Where is it? On a rocky, secluded patch of shoreline overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the east coast of Taiwan, 90 minutes from Taipei.
What makes it unique? A strange hybrid, the Leo Club is both a Malibu-style hotel and a storehouse of Chinese treasures, including the world's largest private collection of lion statues - the lion being a potent symbol in Chinese culture.
Did you say lions? Absolutely. The lions come from a collection of more than 6,000 objets of hotel owner John Kao, and represent 3,000 years of Chinese sculptural history. They range from one-tonne Ming guardian lions to unique jade pieces of varying dynastic origin.
Is it modern or Ming? From the front, the traditional circular doorway suggests you're entering a temple. At the back, the hotel's high windows look out over a vast landscaped garden that runs along a ruggedly gorgeous coastline.
What about the accommodation? Don't let the Ming-dynasty exterior fool you. Inside, the hotel is thoroughly 21st century. Each of the 30 rooms is plush, with soft beds and large-screen cable-equipped televisions. Bathrooms feature deep stone tubs for total immersion. The overall feeling is of a luxurious New England bed-and-breakfast with ancient Chinese characteristics.
What's on the menu? An intimate ground-floor restaurant serves traditional Taiwanese dishes. Most guests take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the harbour, lined by excellent seafood restaurants serving fresh catches.