Nantou Travel Guide: St. Malo Xitou B&B (溪頭聖馬洛民宿)

Introduction

Tucked into the misty pine forests of Lugu, Nantou County, Xitou is one of central Taiwan’s most beloved escapes for travelers craving cool mountain air, hiking trails, and a break from crowded lowland cities. At the heart of this scenic region sits 溪頭聖馬洛民宿 (St. Malo Xitou B&B), a cozy family-run guesthouse that blends warm Taiwanese hospitality with comfortable, convenient amenities ideal for couples, families, and solo hikers alike. Whether you’re here to explore Xitou’s ancient forests or unwind with slow mountain getaways, this welcoming B&B makes the perfect home base for your Nantou adventure.

Hotel Overview

Conveniently located at 22-38 Xingchan Road, Lugu Township, Nantou County, St. Malo B&B offers all the essential comforts for a relaxing mountain stay. All rooms come with air conditioning, heating for cool winter nights, solid hardwood floors, free WiFi across the entire property, and flat-screen TVs for evenings in. Private en-suite bathrooms are stocked with complimentary toiletries, toilet paper, towels, slippers, and hair dryers, while every room includes crisp linens, clothing hangers, and a small in-room refrigerator for storing snacks and drinks.

For families, spacious connecting family rooms are available to fit groups of all sizes, and the entire property is smoke-free for a comfortable, healthy stay. Complimentary amenities include free private on-site parking that does not require advance booking, daily housekeeping, luggage storage for early check-ins or late departures, and local shuttle service to nearby trailheads and attractions. The property’s Chinese-speaking hosts are happy to share insider tips on hidden hikes and local eateries.

Local Attractions

No stay at St. Malo B&B is complete without exploring these three iconic nearby attractions. First, Xitou Nature Education Area, just a 10-minute drive from the B&B, is a 2,200-hectare protected old-growth forest famous for its towering Japanese cedar trees, sky footbridge, and miles of well-maintained hiking trails. The cool, pine-scented air is perfect for leisurely walks or challenging day hikes, and the park is home to a wide variety of native birds and wildlife. Second, the bamboo forests of Bamboo Lake (Zhuhu) in nearby Guoxing Township are a 25-minute drive away, offering quiet walking paths, traditional tea houses, and postcard-perfect views of rolling green bamboo groves. Third, the Lugu Tea Culture Museum explores the region’s famous oolong tea heritage, with guided tastings of locally grown high-mountain tea and exhibits on traditional tea processing.

Travel Tips

Book your room at least two weeks in advance, especially during peak cherry blossom season in March and autumn leaf-viewing season in November, when Xitou’s accommodation fills up quickly. Bring layers of clothing: mountain temperatures can drop 5-10°C at night even in summer, so a light jacket or sweater is essential for evening walks. If you don’t have a car, arrange your shuttle to and from the B&B in advance with the property’s hosts, who offer affordable transfer service from nearby bus terminals. Don’t leave without picking up a bag of locally grown Lugu oolong tea from a shop near the B&B to take home as a souvenir.