A Very Dutch Summer

Hoogenweerth Kasteel

Treehouse in Drenthe

Houseboat in Amsterdam

Oesterdam Resort Villas

Windmill Cottage

Where to Go This Summer in the Netherlands

May 30, 2020 
by Audrey Mezas

We’re all used to freely choosing where to go and what to do during our summer vacation, but what does that mean for us this summer? The “new normal” now means having to do your homework ahead of time and find out what is possible, which locations are not overcrowded, and which are clean and safe. I want to share some of my favorite places in the Netherlands with you, some of which may fit your wishlist. 

Please call a location ahead of time to make sure that all health precautions have been taken care of, as prescribed by the Dutch government. Prime Minister Rutte has requested that we please try to book our vacations outside of the Dutch school vacations, if possible, which means in late August and/or in September of this year. He also advises that you check your travel insurance to ensure you are covered just in case changes are made by the government before your departure.

Unique and Wonderful Places to Stay

Dutchen holiday homes in luxury parks

Dutchen’s website has made many of my friends very happy. They offer more than 100 luxury vacation villas for you to choose from, located all over the Netherlands. There are options in every size, ranging from single occupancy to 20 people.

Hoogenweerth Castle

There are ten beautifully designed suites, located next to the beautiful Hoogenweerth Castle in Maastricht on the bank of the river Maas. A beautiful grand terrace sits on the riverbank and provides a fantastic view.

Treehouse in Drenthe (Dutch site)

This is one of the hidden treasures in The Netherlands – an amazing treehouse for a maximum of six persons on 29 acres in the middle of Drenthe! It is located next to the tiny village of Anderen, which has only 250 inhabitants. On the same piece of land, a small vacation cabin for two persons is also available to rent. The kids can ride the little ponies and enjoy nature. Total relaxation while enjoying many trails in the countryside.

B&B ’t Poorthuys

This beautiful B&B, built in 1530, is located in the heart of Middelburg in the province of Zeeland. The B&B has eight rooms and several spacious suites. There are bikes available for rent, and amazing city tours can be taken, either on foot or by boat.

Book a houseboat

BookaHouseboat has houseboats for rent in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, several cities in Europe, and even in Canada and the United States. There’s nothing more special than opening the windows of your houseboat and being right on the water.

Oesterdam Resort

This holiday park is in Tholen, in the province of Zeeland. The vacation villas are located right on the water, with a Marina Beach Club, a restaurant, boat and canoe rental and much more. They call it “Ibiza in the Netherlands”.

Landal GreenParks

The Landal Group has been around for many years. I have personally stayed at many of their parks, which range from beach houses in Zeeland to unique private villas in Friesland with a private boat in front of your vacation home. Landal even has a food delivery service that delivers your groceries to your vacation  home upon arrival. Boat rental, bowling, bike rental, and plenty of activities for kids and family members of all ages are readily available.

The Oostwegel Collection

If you’re looking for luxury, then let me tell you that the Oostwegel Collection of luxurious hotels, villas, residences and restaurants in the Netherlands is something you should not miss. Whether it’s celebrating a special anniversary or getting away and spoiling yourself, you’ll have difficulty choosing from these extraordinary locations and experiences.

Windmill Cottage

If you haven’t stayed in the Windmill Cottage, then you have missed an authentic Dutch experience. The cottage is located next to the Vrouwgeest windmill, which was built in 1797 in Alphen aan de Rijn and is only 30 minutes from Amsterdam. Your family of four will be able to enjoy the cows in the countryside, go hiking and/or biking, and explore the quaint villages nearby.

I’m looking forward to hearing if any of these beautiful and fun parts of the Netherlands have made your eyes twinkle enough for you to book a vacation there. Maybe you’ll even send me an old-fashioned postcard!

Have a wonderful, fun and safe summer!

Audrey
Audrey Mezas is the AWCA Club Liaison and is owner of a niche relocation company called Expat in Amsterdam®.

Tags:netherlands, travel tips