A Wooden Birthday Gift that Reflects ILLUME TAIPEI’s Heartfelt Care and Sustainable Spirit

During a heartfelt staff gathering, the entire ILLUME TAIPEI team came together to celebrate the birthday of our beloved owner representative, Mr. Jürgen Klemm, with warm wishes, a handcrafted wooden gift, and a “Farmhouse European Cake” lovingly decorated by our pastry chef. More than a gesture, this gift told a story of appreciation, creativity, and connection—a once-discarded kitchen cutting board reborn through thoughtful craftsmanship into a meaningful piece of art. It symbolizes ILLUME TAIPEI’s role as a model of sustainability among Taipei hotels—honoring both the environment and human connection.

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The Transformation of an Old Cutting Board: A New Life in Light and Shadow

When the team and our Director of Engineering stepped into a storage room on the third floor of ILLUME TAIPEI, a quiet sense of excitement filled the air—as if on a treasure hunt. The space was filled with forgotten items: unused picture frames, old drums, surplus chairs, and decorations. Amidst the dust and silence, our eyes landed on a heavy, discarded cutting board from the banquet kitchen. Though dusty, its wood remained beautifully intact. After a quick team discussion and final confirmation from Director John, a quiet but firm “This is it” sparked everyone’s creativity—and began a journey of transformation.
With skill and deep knowledge of wood, our Director of Engineering carefully sanded and reshaped the cutting board. Each spin of the grinder felt like light carving into wood—smoothing out the surface until it revealed a warm, rounded form with a naturally sunken center. The result: a circular wooden planter, reborn. It was not only a transformation of material, but also a tribute to craftsmanship—breathing new life into what was once forgotten.
After the wooden planter was completed, it was sent to the Marketing Department for the final touch. As the laser engraving machine carved into the surface, the soft hum and subtle woody scent filled the air—the honoree’s name was precisely etched.
The Marketing team then prepared colorful markers and invited colleagues from various departments to sign the piece—each leaving a sincere and heartfelt birthday message. These signatures, in all shapes and styles, formed a unique pattern that reflected the team's warmth and unity. It symbolizes ILLUME TAIPEI’s role as a model of sustainability among Taipei hotels—honoring both the environment and human connection.
The final step brought the planter to ILLUME’s Secret Garden—a lush space lovingly tended by our in-house florist of over ten years. In the hollow of the wood, she nurtured a tiny patch of grass, sometimes letting it bask in the sunlight, adding lifelike ladybugs for a whimsical touch. She then placed the finished piece on two elegant bases inspired by classical Chinese design, completing this heartfelt and artistic birthday gift.
This gift reflects ILLUME’s dedication to detail, and in the interplay of light and greenery, radiates a gentle glow of human care.

ILLUME TAIPEI’s Green Commitment: Sustainable Hospitality & the Spirit of Discovery

ILLUME TAIPEI has long embraced the art of “treasure hunting” throughout the hotel—transforming unused items into creative works that reflect both sustainability and aesthetics. For example, we once repurposed old glass bottles into sparkling holiday decorations that delighted our guests. But our commitment goes far beyond. These efforts reflect our deep sense of environmental responsibility as a proud hotel in the heart of Taipei.

Since late 2022, ILLUME TAIPEI has been committed to providing a green hospitality experience that balances comfort with environmental sustainability. In response to both government initiatives and global trends, we have aligned with the hospitality industry’s top ten sustainability goals for 2025, integrating them into our daily operations:

Maintain Reusable Glass Kettles & Provide water dispensers

Encourage guests to use in-room glass bottles.

Promote Eco Housekeeping

Guests staying multiple nights may opt to reuse towels and linens.

Use Refillable Bathroom Dispensers

Discontinue single-use amenities and encourage guests to bring their own.

Tech-Enabled Sustainable Experiences

Including self-service check-in and paperless hotel directory.

Eliminate Plastic Bottles & Discontinue single-use amenities

The Data Is Clear: Sustainability Is Shaping the Present and Future of Taipei Hospitality

Sustainability has become central to the hotel industry’s operations. This green movement, both warm and resolute, is sweeping across the globe—shaping the future of every hotel in Taipei.

A report by EHL Insight highlights that sustainability is now an urgent priority for the hospitality industry. The shift in consumer awareness is driving rapid transformation across the sector.

Conscious Awakening: A 2020 online survey found that 53% of travelers wished for more sustainable travel experiences.

Mainstream Momentum: By 2021, this figure had risen to 81%, confirming that sustainable stays had become mainstream.

Global Consensus: According to a 2023 UNWTO report, 73% of global travelers prefer to stay in hotels that actively implement sustainable practices.

Generational Force: The “Voice of the Consumer 2024” report highlights Gen Z’s strong presence in circular fashion, signaling their firm support for sustainability.

Looking Ahead: Sustainability Is Taipei Hospitality’s Profound Promise to People & the Land

Sustainability is not only the path forward for ILLUME TAIPEI—it is our responsibility as a hotel in Taipei. More and more hotels today are taking real action: reducing waste, conserving resources, optimizing energy, and working hand in hand with local communities to meet long-term cultural and social needs. This is not just a green transition—it is a profound respect for life and the environment.


At ILLUME TAIPEI, sustainability is not merely a policy—it is a warm and thoughtful practice carried out every single day. This care is shown in how we respect the land, cherish our resources, and welcome every traveler with kindness. We believe that true sustainability lies in infusing every detail with human warmth, allowing every guest to feel the genuine spirit of “Full of Care.”


The handcrafted wooden gift, created from a repurposed cutting board, was not only a birthday tribute—it embodied the creativity and heartfelt blessings of our entire team. It symbolizes our belief in human connection: every overlooked resource has the potential to be reborn, and every sincerely nurtured relationship can shine.

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We are ILLUME TAIPEI—a hotel that believes human connection is just as important as harmony with the environment. Through inspiring creativity, heartfelt warmth, and committed action, we will continue to bring our vision of sustainability to life. With every ray of light and every thoughtful touch, we hope to illuminate the journeys of all who come to Taipei.

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Facility Operation Notice

To ensure the highest standards of our facilities, we will be conducting maintenance on the 5th floor Outdoor Swimming Pool, SAUNA, and SPA on Monday, 17 March 2025, from 08:00 to 14:00. These facilities will be temporarily unavailable during this time. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and support. For assistance, please contact our Duty Manager at extension 83105.

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