Toscani Yilan Taiwan: Unveiling the Island's Hidden Gem!
Toscani Yilan Taiwan: My Yilan Escape - A Rambling Review (Because Real Life Ain't Perfect)
Okay, listen up, fellow travelers! Forget those perfectly curated Instagram feeds. I'm here to give you the REAL deal on Toscani Yilan, Taiwan. Forget the polished brochure; this is my unfiltered, slightly-obsessive-compulsive, maybe-a-little-too-honest take. Buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving DEEP.
First Impressions & The "Getting There" Grind:
Finding Toscani wasn't a breeze. Let's be honest, Yilan is a bit off the beaten path, which is part of its charm. Accessibility gets a solid… well, it's complicated. The website says it's accessible, but I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give you a definitive verdict. They do have an elevator, which is a plus. They do offer airport transfer, which I highly recommend. The drive from Taipei is stunning, though. Seriously, the scenery is epic. And if you’re driving yourself, they have a car park [free of charge] and a car park [on-site], which is always a win in Taiwan.
The Room: My Sanctuary (and My Minor Obsessions):
I spent a LOT of time in my room. I'm not gonna lie. It's a crucial part of the hotel experience, right? Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, thank goodness. Alarm clock, Bathrobes (YES!), Bathroom phone (which I didn’t use, but hey, options!), Bathtub (heaven!), Blackout curtains (essential for a good sleep!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (vital!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (thank you, angels!), Desk, Extra long bed (bliss!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (with a view!), In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN (old school, but still works!), Internet access – wireless (THANK YOU!), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (a bit pricey, but hey, convenience!), Mirror (for, you know, self-assessment!), Non-smoking, On-demand movies (never used, but again, options!), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (because denial is a river in Egypt!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (comfy!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed (genius!), Sofa, Soundproofing (bliss again!), Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens (fresh air!).
I’m telling you, the Wi-Fi [free] in my room was a lifesaver. I'm a digital nomad, and I needed to stay connected. I can confirm the Internet and Internet [LAN] worked flawlessly, and the Internet services were decent. I even managed to watch a few movies. Now, I know I'm listing a lot of things, but that's because I'm a details person. And, let's be honest, a little bit of a control freak when it comes to my hotel room.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Pandemic Edition (and My Anxious Thoughts):
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room – or, you know, the virus in the air. Cleanliness and safety are HUGE for me right now. Toscani gets a gold star here. They're clearly taking things seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff who are trained in safety protocol. They also have Room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciated. I felt genuinely safe. The physical distancing of at least 1 meter was mostly observed, though sometimes the buffet… well, we'll get to that. They also had First aid kit, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Sterilizing equipment, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They take this seriously. I appreciated the Cashless payment service, too.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: The Buffet Saga (and My Food Coma):
Alright, let's talk about food. Because, let's face it, that's a major part of the travel experience, isn't it? They have a bunch of options: A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The breakfast buffet was… an experience. Let's just say my resolve to eat light went out the window faster than a screaming toddler. The food was mostly delicious, but the crowds… Oh, the crowds! It felt a little bit like a feeding frenzy at times. I'd recommend going early to avoid the worst of it. The Asian breakfast was great, though, as were the Coffee/tea in restaurant. They also offered Alternative meal arrangement if you have dietary needs.
Things to Do (or, How I Lost a Day by the Pool):
Okay, this is where Toscani REALLY shines. They have a freaking Swimming pool! And a Swimming pool [outdoor]! The pool area is gorgeous, with a Pool with view. I could have stayed there forever. There's also a Fitness center (I didn't use it, but it looked well-equipped), a Gym/fitness, a Sauna, a Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom. They also have Massage, Body scrub, and Body wrap. They’re not messing around with relaxation.
I spent one glorious afternoon just lounging by the pool, reading a book, and sipping on a cocktail from the Poolside bar. Pure bliss. No email, no deadlines, just sunshine and water. It was the perfect antidote to city life. They also had a Foot bath, which was a nice touch.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
They have a bunch of these: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The Concierge was incredibly helpful. They helped me arrange transportation and gave me some great recommendations for things to do in the area. The Daily housekeeping was impeccable. I also appreciated the Contactless check-in/out. The Convenience store was a lifesaver for late-night snacks.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me):
I don't have kids, but I noticed they were very Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. So, if you’re traveling with little ones, this is a good choice.
The Verdict: Should You Go? (My Opinion, Take It Or Leave It!)
Look, Toscani Yilan isn't perfect. The crowds at the buffet can be a bit much. And the accessibility situation needs clarification. But overall, I had an amazing time. The rooms are fantastic, the pool is heavenly, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It's a great base for exploring Yilan's natural beauty.
My Emotional Reaction?
I felt relaxed. I felt rejuvenated. I felt… happy. Okay, I know that sounds cheesy, but it's true. I needed a break, and Toscani delivered.
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (minus half a star for the buffet chaos!).
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Tuscan-inspired Yilan adventure. Forget those pristine, perfectly-planned itineraries. This is the messy, glorious, and occasionally disastrous reality of travel, unfiltered. Prepare for some serious rambles, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta love for Taiwanese food.
Day 1: Arrival in Yilan - And the Great Mango Sticky Rice Debacle
- Morning (or, Let's Be Honest, Early Afternoon): Landed at Taoyuan Airport. Ugh, airports. Endless queues, the stale air, the general feeling of being herded like cattle. But hey, the promise of Yilan kept me going. The train ride was… well, it was a train ride. Mostly spent staring out the window, mesmerized by the vibrant green rice paddies that whizzed by. Seriously, the color is unreal. I swear, I could feel my city-weary soul starting to breathe again.
- Afternoon: Arrived in Yilan City! Checked into our (slightly too-small, but charming nonetheless) B&B. The owner, a sweet lady named Mrs. Lin, greeted us with the biggest smile and a map covered in scribbled recommendations. "You must try the mango sticky rice!" she insisted, pointing a finger like a weapon. "The best in the whole county!" Naturally, we were sold.
- The Great Mango Sticky Rice Debacle: Okay, here's where things went a little… sideways. Mrs. Lin's directions were, shall we say, ambiguous. We wandered the streets, sweat dripping down our backs, asking bewildered locals for help. One guy just shrugged and offered us a pineapple cake. Another pointed vaguely towards the mountains. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we found the place! It was a tiny, hole-in-the-wall shop, and the aroma of coconut milk and mango was heavenly. We ordered. We waited. And then… disaster. They were out. Out of mango sticky rice. My heart actually ached. The disappointment was real. We ended up getting some questionable dumplings instead, which, in the grand scheme of things, were just okay. Lesson learned: Always call ahead for your mango sticky rice!
- Evening: Sulked a little (okay, a lot) about the mango incident. Eventually, we rallied and explored the Yilan Dongmen Night Market. Oh. My. Goodness. The food. The noise. The sheer chaos of it all was intoxicating. We feasted on oyster omelets, scallion pancakes, and stinky tofu (which, surprisingly, I actually enjoyed). The energy was electric. I swear, I could have stayed there all night, inhaling deliciousness.
Day 2: Mountains, Waterfalls, and a Fishy Situation
- Morning: Hired a scooter (terrifying at first, but exhilarating once you get the hang of it). Headed towards the mountains. The scenery was breathtaking – lush, green, and utterly majestic. We hiked to the Wufengqi Waterfall. The air was crisp and cool, and the sound of the water cascading down was incredibly soothing. I felt this overwhelming sense of peace, like all the city stress was just washing away.
- Afternoon: Decided to try our luck at the Jiaoxi Hot Spring. It was amazing! The water was warm and mineral-rich, and the scenery was stunning. We spent hours soaking, chatting, and just generally feeling blissed out.
- The Fishy Situation: Afterward, we visited a fish farm. It was a bit of a tourist trap, but we decided to give it a go. We were supposed to feed the fish, but I swear those fish were vicious. They swarmed around us like tiny, ravenous piranhas. One of them actually bit my toe! I yelped. My friend laughed. It was a low point, but also kind of hilarious. We escaped with our toes (mostly) intact.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Ate some delicious seafood (thankfully, no fish-related incidents this time). Felt incredibly tired, but in the best possible way. Yilan was already working its magic.
Day 3: Rice Paddies, Art, and Unexpected Tears
- Morning: Visited the Jimmy Liao Square. This place is pure whimsy! Bright, colorful, and filled with art installations based on the children's books of Jimmy Liao. It was utterly charming, and I found myself grinning like a fool. The art, the atmosphere, it all just made me feel happy.
- Afternoon: Explored the Lanyang Museum. The architecture is stunning, designed to resemble the local coastal mountains. Inside, the exhibits focused on Yilan's history, culture, and natural environment. I was particularly moved by the section on the indigenous people of Yilan. Their stories were both inspiring and heartbreaking. I found myself getting choked up. Unexpected tears. That's the power of travel, I guess – it makes you feel things you didn't know you could feel.
- The Rice Paddies: We drove through the countryside, stopping to admire the endless rice paddies. The light was perfect, casting a golden glow over the landscape. It was idyllic. Pure, unadulterated beauty. I could have stayed there forever.
- Evening: One last delicious meal at a local restaurant. Reflecting on our trip. I felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude. Yilan, with all its imperfections and unexpected moments, had completely captured my heart. I was sad to leave, but also filled with a sense of renewal.
Day 4: Departure (and a Final Mango Sticky Rice Dream)
- Morning: Woke up, packed up our bags, and said goodbye to Mrs. Lin. She gave us each a little bag of pineapple cakes for the road. Sweet woman. Tried one last time to find the mango sticky rice place. Nope. Still out. I swear, that mango sticky rice is a conspiracy.
- Afternoon: Headed back to Taoyuan Airport. The journey was filled with a mix of sadness and anticipation. Sadness at leaving Yilan, but anticipation for the memories we’d made.
- The Flight: Sat on the plane, gazing out the window. I thought about the waterfalls, the night markets, the fish that bit my toe, and, of course, the elusive mango sticky rice. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of coconut milk, ripe mangoes, and the sweet, messy magic of Yilan.
Final Thoughts:
Yilan is not a perfect place. It's messy, chaotic, and sometimes frustrating. But it's also incredibly beautiful, welcoming, and filled with a raw, authentic energy that will stay with you long after you leave. Go there. Embrace the chaos. And for the love of all that is holy, call ahead for your mango sticky rice. You've been warned.
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Toscani Yilan: You Think You Know Taiwan? Think Again! (A Messy FAQ)
Okay, so what *is* Toscani Yilan anyway? Like, beyond the marketing fluff?
Alright, alright, let's ditch the glossy brochures. Toscani Yilan is basically a slice of Italian-inspired heaven plopped down in the middle of... well, Yilan, Taiwan. Picture this: rolling green hills, rice paddies that shimmer like emeralds, and a whole lotta peace and quiet. They've got a hotel, villas, restaurants, and enough "rustic charm" to make your Instagram followers weep with envy. They *say* it's all about connecting with nature and enjoying the simple life. But honestly? It's more like a luxurious escape from the chaos of Taipei, with a side of seriously delicious food.
My first impression? "Woah, is this really Taiwan?" Because, you know, Taiwan's awesome, but it's usually a whirlwind of scooters, neon lights, and night markets. This? This was a different vibe entirely. And trust me, after a week of dodging traffic and eating stinky tofu, that's a *good* thing.
Is it actually Italian? Like, am I going to get authentic pasta and gelato?
Okay, here's the truth bomb: it's *inspired* by Italy. Think "Taiwanese interpretation of Italian." The architecture? Definitely Tuscan-esque. The food? Mostly delicious. The pasta? Probably not Nonna's, but still pretty darn good. I had this amazing truffle risotto that I'm pretty sure I dreamt about for a week afterwards. (Seriously, I'm still dreaming about it.) The gelato? Yep, they got that covered. Don't expect a carbon copy of Rome, but do expect a culinary experience that will leave you feeling incredibly satisfied. They even have a pizza oven! Which, let's be honest, is a major selling point.
One small snag: My friend, a total pasta snob, kept muttering about the "al dente-ness" (or lack thereof) of the pasta. He's a tough crowd. But I'm not complaining! More for me!
What kind of activities are there? Is it just... sitting around looking pretty?
Nope! Though, let's be honest, the "sitting around looking pretty" is a perfectly valid activity. But they *do* offer a bunch of stuff. You can go for walks in the rice paddies (highly recommended, especially at sunset), take a cooking class (I burned the garlic, but still had fun!), cycle around the area, visit nearby hot springs, or just chill by the pool. They also organize excursions to local farms and markets. It really depends on what your chill level is. I spent most of my time alternating between eating and napping, which, in my book, is a perfect vacation.
The cycling was a disaster for me, by the way. I'm not built for hills, and the bike seat was clearly designed by someone with a personal vendetta against my backside. But the views were spectacular, and the ice cream afterwards was *worth* the pain. Plus, my friend took some epic photos of me looking absolutely miserable. Good times.
Is it family-friendly? Or is it all couples and honeymooners?
Good question! I saw a mix of people. There were definitely couples, and yes, it's a prime spot for a romantic getaway. But I also spotted families with kids. They have a pool, and a pretty big grassy area for kids to run around. They also do some kids' activities. I think it's family-friendly, but maybe not *specifically* geared towards kids. If your kids are the type who need constant entertainment, maybe pack a few extra things to keep them occupied. But honestly, the scenery alone might keep them mesmerized.
I saw one little kid completely mesmerized by a butterfly. It was the cutest thing ever. Pro tip: pack some butterfly nets!
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. Are they luxurious? Are they worth the price?
Alright, the rooms... they're a *treat*. They're spacious, well-designed, and have amazing views. Think exposed wooden beams, comfy beds, and massive bathrooms. Some have balconies or patios. I splurged on a villa with a private plunge pool, and let me tell you, it was worth every single penny. Waking up to that view every morning? Pure bliss.
Now, the price... it's not cheap. It's definitely a splurge. But honestly, I thought it was worth it. You're paying for the experience, the atmosphere, the escape. And after the hellscape that is sometimes Taipei, it's a welcome relief. Think of it as an investment in your sanity.
What's the food like *really*? Because sometimes hotel food is... well, you know.
Okay, the food. This is where Toscani Yilan *really* shines. Seriously, it's amazing. They have a few different restaurants, all with different vibes. The main restaurant has a fantastic breakfast buffet (hello, croissants!), and the dinner menu features a mix of Italian classics and local Taiwanese dishes. The pasta dishes? Chef's kiss. The pizza? Crust perfection. They use fresh, local ingredients, and you can taste the difference.
And the wine! They have a great wine list. I may or may not have indulged in a few too many glasses of prosecco while watching the sunset. (Don't judge me.) The only slight downside? The service can be a little... slow. But the food is so good, you won't even care.
How easy is it to get there? Do I need a car?
Getting to Yilan is relatively easy. You can take the train from Taipei, which is the fastest and easiest option. Then, you can take a taxi or arrange for a transfer from the hotel. It's about a 2-hour train ride, and then a short drive.
Do you *need* a car? Not necessarily. You can get around by taxi or by renting a scooter. But if you want to explore the surrounding area at your own pace, a car would be useful. However, driving in Taiwan can be... interesting. Let's just say, be prepared for some aggressive driving and a lot of scooters. I'd recommend just sticking to taxis. Saves the stress.
