【星晨堡民宿】Astrea in Chiayi
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When Gabriel and I were visiting Chiayi, we stayed at a cute family-owned B&B. It's semi-close to the beautiful Alishan, making it the perfect place to stay after a long hike.
After exploring Alishan with an adventurous hike and enjoying afternoon tea at Chaya Zoy (佐一茶屋), we went hiking at the Mist of Trails (霧之道). When we realized we had no way to get back to the hotel, we called Astrea to ask if there was a pickup service. Unfortunately, the driver was off that day… However, the owner and his wife kindly came to pick us up! It was definitely a heartwarming gesture.
As we arrived, little did I know, that this family-owned B&B in Chiayi turned out to be more than just a place to stay.
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know before you stay!
PAYMENT METHOD
Since Astrea is a small family-owned business, they operate on a cash-only basis, so be sure to have enough cash on hand.
PERFECT FOR
Romantic getaway. Families. Star gazing. Watch the sunrise. Nature lovers. Budget travelers.
PET POLICY
Pets are not allowed
SHOES OFF POLICY
Don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering Astrea and place them in the shoe rack when you’re inside. Each shoe rack is labeled with the room names that you reserved. Disposable house slippers will be provided for you to wear when you’re walking around inside the B&B.
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about Astrea
Astrea is located in a very unique setting, hidden away from the main road on a secluded path. As you make your way past the tea plantations, you’ll see that Astrea comes into view on the side.
Astrea is more than just a B&B — it's a family-owned cute castle that brings together the longstanding traditions of tea and mushroom farming. The young owner's family has been deeply rooted in the farming legacy for many generations and decided to open this charming B&B to stay close to family and share the stunning views of the Alishan mountains with their visitors.
At Astrea, you’re not just a regular guest — you’re treated like family. The warmth of their hospitality creates an experience where you're not just accommodated but genuinely welcomed into their home.
From tea tastings with the owner's father to enjoying the breathtaking scenery, Astrea offers a unique mix of tradition and heartfelt hospitality.
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checking in
The level of hospitality and service at ASTREA was more than just wonderful. It felt more like being with friends than them hosting.
When we were checking-in, they not only welcomed us warmly but also shared valuable tips on what to see and where to go.
What set ASTREA apart was their genuine commitment to making sure our stay was memorable. They offered to pick us up or drop us off wherever needed, making the entire experience convenient and stress-free.
Whenever we had questions, whether about the local area or their B&B, they were not just open but enthusiastically shared their story, creating a sense of connection.
The owners also gave us insightful tips on what time and where to catch the sunrise.
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our room
ASTREA offers a variety of rooms, each with its own unique layout and charm. Gabriel pre-booked the Vĕnus room, and it exceeded our expectations in every way.
The Vĕnus room radiated coziness and cleanliness. Toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and even a mini loofah to scrub your body, were thoughtfully provided. The room came fully equipped with essentials like towels, a blow dryer, an electric kettle, coffee, and, of course, Astrea's signature tea bags — a nice touch for tea enthusiasts. 🍵
The real star of the room was the bed. After a day of hiking through Alishan and the Mist of Trails, sinking into the plush, soft blankets felt like a dream. ASTREA's attention to detail, from the room's layout to the quality of the bed, made it stand out as one of the most comfortable stays we've experienced in Taiwan.
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chasing the sunrise
I woke up at 4:50 in the morning because I was way too excited to watch the sunrise. The owners at ASTREA had wisely suggested 5:30 AM as the prime time for this breathtaking experience.
Gabriel and I left the B&B with our drone in our hands at 5:20 AM. Following the owner's recommendation, we arrived at the chosen spot just in time to see the sun's grand entrance.
Even though the morning sky was filled with a veil of clouds, hiding the sun's radiant rays, the experience was still mesmerizing. We flew our drone and captured the mesmerizing landscape that painted the sky.
Astrea had an amazing spot to catch the sunrise and its an experience that’ll always be in my heart.
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traditional Taiwanese breakfast at Astrea
At ASTREA, the breakfast experience was a unique experience as well.
Upon check-in, you're handed a Chinese menu from a local breakfast store. Take a moment to look at the options. Unfortunately the menu is only in Chinese — I recommend downloading Google Translate app on your phone to view the translations on your phone screen. Fill out the form with your breakfast preferences and leave the form at the front desk for them to request.
The following morning, the owners pick up the selected breakfast items from the local breakfast shop, ensuring a fresh and authentic meal.
You can eat your breakfast either in your room or eat at the dining hall which is located outside Astrea. Gabriel and I decided to eat at the dining hall for a more authentic experience and enjoy our Taiwanese breakfast.
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morning tea ceremony
After breakfast, the owner's father takes center stage, preparing tea leaves and cups for a morning tea diligently drying tea leaves and preparing a morning tea ceremony.
What makes this tea truly special is that it's not just any Oolong — it's theirs, cultivated from their family's tea plantation. As the uncle (owner’s father) expertly brews the tea for us to drink, the crisp, yet smooth taste leaves an lasting impression.
Engaging in a tea ceremony at Astrea isn't just about sipping tea — it's also a journey into the family's heritage. The uncle shares insights into the tea-making process, the specific blend we were enjoying, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
It's more than just tea. It's a personal and enriching experience, making your stay at ASTREA truly exceptional.
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ASTREA : Vĕnus
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check out my Taichung travel vlog!
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