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10 of Belgium’s best winter holiday stays

Le Domaine sur les Sarts eco-lodge
10:41 04/02/2022

From rustic hideaways to relaxing spa breaks and cool city trips, check out our suggestions for a perfect mid-winter getaway.

Rural eco-retreat

Indrani Lodge pool

Once a rustic farm dating from medieval times, Indrani Lodge has been lovingly transformed into a hotel, yoga centre and organic farm. A gastronomic restaurant helmed by chef Sebath Capela offers delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Each of the 12 suites are individually decorated and the ethos of the lodge is to create an experience for visitors that doesn’t comprise comfort or its eco-friendly credentials. An indoor pool is naturally heated for all-year-round langouring. Rooms from €200*
Chemin de la Waronche 1, 1471 Loupoigne, Walloon Brabant

Hipster design & location

Prizeotel Antwerp

The new Prizeotel hotel in Antwerp is a stylish architectural jewel, both inside and out. Sited in the hip harbour area of Het Eilandje, it’s a no-frills location that delivers reasonably-priced accommodation that doesn’t compromise on the style. The fun and exuberant decor of this two-star designer hotel is a feast of colours, from the yellow doors and painted floors to the vibrantly-hued furniture. Each room is fitted with a king-size bed and under-floor heating.  Rooms from €75*
Tunnelpaats 5, 3000 Antwerp

Family farm-stay

Notre Dame du Vivier Abbey

The listed Notre-Dame du Vivier Abbey has been given a second life as a heritage tourism site. The forested setting among rocky crags overlooking the Meuse valley is ideal for walking and exploring the surrounding area. Two gîtes, La Porterie and Le Bief du Vivier, cater for maximum six and eight people respectively. While a large terrace is closed during the winter, La Chapelle Bethléem restaurant is open all-year-round. Situated opposite the Cistercian domain, it specialises in rustic stews and bread made with traditional cereals. Rooms from €100*
Rue Notre Dame du Vivier 153, 5024 Marche-les-Dames, Namur

Wellness in the woods

La Couette de l'ours

Located in the beautiful Aywaille region, near the rivers Ourthe and Amblève, La Couette de l’Ours is considered one of the most beautiful B&Bs in the Ardennes. In addition to the lush green surroundings, the big draw is an indoor pool heated all-year-round. Local activities include walking, cycling and kayaking (from spring). A fully-equipped family suite is available and organic, seasonal and local produce served for breakfast.  From €190*
Chemin de la Fosse 20, 4920 Aywaille, Liège

Ardennes luxury

Château de Vignée

The Château De Vignée is a gastronomic Relais & Château hotel boasting 24 bespoke rooms, doubles and suites, all featuring contemporary interiors. Hidden in a secluded spot near the village of Ciergnon – famous for its royal castles – the E411 motorway is a convenient five minutes away. Seasonal and regional cuisine is served by Gault & Millau-ranked chef Marius Bosmans. If you can tear yourself away from the hotel’s ample comforts, including an on-site spa and pool overlooking the River Lesse, the RaVel walking and cycling route is on your doorstep. Rooms from €200*
Rue de Montainpré 27-29, 5580 Rochefort, Namur

Urban escape

Yalo restaurant

For a city break, you can’t beat Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel in Ghent. The medieval masterpiece of a city is as beautiful as nearby Bruges but with fewer crowds. The facilities of this four-star designer hotel stretch to 92 spacious and luxury rooms, a stylish cocktail and wine bar, and equally sophisticated gourmet restaurant and rooftop lounge. While guests will be seriously tempted to stay in for the evening, the vibrant city centre is an enticing distraction. Private carpark. Rooms from €135*
Brabantdam 33, 9000 Ghent, East Flanders

Nature & nurture

Le Domaine Sur Les Sarts

This 17th-century castle-farm in the Condroz region, on the edge of the Ardennes, has been entirely refurbished to create an eco-lodge, Le Domaine Sur Les Sarts (pictured, main image). It consists of luxury gîtes (accommodating up to 18 people) as well as apartment suites, a wellness spa and a restaurant, La P’tite Auberge. Rustic features take pride of place in the contemporary makeover, from stone walls and exposed roof beams to the original fireplaces. The secluded, comfortable and cosy domain also hosts private and team-building events. Suites from €130*
Rue Sur les Sarts 79A, 5352 Perwez-lez-Haillot, Namur

Canalside romance

Hotel de l'Orangerie Bruges

Bruges is ranked as one of the top romantic destination in the world. The medieval city is awash with atmospheric hotels, from the cosy to the elegant. Hotel De Orangerie falls into the latter category; a former 16th-century convent converted into a 20-bedroom luxury boutique hotel. It’s prime location on the Dijver canal and proximity to the city centre only add to the charm. Although there’s no restaurant, afternoon tea and drinks are served on a waterfront terrace and in a wall-panelled and richly-furnished salon, adorned with a fireplace. Rooms from €125*
Kartuizerinnenstraat 10, 8000 Bruges, West Flanders

Grape escape

Vinotel X Tongeren

A hotel complete with a wine bar, what’s not to like? This is the concept of Vinotel X in the bijou town of Tongeren. In addition to chic minimalist rooms, the hotel boasts a beautiful verandah and bar for drinks, where you can enjoy sharing platters, afternoon tea and breakfast service. The under-rated city – the oldest in Belgium - is easy to explore on foot and a fascinating Gallo Roman museum is among its highlights. Every Sunday, the town is invaded by international bargain hunters when the biggest antique market in Belgium fills it streets and squares. Rooms from €120*
Stationslaan 10, 3700 Tongeren, Limburg

Countryside charm

Pronkenburg B&B Moroccan room

Pronkenburg B&B lies in that flat swathe of countryside between Bruges and the coast. Four themed rooms invite escapism: the Indian Room is Eastern-inspired and decorated in vibrant reds and oranges, the sea-blue Moroccan room is filled with Middle Eastern décor, the Attic room combines a contemporary feel with wooden beams, and the spacious family room can accommodate four or five guests. The white-washed fermette comes complete with picturesque garden, hot tub and a stable full of horses. The nearby village of Lissewege has plenty of dining options. Rooms from €130*
Ter doeststraat 30, 8380 Lissewege, West Flanders

*Room prices for two people

 

Written by Sarah Crew