Looking for a quick getaway? Here’s some quirky Dutch options
Life & Culture July 10, 2015
So, the long Dutch summer vacation is nearly upon us and that means time to seek adventure, relax in luxury after a hard quarter or spend some quality time with loved ones. If you have been too disorganised or cash strapped to book something so far, but can’t stand the idea of a crowded campsite or bog standard chalet holiday, then Esther O’Toole has found some quick and quirky Dutch options to inspire you.
Urban Campsite, IJburg, Amsterdam
This unusual initiative
is now in its second year. Part open air art installation, part camping
experience, Urban Campsite touts itself as a chance to get some new perspective
on city life in a surprisingly quiet spot just outside the centre of town.
Handcrafted wooden cabins, sit alongside tepee-esque tents and even a bottle!
The message in it – you. Not all the accommodation is suited to families so do
ask when booking. It’s a little rough and ready in its finish but you certainly
feel out in the wilds. There is a communal fire pit with comfy benches and
workshops with the artists, all very ‘gezellig’. The well-known café/bar,
Blijburg, is just next door. Though it’s not quite back up to speed since its
recent move, the beach has been renewed and is ready for the summer season;
there are bins, toilets, a snack bar and swimming area. What’s more, the new
location allows for fantastic views across the IJmeer towards Pampus Island and
Durgerdam. Open June, July and August.
Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy, Amsterdam
One for culture lovers
who want to be able to get into town easily, but are also after a more unusual
holiday experience, would be the Lloyd Hotel. A very comfortable, up-market
hotel with café/bar and an emphasis on design. It also acts as a ‘Cultural
Embassy’, hosting events from book readings and cinema to theatre productions
in the rooms! Definitely big enough for families but also a great place if
you’re looking to escape the children. Regular special offers include things
like bike hire and picnics with champers as part of your booking.
De Leeuw, Deventer
Definitely one for with
the kids, Hotel Hanzestadslogement or, ‘De Leeuw’ as it is commonly known, is a
hotel with olde worlde sweet and tea shoppe (Weds-Sat). It boasts over 200
different types of traditional sweets, alongside other local delicacies. With
its range of charming rooms and apartments the hotel can accommodate different
size groups, all located in a beautiful 17th century building. You will find it
right in the historic centre of Deventer.
Kruisheren Hotel, Maastricht
Venturing further south
you can stop off in what the Huffington Post called a ‘one of a kind’ hotel,
the Kruisheren. Originally a gothic church, this design hotel has over 60
rooms, each individually designed to combine the best of old and new, as well
as a terrace in the 15th century cloister.
Castles in the Netherlands
If you’re looking for a
really dreamy trip, why not check out one of the other fairy tale castles on
Chateaus.nl run by the family Oostwegel. Ranging in size, price and facilities,
these are mainly found in South Limburg and the Belgian border region. They
promise luxury (with swimming pools and spas), wonderful countryside views and
southern hospitality.
Camp Silver, Texel
If you’re looking to
get way out of town and are in search of a memorable experience, you could try
Camp Silver on Texel. Perhaps more for couples or small groups of friends than
families, this is a real hideaway. With its beautiful, silver Airstream caravans
and a Pacific Dome for breakfast/dining room, it promises rest and relaxation
in the middle of a UNESCO heritage site and is under two hours drive from the
capital.
Camp Spirit, Veluwemeer
Somewhere similarly
remote but with more activities for the family is Camp Spirit. On an island in
the Veluwemeer, just 45 minutes east of Amsterdam, Camp Spirit has a range of
Yurts, Indian and Swedish tepees and Sahara tents. You can swim, do yoga and
there are children’s and community activities laid on throughout the day.
Bike & Barge
In search of something
more challenging? Well, nothing says Holland like bikes and barges so why notcombine the two in a uniquely Dutch tour? Responsible Travel and Utracks both
organise biking and barging holidays for individuals or families and pride
themselves on working with small, local guides and travel partners.
For more insight into Dutch current affairs in English and great features (including by Esther) go to www.dutchnews.nl