Living the High Life in Taichung

By Uvia Chang, May Chen and Douglas Habecker
Translated by Angel Pu

Whether you're a multi-millionnaire or Mr. or Ms. Everyday Citizen, there are a good number of truly unique ways to pamper yourself and escape from your daily routine, if you look hard enough. Each one of the following options can be found in Taichung and offer elements and experiences that you won't find anywhere else.

Indulge yourself with a relaxing
foot hot stone massage.

Invite your friends to do
manicure or pedicure together.

Relax and pamper your hands and feet

One of the nice things about being a woman is that you get more ways to pamper yourself than men do. Besides changing your hairstyle and make-up, another way to do this while beautifying yourself is by caring for your hands and feet. La Vie de Sylvie Hand & Foot Spa is an unrivalled place to do this, as you indulge yourself with La Trinite Naturelle organic essence oil products and have your hands and feet cared for by professionals. Owner Sylvia Chuang and her husband have lived overseas for a long periods and worked in high-end hotel management. After returning to Taiwan, Sylvia decided to share her secrets for elegant, tasteful living with people here. Walk in to her establishment and you'll sense the professional, friendly atmosphere immediately.

There are many kinds of manicure and pedicure (nail art, French nail, gel nail) services here. Hand Renewal Moisture Treatment (NT$1,580/90 min.) includes neck and shoulder massage, nail polish removal, a finger-bath, exfoliation, and moisturizing. Unlike other nail salons, which use a pot of paraffin wax for application on the hands, Renewal Moisture hand paraffin wax is sprayed directly onto the hands so the wax isn't exposed to the air. Sylvia welcomes groups of friends to hold manicure parties here, or just rent the space for a tea party. Call for reservation and more information.

Da Vie De Sylvie Hand & Foot Spa
(04) 2327-1678
386-2, YingCai Rd, North Dist.
Hours: 10 am-9:30 pm (Reservations required.)

Left: Assorted nail polish colors to choose from.
Right: Nail sticker foil is another way to beautify your nails

Charter your own private jet

While it's common to hear about business tycoons and entertainment stars flying in and out of Taiwan on their private jets, most people are unaware that this option is actually available to anyone willing to pay the premium prices. Taichung-based Asia Charter Services is Taiwan's only private jet charter service company specialized in private/business jet charters, and cooperates with leading international aircraft charter companies to provide this unprecedented service. With just a couple days' advance notice, you can have your own jet, flight crew and accompanying "personal concierge", whose job is to arrange all details on both ends, from pick-ups, cars and hotels to personalized in-flight meals. Your selection of aircraft ranges from the 10-12 person Gulfstream G300 (G4) to much larger airliners accomodating over 100 people. You can board your plane in Taichung, Taipei or Kaohsiung and head off to...anywhere in the world (up to 5,000 airports being open to private jets worldwide). From business trips to company and family vacations, private jets offer many advantages, including personalized/private services, the flexibility of arriving/departing whenever you want, and unlimited baggage (especially great for golfing groups). Pricing varies but for a round-trip 2-3-hours away, a 10-person group could enjoy their own jet service for about US$12,000 per person.

Asia Charter Services
629, ChongDe Rd, Sec 1, 19F-2, Beitun Dist.
(04) 2238-6699, 0800-800-FLY
(24-hr. Hotline)
Email: info@asiacharterservices.com
www.asiacharterservices.com

Look like a fashion model or film star

Fashion shows and glossy magazine covers are filled with attractive models adorned with the latest hair, beauty and clothing styles. When it comes to beautiful hair, why not put yourself in the care of an international stylist who has worked with the biggest names in the business? Based right here in Taichung, Antonio Bugatti has trained and worked in Paris with Jacques Dessange, known as one of the world's top hairdressers, and in Beverly Hills with equally-famous Jose Eber and Cristophe. With many years of experience working with professional models, including cover shots for Elle and Femme magazines, Antonio says that he looks carefully at a woman's hair type, face, neck, age, height and personal style to come up with the right cut and style, coloring or treatment for her hair. "I want to educate my customers on what's possible and offer new standards of elegance....My job is to make her look better," he says, adding that their hair will also still look good after it's washed at home. Whether it's a glamorous "updo" for a party or photograph or just a basic cut, Antonio and his staff can provide it for very reasonable prices.

Antonio Bugatti Hair Lab
(04) 2254-5151
387, DaYe Rd, Nantun Dist.
Hours: 11 am-9 pm
www.bugattiantonio.com

Floating away to the ultimate form of R.E.S.T.

Many people have dreamed of traveling to the Dead Sea to float on its specially-bouyant surface. Now, however, you don't have to go all the way to Israel to enjoy this magical experience, thanks to a Taichung business that offers something that is almost identical, in the form of R.E.S.T., which stands for "Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy". Developed by a German company, the oversized capsules found at Floating Space resemble giant shells that visitors can relax inside. The water in these shells contains a high amount of Epsom salts, allowing your body to float very easily. Climb inside and you won't feel any of the usual sensations of normal life or sources of stress, including gravity, a sense of touch, sound and light. In order help eliminate even then sensation of water, the water temperature is maintained at 34.5 degrees Celsius, allowing you to fall asleep and rest deeply. Floating in such conditions for one hour equals about 4-6 hours of normal sleep. Private rooms also permit you to create your own peaceful space by choosing your personal level of brightness and music (NT$999/hour). Floating Space truly gives a new meaning to the word "relax".

Floating Space
(04) 2378-7886
88, LiuChuan E Rd, Sec 2, West Dist.
Hours: 10 am-10 pm

Five-star dining with a professional chef...in your own home

Who says you have to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy a top-flight meal? La Kitchen Cafe allows you to enjoy a delicious, high-quality dinner in your own house. First, restaurant staff will visit your house and check your kitchen in order to design a suitable menu for you. Then, for your meal, a professional chef will prepare delicate tableware and serve you at the table. This special catering service provided by La Kitchen Cafe is a memorable way to give yourself a very special treat and enjoy an elegant, delicous meal at home, without the work and messy, smoky kitchen. Contact the restaurant for reservations 5-7 days in advance. A home party set for eight to 25 people (NT$2,000/person) includes Hokkaido scallops, Fried Rice with Mushrooms and Abalone, Sea Urchin and Mullet Roe Pasta, foie gras, prawns, and sirloin steaks. All you need to prepare is a stove, an oven and a work table. La Kitchen Cafe's exquisite feast ensures that you and your fellow diners will enjoy an unforgettable experience.

LA KITCHEN CAFE
(04) 2329-2626; 0939-743-047
177, DaLong Rd, Xitun Dist.
Hours: 12-9 pm (closed Mondays)