Beitou cleaning up spa market

For those who prefer to soak in privacy rather than a communal public bath, there are luxury resorts in Beitou and places such as Wulai (烏來), a mountainous scenic spot less than an hour's drive from the capital.

"Once they are here, our clients will definitely appreciate the value of our service," says Jesse Cheng (鄭家鈞), general manager of the Spring Park Urai Spa and Resort (春秋烏來), referring to the resort's French cuisine, spa facilities and views of the river.

The upscale resort has had an occupancy rate of around 70 percent since it opened in 2001, despite a price tag of NT$26,000 per night in one of its suites.

Private baths suit "Spa Lady" Yang who says she likes "nude bathing" because "it helps strip off the burden of daily living, and gives me a feeling like being in a mother's womb."

Unlike Japan, where hot spring tourists stay overnight or longer, most Taiwanese usually drop in for just an hour or two.

"That's because in Japan, hot springs are located in remote areas and it may take several hours to reach them. In Taiwan, hot spring areas are on Taipei's doorstep," the association's Chen says.