Tag: Weekend trip

The Tiny Hotel – idyllic accommodation with its own farm

Tiny Hotel, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Netherlands, Nistelrode

The Tiny Hotel impresses with its rural location just two kilometres from Nistelrode. The location in the middle of nature allows guests to experience pure relaxation. The forest surrounding the accommodation is perfect for long walks. The farm belonging to the Tiny Hotel with its many animals is particularly beautiful. Guests can stroke the animals, enter their enclosures or help look after them. The chickens provide fresh eggs every morning. The Tiny Hotel is a memorable experience, especially for children.

Tips for leisure activities

To get to the town of Nistelrode, a short journey by car is all it takes. Just a five-minute drive away are lovely cafés, a large, inviting shopping centre for errands and shopping and good restaurants. The cities of Nijmegen, Den Bosch and Eindhoven are only 30 minutes away by car. They are ideal for an exciting day trip. The staff at the Tiny Hotel are happy to provide their guests with carefully selected tips for visiting the cities.

A visit to the Vorstenbosch alpaca farm, which is just a few minutes’ drive south of the Tiny Hotel, is well worthwhile. Admission is free and it is a great experience, especially with children. The gentle alpacas can be fed and stroked. For a more active experience, guests can book a walk with the alpacas through the De Maashorst nature reserve. Each participant is given their own alpaca to accompany them through the marvellous landscape.

Tiny Hotel

The Tiny Hotel offers two different types of accommodation: the Sheep House and the Farm House. Both are surrounded by greenery. The quiet location guarantees relaxation. Children travelling with you can play right outside the accommodation houses and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings together with their parents.

The Farm House is suitable for up to four people and is decorated in warm colours. Many wooden elements blend in with the natural surroundings and create a cosy atmosphere. As the entrance area is separated from the living room, the Farm House has a cosy character. The fully equipped kitchen invites you to cook together and the large dining table is perfect for eating together, playing games or enjoying a glass of wine in the evening. When guests step onto the terrace, they are surrounded by nature. Every now and then, animals walk past and can be seen grazing in the meadow. As the accommodation has underfloor heating, the Farm House is equally suitable for the summer and winter months. In the outdoor area, guests can make their own campfire and relax in the hot tub under the stars.

Relaxation close to nature is guaranteed at the Tiny Hotel. Children get their money’s worth thanks to the proximity to the many animals and will never be bored. Nearby towns invite you to go on excursions and make it possible to organise a great day out within a short distance. The Tiny Hotel is recommended for nature lovers looking for fun activities to round off a relaxing holiday.

Hotel Bachmair Weissach: Family holiday at Lake Tegernsee

Bachmair Weissach, Tegernsee, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Hotel Bachmair Weissach

The Spa & Resort Bachmair Weissach is located on the beautiful Tegernsee and is ideal for all families looking for a relaxing time out together. Due to the great location near the lake, guests can swim in Lake Tegernsee during the summer months and take advantage of its water sports facilities. Dog owners can bring their four-legged friends, as not only the resort but also its surroundings are extremely dog-friendly. Everyone will find the peace and quiet they need here to switch off and regenerate body and mind.

Living in style at Lake Tegernsee

The Spa & Resort Bachmair Weissach attaches great importance to regionality, which is also reflected in the design of the rooms. Materials such as reed linen were used to keep the interior as natural as possible. In soft shades, all rooms are bright, minimalist and modern, but are refined by traditional Tegernsee design. The clubhouses directly on the lakeside are particularly exclusive. With a great deal of privacy and comfort, guests can relax wonderfully while enjoying the lakeside sauna in winter and the adjacent lido in summer.

Culinary delights at the Spa & Resort Bachmair Weissach

The fresh and really delicious breakfast is served in the cosy atmosphere of the pavilion. In addition to sweet and savoury dishes, freshly squeezed juices and the option of à la carte ordering, there is nothing lacking. A special highlight is the healthy etagere, which together with the vitamin-rich juices and extras like chia pudding is ideal for nutrition-conscious guests. The great service with extremely friendly staff rounds off the culinary experience perfectly.

Bachmair Weissach, Tegernsee, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Hotel Bachmair Weissach

For dinner, guests can choose from three different upscale restaurants. From alpine cuisine to modern Far Eastern cuisine with sushi variations, everything is represented. Additional options for dinner can be found in the clubhouse, the Tegernsee Phantastisch as well as in Bad Wiessee.

Relaxation for the whole family

All resort residents enjoy proper wellness time-out in the Family Spa. This is designed so that children can play and slide in the pool, which is easily visible and heated to 28 degrees, while parents are pampered. A family whirlpool is available for shared bubbly experiences. Those who want to get some exercise can do a few laps in the 15-metre swimming pool, always keeping an eye on the children as they frolic in the water. For cosy moments of relaxation with the whole family, the 65-degree family sauna is available. In the relaxation room made of fragrant pine wood, the body can calm down afterwards. The soothing atmosphere, pleasant temperature and the many indirect light sources in the spa area ensure that guests relax completely and leave everyday life behind.

Those who fancy a round of wellness without a child can make use of the Kids Club. This looks after the little guests from the age of three.

Things to do in Tegernsee

Not only family guests of the Spa & Resort Bachmair can playfully learn and discover in the 2,700 square metre “TEGERNSEE PHANTASTISCH” adventure world. The region, landscape, environment, traditions as well as the art and sport of Lake Tegernsee are the thematic focus and entertain every age group – ideal even if the weather does not play along, because the entire area is indoor.

The Alpakahof Tegernsee is only a three-minute drive away and perfect for beautiful days. Pre-booked guests can get close to the animals, learn from and with them or hike together with them. In the midst of the alpine surroundings, unforgettable impressions are created with the gentle creatures.

Baayvillas – Living by the sea

Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Baayvillas, Dutchen

Baayvillas is a newly built holiday park by Dutchen on the Dutch Lauwersmeer. The modernly equipped villas can be booked for six to eight people and are situated in the middle of the natural habitat of many animals and plants. The incredible tranquillity of nature is immediately transferred to the guests. If you are looking for relaxation and at the same time appreciate the excursion possibilities in the immediate vicinity, the Baayvillas are just the right place for you.

The spacious layout and size of the houses make them ideal when several friends or families with children want to holiday together. Everyone is to themselves and yet always together.

Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Baayvillas, Dutchen

Exclusive villas with that little extra

All Baayvillas in Dutchen Holiday Park are exclusive, of high quality and very attractively furnished. Due to the division into two floors, they are extremely spacious and yet comfortably furnished. The light-flooded rooms, in combination with the bright, natural colours, create an immediate feel-good atmosphere. Via the large glass front of the terrace, holidaymakers can reach the outside, where a fireplace makes cosy barbecue or campfire evenings possible all year round. Guests have direct access to the sea via their own bathing jetty or one shared with another villa, where a boat can also be moored. Each villa has a private whirlpool on the terrace – sufficient relaxation is provided at all times.

Activities in the immediate vicinity

For those interested in exploring the area surrounding Baayvillas, there are several options. Five times a day there is a ferry to the Wadden Island Schiermonnikoog, which is unspoilt and offers beautiful walks in the habitat of the diverse bird life. Nature lovers also get their money’s worth during mudflat walks in the Moddergat mudflats or interesting oyster walks. Not only are the oysters harvested and their living conditions explained, but they are also opened fresh on site and tasted.

At least as interesting is the Pieterburen Seal Centre – Europe’s largest hospital for seals and harbour seals. There, injured and weakened animals are taken in, nursed up and then, if they are strong enough, returned to their natural environment.

Guests who want to get a breath of city air or run some errands can visit the beautiful old towns of Groningen or Dokkum, an old fortified town.

Those travelling with children can visit a small playground within walking distance of only five minutes or take a trip to the covered DoeZoo. Experiencing with all the senses is a priority here: The little guests are allowed to get up close and personal with the animals. Kissing frogs, carrying snakes around their necks or stroking the cute skunks are guaranteed to make a visit to the zoo unforgettable. For nice-weather days, the Adventure Park Waddenfun is perfect. Whether it’s canoeing, climbing in the high ropes course, archery or laser games – action fans will get their money’s worth here. Skill and courage, paired with adrenaline, guarantee lots of excitement and fun. The Adventure Park is a great destination for guests who want to experience an unforgettable day together with their family or friends travelling with them.

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Living on the beach in Bloemendaal aan Zee

Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment

It takes just under three hours from Cologne to Bloemendaal aan Zee. We have driven this route far too seldom up to now and have not appreciated it enough!

That’s why after our first tour to Ouddorp we now went to the corner of Haarlem and Zandvoort.

Here you can easily combine a city and beach trip!

Our apartment with sea view at Poort Beach Hotel

I haven’t been in Bloemendaal aan Zee for a long time. So, we were looking forward to the super stylish Poort Beach Hotel Apartments. The tasteful accommodations have so much to offer!

Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment

We had planned to spend 2 days on the beach, but when we came to the apartment, we immediately knew that all our time would be spent on the spacious terrace. From here, we could also watch the whole happenings on the beach along with the surfers. In the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset with a delicious glass of wine.

The apartments are equipped with a lot of love for details. As always, you should think of bringing salt, pepper and oil, in case you do your own cooking. Otherwise, everything is on the spot! Even a Nespresso machine! I always bring my own milk frother for a delicious cappuccino in the morning.

In our apartment, 6 persons could have stayed overnight, and it costs about 250€ a night. You should book the apartments well in advance as they are almost always fully booked.

Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment

Things To Do     

You’ll never be bored in Bloemendaal aan Zee as there are countless things to do!

Beach Walk – Every evening, we took a drink from our apartment and walked along the beach with Chuck. Dogs are allowed to run around freely without a leash from 19 o’clock in the evening.

Water Sports – You only have to walk down the stairs to go to the beach and rent the surf equipment for surfing. Of course there are more water sports available right outside your front door!

City Trip – It’s only about 10 minutes by car to Haarlem. For a day trip, I would always prefer to go there. The beautiful city of Haarlem has its own charm with its small streets and canals. The place is also known as the “little sister of Amsterdam”. However, I would rather walk all the way to Haarlem because the parking spaces are very expensive. Anyway, the footpath to Haarlem has a lot to offer! You will pass the Kemmerland National Park and some great housing estates. Walking there is an absolute breeze!

Beach Club, Republiek – Right in front of the apartment door, you have the Beach Club, Republiek. If you prefer to have breakfast in the morning, I recommend you to visit the trendy and new Beach Club. I could have spent the whole day in the lounge chairs in the sand.

Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment

Zandvoort – Do you feel like a walk on the beach? Then you should consider going to Zandvoort! There are also a lot of modern beach clubs here! In the centre of Zandvoort, there is also a small shopping street to stay in. We made a stopover at the photogenic beach club “Ubuntu Beach”; a must-visit for Instagram lovers!

Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment

If you want to see more videos of my stay, have a look at the highlights on my Instagram account.

Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment
Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment

Holland’s Maldivian Water Villas at Oasis Punt-West Hotel & Beach Resort

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

In the middle of the nature reserve “De Punt” on the Grevelingenmeer is the modern Oasis Punt-West Hotel & Beach Resort, which we reached after a good 3-hour drive from Cologne.

The only five-year-old facility in Ouddorp in the south of Holland (near Renesse) is located directly on the Grevelingenmeer inland waterway.

The sea may not be as clear as the crystal blue water in the Maldives, but the villas and studios are located directly on the water! Most of them even have their own beach.

Instead of the Mediterranean palm trees, you look out over the bright green dune grass from the terrace or the panoramic windows.

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

Oasis Punt-West Hotel & Beach Resort 

We were able to enjoy the wonderful view of the place directly upon arrival in our modern “Hotelstudio Waterfront” for 2-persons. On the ground floor, there is a small kitchenette and living room. From the couch, you can always watch the sea drifting through the wide, panoramic windows.

On the first floor, you reach the bedroom and bathroom, where well-scented Rituals products await you! My personal highlight was, of course, the terrace directly above the sea and the quietness in the resort that makes one really relax.

Also, during breakfast and/or in the restaurant, one always has a direct view of the wide sea!

At the reception, in the restaurant building, you can also rent a SUP or bike.

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

For your information:

The stairs to the first floor are a bit steep. We always carried Chuck, our Frenchie, upstairs, as he could not walk up them alone. Even for older people who find it difficult to climb the stairs, it is better to choose another type of accommodation in the resort.

The fitted kitchen has a microwave but no stove. You should bring your own salt, pepper, oil etc. if you want to prepare something.

There is no partition wall between the terraces of the studios. If both studios are occupied, you end up sitting very close together on the terrace. Dogs, for example, can run over to the neighbours quickly.

Conclusion

We absolutely enjoyed the peace and quiet and the location. Our Hotelstudio is offered on the website for about 350€/night, including breakfast, which is, of course, an exclusive price.

Therefore, the price-performance ratio did not fit 100% for me, as the equipment of the hotel studio is very ordinary. However, I did look at some villas from the outside, which were very ornate! Especially as a big family or a group of friends, one can have a great time here!

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

Things to do

  • Beach Time
    • Not far from the resort (about 15 minutes walk) is the 18km long coastal beach. Even during Corpus Christi, there was hardly anything going on here, and we could really enjoy the absolute silence! I definitely recommend a walk to the lighthouse and a romantic picnic at sunset. If during the day the weather is halfway ok, you can expect a beautiful sunset!
  • Bicycle Tour
    • An absolute must in Holland is of course to explore the area by bike. You have a great landscape all around, which you can explore by bike.
  • Brouwersdam
    • Whoever arrives early in the morning by car or camper has a great first-row seat at the sea to watch the kite surfers. Unfortunately, you don’t get breakfast here, but there are plenty of public houses on the Dam!

If you do not want to spend a day at the sea, you can be in Rotterdam or The Hague in less than an hour.

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

TOP 10 things to do in Budapest

I never thought that I could experience the beauty of two unique cities in one place. 48 hours in Budapest felt like Paris and Berlin at the same time. Majestic buildings like in Paris and hip pubs, vintage shops and street art like in Berlin are no rarity in Budapest. Honestly, some European capitals should beware of this modern Hungarian capital. The wide avenues, the coffee house culture and the wonderful Danube entices one to take a city trip!

I’ve compiled, just for you, the best tips when in Budapest:

– Visit Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is located in the older part of Budapest, also known as Buda. On one side of the Danube is Buda, and on the other side is Pest. The Fisherman’s Bastion, however, cannot be overlooked by the sights of Pest!

From the seven fabulous white towers, you can take a panoramic view of the whole city. This historical monument was my personal highlight of the trip, as the place is simply picturesque. For unique pictures, you should be there before the first tourist buses arrive at 9 am. Otherwise, you can visit Fisherman’s Bastion 24 hours except for the towers, which close at the 21st hour.

Many ways lead to the Fisherman’s Bastion, of course, but I recommend you to walk from the city to the castle hill if the weather is good.

– Cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge

On the way to the Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll definitely cross the Chain Bridge. On foot, you have the opportunity to make several stops, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy the view over the Danube.

– Danube River Cruise

Another highlight was the evening cruise over the Danube. A boat trip there is best done in the evening after dusk. The illuminated panorama can be especially enjoyed with a romantic glass of wine or even beer.

Usually, the 48h ticket costs between 8€ and 10€ per person. So, you could also take a day trip the next day with the same ticket.

– Discover the Third Biggest Parliament Building in the World

The impressive parliament building in Budapest is definitely a must-watch. The gargantuan structure can be seen from far away. You can see it particularly well from the Fisherman’s Bastion or while on a tour of the Danube. Of course, you can also take a tour inside the third largest parliament in the world.

– On the Top of St. Stephen’s Basilica

From the highest church of Budapest, 96 meters above, you can get a scenic, bird’s-eye view of the city for just 200 HUF. The domes inside the St. Stephen’s Basilica reminded me a little bit of the Vatican City in Rome.

– Watch the Sunset at a Rooftop Bar

A very special and unique rooftop bar can be found on the luxurious shopping street, Andrássy út, in the middle of the city centre. From a transparent igloo, you can watch the sunset with a delicious drink in hand or Swiss cheese fondue.

The 360 Bar really offers a 360-degree view of Budapest.

– Vintage Shopping in Budapest

Almost everywhere in Budapest, you can find vintage design and second-hand shops. Many are located in the Jewish quarter. Be sure to check out Retrock and Szputnyik D20. Don’t forget (!) the shops are also open on Sundays.

– Explore the Jewish Quarter

Speaking of the Jewish quarter, don’t just explore the vintage shops, but also the street art, trendy cafes, and delicious restaurants. It’s the place to be in for hipsters! The restaurant Mazel Tov or Twenty Six is remarkably delectable.

– Eat Local Food

I still remember eating the mouth-watering goulash dishes with pleasure. The hearty Hungarian cuisine is a MUST during your time in Budapest. Langos with garlic cream and cheese can be found on almost every corner. For the sweet hunger, I recommend Kürtőskalács – a chimney cake made from sweet yeast and then spun around a truncated cone-shaped baking material.

– Stay at Radisson Blu in Budapest

Right in the middle of it all, you’ll be staying at the newly renovated and modern Radisson Blu Béke Hotel. The main train station is only 300m away, and only 500m away is the famous Boulevard Andrássy with all the famous shops!

In the spacious rooms, we could relax wonderfully after a long day in the city. The beds are super comfortable.

The Nespresso machine in the room and the extensive breakfast buffet are not the only things we can eat in the morning. My tip? An omelette with everything and cheese!

How to Get Around?

In Budapest, you can reach all the tourist hot spots on foot. So, you can see more, of course! If you need to go faster, I recommend the taxi app “Bolt” or the app “Lime” for the e-scooters.