the loose pants.
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Escape to Paradise: Go Around B&B - Hualien, Taiwan. (Seriously, Read This Before You Go...or Don't, Your Call)
Okay, spill the beans: Is this place *actually* paradise? Because the name is kinda setting me up for disappointment.
Look, the photos online are pretty, but the reality is… better. They don’t show the *smell* of the air (fresh and a little floral, even after a typhoon, which, oh boy, more on that later), or the way the sunlight hits the bamboo fence at golden hour. It's not perfect – I definitely stubbed my toe on a random rock in the garden early one morning (lesson learned: don't wander barefoot at dawn) – but that imperfection is part of the charm.
But yeah, the name… a tad misleading. Prepare for more “charming” than “perfect," and you'll be golden.
Tell me about the *rooms*. Are they…clean? Is the Wi-Fi decent? Because I need my Instagram, people.
Wi-Fi. *Sigh*. It's… present. Let's put it that way. It's not screaming fast, so forget streaming your favorite shows. But it works for basic browsing and, crucially, posting those envy-inducing photos of your amazing breakfast (more on THAT later, too). I managed to check my emails, which is all I really needed. Embrace the digital detox, guys. Seriously, the view from your *balcony* (yes, mostly rooms have balconies!) is WAY more interesting than TikTok.
**Pro Tip:** Ask for a room with a view of the mountains. Trust me. It's worth the potential for a *tiny* bit of extra spider-ness.
Breakfast. I live for breakfast. Is the breakfast at Go Around B&B worth getting out of bed for?
One day they had these AMAZING savory pancakes with local mushrooms… I almost cried when I finished them. Almost. And I'm not a cryer, usually. The best part? The family that runs the place sits down to eat with you! That’s a big part of the experience!
Honestly? If your trip cost you a small fortune, the breakfast alone justifies the price. Seriously. Book it. Go now. Just… save some food for me if by chance you have a spare!
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually 'going around'?
The real joy is that it’s close to a bunch of stunning spots: Taroko Gorge (a *must-see*), Qixingtan Beach (gorgeous pebble beach), and local markets. You are *going around*! Just, do it on your own terms. It's a great jumping-off point for adventures.
Okay, I'm sold. But what if I need help? The language barrier scares me.
Even better? They *genuinely* care about your experience. They will go above and beyond to make sure you're comfortable. That extra effort makes all the difference. I had a small issue with my scooter rental, and they jumped in to help translate and sort it out. Honestly, their kindness is what makes this place truly special. You are not just a booking number, you are a guest.
Anything I *shouldn't* do? Any hidden pitfalls?
* **Don't expect a five-star hotel experience.** This is a B&B, so don't go expecting the crisp, white-linen perfection of a Ritz-Carlton. Embrace the charm of imperfection.
* **Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases**. Seriously. It makes a huge difference. At least learn “hello” and “thank you."
* **Pack bug spray.** This is Taiwan, people. Nature is…present.
* **Don't be afraid to ask for help.** The family is there, ready and happy to guide you.
* **Do not, under any circumstances, skip the breakfast.** I am not kidding.
* **Be prepared for the weather.** Typhoon season can be unpredictable. Check the forecast! Prepare for sudden downpours and glorious sunshine within the space of an hour.
* My biggest regret? Not staying *longer*. I was only there for three days, and I’m still kicking myself.
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