The Beitou area of Taipei is renowned for its high concentration of thermal spa centres. There are establishments to fit any budget, from the low-priced open-air Public Hot Spring (modest swimwear required) to private hotels and resorts uphill, all offering hot spring baths at various price points. One option most resorts offer is renting a private room with a large bath that can be filled with hot spring water. The Spring City Resort in Beitou is a great mid-range option. A session here includes access to about a dozen thermal pools of varying water temperature (from seemingly boiling-hot to rather chilly), plus robe, towel, and slipper rental. They even offer a free shuttle bus to the metro station. For a luxurious spa treatment, look into the offerings of Hotel Regent Taipei, for example. Wellspring Spa offers a wide range of relaxing treatments including massages, body wraps, skin polishing and facials. Take the elevator to the top floor and unwind at this urban sanctuary.

Château d'If was, historically, France’s very own Alcatraz, built in 1527 and used as a prison in the 17th century. This place was the inspiration for Alexandre Dumas's novel "The Count of Monte Cristo", and occupies an island of its own 1.5 km offshore.

Once the temporary retreat and later home to decorated Roman Emperor Hadrian, Villa Adriana dates back millennia when it was conceived as an 'ideal city' with baths, pools, fountains and lush gardens. The structure combined elements of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian influences. Since 1999, Villa Adriana belongs on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Once the home of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is now a museum showcasing an incredible collection of early American decorative arts. The 28-room mansion features furniture, paintings, and antiques from 1620 to 1870. Beyond the museum, the beautifully manicured gardens and surrounding woodlands offer a peaceful escape, perfect for a quiet stroll.