Shuishe Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Opened
2002
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe HeritageOutside the door
Minimalist lakeside hideaway
Mornings begin with quiet mist rising off Sun Moon Lake, setting a slow, contemplative rhythm across peaceful open pavilions and reflective water.
“The late Kerry Hill spearheaded its renovation in 2002, and the basalt stone walls and teakwood lattices still impress.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Teakwood lattices, basalt stone walls, and a sixty-meter infinity lap pool framed by Chinese cypress.
Notable
Generous all-suite layouts featuring private balconies with daybeds, deep-soaking bathtubs, and dedicated chauffeur transfers.
Notable
A former presidential lakeside retreat for Chiang Kai-shek with direct access to the historic Hanbi Trail.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The hotel itself is constructed from Chinese cypress, and indigenous woods make up much of the interior of the suites and villas...
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Stepping off the grounds leads directly onto the quiet Hanbi Trail, looping around the forested shoreline of Sun Moon Lake.
The rooms
Every suite opens to a wide private balcony with a daybed, paired with deep-soaking bathtubs and views across the lake.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Heated waters span sixty meters along the terrace, aligning straight with the surface of Sun Moon Lake.
The spa
Lake-view treatment suites feature slate fireplaces, hosting botanical body wraps and Eastern and Western bodywork.
The Lake View Chinese Restaurant
Expansive picture windows look over the water, and the kitchen serves Jiangzhe classics alongside local Nantou produce.
Restaurant
The Oriental Brasserie
Warm timber tables look out toward the lake across daily breakfast buffets and an all-day international menu.
At the table
The Tea House pours local black tea over a water lily pond. Nearby, sunken tatami tables serve seasonal kaiseki.
How it began
First established in 1901 and later used by Chiang Kai-shek, the peninsula site was radically reimagined in 2002 by architect Kerry Hill.
Good to know
Stay here
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Sun Moon Lake
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.