The Republic of Belgium is a developed country, with an advanced high-income economy. It has very high standards of living, quality of life, healthcare, education, and is categorized as "very high" in the Human Development Index. It also ranks as one of the safest or most peaceful countries in the world. It has a population of more than 11.5 million, making it the 22nd most densely populated country in the world and the 6th most densely populated country in Europe, with a density of 376 per square kilometre (970/sq mi). The capital and largest city is Brussels; other major cities are Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi and Liège.
It was easy to want to visit Belgium. I was living right outside of Paris at the time and spent quite a bit of time in the Normandy region, especially in Etretat. People talked about Belgium with light humor and always said how kind and wonderful people there were and how I needed to go visit and make my way to Bruges. And so I did and had a blast in Belgium.
The hightlights of my trip there was definitely the bus ride to Bruges from Brussels with stops in Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges - the latter was my favorite town. I thoroughly enjoyed going up the Atomium, eating lots of cheesecake and moules-frites, and visiting the museum of Tintin - officially the Musée Hergé, which was my favorite cartoon as a kid.
I loved it there and I look forward to go back; it is definitely worth the effort. In my adventures there I met some amazing people. Kindness is prominent there and people are so courteous. I received warm welcomes to all the places I went and the city of Brussels is a delight to explore by foot. I also stayed at fun places but I would like to go back and stay at some of the places on the following 10 unique places to stay in Belgium.
1. La Balade des Gnomes Hotel, Heyd-Durbuy.
Push one of the doors and an entire imaginary world awaits you. A world of harmony with nature and the childhood spirit that lies dormant in each of us. A world imagined, designed, sculpted, by the owner himself and local artisans, who put all their know-how and their love of materials, colors, textures and light from here, mixed with inspirations and objects from elsewhere, mainly from Nepal, Central Africa or North.
Between Trolls and desert sands, between moon rocket and African hut, a world from which one cannot return without nostalgia!
2. Martin's Patershof, Mechelen.
The history of Martin’s Patershof began around 1231. The Friar Minors, a Franciscan order, were established in Mechelen at that time – and they were to take an active part in the local life for almost 600 years. Today, the conversion of this former church into a 4-star hotel actually should reconvert to a 5-star hotel.
You'll feel like in one of those fairy tales where once upon a time, you were a prince/princess and now all at once you're king/queen.
3. Thermae Boetfort, Melsbroek.
This wellness hotel offers Classic, Superior and Deluxe rooms. The Superior and Deluxe rooms can be found within the castle walls in the original annexes of the domain. All rooms were restored with respect for their history; here you can think of yourself as a mistress or the master of the manor. Access to the thermal baths is not included, but hotel guests receive a 50% discount on the access fee after 17h00... it is dreamy!
4. Le Cor de Chasse, Wéris.
A Michelin-starred restaurant first, chambres d’hôte second, that’s the divine combination at this highly rated address. Owner-chef Mario Elias and wife Aurore re-opened their award-winning restaurant after renovating a castle farm in a picturesque village close to tourist haven Durbuy. There are nine bedrooms (guests have to dine in the hotel at weekends) including suites and terraces overlooking an outdoor pool and a view of the surrounding countryside. Rustic features combine with contemporary decor: the perfect match for Elias’s breathtaking and creative cuisine. As a member of Generation W, the chef collective promoting gastronomy and artisan food producers in Wallonia, Elias is a culinary ambassador.
5. De Barge Hotel, Bruges.
This boat-hotel is definitely Bruges’ most original hotel. De Barge, which formerly plied the Bruges-Ghent canal, is today a well-known character three-star hotel. A warm and friendly welcome is always guaranteed. "Service" & "Hospitality" are no empty words here: our experienced, dedicated crew is already looking forward to your visit and they will be happy to share their Bruges knowledge with tips and information. You will have an unforgettable experience!
6. The CasAnus Hotel, Steneke.
CasAnus by Joep van Lieshout
This polyester sculpture, a gigantic replica of the human digestive system was designed by the Dutch artist Joep Van Lieshout as an exclusive apartment. The raw natural shapes and colours stand in sharp contrast to the pristine white interior of the construction.
The room contains a double bed, a table, a shower and a toilet. CasAnus is also equipped with lightening, running water and electric heating.
Despite the stomach-churning imagery, visitors still flock to the site to spend the night in the big colon which is also surrounded by such wondrous sites as black swans and an unobstructed view of the night sky. Hotel CasAnus is a draw, and people can’t help butt visit.
One night in Joep Van Lieshout’s installation costs $160 for two people. Breakfast and access to the museum are included in the price, which comes down to a good deal.
Please make your reservation at least a week in advance by email: info@verbekefoundation.com
Personally, I wouldn't stay there butt it is still a unique accomodation!
7. Park De Haan Center Parcs, West Flanders.
NEW. FUN AND BEACH FUN in the most charming seaside resort in Belgium.
Opening in MAY 2020, here, families will experience a lot of fun in the weather-independent game world. Young people play sports on the longest beach in Belgium, just 1 km from the park. And Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only half an hour's drive away.
8. The Bloom Hotel, Brussels.
NH Brussels Bloom is a unique art-themed hotel conveniently situated in the lively Botanique area of the city. Each of the hotel's 305 rooms is decorated with hand-painted frescos, created by 287 different artists. Panorama rooms on the higher floors boast city views.Decorated with work by artists from all over the world, this creative, contemporary setting is a destination in itself. Awarded the Green Key certification, a globally recognized certification in the tourism sector, thanks to its environmental commitment.
If you sign up to NH Rewards and take advantage of their "Lazy Sundays", which include a late checkout (before 5pm) free of charge.
The hotel has its own waffle van in the OO! restaurant where you can enjoy an extensive breakfast buffet. For drinks, the chief bartender at Smoods bar can create any cocktail you can think of.
9. Indrani Lodge, Loupoigne.
Indrani Lodge which is located in the heart of the historic Brabant-Wallon village of Loupoigne, only a 45-minute drive from Brussels. Combining contemporary stylish luxury with historic elegance and epic service, the lodge is a meticulously renovated medieval farm – so a place to escape city hassles but still in an easy reach of the cultural attractions of one of Europe’s quirkier cities.
10. Wellness Hotel - Eau de Roche, Durbuy.
Durbuy, renowned both for its gastronomy and its heritage, is a small town built around its castle and bathed by the Ourthe is in tune with the landscape that surrounds it.
You will stay in the beautiful nature of the Ourthe Valley, where you can go on beautiful hikes or bicycle tours and visit beautiful villages. The hotel itself is unique in what it offers and is a wellness destination by way of its wellness center which include the Pool with hydro massage jets, waterfall, antioxidant plant wall, deckchairs, 70 ° sauna, hammam, ice fountain, Nordic seal, chromotherapy shower, mist jets, infrared cabin, relaxation area, herbal tea room, terrace outdoor, and bar. Definitely the ideal spot to retreat to after a whole day of hiking!