Luxury destinations in the Amsterdam Area
Whether it's pampering yourself at a spa and wellness centre or visiting Michelin-starred restaurants and unique hotels, we all deserve a little pampering now and again. With stunning scenery and unique Dutch landscapes, the Amsterdam Area provides the perfect setting to relax and unwind for a day trip or even a weekend away, outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Here's our round-up of the top luxury destinations in the Amsterdam Area.
Pamper yourself in a cosy atmosphere
Health and beauty spa Sauna van Egmond has been top of the list for wellness across the Netherlands for almost 40 years. And as the Luxury Travel Guide European Awards Winner 2018, it’s got the experts’ stamp of approval, too. Housed in a large, stately building with oh-so-stylish art deco furnishings, the spa retreat offers indulgent pampering in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The extensive spa facilities include sauna cabins, a Roman pool, Turkish steam bath and the country’s only Caldarium Maximus – a natural stone room heated to around 60 degrees. Tucked away in a quiet Haarlem neighbourhood, the spa also offers luxury beauty treatments and massages, delicious and healthy meals, and films at the onsite cinema. Not ready to go home yet? Stay overnight at the cosy bed and breakfast and live like a queen – or king – for one more day.
Sauna van Egmond // 4 van Egmondstraat, Haarlem
Glamorous wellness in the Dutch countryside
As one of the most luxurious wellness resorts in the country, Fort Resort Beemster has a long list of facilities to suit every pampering need. Located deep in the countryside behind the historic walls of beautiful Beemster Polder, the centre is actually part of UNESCO’s Defence Line of Amsterdam. From special saunas and baths and elegant hotel rooms to wholesome food, relaxing face and body treatments and even yoga classes, guests can enjoy top-notch gastronomy, hospitality and wellness in stunning surroundings. Although only 20 minutes from Amsterdam, you’ll feel like you’re a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Fort Resort Beemster // 24 Nekkerweg, Beemster Polder
Immerse yourself in pleasure
Refresh your body and soul at Thermen La Mer, an exclusive day spa with a variety of contemporary sauna and wellness facilities. Close your eyes and dream away your day in the Finnish Kelo saunas, swimming pool or hot tub. Take a stroll around the Mediterranean garden or indulge in tasty – and healthy – dishes at the restaurant. Located in Almere, Amsterdam’s newest city, the spa allows you to truly immerse yourself in luxury and pleasure – if only for one day.
Thermen La Mer Day Spa // 3 Scoutingpad, Almere
Excellent value French cuisine
Housed in a spacious and traditional Dutch warehouse along Haarlem’s river Spaarne, Ratatouille Food & Wine offers inexpensive and accessible French fine dining and an extensive wine list. The restaurant was awarded one Michelin star in 2014 for its balance of ingredients and top-quality seasonal products. The Michelin Guide gave their nod of approval to owner and chef Joshua Jaring for his excellent value-for-money fare – calling the eatery an example to the newest generation of chefs and restaurants. From the special chef experience menu with wine pairing to a la carte options, everything is prepared with great attention to detail and features unexpected flavour combinations. Available for lunch, dinner, weddings and private dining.
Unique culinary experience on the water
Enter a whole new culinary world at the two Michelin-starred Aan de Poel. Head chef Stefan van Sprang is renowned for his ever-changing menu of local and international dishes using seasonal products and far-off flavours. The modern and inventive six-course chef’s menu changes every month, with each course carefully selected to create a unique culinary experience to delight your taste buds. Of course, an a la carte option is available too. With a comprehensive wine list of more than 600 wines plus a special collection of vintage Champagnes, master sommelier Robbert Veuger ensures that the wines complement and enhance the flavours of the dishes in subtle and distinguished ways. And, if that’s not enough, there’s the cosmopolitan atmosphere and spectacular views from the terrace across the magical de Poel lake. Available for lunch, dinner and private dining. Reservations are recommended.
Fine dining in the Dutch dunes
Nestled in the sand dunes near the popular seaside resort of Zandvoort, the classy De Bokkedoorns offers expansive views over a spectacular dune lake. Awarded two Michelin stars in 1991, the restaurant provides fine dining with flair. Head chef Menno Post and his team skillfully prepare beautifully balanced masterpieces using seasonal ingredients across their a la carte, vegetarian and four- to seven-course menus. And of course, due to its proximity to the sea, expect a wide selection of fresh seafood, including smoked eel, crab and lobster. Available for lunch, dinner and private dining.
Picture-perfect home from home
The perfect retreat from Amsterdam, the Inn on the Lake guesthouse is located in rural Broek in Waterland. Rich in history, the quaint Dutch town's atmosphere transports visitors back to the 17th and 18th centuries, to when it was the most prosperous village of the Dutch Waterlands – the area near Amsterdam comprised of fishing villages and open countryside built on polders. Some 400 years ago, the town was the first stop for ships carrying their cargo of tobacco, wines, sugars and other products to trade with the Dutch. Back then the inn, set among traditional buildings around a small lake, was the town’s vicarage. The guesthouse, which offers guests four uniquely decorated rooms, is especially worth visiting in the spring and summer months when guests can take a dip in the lake or hop on the owner’s boat for a short trip to Amsterdam. This picture-perfect home away from home comes complete with home-made breakfasts and dinners (on request), beautiful gardens and comfortable communal areas.
Inn on the Lake // 11 Kerkplein, Broek in Waterland
A boutique hotel in a historic centre
Feel at home at the Hotel Posthoorn in the historic centre of Monnickendam, just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam. Housed in two 17th-century buildings, it offers 12 luxury rooms and suites each decorated in the style of the town’s national monumental building and equipped with a selection of modern conveniences. Restaurant Posthoorn – located in the adjoining building – has become one of the the Netherlands' most cherished culinary hotspots. Awarded one Michelin star in 2008, the eatery offers exceptional value fine dining, with chef Jeroen Bavelaar’s unique five- to eight-course signature menu featuring classic French cuisine using seasonal products and innovative elements.
Suitehotel & Restaurant Posthoorn // 43 Noordeinde, Monnickendam
Live outdoors among nature
Ever wondered what life onboard a boat is like? Well, now's your chance to find out. This bright, spacious and comfortable houseboat is moored in a peaceful canal in Aalsmeer, the village famous for the world’s largest flower auction. Just 10 minutes from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Aalsmeer is the perfect base to explore the surrounding Amsterdam Area. With your own garden, a terrace on the water’s edge, well-equipped kitchen and all the latest mod cons including internet, sit back and relax on the boat after exploring the nearby Flower Strip. From fishing or swimming right from the boat, there’s plenty for kids to do, too.
Houseboat Hotel, Aalsmeer
Stay on a deluxe barge
Join this week-long luxury cruise in a traditional Dutch barge that has been fitted out in style – complete with brass and mahogany finishings, panoramic windows, a cocktail bar and leather sofas. With space for 12 passengers and 6 crew, the barge ensures an intimate and comfortable boating experience. Hop aboard in cheese capital Alkmaar and finish the cruise in Delft, famous for the pretty hand-painted blue and white pottery unique to the Netherlands. Each day you’ll find yourself with new places to explore – from the windmills in Zaanse Schans, historic Haarlem and Keukenhof Gardens to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction and the birthplace of Rembrandt. Indulge in gourmet meals and fine wines as you as you slowly make your way along the river. Private charter bookings available.
