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The country of tulips and windmills. Find the tips you need, from North to South!

City Trips / NetherlandsAugust 17, 2019
12 x Tips for a Midweekend Citytrip to MaastrichtLast midweek we traveled to Maastricht and its surroundings. Let see what the city that almost hosted the 2020 Eurovision is all about. We Dutchies are globe-trotters with a capital ‘G’ and an exclamation mark. Our travel-around-the-world-craving seems to become bigger and bigger, year after year. But besides all the international magic, did you know our own country has just as much to offer as the most distant destinations? A nice side note: you save yourself a pricey ticket and killer jetlag (here’s how to avoid one). Hello Maastricht! Midweekend Citytrip to Maastricht in a nutshell Would you like to experience life like the Maastricht citizens do? Drop by on a Sunday afternoon till Thursday and you’ll get that slow living, enjoyable feeling! No hustle and bustle, just everything at ease. The authentic atmosphere of Maastricht made me feel like I was on a laid back mini vacation abroad – and that wasn’t just because of the lovely spring sunshine, cold beer with Italian nibbles and a hospitable community. There is so much to explore, let’s zoom in on a few highlights and to do’s I’ve tried & tested. Where to Stay In my opinion the best district to stay is without doubt the hip and lively district ‘Wyck’. Extra plus: it’s near the train station, which is super convenient. Let me give you three really cool hotel tips for your citytrip in Maastricht: » The Student Hotel: The Student Hotel has become a household name in this city. Besides housing students with a home away from home, the building also provides guests with a playful decor and spacious rooms. The monumental building is the perfect match for that TSH vibe, which stands for playful, creative and community. Next door you can find The Commons, a nice restaurant that guest and outsiders can use for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Keep an eye out for more Student Hotel locations, they plan to have 41 properties in European cities by 2021! Book your stay here. The Student Hotel » The Dutch: The colourful, trendy design with international allure would certainly not be missed in Amsterdam, London or Barcelona. I’m in love with their breakfast bag, which they hang on your door in the early morning, so cute. Food allergy, vegan or other wishes? No problem for the genuinely friendly staff! www.hotelthedutch.com The Dutch, one of my stays during my midweekend citytrip in Maastricht » Kaboom Hotel, are you smart, worldly-wise and a tad of a rebel? Did you hear yourself saying three times ‘yes’ than you definitely have to stay here. Rewarded as the best hotel concept in 2015 according to Entree Magazine, good job! Oh and they’re nice for your wallet: budget-friendly without feeling cheap. Book your stay here. » Townhouse Hotel. They want to give you the feelin’ like home-away-from-home experience: rent a goldfish for one night – how funny is that! – and enjoy their homemade soup or a little alcoholic drink in one of the comfortable, retro sofas. If you prefer a pure and ‘down to earth’ hotel, this is your match! Book here! The Townhouse Hotel Where to Eat Oh Yes, we have arrived (figuratively speaking) at my favorite chapter: Food! During my citytrip in Maastricht I spotted many pretty new hotspots. » Mr. Smith, Say hi to this new kid in town. A stylish cocktailbar of two hipsters. This cocktailicious hotspot is one you need to know, otherwise you will spontaneously go along. Press the bell and a small-scale, hidden cocktail heaven will open in front of you. Go for their fresh GT’s or ask the staff for a tasty advice. In advance #sorrynotsorry for your hangover. mrsmithmaastricht » De Poshoorn, on Sunday evening I went to the well-known De Poshoorn. In the past a brown, tiny unobtrusive pub, nowadays a vibrant beer café with a fresh, contemporary atmosphere. Sixteen beers on tap and hundred on bottle. Go local and try the ‘Mestreechs Zoervleis’, a local food specialty. In spite of the fact the Maastrichtians see this dish as something unique, for this girl from above the rivers it’s a look-alike of the meaty hachee, so delicious! www.poshoorn.nl » De Tapijn, is a very cool 4-year catering project in a former barrack. Relaxed location near the park, welcoming staff, a huge terrace and yummy food. I love the fact they know the origin of the fresh, local ingredients. This alone makes the food even better. Lunch, dinner or a Friday drink with friends, this hotspot in Maastricht has it all! www.tapijn.nl Jack White’s, one of the hotspots I’ve tried during my citytrip in Maastricht Never mind the beer! 😉 What To Do Boy o boy where to start, there’s so much to do during a (mid)weekend Maastricht and other parts of South Limburg! Here are my favorite highlights: Let’s start with the city walk through the urban part of Maastricht. Honestly, the excitement of the guide is essential for making or failing it, but luckily I had an amazing time with Lianne Schuuring, credits for her. She showed all the interesting ins and outs of Maastricht from the history till today. Bucketlist proof! Sightseeing Maastricht, a must do during your citytrip! Get Active If you’d rather ride a bike than walk, rent a mountainbike and work on your condition in this hilly area. There’re so many bike routes. I cycled to the newly opened ENCI-quarry, a wonderful spot for a swim in summertime. Just a guess, I think you’ve never thought about a kickbike tour in the caves of Zonnebergust. In the Maastricht underground nothing is too crazy. Although I do not have much with visiting caves, the whole new experience ánd power chick Niké Hermans made it really enjoyable. See the Southern part of South Limburg from a fascinating, different angle. Are you claustrophobic? Let shake hands…but I can tell you this wasn’t too claustrophobic for me, so don’t worry. Entering the cave Herbal walk? A herbal walk in Maastricht or other parts in South Limburg, have you ever done it? Come one, once has to be the very first time. Definitely book it via the enthusiastic master herborist Anne van der Linden. She’s is a running encyclopedia, she really knows everything about herbs and their special function: tea of nettle for blood purification, the juice from the dandelion for drying out annoying pimples and so on, and so on. If you’re very interested in the history of historical buildings go to Abdij Rolduc in Kerkrade and book a tour. To be honest, it wasn’t my favorite, but I can imagine you don’t want to miss it during your midweekend in Maastricht and surroundings. Afterwards you can have some food in the Brasserie or have a quick look in the microbrewery, a hidden gem! An information overload summarised in a city guide for you, you’re welcome 😉 I’ll definitely go back to the south if I need a mini-break! Love, Sharmaine Read more of Sharmaine’s foodie tips here!... Read more...
NetherlandsJuly 4, 2019
5 x picnic in RotterdamSummer has officially started and we are looking forward to all long summer nights and picnics in the park. To make things a little easier, we’ve listed 5 restaurants that sell really nice ready-to-go lunchboxes for perfect picnic in Rotterdam. Karakter Restaurant Karakter uses fresh and biological ingredients daily and they also make special picnic boxes with meat, vegetarian or vegan food. The Karakter Picnic Box consists of BLT sandwiches, carrot and beetroot wraps with tasty fillings, avocado sandwiches, fried cheeseballs, a salad, some fresh fruits, pastechi with chicken and/or vegetables and some sweet bites. The box comes with either wine or local apple juice. Me and a friend tried the vegetarian box and it tasted really good. We especially liked the wraps, the cheeseballs and the BLT sandwiches with vegan bacon. The Karakter Picnic Box costs €37,50 for two persons and you can order it one day in advance. www.restaurantkarakter.com Picnic in Rotterdam by Karakter Spirit At Spirit they have loads of food options. Instead of a menu they have a big buffet with 50 different dishes. Everything is vegetarian and seasonal. You can easily mix & match the variety of foods for lunch or dinner. How about some grilled green asparagus, chickpea salad, risotto balls or a seaweed salad? You can make a full and varied take-away box which will cost you €2,50 per 100 grams. You can choose as many ingredients as you want, you will pay for the weight later. www.spiritrestaurants.nl Lot en Daan If you are looking for an all-day breakfast and lunch place, then go to Lot & Daan for guilty pleasures. You can order the Urban Picknick box to-go. The box is filled with fresh juice, fruit, olives, a fresh salad, bread with dips and a surprise piece of pie. If you pick it up at the restaurant you will be rewarded with two free Kaapse Brouwers beers or a small bottle of cava. Or you can use Thuisbezorgd. The box is for 2 persons and costs €18. Lotdaan.nl/picknick Picnic by Lot & Daan Little V Little V is a Vietnamese restaurant and a popular spot in Rotterdam. They serve many Vietnamese dishes like Banh Mi baguettes, Pho soup and Banh Xeo pancakes. They also have a Street Style Lunchbox on their menu which contains 4 delicious dishes. The lunchbox costs €13,50 and it’s a surprise what’s in the box! Iyumi Fancy a Japanese picnic? Iyumi serves many Japanese dishes and their whole menu is available for take-away. Besides sushi boxes, you can get traditional bentoboxes (Japanese lunchboxes) with a variety of fish or meat together with a salad, fried snacks, fruit, rice and warm vegetables. Perfect for a picnic. The prices for the bentoboxes vary from €10,50 to €15,95 for one person. The larger sushiboxes vary from €10,25 to €33,50. Are you looking for the perfect picnic spot in Rotterdam? The Vroesenpark Het Dakpark De Kralingse Plas The Park at the Euromast are all great places to get together for a picnic gathering. Find out which places in Amsterdam offer a traditional picnic basket! Enjoy! Love, Merel * Merel is one of our guest editors in Rotterdam. She describes herself as a daydreaming student who loves to travel. She just came back from a 5-month backpacking trip trough Asia and can’t wait to see more of the world. Check her out on Instagram: @merel_d94.... Read more...
NetherlandsJune 25, 2019
Citytrip Almere | What to see and doWhen you first think of a citytrip Almere you might think of modern and innovative architectonic buildings, a shopping area without much ambiance, and always a breeze at hand. In all honesty, we didn’t know Almere as well as we thought. But the youngest city of the Netherlands has more to offer than meets the eye. How Almere captures your heart Recently, I received a secret invite for a ‘Destination Unknown Experience.’ Obviously, it triggered my interest. Little did I know that together with some other nosey parkers we got on a speedboat – a rapid Rib with 100 km/h on the meter – and after an adrenaline rush for 30 minutes, we arrived in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nature. ‘Welcome to Almere ladies!’ This wasn’t in line with the City I met years ago. I had to give this municipality a second chance. What a way to enter the city! One of the things I was mostly surprised by, was the immense natural character A 24h citytrip in Almere If you are planning a city trip to Almere you have many options, but I will give you a glimpse of my one-day citytrip. The city is surrounded by five natural areas: Oostvaardersplassen, Lepelaarplassen, Pampushout, the Vroege Vogelbos and Almeerderhout. Consequently, nature-lovers will dig this. And did you know that Almere has twice as many bridges as Venice? After floating through the canals, we arrived at Boathouse Almere. A beautiful place where you can dock your boat. I can tell you, you’ll stay here a little longer than initially planned. Expect a menu with something for everybody. From a club sandwich to fish & chips or bao with pulled jackfruit. After an appetizing lunch break we continued our journey by…Segway! Thanks to Segs in the City (see what they did there?), we drove around Almere’s many cycle paths, which is a great way to explore the city. Boathouse Almere Did you know that Almere Centrum won the title Beste Binnenstad 2017 – 2020? High Tea & Bubbles Being a segway driver makes you hungry, so our next stop was at a culinary gem: The Black Cockatoo. It’s the first 100% vega(n) hotspot in town where you can indulge yourself with lots of treats. Mostly locally produced and – as far as possible – organic ingredients. The black Cockatoo will always be marked as the place where I had my very first ever vegan hot chocolate milk with whipped cream. And they also had me at ‘vegan brownie.’ Heavenly soft inside, literally and figuratively finger lickin’ good. Cheers to Almere! Happy tummy, happy sweet tooth at The Black Cockatoo Lifestyle Salon and Spa knows how to pamper you! Take a break and Relax Almere has a lot of shopping opportunities (there are more than 400 stores!) and after all that walking around the city center, your body may need a little pampering. Go to Lifestyle Salon and Spa. Firstly, you can get your hair and make-up done or get a fresh haircut. Secondly, the ladies at the salon offer head and full body massages. Pedicures? You name it, they have it. And all with the idea that beauty is a combination of inner and outer well-being. The crew is very professional, honest and has a ‘what you see is what you get’ mentality. You will love the laidback vibe here, as it is the perfect spot to recharge yourself. The ladies at Lifestyle Salon & Spa know how to treat a lady CULTURAL: visit Vis à Vis open air theater In the evening we went to Vis à Vis, a theatre company which plays open air shows at a permanent location at Almeerderstrand. Light-hearted comedy, astonishing spectacle and ingenious storylines lead the audience with a wink to the abyss of serious dilemmas. Even though I’m always in for some theatrical violence, I’ve never seen something like this before. Never. In 1,5 hours you’ll be amazed again and again. Step into a world full of extraordinary humor and surprises. Even the air is part of the decor and this is not comparable with a traditional indoor show. In case you’d love to have a complete night out, you can reserve a spot in De Rode Haring with simple (buffet) dishes and long Biergarten tables, a much-vaunted food formula. A must see in Almere! Where to stay After a very long, but overwhelming day, we were dropped off at Lodgerie Het Groene Geheim. This is exactly what you need after a full day Almere. A luxury lodge with all comforts including a huge bubble bath with a fantastic view over the countryside. When I woke up I didn’t had the idea I stayed in in a city. Nature everywhere, and this was suppose to be a city trip? Well, I’m sold. Heart shaped bubble bath at Lodgerie Het Groene Geheim Maybe it won’t be love at first sight if you stroll through city centre, but a citytrip to Almere is absolutely worth a try. Nature, city beaches, wellness, shopping, culinary spots makes me wanna say; see you soon? Special thanks to Visit Almere for this wonderful trip! Love, Sharmaine *Sharmaine is one of our guest bloggers from the Netherlands with a sweet tooth. The sweeter, the better! She no kitchen princess so she’s always in search for the best hotspots in Amsterdam! You can expect an article from her once a month! Check her out on Instagram! Learn more about the Netherlands here! ... Read more...
City Trips / NetherlandsJune 12, 2019
8x tips for a weekend citytrip to The HagueI love springtime! For me it’s the best time for a citytrip. Last weekend I played the tourist in the royal, majestic The Hague. Let’s zoom in on some great trendy and even some vintage hotspots I figured out for you. Here’s the wanderlust citytrip to The Hague. Where To Eat Food, food, food. I can think about it the whole day long if you give me the chance. Because I really see the daily ‘food moments’ as something important, I don’t take pleasure with every standard looking food spot just around the corner. It’s a discovery tour to find the gems! Below you’ll find a couple of (coffee) spots which caught my attention. pistachecafe.nl Pistache Café Located behind the royal palace ‘Noordeinde’, this healthy oriented hotspot is definitely one for your food bucket list. Why? The Pistachers only work with fresh ingredients and are figuratively allergic for E-numbers and other chemical stuff. Most of the foodies tried the bread with avocado, looked finger lickin’ good! I ordered the sweet potato pancakes – what a surprise – which were also yummy, but a bit too little if you’re hungry after a city walk 😉 KADE Drop by and enjoy a good cup of coffee, fresh juice, breakfast, lunch or dinner. I’ve tried the Eggs Florentine which was really delicious. Tip: order the hollandaise sauce on the side. Especially, I would like to point out the genuine hospitality of the staff, thumps up for them. Little V This Vietnamese hotspot is tha bomb! They’re famous for their homemade ice teas, worth to try. If you’ve ever been to Vietnam you definitely will taste the real Vietnamese buns, pho’s and spring rolls in the beating city heart of The Hague. Also the laid back ambiance is great. And for the dessert lovers? The chocolate mousse with a Vietnamese touch is the one you definitely have to order! Vietnamese food lovers, this is your spot to drop by in The Hague The Hague Bookstore Located in the city center, this is the vintage spot for your shot of caffeine, cakes – the cake of dates is heavenly – and books. They have a kind of a garden where you can escape the hustle and bustle of The Hague. Sit back and relax! Website. The Hague Bookstore, the place during your citytrip in The Hague for a relaxation moment Lola A bike and coffee shop in one, love the concept! It’s a heaven on earth for cycling enthusiasts, no doubt about that. Expect an easy-going atmosphere – even in the weekend -, superb coffee and cakes ánd friendly staff who like to make a chitchat. lolabikesandcoffee.nl LISTed You definitely will fall in love with this fashion meets coffee concept store. They have in my opinion the coolest Scandinavian clothing brands, original accessories and…coffee! Girls, take your time, the boyfriend will enjoy their coffee with a book in the chill chesterfield. Win – win! Facebook Where To Stay The best way to explore The Hague is to stay a night in one of the mostly classical designed hotels or Airbnb’s. I tried the budget proof The Student Hotel, located nearby the train station The Hague HS. It’s a place where students can live for a couple of months and design-savvy travelers can stay for a few nights. My opinion? It’s a modern, simple and very clean hotel (room) with all the facilities you need. No foolishness, only functional design. I really loved the helpfulness of the receptionists, credits for them. Besides I prefer the smaller boutique hotels instead of the – with all the respect – more ‘room factories’ like The Student Hotel, I absolutely recommend The Student Hotel when your budget isn’t sky high. You can book your room here. Book your stay here. The Student Hotel, my stay during my citytrip to The Hague Oh and by the way: In 10-15 minutes you’re in Scheveningen by tram, the place to be when it’s a blue sky, sunny day. There are a lot of beach resto’s where you can have a pit stop for nibbles, drinks and more. Locals told me the less touristic spots are located around the ‘Zwarte Pad’ (Black Path). Keep the above tips in mind and go for your The Hague citytrip as soon as possible. The welcoming inhabitants are waiting for you! Love, Sharmaine Check Sharmaine’s midweek citytrip to Maastricht and get all the tips! Follow Sharmaine on Instagram.... Read more...
Netherlands / Tasty HotspotsMay 28, 2019
These are the Top 13 Beach Clubs in The NetherlandsIn the Netherlands we needed to wait a while before spring/summer knocked on the door, but she’s here. Finally! When the sun is out, people want to escape the hot city and go to one of the many amazing beaches. The Netherlands offers a few long stretched beaches with pretty amazing sunsets. Beach Clubs are all part of the fun and come in all sorts of sizes Each one has something special or authentic. To clear things up for you, we’ve made a selection of our top 12 beach clubs in The Netherlands. Tulum, Noordwijk This newcomer opened last year and is a big favorite! Why? The beach vibe is amazing and there is so much space to sit or lay down at. There are 2 area’s and buildings; the first building is the restaurant where you need to reserve a spot for lunch or dinner, and the second building is a place to order snacks, wraps, burgers and drinks. We prefer the second part because there is more space to chill, overlooking the shores of Noordwijk. The best time to come is at around 11am. This way you always get a good spot. Sunbeds are also available for hire, but if you order a consumption, you can sit on the many available chairs. www.tulumtulum.nl Pretty Tulum The Fat Mermaid, Scheveningen Not new, but a breath of fresh air in Den Haag. Located on the busy promenade of Scheveningen beach, The Fat Mermaid is quite busy on sunny days, but we still recommend you to take a look while you’re around. Even though they don’t claim to be fully sustainable, they try to offer as many organic and local products. For example, they serve fish from local fish shop Ben de Lange and the meat is from the wonderful Lindenhoff farm. Therefore, families, couples, friends and dog owners all love it here. www.thefatmermaid.nl The Fat Mermaid. Photo by Floor Boers Blooming Beach, Bergen aan zee 6km from the hotel you will find Bergen aan Zee, the towns beach. It’s about a 30 min bicycle ride and you can use the bikes from the hotel. Blooming never sits still and they are always looking to add a little extra something to their impressive portfolio. So they’ve opened a beach club called Blooming Beach! Now, don’t mistake this beach club with the loud beach bars in Bloemendaal. No, this place is perfect for that sunny afternoon with a glass of wine in your hand. Put your toes in the sand or jump in the hot tub (yes, they have one!) while you smell the sea and the delicious food from the restaurant. Will this become one of Hollands best Beach Clubs? www.blooming-hotels.com De Branding, Noordwijk Voted as the best beach club in The Netherlands 2016, this beachclub is very popular indeed. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at this trendy place. The white decor set’s away beautifully at the beach. Enjoy good drinks and music whilst people watching. www.brandingbeach.nl Pepper Beachclub, Zandvoort When you get to Pepper Beach Club you immediately feel that Ibiza vibe. The dream-catchers, colorful cushions and summer cocktails will make you stay until sunset. They describe themselves as hippie Chic, laid back, with good music, good vibes! www.pepper-beachclub Source: Pepper Beachclub Timboektoe, Wijk aan Zee When we visited this beach bar a couple of years ago, it felt like a surfers paradise. Walking around are plenty cool surfer dudes and you really feel like you’re abroad. It’s still Dutch though, so you can order the famous Dutch Croquette on bread to keep you grounded. www.timboektoe.org Source: Timboektoe Instagram Elements Beach, `s Gravenzande If you think Woodstock ’69 isn’t hippie enough for you, then you should definitely pay a visit to Elements Beach. This Beach bar is supporting fairtrade, sustainability and create entrepreneurship with their hearts. The food is always organic and they organize yoga classes. It’s near Den Hague but not in the busy part. Come here if you want to escape the crowded beach bars in the summer and watch the kite surfers or close your eyes and pretend you in Bali.. www.elementsbeach.nl Club Zand, Castricum The Netherlands is lucky with a beach bar like Club Zand. Not only do they have a great relaxed location in Castricum at sea, they also hosts outdoor cinema nights with free popcorn! Their latest edition will be on the 2nd of May, so reserve your spot! Every Friday there is live music from a DJ or band, so there is something for everyone. The other thing we really like about this beach bar, is that they support sustainability. They are hoping to become the greenest beach of the Netherlands and they do this with several projects like reducing gas by 50%. Take a look next time you’re around Castricum! www.clubzand.nl Hippie Fish, Zandvoort Like Tulum, this beach bar has a vibe that takes you to another place that looks more like Mexico or Ibiza. It’s not large, but super cute and the food is tasty! Come here when its less busy, like a midweek or morning. This way you can enjoy Hippie Fish to the max. www.hippiefish.nl © HIPPIE FISH Woodstock ’69, Bloemendaal It’s an oldie but for people that are not from Holland, this one should definitely be on the list. This place will take you back to ’69 and brings out your inner hippie. On Sunday’s and when the weather is good, this is the place to be. People from all over the country drive up to Bloemendaal Beach to dance to the beats of some of the most talked about DJ’s of the moment. www.woodstock69.nl Dance with your feet in the sand at Woodstock Beachclub Perry’s, Scharendijke All the way in the south of Holland, you will find this fine beach club that’s been around for over 25 years. They have a North African atmosphere and serve dishes such as Tajine Casablanca and killer pancakes. Above all, it’s a great place to relax in their beach chairs overlooking the sea. www.beachclubperrys.nl Arabic style Perry’s Not at sea, but still worth a visit: Down Under, Nieuwegein This beach bar/restaurant has a few things that make it special. Besides the restaurant and bar there’s so much you can do. Wakeboarding, waterskiing, indoor bodyboarding and floating golf are just some of the water activities you can participate at Down Under. Besides this, there is a large grass and a sand area where you can sunbath. It’s perfect for families with young children, for instance, they have many kids activities. The beach club area can also be hired for business or private parties. Down Under is situated near Utrecht, right in the heart of The Netherlands. www.downunder.nl down under Key West, Utrecht Situated next to one of the bussiest highways on The Netherlands, is the Key West Beachhouse. Okok, it’s not a real beach but it’s besides the “Haarrijnse Plas” where you can safely swim. It’s the perfect spot for a business lunch or lovely dinner. They cook with local and fresh products and as a result the menu changes per season. www.keywestbeachhouse.nl In conclusion, this list will give you enough choice to enjoy the Dutch beaches this summer! Love, Wander-Lust... Read more...
LUST / NetherlandsMay 23, 2019
30 x Must Visit Food Festivals in The Netherlands 2019Food festivals have proven to be a hit in the Netherlands, and because there are so many of them, it was time to create a list so you can pick and choose which ones you want to visit this summer. We have listed the best and upcoming food festivals in the Netherlands per month. Enjoy! May 23 – 26 May TREK Maastricht | More info 25 – 26 May Pizza Festival Amsterdam | More info 29 May – 2 June Rollende keukens Amsterdam | More info 30 May – 2 June TREK Nijmegen | More info 31 May – 2 June Taste of Amsterdam Amsterdam | More info 31 May – 2 June RYPP Wijnfestival Rotterdam | More info 24 May – 2 June Toost Foodtruck Festival several locations! | More info June 1 -2 June Spijs Foodfestival Venlo | More info 6 – 10 June TREK Utrecht | More info 7 – 8 June Gin Festival Utrecht | More info 7 – 10 June Lepeltje Lepeltje Amersfoort | More info 7 – 10 June Cuisine Machine Vlissingen | More info 8 – 17 June Bacchus Wijnfestival Amsterdam | More info 11 – 14 June Het Hoofdgerecht Amsterdam | More info 14- 16 June TREK Enschede| More info 27 – 30 June Leiden Culinair Leiden | More info 28- 30 June Fête du Champagne Amsterdam | More info Source: Culinair Leiden July 5 – 7 July Lust Foodtruck Festival Winterswijk | More info 5 – 7 July Vorkje Prik Utrecht | More info 4 – 7 July TREK ‘s-Hertogenbosch| More info 12 – 14 July TREK Amsterdam| More info 26 – 28 July Beach Food Festival Texel | More info Beach Food Festival Texel August 2 – 4 August Amsterdam Kookt Amsterdam | More info 23 – 25 August ProefPark Haarlem | More info 30 August- 1 Sept Proef Eet Enschede | More info 30 August – 1 Sept TREK Den Haag | More info September 6 – 8 Sept Festival Joy Utrecht | More info 6 – 8 Sept Kannen & Kruiken Maastricht | More info 6 – 29 Sept Toost Foodtruck Festival | More info 13 – 15 Sept Smaak Karavaan Tilburg | More info 27 – 29 Sept Hippen Happen Festival | More info More Tasty Hotspots? Check all our foodie tips below!... Read more...
LUST / NetherlandsMay 20, 2019
Must Visit! Beach Food Festival on TexelLast year, I visited Texel island (the Dutch Ibiza of the North), to get a preview of the Beach Food Festival. I arrived in style by a Bruuzer Texel, which is a speedboat that flies across the water with speeds up to 80km per hour! And if this was only a teaser, they have something in store for you, when the the actual event is happening this summer! Beach Food Festival last year On Friday the 26th until Sunday the 28th of July, the Wadden Haven on Texel will be transformed into a foodie’s festival dream. The 3 day festival focusses on sustainability, local food and local trade. It’s the 3rd edition for the Beach Food Festival that saw 12.000 visitors last year. The Bruuzer Texel certainly woke me up! Local Food Because Texel is an island, local produce is very important to the community, and food has different variation in flavours than on the Dutch mainland. All the restaurants and food stands that are participating at the festival, are local or offer something unique. During my time on Texel, I got the chance to taste some of the food that will be served at the festival. Here some of the highlights; Novalishoeve This organic farm is doing everything right when it comes to local produce. Their cows, sheep, pigs and chickens produce dairy, eggs and meat that they sell in their own shop, located at the farm. From the milk, they create the most delicious ice-cream, without any additives. Besides dairy and meat, they also sell herbal tea, cakes, home-made granola and their home baked bread, that is sold in many restaurants on the island. Novalishoeve will serve their special ice-cream at the event this year. www.novalishoeve.nl Ice-Cream at Novalishoeve All participants must serve at least one vegetarian dish on their menu Kook Atelier This popular restaurant, serves beautiful creative, local food. Sea food caught at the Waddensea is their speciality, and last year they created a Texelse Pizza, that people are still talking about. www.kook-atelier.nl Eilandkeuken The name says it all. The kitchen created on the island. This restaurant uses everything Texel has to offer. They will serve speciality meats at the Beach Food Festival, but each food truck needs to also offer at least one vegetarian dish. Eilandkeuken is serving a no-waste-veggie-menu and I had a little sneak preview so I can tell you that it’s worth stopping by! www.vincenteilandkeuken.nl Testing the pretty seafood from Kook Aterlier StrandPaveljoen Twaalf Beach bar twelve is normally located right on the large beach of Texel, but for the festival they will set up a mini beach bar with delicious BBQ flavors like roasted pumpkin and vegan burgers. Last week I tried their vegan BBQ, which was amazing! StrandpaviljoenTwaalf Texelse Branding Time for local coffee! Founder Evert used to live in Amsterdam, where good coffee is widely available. When he moved to Texel, he couldn’t find good quality coffee.. So he decided to experiment and roast his own! With great success, because his Texselse Branding is sold at several restaurants on the island. www.koffiebranderijtexel.nl Sustainable Sustainability is very important at the festival. Besides that all ingredients must be local or organic, all the plates and cutlery are bio-degradable. Electricity is minimised by the foodtrucks and the festival ends in the evening, so no extra lights need to be in use. Because Texel is an island, many people use their bicycle to get to the festival and visitors from outside the island come by bus or foot. As previously mentioned above, all participants must serve at least one vegetarian dish on their menu and vegetarian food is highly encouraged. Sleeping on Texel There are many options! To find your favorite spot, check this website for availability www.texel.net So take a pen and write down the dates, this July, we might see you at Beach Food Festival! Beach Food Festival 20th – 22nd of July 2018 Waddenstrand Oudeschild, Texel Website / Facebook Love, Elke... Read more...
NetherlandsMay 15, 2019
Waterdorp Burdaard, escape the cityLiving in Amsterdam can be hectic sometimes. Life moves fast, and this applies to other big cities Time for a few days out of the busy city, and explore the North of Holland without getting bored. I booked a Bungalow Villa in Burdaard, Friesland. Burdaard, Friesland If you are looking for a place to unwind, enjoy the Dutch landscape and clear your head, read on. Coming from Amsterdam you need to drive for about 2 hours to get there (Australians reading this, think “that’s a trip to the grocery store mate!”), but the drive is totally worth it. Burdaard is a tiny village, located in Friesland where quiet and serene where people still greet each other on the streets. Bungalowpark Waterdorp Burdaard The bungalow park is named Waterdorp Burdaard because it’s located next to the water where boats pass the river. The 5 villa’s are brand new and as a result, the houses are very clean and modern. You can choose between a 4 or 6 persons accommodation that all contain a fully equipped kitchen (with a Nespresso machine!), outside patio & garden with tables and chairs, luxury bathroom, TV, and a parking spot. The villa I stayed in had a wonderful view looking at a traditional Dutch Windmill and 2 bedrooms. Additionally you can ask for a baby bed if needed. Inside a 4 persons Villa at Holiday Park Waterdorp Burdaard Holiday Park Waterdorp Burdaard Things to do Besides hanging around in the house, there are plenty of activities you can do in and around Burdaard. Cycling and walking are popular but during the summer you rent a boat and discover the area from the water. You won’t find any direct facilities on the park, but there is a supermarket just 700 meters away, a bakery, an ATM, cafes and restaurants and beautiful terraces where you can drink a delicious cup of coffee or have lunch. In addition you will find a community building nearby with tennis courts, fitness, swimming pool, a kids playground, cinema and a theater. Visit Dokkum Shopping & Eating For more culture, shopping and other activities you can visit Dokkum (10 km) or the city of Leeuwarden (20 km). Both cities are well worth visiting. Leeuwarden was crowned the capital of culture of Europe last year and therefore gained immense popularity. You can feel the buzz in the city and with so many shops and restaurants, you could spend the whole day here. Lunch in Leeuwarden Are you ready to escape the city? You can book your private villa via Bungalow.Net from €435,- for a 4-persons villa which includes cleaning, tourist tax and bedding. Love, Elke Curious what the Netherlands has to offer?... Read more...
Netherlands / Tasty HotspotsMay 15, 2019
6 beach clubs in The Netherlands you should visit this summerThe Netherlands is famous for its long stretch beaches and endless amounts of beach clubs. So many that sometimes is a bit hard to make the right choice. Where will the food be the best? Where do they have the best ice-coffee or ambiance? We’ve listed our 6 favorite beach clubs of the season. Tulum, Noordwijk This newcomer opened last year and is a big beach club favorite! Why? The beach vibe is amazing and there is so much space to sit or lay down at. There are 2 area’s and buildings; the first building is the restaurant where you need to reserve a spot for lunch or dinner, and the second building is a place to order snacks, wraps, burgers and drinks. We prefer the second part because there is more space to chill, overlooking the shores of Noordwijk. The best time to come is at around 11am. This way you always get a good spot. Sunbeds are also available for hire, but if you order a consumption, you can sit on the many available chairs. www.tulumtulum.nl Bries, Noordwijk This beach club is situated in Noordwijk. You can enjoy a Mediterranean menu with Asian influences where you can taste several fresh fish dishes. If you like meat you can go here for the steak market on Sundays. On other selected days you can even enjoy yoga classes or massages! Not sure if the weather is good enough? Check their live webcam to see if the sun is shining! www.briesnoordwijk.nl Source Timboektoe, Wijk aan Zee Probably the most chilled out beach bar in the Netherlands. It feels like a surfers paradise. Walking around are plenty cool surfer dudes and you really feel like you’re abroad. It’s still Dutch though, so you can order a famous Dutch Croquette on toast to keep you grounded. A big plus is that parking is free at Wijk aan Zee, so if you get there early, you can get a great spot near the beach! www.timboektoe.org Unbuntu Beach, Zandvoort It’s Sarah’s favorite beach club, and even though this one has been around for ages, it never get’s old. So why do we love it? The food is good, the service is great and they have swings (I mean, hellooo). Time to visit this all time favorite. www.ubuntubeach.nl Source Blooming Beach, Bergen aan Zee 6km from the lovely Blooming hotel you will find Bergen aan Zee, the towns beach. It’s about a 30 min bicycle ride and you can use the bikes from the hotel. Blooming never sits still and they are always looking to add a little extra something to their impressive portfolio. So last year they opened beach club Blooming Beach! Now, don’t mistake this beach club with the loud beach bars in Bloemendaal. No, this place is perfect for that sunny afternoon with a glass of wine in your hand. Put your toes in the sand or jump in the hot tub (yes, they have one!) while you smell the sea and the delicious food from the restaurant. www.blooming-hotels.com Elements Beach, `s Gravenzande If you think Woodstock ’69 isn’t hippie enough for you, then you should definitely pay a visit to Elements Beach. This Beach bar is supporting fairtrade, sustainability and create entrepreneurship with their hearts. The food is always organic and they organize yoga classes. It’s near Den Hague but not in the busy part. Come here if you want to escape the crowded beach bars in the summer and watch the kite surfers. Or close your eyes and pretend you’re in Bali.. www.elementsbeach.nl Source Love, Elke... Read more...
City Trips / Europe / Netherlands / Tasty HotspotsMay 8, 2019
The Leeuwarden Guide 2019Leeuwarden was voted the culture capital of Europe last year, and since then the city has been buzzing. New restaurants and shops pop up like mushrooms which resulted in more visitors than ever before. Time to check out the city of Fryslân everyone is talking about! Bye bye hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, hello hello fresh air, calmness and…sugar bread! What to do in Leeuwarden Street art tour Leeuwarden A noteworthy tip is the street art tour in Leeuwarden. Great way to start your day, especially after a heavy breakfast. In 1,5 hours, you learn more about the interesting city background. We love the fact the talk was a perfect combi of historical and temporary facts. Guide Henk Leutscher and his team make so much fun of it! Check it out: a Guide to Leeuwarden. Street art Leeuwarden style, love it! Shopping This fashion, flower and interior stores will pleasantly surprise you. It wouldn’t be out of place in Amsterdam. Lots of trendy stuff to pamper yourself, be prepared shopaholics! The Kleine Kerkstraat was even voted the best shopping street of the Netherlands in 2010 and 2013! Check out Scandinavian style concept store Nørd pictured below. Blokhuispoort Back in the days this used to be a prison, but now houses different business and eateries. Worth checking out. Rent a boat You can rent a boat at Greenjoy to see Leeuwarden from the water. Boats are available from about €25 euro. Leeuwarden: a natural beauty And if you want to escape the city for a while, please, please, please explore the raw and wonderful natural surroundings of Leeuwarden! Next time, I definitely want to have a pitstop there. In 2018 Leeuwarden-Fryslân was crowned the cultural capital of Europe Where to Eat in Leeuwarden Stek This cute restaurant used to function as a bridge house and people actually lived here. If it reminds you of the popular brunch spot Pluk, you got it right. Stek is run by the previous co-owner of Pluk, which she started with her sister and brother in law. After a move back to the city she was born, she decided to start Stek and with great success. The food is lovely, and the coffee is good. Stek has an outside terrace overlooking the water. A must visit if you visit Leeuwarden. Lazy Lemons If you have kids, you are going to love Lazy Lemons! Then again, you are also going to love it if you do not have any. Why? The food is simple but the portions are big, the service is good and there is enough space for families, friends and lovers. Upstairs you can find a large play corner for kids, which means a undisturbed lunch or dinner for the parents. We wished we had more of these in Amsterdam! KB Food and Drinks If you want a menu full of choices and options, you are at the right address at KB. Their formula works like this; you order a main and you can pick 2 side orders plus a saus of choice. The service here will make you happy and its no problem if you want to bring your kids. KB has a garden area, so you can enjoy those summer evenings. Fun fact: the building used to be a video library! www.kbfood.nl Dinner at KB food & drinks Roast Leeuwarden Must-try hotspot Roast Leeuwarden. Located in the middle of the city centre, this recently opened cozy lunch, dinner and drink spot is one to remember. Really like the fact they’ve put together a very diverse and continually changing menu for every budget. Their signature dish: chicken. But no worries veggies and vegans, there’s also so much appetizing food for you. If you can fit it, try the chocolate overloaded dessert, which is so yummy. Oh, and they’ve got two really cool tables with table taps, a perfect way to trigger your inner bartender haha! roastleeuwarden.nl De Neushoorn My guide Henk told me about this must-visit…and he was right. It’s kind of a magical and vibrant place where music meets dance meets film. Visit one of the performances or feel free to pop by for a laid-back beer. Moon An Instagram dream with pink/purple walls, marble tables and a menu that you just need to take pictures of. It’s no surprise that you can order a matcha, beetroot or turmeric latte here. Get your freak on with a freakshake or go healthy with avo on toast. Yes, this place was made with the intention of being a hotspot. www.moonleeuwarden.nl Also worth mentioning: Dr. Plant: vegan take-away restaurant in the heart of Leeuwarden. Fruitbar SIS: the green and healthy hotspot with vegan cakes. Blikspuit: a concept store with a kiddies corner, so great for parents. Speelcafé: this café is made for kids and you’ll love it if you are a parent. There is a slide inside and countless toys. They serve great tea and homemade cupcakes. Where to stay in Leeuwarden Catshuis Boutique Hotel We love boutique hotels and this hotel is certainly one that you want to check out. Located in the heart of Leeuwarden, it is the perfect place for couples. Beautiful rooms, lovely and always included breakfast and a stylish interior. At the hotel you can also book a high tea, great for friends! www.catshuisleeuwarden.nl Post Plaza In case you’re thinking about a citytrip to Leeuwarden, definitely book a room at the charming Post Plaza****. They invited me to stay and for sure I said ‘yes’. To be honest, I’ve nothing but praise. Especially the hospitality and extravaganza wakey wakey breakfast with everything a sweet tooth with a bit of a sleepyhead wants.. sugar bread. Do we need to say more? Hotel Post Plaza Van Der Valk Hotel We like this hotel because they have the BREEAM-NL certificate. This means that they are putting a lot of focus on being sustainable. For example, the heat from their restaurants is collected and re-used for the meeting rooms and kitchen. They have also installed bee hotels and a harbour to maintain biodiversity. It’s also a great hotel for families with kids, due to the family rooms and possibilities. Book your room here! Van Der Valk Hotel Explore the Friesland region and Leeuwarden if you get the chance! Love, Wander-Lust... Read more...
Netherlands / Off the Beaten TrackApril 5, 2019
River Cruise though Holland with YOU as the captain!Remember that we told you about that amazing river cruise with Nicols last year? Well, now it’s possible to do this in The Netherlands and you can win a boat cruise for 2 people this summer! Last summer I sailed across the Saône river in France with a huge boat owned by Nicols, a boating company that offers a variation of boats that you can rent at different locations across Europe. The cool thing is, that you don’t need a boat or sailing license to do this. Boating holidays like these are popular with the French, English and the Germans, but in the Netherlands it is relatively new. Until now. Last summer in France Jachthuren.nl is the company that’s going to roll out the Nicols boats in The Netherlands and for the first time it’s possible to sail across the rivers in Holland without a boat license. Jachthuren offers 4 different boats from 4 to 8 people. All boats are equipped with a bedroom, a bathroom and kitchen. You can relax on the back deck or sit at the top, where the captain (hey, that could be you!), can sit also. The Estivale DUO, perfect for a couple Pass endless Dutch landscapes along the way There is no need to be an experienced captain, but there are some things that will be explained before you depart. On most routes you will pass a few locks (sluizen) that you will need to open before you can continue. This is a bit nerve-racking at first, but also a lot of fun! After 2 locks you are a pro. In one of the locks The Route There are 9 Dutch routes to choose from, but some are only available for those that book a midweek or longer. All boats start from Kerkdriel, located in the South of Holland. From there you have many options. If you want to cruise the river Maas for a weekend for example, you’ll make your way up to Heusden – Woudrichem and back to Kerkdriel. On your way you pass characteristic villages with places to relax and eat. If you have more time on your hands, opt for the full week river cruise where you pass some of Hollands prettiest cities like Utrecht, Maarsen, Leiden, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. You can decide yourself where to stop, as long as docking is permitted and you are following the route. Here’s an example of some of the best routes: Weekend – Kerkdriel > Heusden > Gorinchem > Kerkdriel 100 kilometer / 2 locks / 12 uur varen Midweek – Kerkdriel > Biesbosch > Kerkdriel 120 kilometer / 0 locks / 15 uur varen 1 week (retour) – Kerkdriel > Rotterdam > Gouda > Gorinchem > Heusden > Kerkdriel 200 kilometer / 9 locks / 25 uur varen 1 week ( 1 way) – Kerkdriel > Gouda > Amsterdam > Utrecht > IJsselstein > Montfoort 220 kilometer / 8 locks / 28 uur varen 2 weken – Kerkdriel > Bois-le-Duc > Veghel > Maastricht > Venlo > Ravenstein > Kerkdriel 350 kilometer / 22 locks / 60 uur varen WIN A RIVER CRUISE! We are super exited that we are able to give one of you the chance to experience this brand new boat cruise in the Netherlands! All you need to do is to comment bellow and tell us why you really want to experience this boating holiday this spring. Please name the person you want to take along with you. To have even more chance, follow us on Instagram share a story about this competition by tagging @wanderlust.nl. Yes, the more we see you, the more chance you have! There are a few rules: We offer a Estivale DUO boat, which is perfect for 2 people with a maximum of 4 people (1 bedroom, one sleeper) You must depart between April – June (subject to availability) We offer a long weekend trip or midweek or longer (subject to availability) Bedding, towels and fuel is included. Exclusive of €1.000,00 deposit on your credit card, which you will get back after the trip. We might see you sailing across Dutch waters this spring! Love, Wander-Lust Find out more about the rivercruise that Elke did last summer. ... Read more...
Netherlands / Off the Beaten TrackApril 1, 2019
Where to find the best Tulip Fields in the NetherlandsThe tulip season is here and they are more popular than ever! We’ve selected a few regions in the that are just out of this world.. Here are the best tulip fields in the Netherlands. Noordoostpolder This tiny place is located in the Flevoland province and has an amazing backdrop with windmills and the sea. Car and bicycle routes have been voted one of the best in the world because of the tulip fields you are about to see here. Photo by Peter Abbes Tulips are only blooming between April and May Schagerbrug If you’re looking for beautiful purple tulip fields and flowers, you need to visit the area of Schagerbrug. The fields here look like a Dutch painting because of the windmill that is situated here. If you come during the morning, you will have the best photo’s at sunrise. Photo by GroovyPat Goeree-Overflakkee Another lesser known area to spot some of the largest and most beautiful tulip fields in the Netherlands. Goeree-Overflakkee is an island located in Zeeland, which is the south west of Holland. There are around 18 tulip fields on the island, in all different colours. Because these tulip fields are less known, you won’t find many tourists or locals walking around, winning! From Amsterdam, it’s about 2 hours drive. Tulips were originally imported from Turkey in the 16th century, and later produced in The Netherlands Bollenstreek: Lisse / Hillegom / Noorwijkerhout One of the more popular tulip destinations. Lisse is near Amsterdam, so it explains why so many people go here. If you can, visit these tulip fields during the week, and early morning. If you go by car, you can drive through the whole area and make several stops. Polderbaan Schiphol Next to the longest runway in Amsterdam Schiphol, you will find a few tulip fields. Combine this with a trip to the Polderbaan to see airplanes take off and land. This is also the tulip field you see in the header photo of this article. Relaxing in the Tulip field next to the Polderbaan Keukenhof We have the Van Gogh Museum, and we have the Keukenhof. It’s the one place all travelers know about. Mind you, if you visit the Keukenhof, you will share the tulip watching with thousands of tourists from all over the world. Buy tickets to the Keukenhof. There are over 150 species of tulips with over 3,000 different varieties. Important note: Please be aware that you cannot walk into every tulip field. If you see the farmer, please ask for permission. Otherwise respect their crop and do not walk in between the flowers (only the ground/sandy parts). There are wider area’s that you can take photo’s from. This year many tulip farmers have decided to close their fields with gates because there are so many tourists ruining their tulip field. Treat yourself to some flowers at the Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam! Enjoy! Wander-Lust... Read more...
Amsterdam Guide / NetherlandsOctober 2, 2018
Visiting the Dutch capital? Here are 7 Photo Worthy Spots in AmsterdamAmsterdam has many photogenic places where you can shoot amazing pictures. Whether you like photography or like to be in the picture yourself, the locations selected below do not disappoint you! Are you visiting Amsterdam and you want to know where to find the best spots? Now it’s up to you to find the right angle on the right time of the day (sunset recommended!). 1. NDSM Wharf Urban photography at your fingertips! The NDSM shipyard in Amsterdam Noord is a rugged, adventurous and iconic area next to the IJ. The free character, the post-industrial buildings and the creative atmosphere form the backdrop where culture, events and urban development come together. Go here for a wonderful afternoon exploring and photographing! 2. Damrak Canal Do you want a photo of the old typical Amsterdam houses? Then Damrak Canal is your way to go. The famous ‘dancing houses’ line on the side of the canal. The tall and narrow houses can be found throughout whole Amsterdam, but these are the most iconic ones. With sunset it is nice to see the reflection of the lights in the water. 3. EYE Film Museum Besides the beautiful old canal houses, there are enough modern architectural gems in the city. The EYE Museum in particular is a spectacular building for photography from both afar as for very (close) detailed photographs. And you know why it’s called EYE? If you find the right perspective, you can see the shape of an eye in the museum. 4. A’Dam Tower The A’DAM Tower is a nearly one-hundred-meter high tower on the shore of the IJ in Amsterdam-Noord. From here you have a beautiful view of Amsterdam. They also have a giant swing on one of the top floors: Over the Edge! If you go with sunset you will often see a beautiful pink / purplish sky. 5. The Canals The one and only way to really experience Amsterdam is to walk along the canals. You will discover many beautiful bridges, streets and squares. It is wonderful to wander around for hours along the canals with a camera. Best spots are; prinsengracht/singel, 6. Hortus Botanicus If you really want to see special plant species, the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam is highly recommended. The Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. There are no fewer than four thousand species of plants from all corners of the garden and greenhouses. You can make beautiful pictures of the surroundings, the plants and the architecture of the building. Fashion shoots are also regularly hold here. 7. Rijksmuseum The Rijksmuseum shows art in a beautiful environment. One of the more unknown but beautiful rooms in the museum is the Research Library. This place is the largest public art history research library in the Netherlands. Doesn’t it look cool?! Hogwarts vibes all over the place. Get arty at Rijksmuseum Love, Iris *Iris is one of our guest editors from The Netherlands. She’s got a big interest for fashion, poetry and traveling. She was only 3 months old when she was on the plane for the first time, and she has been to every continent in the meantime. She’s a dreamer and would prefer to be on the beach every day. You can follow Iris on Instagram.... Read more...
Amsterdam Guide / NetherlandsMarch 12, 2018
3 x new Sustainable Hotels in Amsterdam you want to check outSustainability is becoming more and more important and you can also see this shift in the travel industry. Right now, we are anticipating the opening of 3 sustainable hotels in Amsterdam. Let us introduce.. QO Amstel Kwartier The QO Amsterdam reaches 22 floors and is partly build with the old concrete from the Shell tower, now known as the ADAM Tower. The hotel will have 288 rooms with stunning views over the city. QO wants to show people that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand. The outside of the building is extremely innovative and very special to say the least. It’s provided with revolutionary climate control through the innovative moving panels is making savings on heating, cooling and ventilation possible. The moving panels on the outside of the windows respond to time and climate. I had a look at one of the finished hotel rooms and it looked amazing and super cozy, with warm colors, designed by Conran & Partners from London. The interior of the open spaces and restaurants are designed by award winning agency TANK. Also keep an eye out for the highly anticipated restaurant Persijn which is opening within the next month! The opening was due in December but like most building sights, it’s postponed until early spring. To read more about QO, go to this article. One of the suites at QO QO from the outside There will be an indoor garden with plants and trees from Asia Jakarta Hotel Amsterdam Java Eiland Located on Java Eiland in Amsterdam, this hotel is set to be the most sustainable hotel in the Netherlands. The name comes from the location, where ships used to leave for Jakarta, Indonesia. Hotel Jakarta offers 200 luxurious rooms with a Indonesian influenced style. All the materials used to build, are recyclable and even the staff will wear sustainably made company clothing, designed by fashion label By Rockland | HACKED by. There are panoramic views over the Amsterdam IJ and most rooms have a balcony. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served at Café Jakarta and you will be able to get your drinks at Malabar. Besides this, there will be a wellness and swimming pool! In collaboration with Amsterdam’s Hortus Botanicus, there will be an indoor garden with plants and trees from Asia. www.hoteljakarta.amsterdam Relaxing in the spa Boot&Co Houthavens Another hotel that is being build right now is Boot&Co. The hotel is expected to be finished in 2019 and we can’t wait! Boot&Co is designed for the traveler that wants to feel at home, and perhaps would like to extent his days. Instead of the usual hotel room, this place will be equipped with 84 hotel apartments to give you the feeling of being at home. So what makes it sustainable? First of all, the hotel will be located in a fully climate neutral neighbourhood. Secondly, they will try to save and re-use water, isolation will be of the highest standard and Boot&Co will get it’s heating from factories around the area. They will of course work with PV panels and you can even charge your electrical car in the car park. With a EPC of 0,041 and a BREEAM ambition for Excellent, Boot&Co will be extremely sustainable The building will have the look of a school (source) We’re happy that these 3 hotels are setting the bar for the “green” travel industry. Hopefully there will be more to follow. Love, Wander-Lust... Read more...
City Trips / Netherlands / Spots / Tasty HotspotsSeptember 14, 2017
The Best of BrabantWe’re going for a ride. No fast cars, touring buses or cute Volkswagen vans (I desperately want one though). This time we’re doing it the Dutch way, by bicycle. A ride that will take you from the industrial hotspots to picturesque villages. From Mondriaan to Dutch Design. All in the art heart of Brabant. So hop on the bike with me and I’ll show you the must-visit places of this pop-up cycle route, temporarily on from 2 until 24 September. Did you know Brabant is the most hospitable province of the Netherlands? Did you know Brabant is the most hospitable province of the Netherlands? It is well-known for it’s friendly, warm hearthed people who know the best way to enjoy the good things life has to offer. Brabant is also easily accessible by bus or train from Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels or Cologne because of its central location. Enough reasons to experience the famous Brabant hospitality yourself. Hotspot 1: Werkwarenhuis In the creative center of ‘s-Hertogenbosch you’ll find the mini-society, Werkwarenhuis. This initiative from Social able shows you design is much more than creating beautiful (and mostly extremely expansive) products. Design has the power to spread a message, connect people, pull them out of their comfort zone and motivate them. Werkwarenhuis is an inspiring, workplace were people who don’t participate that easily will find themselves connected. And that, that’s the true power of design: a strong social value that can’t be expressed in money. The best part it, you can buy the products that they create and the location is gorgeous as well. At least, if you like pink as much as I do. Cause literally everything is pink at the Werkwarenhuis, everything. So, hello cute Instagram photo’s! Hotspot 2: Heusden After a 40 minute bicycle ride from ‘s-Hertogenbosch you will arrive at Heusden, a romantic surprise you didn’t expect. Imagine small houses, mills, wooden bridges and narrow streets. If feels like we stepped back in time, in the best way. You won’t see any neon signs or commercial chains: the village breathes authenticity. With its many studios and galleries, the charming fortified city Heusden is a great destination for lovers of art and culture. You will find many traditional crafts, like a couturier, hatter and perfume maker. A perfect gift for your travel partner if you want to add a little spark to the romance. Tip » Brabant even provides you with your very own tour guide! He follows you every step and you don’t even have to be social with him. O btw, I’m talking about an app guide, not about one from flesh and blood. The ‘Routes in Brabant‘ app gives you the ideal guidance during the most beautiful cycling routes they have put together for you. It doesn’t only inform you about cultural history facts and landscape features, also restaurants and cozy cafes are included. Heusden Hotspot 3: Oisterwijk The nickname of Oisterwijk, (yes, the letter i is no typo), Pearl In The Green, is well deserved. The village is surrounded by green and forest. The Burgundian lifestyle is well represented by the many nice restaurants, sunny terraces and luxurious shops. This creates a perfect getaway with a spark of flamboyance. Enjoy the forest, laid back with a glass of wine or go shopping. Everything is possible. Sundaymorning@ekwc Hungry for some more design? You can’t miss out on Sundaymorning@ekwc, an international workplace where artists, designers and architects whom explore the technical and artistic possibilities of ceramics. Taste a freshly roasted cup of coffee from Rozema&VanSchijndel while enjoying the beautiful, ceramic art projects that decorate the industrial building. Coffee at Rozema&VanSchijndel It’s time to put my bike back in the barn, but you can still enjoy the pop-up route till the 24th of September. It’s also possible to split the route in multiply days, so enjoy everything at your own pace. If you are looking for a place to stay the night I would recommend Huizebergen.nl. A monumental Villa from 1916, hidden in a beautiful park with ancient trees. Scared for the rain or simply not in the mood for cycling? Everything on the route is easy accessible by car and public transport. Get inspired by nature, design and charming cities while enjoying the Brabant hospitality. And for now, as they say in Brabant, allé tot in den drooij! Love, Eva Do you want to take the same route as Eva, check the website! Eva is one of our guest bloggers from Amsterdam. She’s a city girl who only leaves her heals at home when wearing a backpack. Living by the urge to be where she’s not, to explore, experience, fall and get up. You can follow her on Instagram. More of The Netherlands? What about a getaway/glamping holiday on Terschelling! ... Read more...
Europe / Netherlands / Off the Beaten TrackMay 25, 2017
Flevoland » Relax & Unwind in The NetherlandsGet lost in 56 km of untouched nature, stand face tot face with wild animals during a safari or survival on a deserted island. I’m not talking about Kenya, South-America or Sri Lanka. Adventure awaits and it may be closer to home than you think. Actually, for Dutchies not even a two-hour car ride. You can find it in the Oostvaardersplassen in Flevoland, the youngest province of the Netherlands. Nature The polder was created in the center of the country, where the Zuiderzee used to be. Officially established in 1986 and already an attractive residential and recreational area with a growing number of inhabitants. Let me take you on a virtual tour through the largest artificial island in the world. Not only humans enjoy the wide marshlands and pristine grasslands of the Oostvaardersplassen. It’s also a paradise for birds, Konik horses and deer. You can spot these wild animals and many others during a safari or together with the local forest ranger. There are also special cycling and hiking routes set around the area. More of an water person then an animal lover? With over 90.000 hectares of water, Flevoland is heaven on earth for sailors, fishermen and watersport enthusiasts. After all, Flevoland used the be the Zuiderzee so it’s not a big surprise. The remaining water consists of the IJsselmeer, the Markermeer and the Randmeren. You will find modern marinas and various possibilities of all kinds of water sports to explore the wild (and not so wild) waters of Flevoland. For example, rent a Catamaran at Sail Today for physical action or take a trip on a Rib Boat to enjoy the water at the speed of light (of at least, it feels that way). Tip » Do you prefer a spot on the front row and are you not afraid of heights? Experience the Oostvaardersplassen, LandArt and BataviaHarbor from a small air plane. Book your flight here. Flevoland from above Culture Do you like art and architecture? Flevoland has many exhibitions, festivals and special buildings. You don’t even have to go to a museum to check out the artworks. Seven of the eight Lands Arts Works that the Netherlands have to offer are hidden in Flevoland. In place you didn’t expect, in the middle of the landscape. They created a car and bike route along the different Land Arts Works, a great way to discover Flevoland. Tip » Getting hungry? Enjoy freshly caught fish at Restaurant de Kaap in Urk, a traditional and characteristic fishing village in the northwest of Flevoland. The village used to be an island and still has its own dialect and way of living. When you’re there, don’t forget to check out the small monumental houses, cozy squares and beautiful harbor. Where to Sleep Go back to basics in a tipi on the desert island De Kluut or spend your night underneath the starts on Camping Raft in the midst of the beautiful, rugged nature of the Stille Ken in Zeewolde. My favorite place to sleep is at Netl, the wildest garden, in the north of Flevoland. Beaches, natural playgrounds, bamboo jungle, 18 hole pitch & putt golf course and cozy beach pavilion; the perfect place break and balance your daily routines. Sleep at the campsite or in one of the unique accommodations, for example the sea container or Pipowagen. One of the accommodations in Netl Verdict Flevoland is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature close to home. A 50-minute car ride from Amsterdam brings me to a whole other world, far away from the buzz from the city. Summer dress and flipflop weather is not guaranteed unfortunately, but the landscape and tranquility brings a valid holiday vibe (even when it rains). And beside that, just imagine how romantic it would be to sleep underneath the stars in the middle of a lake… Love, Eva... Read more...
Netherlands / Travel TipsAugust 22, 2016
These are the safest countries in the worldWhether we’d like to admit our not, the world has been coping with several new insecurities since 2009 according to the Global Peace Index. With this fact developing worldwide, travelers are seeking after safer destinations as well as feeling save in your own home country. The Global Peace Index has selected 25 countries in their 10th report, that are referred to as the safest countries in the world. 18 of which are European. So how did they select these countries and where should you feel the safest? To start off with, they looked at several points such as respective intrinsic wealth per capita, educational access, criminal justice systems, and social welfare. No, not just terrorism. (even though it has affected many countries over the last few years) Scandinavia Having all three of its most prominent constituent nations (Norway, Sweden, and Denmark) among the 25 safest countries in the world, Scandinavia has to be considered the safest region. Iceland and Finland aren’t officially part of Scandinavia but you can kind of consider them to be, then it would be 5 safe countries within one region and this is pretty impressive to say the least. People from Scandinavian countries are among some of the happiest people on the planet so that might count for something too. Feeling good in Sweden Asia This might surprise you but Asia is doing pretty well, even though the Asian countries represented are fairly small. Their the second-best represented region in the top 25 safest countries in the world. Some violations are paid with a high price in Asian countries, like it’s even forbidden to sell chewing gum in Singapore in order to keep the streets clean. Somehow this works over there and people play by the rules, making the crime rate lower. The list So you’re all wondering where to plan your next (safe) adventure to right? Nice to know that plenty of beautiful countries with a lot of sunshine made it to the list. The largest improvement in the region was recorded by Portugal, which built on gains last year to rise nine places to fifth globally. We are 2 happy campers in Portugal Rank Country Global Peace Index 1 Iceland 1.192 2 Denmark 1.246 3 Austria 1.278 4 New Zealand 1.287 5 Portugal 1.356 6 Czech Republic 1.360 7 Switzerland 1.370 8 Canada 1.388 9 Japan 1.395 10 Slovenia 1.408 11 Finland 1.429 12 Ireland 1.433 13 Bhutan 1.445 14 Sweden 1.610 15 Australia 1.465 16 Germany 1.860 17 Norway 1.500 18 Belgium 1.528 19 Hungary 1.534 20 Singapore 1.535 21 Netherlands 1.541 22 Poland 1.557 23 Mauritius 1.559 24 Slovakia 1.603 25 Spain 1.604 To learn more about the report and to see the full list of 163 countries, please check here. So, is your country on the list and more importantly, where do you feel save? Love, Elke... Read more...
Netherlands / Off the Beaten TrackJune 27, 2016
Why you should visit the Assen TT next yearI might look like a tiny girly girl but I’m really nothing like it. I’m more of a tomboy that likes girly stuff now and then. (I wear high heels on some rare occasions). One of those tomboy things is, that I love motor racing. I’m talking bikes. Cars don’t really do it for me. It’s probably because during my time in London (where I lived a bunch of years) I dated a guy that was racing in the Superbikes championship. 6 months of the year I was walking around the racetrack supporting the team and over the years I learned a lot about bikes, racing and the championships. Moto GP is basically the Formule 1 of Motor racing. It’s a worldwide competition with racing locations in Australia, USA, Spain, Japan, France, Italy and also the Netherlands. Every June the Moto GP comes to Assen in the north east of Holland. The Dutch racetrack was build in 1955 so it’s pretty old and has been part of the racing agenda for years. So why will this interest you, I hear you think. The TT in Assen is a spectacle everyone should at experience at least once if their life and this is why; Assen TT Festival It has become somewhat of a tradition that the town Assen celebrates the TT with music, beer, performances, competitions and motorcycle tours. This starts on Wednesday before the raceweekend and continues until Sunday evening. Everywhere in Assen is a party, it almost feels like carnival. You will find all sorts of people here. Yes, mainly bikers but famous DJ’s and singers are also attracting people from other area’s and even abroad. You will find rock, blues, dance and even German Slager music at the TT. Entrance is free and so is the hangover the next day. On Thursday it suppose to be the best day for locals. They call it the “Assernacht” but since the festival is now a 4-day celebration, all days are busy and fun. Be prepared for beer, beer and more beer. 200.000 people visit the TT every year so if you decide to visit the festival, park your car outside the city center and walk because it will be too busy. Where to Sleep If you go to the TT and you really want to experience the biker life, you can stay on one of the TT Campings. It’s like a festival with lot’s of mud, BBQ’s, motorcycles and beer. There are several campings all over Assen and surrounded towns. Some people open their backyard and create a small camping for visitors. If you prefer a little more comfort, good food and some luxury, you should stay at the Hof van Saksen. This is a spacious, green lakeside resort with modern bungalows or farmhouses perfect for a group of friends or families with kids. Each accommodation has a large bathroom, kitchen, living space and one or more bedrooms. I stayed in a house for 4 persons with 2 bedrooms a garden and a sauna! The bathroom had Rituals shampoo and body lotions and I had my breakfast delivered to my door in the morning. The main building also features a large swimming pool with waterslides and if you really want to pamper yourself you can book a day at the spa or treat yourself to one of the many treatments on offer. (something you will need after a night at the Assen TT night!) In the Hof van Saksen there are 5 different restaurants (yes 5!) like the Grand Cafe, Italian Gusto, a self service restaurant and Brasserie Coccinella overlooking the lake. A 4 persons farmhouse including a sauna and bubble bath is available from 589 euro’s for a 3 nights stay during the weekend. You can book your stay here. Assen TT Camping (photo by Vice) The farmhouse I stayed in last weekend. Car: Peugeot 208GTI Evening falls over the the Hof van Saksen lake Typical Dutch breakfast brought to my farmhouse Around the area Assen is situated in Drenthe, a beautiful Dutch province with forests, lakes and history. At the Hof van Saksen you can rent bicycles and cycle around the area for hours where you will meet cows, horses, large farmhouses and beautiful forests. One of cool things you can visit are the Hunebeds. These are the oldest monuments in Holland and date back at least 5000 years ago. They are believed to be graves build by farmers with large rocks that traveled along with ice gletsjers from Scandinavia. How they managed to build graves with these massive rocks is anyone’s guess but if they could build pyramids back in the day, they could certainly build a Hunebed. Impressive; The Hunebeds in Drenthe The Races But let’s face it, the Assen TT is all about the races that are being held on the circuit that weekend. Tickets are available from 44 euro’s for a free spot around the track and go up to over a 100 euro’s for the best seats. I love reporting from this spectaculair event because you never know what’s going to happen. The all time favorite crashed and it suddenly started pouring down with rain which ended up with surprising end results. “The Assen TT is an event in The Netherlands, everyone should visit at least once.” Full on action in the first lap Valentino Rossi (the main man) getting onto his bike Spanish Rider Dani Pedrosa Umbrella girls are always part of the Moto GP in Assen Walking on track after the race The moto GP continues it’s next race in Germany with 9 more destinations to follow. But no experience will be like the Assen TT. Will you go next year? For info about the Assen TT Festival check the official website. If you want to visit other Moto GP races, go here. Love, Elke *Photography by Jesse Denijs... Read more...
LUST / Netherlands / Tasty HotspotsJune 1, 2015
San Blas, a little Panama in the NetherlandsEvery spring, you see them building it up. The beachclubs. Beach girls like myself can enjoy food, drinks, coffee and music until summer stops and they start breaking it down again. Until now. San Blas is a new beachbar and restaurant in Bloemendaal that stays open all year. 365 days a week. A Dutch couple came up with the idea after living in Panama for many years. They lived near San Blas, a group of more than 365 islands in Panama. “one island for each day of the year” The interior design of San Blas takes you straight to Panama I was there when it first opened and sat in the first sunlight behind the glass so you can enjoy people watching without sitting in the wind. You can also rent San Blas for parties, weddings or business meetings. Not bad! Old vintage doors, complete the picture The floor is amazing at San Blas! San Blas is now open for you to enjoy food and drinks from 9am until the sun goes down.. Beachclub San Blas Zeeweg 84, Overveen The Netherlands Love, Elke... Read more...

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