Liuqiu Island's Hidden Gem: Lixia Hostel - Your Paradise Awaits!
Liuqiu Island's Lixia Hostel: My Paradise Found…Or Maybe Just Really, Really Enjoyed. (A Totally Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – or maybe the passion fruit juice, because, Liuqiu Island! – on the Lixia Hostel. Let me just say, finding this place felt like stumbling upon a secret after years of searching. It's no exaggeration to call it a hidden gem, and yes, the title "Your Paradise Awaits!" is… ambitious. But did it deliver? Well, let's unravel this messy, beautiful, sometimes-slightly-salty truth, shall we?
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility - Sort Of!):
Liuqiu Island is itself an adventure. You gotta ferry over, which is already a win in my book – instant escape! Lixia Hostel is relatively easy to find once you're on the island. Okay, I'm gonna be brutally honest here. Accessibility in general on Liuqiu is… patchy. Sidewalks can be uneven (hello, scooter adventures!), but I noticed Lixia actually made an effort, which is a huge plus. I'm not mobility-impaired, but I do appreciate a thoughtfully designed space. The elevator is a godsend, and they do mention facilities for disabled guests on their website (I'll come back to the "facilities" part later). (Disclaimer: I haven't personally tested the full extent of accessibility for all needs, so verify details if this is crucial for you!)
The Room: My Tiny, Tropical Fortress (Available in all Rooms - And Then Some!):
My room? Oh, it was a haven! Think clean lines, a comfortable bed, blackout curtains (hallelujah! Sleep is sacred), and all the essentials. Free Wi-Fi – yeah, that's a thing here, in all rooms. Plus, there's an Internet [LAN] if you're old-school like me and prefer a wired connection. Air conditioning, of course, 'cause, hello, tropical island! And let's not forget the complimentary bottled water. Small joys, people!
I loved the little touches: the desk for working (or, let's be real, Instagramming sunsets), the coffee/tea maker (essential for a morning caffeine fix), and the slippers (because who wants to traipse around in sandy shoes?). The bathroom was sleek and modern, with a shower, and toiletries that didn’t smell like something out of a gas station (trust me, it's a thing). They even had hair dryers (a necessity on humid days!) and a mirror large enough to properly check my hair… and my soul.
Okay, I do have a little nitpick: the interconnecting room(s) available made me a little twitchy. I didn't need it, but it's probably fine. But for me, the soundproofing was crucial. I'm a light sleeper, and let me tell you, the cicadas on Liuqiu are LOUD. Thankfully, I slept like a baby, so top marks there!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and…Sane?
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room (pun intended) – Covid. Lixia takes it seriously. I noticed hand sanitizer readily available, and they're clearly committed to daily disinfection in common areas. Plus, they were using anti-viral cleaning products – always a good sign. I felt safe, which is a huge weight off your shoulders when you're traveling. They also had a front desk [24-hour].
Other safety features? Smoke alarms, smoke detectors, safety/security features everywhere – and even a first aid kit in case I over-indulged in the amazing food!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!
Ah, the food. This is where Lixia truly shines. The restaurants are excellent. The Asian breakfast was a delicious way to start the day (but they had a Western breakfast, too, if that's your thing). The coffee/tea in restaurant was lovely, and the bottle of water they provided was a thoughtful touch. Seriously, though, I couldn’t get enough of their Asian cuisine in restaurant – it was fresh, flavourful, and the perfect fuel for exploring. In fact, their restaurant was probably my favourite part!
They also had a coffee shop where you could get a caffeine fix. I'm not a huge fan of buffet in restaurant, But they did offer it! And, of course, you could order from an a la carte in restaurant, if the buffet wasn’t cutting it. They even offered room service [24-hour], which is perfect for those lazy evenings. I loved their desserts in restaurant . I'm sure I put on about a stone while I was there, but it was SO worth it!
They had a bar and a poolside bar – perfect for a sundowner. They also offer happy hour. I mean, it was heaven!
Okay, I confess: I didn’t try everything. I missed out on the soup in restaurant! But that’s okay. I think I’ve probably consumed enough on one trip, to be honest.
Things to do & Ways to Relax: Island Life, Island Style!
Now, this is where it got interesting. Lixia has a swimming pool, and it has a pool with a view! The view is stunning. Seriously, the pool is an absolute must-do! They had a spa/sauna . And even a gym/fitness.
I didn’t get a chance to use the sauna, but I did have a quick peek. It looked decent. And they have a massage? Sign me up! I was too busy chilling by the pool.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
Lixia offers all the usual suspects: daily housekeeping, laundry service, luggage storage, and a concierge. They also have a convenience store, which is great if you need a late-night snack. There's car park [free of charge], too. That was a plus. They also have facilities for disabled guests which is great (but do a check just to be sure).
For the Kids: Family Friendly? Maybe!
I didn’t travel with kids, but they do offer babysitting service. There are kids facilities, and can arrange kids meal. They are also listed as being family/child friendly
The Quirks, The Creaks, and the Occasional Hiccup:
No hotel is perfect, and Lixia has its own little…character. The Wi-Fi occasionally wavered (welcome to island life!), and I think I heard a tiny creak in the hallway late one night. Also, the essential condiments – I couldn’t find any salt. But honestly, these were minor blips. It's a small price to pay for the overall experience.
The "Hidden Gem" Verdict: Is It Really Paradise?
Look, is Lixia Hostel actual, literal paradise? No. But it's darn close. It’s a thoughtfully designed, comfortable, and clean hotel in a fantastic location. The staff were friendly and helpful and went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. It’s also REALLY good value.
My Honest Offer for Lixia Hostel: DARE TO ESCAPE!
- Embrace the Adventure: Book your stay at Lixia Hostel on Liuqiu Island and experience the magic for yourself.
- Unplug and Reconnect: Dive into turquoise waters, savor delicious local cuisine, and relax.
- Book NOW, Receive 1 night FREE: Book a minimum of 3 nights using code "LIUQIUADVENTURE" and receive 1 night free!
- Special Offer: Book your stay for 5 nights or more and enjoy a complimentary Sunset Cruise. .
SEO Optimization for Lixia Hostel:
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- Multimedia: Photos and videos of the hostel, island scenery, and food would greatly enhance the review and provide visual appeal.
So, go on. Dare to escape to Liuqiu Island and discover the hidden gem that is Lixia Hostel. You won't regret it (probably). Just remember to pack your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and maybe a little extra salt, just in case!
King's 39 York: The UK's Most Luxurious Secret?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered vacation plan. This is my actual, messy-haired, mosquito-bitten, sun-kissed (and probably slightly sunburned) itinerary for Lixia Hostel, Liuqiu, Taiwan. Get ready for a wild ride, filled with more questionable decisions than I'd like to admit.
Lixia Liuqiu: Operation "Find My Inner Peace (and Maybe a Decent Mango Smoothie)"
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and the Quest for Noodles
- 14:00: Arrive at Donggang Wharf. Already sweating. My carefully ironed linen shirt (haha, linen) is crumpled and clinging to me like a lovesick octopus. Ferries are an experience, let's be honest. I swear, every single person onboard has a bag of something delicious-smelling. I, of course, packed a granola bar. A sad, lonely granola bar.
- 15:00: Finally, Liuqiu! Found Lixia Hostel. It's even cuter in person, all pastel colours and breezy vibes. The owner, bless her heart, greeted me with a smile and the phrase "Welcome to paradise!" My inner cynic snorted, but the sheer exhaustion of travel had me practically melting. Paradise it is! (For now…)
- 16:00: Settle into my room. Spacious, but the aircon is a roaring beast. Decide to embrace the noise. Unpack (read: haphazardly throw everything onto the bed). Notice a spider, promptly scream. Goodbye, zen.
- 17:00: Operation: Find Food. Liuqiu is a small island, so it shouldn't be that hard, right? WRONG. Wandered aimlessly for 20 minutes, heat making me dizzy. Found a noodle place. The broth was heavenly, the noodles perfectly chewy. Ordered a second bowl. No regrets.
- 18:00: Sunset stroll. Absolutely breathtaking. The sea is shimmering, the sky is painted with fire… and I'm being eaten alive by mosquitoes. Curse my fair skin and inability to remember insect repellent.
- 19:00: Back at the hostel. Tried to read a book on the rooftop terrace, but the wind kept flipping the pages. Also, it's pitch black and the stars are terrifyingly close. Ended up chatting with the other guests, a lovely couple who looked remarkably unfazed by all this. Beginning to suspect I'm the most easily flustered person on the island.
- 20:00: Planning dinner. Can't decide. Ramen or rice bowl. Why not both?
Day 2: Snorkelling Shenanigans and the Unofficial Mango Smoothie Pursuit
- 08:00: Woke up to the sound of chanting from a temple nearby. Intriguing..but still a little terrified.
- 09:00: Snorkelling time! Booked it through Lixia. Gear felt a little…used.. but the guides were super friendly. Took a deep breath and jumped in. Instantaneously, I swallowed half the ocean. Not my finest moment.
- 09:30: Managed to adjust. The underwater world is stunning. Fish in every color imaginable, coral gardens…and a giant sea turtle! I followed it for what felt like hours. The feeling was truly magical, and actually made me forget my fear of the deep. My heart just burst with wonder at the sight of the ocean wildlife.
- 11:00: Back on land, feeling absolutely giddy. My skin is practically glowing from the sun and the saltwater. Note to self: Buy ridiculously oversized sunglasses as soon as possible.
- 12:00: Lunch. Found a perfect little restaurant, a secret that I really shouldn't share. Fresh seafood, perfectly cooked. So simple, but so delicious. The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere. I decided I might never leave.
- 13:00: The great Mango Smoothie Search commenced. The internet promised mango smoothie perfection. I asked the owner for a recommendation.
- 14:00: Walked to three different places. One didn't have any. One had a weird, watery concoction. The third one…got closer! Slightly too sweet, but the mango flavour was there. I'm not sure if it was perfection but I had a pretty good time.
- 15:00: Beach relaxation. Finally found a quiet spot. Attempted to nap, but the sun kept shifting. Kept reapplying sunscreen.
- 18:00: Sunset. Again. This time even more beautiful. Had a beer. Happy.
- 19:00: Dinner. Seafood again. What else is there to do in an island paradise?
Day 3: Scooter Adventures, Temple Visits, and One Last Glorious Mango Smoothie
- 09:00: Scooter rental. Okay, my driving skills are… questionable. But the island is small, right? Took a deep breath, and started slowly. Felt like I was going to fall!
- 11:00: Scootered around the coastline. Found beautiful views.
- 12:00: Saw a temple. It was incredible, really old, and full of history. I am not spiritual but I was definitely moved.
- 13:00: Mango Smooth quest part 2. I ended up discovering the best one.
- 15:00: Packed all my stuff.
- 16:00: Headed to the ferry.
- 17:00: Goodbye Liuqiu. This island is pure magic.
Final Thoughts:
Liuqiu is a place that sneaks up on you. At first, it seems simple, too small, maybe a little…ordinary. But then the magic starts to seep in. The stunning ocean, the friendly people, the incredible food (and yes, even the semi-decent mango smoothies) weave themselves into your soul.
I leave this island a little browner, a little more relaxed, and definitely with a slightly fuller belly. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. And next time, I'm bringing industrial-strength insect repellent. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn to drive that scooter properly.
Luxury Minsk Apartment: Zakharova 40 Center Living (Breathtaking Views!)
Ask Me Anything... About Life, The Universe, and Maybe, Just Maybe, My Laundry.
Okay, fine, but where do we *start*? What's the deal with, well... *everything*?
Right, the big one. The meaning of life, the universe, and everything. Honestly? I’m still trying to figure out where I put my keys. But, like, let's be real, no one *really* knows the answer. It’s a big ol' cosmic joke, right? I think the answer is probably different for everyone.
For me? It's definitely not folding fitted sheets. That’s a circle of Dante I’m not ready for. Maybe the meaning is in the messy bits. The laughter that bursts out unexpectedly, the tears you ugly-cry with your best friend over a bad breakup (or a REALLY irritating commercial). It's in the half-eaten pizza on the couch, the late-night ice cream runs, and the sheer, glorious absurdity of it all. I'm still trying to figure it out, one messy, amazing day at a time
What's been the hardest thing you've ever had to deal with? Brutal honesty, please.
Ugh, brutal honesty? Okay, here we go. That's easy: Losing my dog, Gus. He was... he *is* part of my heart, ripped out and put back in a little different. The details still hit me like a freight train, and even now, years later, I can barely type this without getting a little choked up. I mean, he was just… perfect. Big, goofy, slobbery, and always happy to see me – even when I was a complete disaster.
The hardest thing? The silence. The quiet in the house. Every morning feeling like a punch in the gut. And then, the guilt. Did I give him enough belly rubs? Did I walk him enough? Did I *deserve* him? It's a brutal, relentless cycle. I still miss him like crazy. He taught me more about love and loyalty than any human ever could. And the hardest thing about learning? That you have to live with the pain. You have to keep moving forward, even when you feel like you’ve been shattered.
What's something you're ridiculously passionate about? And try not to say "breathing."
Besides Gus, obviously? Okay, okay, I'll bite. Traveling. Like, REALLY traveling. Not just the kind where you hit the tourist traps, although I have a soft spot for a cheesy photo in front of something iconic. I’m talking about truly *experiencing* a place. Getting lost in a language, eating food so spicy your face melts off, and watching a sunset that makes you sob with joy.
I once spent a month backpacking through Southeast Asia practically with no plan, other than to see and feel. I got food poisoning in Thailand, I got ripped off by a tuk-tuk driver in Cambodia, and I cried when I saw the Taj Mahal (because, wow, it's actually more beautiful than the pictures). But also, I met the most incredible people, learned more about myself than I thought possible, and saw sunsets that were so vivid, they felt like they were painting themselves directly onto my soul. It's about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and realizing how small you are in this giant, stunning world. Basically, it's the best kind of addiction. So, yeah, traveling. I'm addicted.
What's a stupid thing you've done that you'll never forget?
Oh, bless. I have a whole catalogue of those. Probably the time I tried to cook a soufflé for a date and nearly burned down the kitchen. Let me paint you a picture: flour everywhere, smoke billowing, fire alarm blaring like a banshee. The date? He was a firefighter. The irony! We ended up ordering pizza. He was surprisingly unfazed, but to this day, I can still taste the fear.
But also, when I was in college, I dyed my hair bright green on a dare. It looked like a particularly vibrant swamp monster had taken up residence on my head. It took months to get it out, and I still shudder when I see pictures. It was mortifying at the time (and, let's be honest, kind of still is), but it’s also a great story. And, you know, it taught me a valuable lesson: resist the urge to dye your hair swamp-monster green. Unless you’re into that sort of thing. No judgements. Mostly.
What's your biggest fear?
Aside from, you know, spiders and the existential dread of existence? Probably losing the people I love. That stuff is the actual worst, and I’m not particularly well-equipped to deal with it. The thought of any more loss, like, it physically hurts. It's irrational, I know. Life goes on, blah, blah, blah. But the potential for future pain is a constant buzz that keeps me up at night.
And it's not a fear of dying, it's a fear of not being *here* to see the joy in others' lives, seeing their accomplishments, or the day they find their happiness. It's the fear of not being able to do those little things that makes up the fabric of our lives. The quiet moments... those get to me. It's probably why I hug people a little longer than is strictly necessary. Sorry, not sorry.
