Belgium: La Butte aux Bois

Posted on September 15, 2026 | Leave a comment

Chic Cycling Weekend

It’s always a pleasure to take a break in the beautiful countryside of Limbourg in northeastern Belgium! To round off this sense of well-being, discover the elegant La Butte aux Bois hotel (a Small Luxury Hotels) which, true to its name, is situated at the edge of a wood. This setting instills a feeling of serenity after the long drive from home. The reception service is highly professional and efficient; after all, there is nothing more annoying than a long wait upon arrival with our luggage..

The view from our room, located in the modern wing of the property and facing a large park lined with slender trees, is soothing! We are lucky: the sky is blue, and the temperature is perfect for a bike ride. The hotel provides e-bikes. I really like the room’s décor : minimalist yet warm and inviting, with a distinctively Japanese feel, as well as the way the bed is positioned (see photos below). What a luxury to wake up to such a view! The garden and outdoor terrace also offer a peaceful spot to relax. From the spa, you can enjoy a view of giant floral sculptures (photo montage 3).

Another highlight of La Butte aux Bois is its restaurants. We dined at the fine-dining restaurant La Source: a delight for both the eyes and the palate! Set against a monochromatic white backdrop that contrasts with the hotel’s manor section, the space features a graphic opening in the wall, offering a view of the kitchen, where you can see the chef and his team work. The impeccable service is pleasant. e also had lunch at the bistro Le Ciel, where we enjoyed refined, flavorful dishes served in a more exuberant, maximalist setting. This is also where the breakfast is served each morning. The Papillon bar is another cozy spot to linger during quieter hours (see the final photo collage below).

Oops, I almost forgot the detail that makes this elegant hotel more unique: the collection of giant crystals belonging to the owner, the jewelry designer Jochen Leen, which are scattered throughout the common areas (pictured in photo montage 2). It is unusual and original.

1. A Room With A View

2. Fine Dinner at La Source & Lunch at Le Ciel Restaurants

3. The Garden

Informations

La Butte aux Bois

Many thanks to La Butte aux Bois for this superb invitation. As always, these are my opinions. Just so you know, I wrote this article myself (in the traditional, “old-school” way).

Belgique : La Butte aux Bois

Posted on September 10, 2026 | Leave a comment

Week-end vélo chic

C’est toujours très agréable de faire un break dans la belle province du Limbourg, au nord-est de la Belgique! Et pour compléter cette sensation de bien-être, découvrir l’élégant hôtel : La Butte aux Bois qui comme son nom l’indique est situé à la lisière d’un bois. Ce qui apporte une sensation de sérénité, après un assez long trajet en voiture depuis la maison. L’accueil à la réception est très professionnel et efficient. Car il n’y a rien de plus ennuyeux qu’une attente prolongée lorsqu’on arrive avec ses bagages.

La vue est apaisante dans notre chambre, située dans la partie moderne de l’établissement face à un large parc bordé de longilignes arbres! Nous avons de la chance, le ciel est bleu, avec une température rêvée pour une promenade à vélo. L’établissement met à disposition des e-bikes. La décoration minimaliste mais chaude et enveloppante de la pièce, très japonisante et l’orientation du lit me plaisent beaucoup (photos ci-dessous). Quel luxe de se réveiller face à un décor pareil! Le jardin et la terrasse extérieure permettent aussi de se poser calmement. Du spa, on profite d’une vue sur des fleurs sculptures géantes (photomontage 3).

L’autre point fort de la Butte aux Bois, ses restaurants. Nous avons dîné au restaurant gastronomique La Source : une merveille tant pour les yeux que le palais! Dans un décor épurée blanc en contraste avec la partie manoir de l’hôtel, on aperçois par une ouverture très graphique dans le mur, la cuisine où le chef et sa brigade s’affairent. Le service est agréable et impeccable. Nous avons aussi déjeuné au bistrot Le Ciel : nos plats étaient fins et goûteux, dans une décoration plus exubérante et maximaliste au centre de l’hôtel. Le matin, c’est dans se restaurant qu’est servi le copieux petit déjeuner. Le bar Papillon est aussi très cosi pour flâner un long moment aux heures creuses (voir dernier photomontage ci-dessous).

J’oubliai le détail qui singularise encore plus cet élégant hôtel : la collection de cristaux géants du propriétaire créateur de bijoux Jochen Leen, disséminés de parts et d’autres dans les parties communes (en photo dans le photomontage 2). C’est insolite et très originale.

1. Une chambre avec vue

2. Dîner à La Source et déjeuner au bistrot Le Ciel

3. Les extérieurs

Informations

La Butte aux Bois

Un grand merci à La Butte aux Bois pour cette superbe invitation. Comme toujours, ceci est mon opinion et j’ai écrit ce texte moi-même (de manière “old school”).

Belgium: The Notary in Bruges

Posted on January 21, 2026 | Leave a comment

An Invitation To Travel

Where to begin? Everything is absolutely beautiful! The city of Bruges, which I never tire of, serves as the perfect setting for The Notary, the superb luxury guesthouse where time seems to stand still. From the moment we entered, we were greeted with a warm smile, and my gaze wandered from one object to another, artfully arranged within the classic, slightly theatrical décor by Pieter Porters, where the grand and the intimate blend perfectly. We had a wonderful time.

A few steps into the garden, which must be stunning in spring and summer, with a pond where you can swim (all year round) among harmless fish. There’s also access to the canal, more secluded and buccolic (photo above). I can easily picture the newlyweds arriving by boat for a small, intimate celebration in the gardens of The Notary. We explore the common areas: the lounge adjoining the restaurant, the central kitchen, the library/cabinet of curiosities, and the staircase leading to the bedrooms.

The Dinner

Around 7:30 pm, we settled into the restaurant. The potted palm trees, the decor, the lighting… subtle jazz notes drifted through the room; I felt like I was in a movie, or perhaps an Agatha Christie novel (more for the intimate, enclosed atmosphere). As the chef described the menu, my mind wandered, and I felt calm and euphoric. As for the food, the photos speak for themselves: simple yet delicious. And the service was discreet and pleasant.

The Suite

In our suite—another world entirely! Rich, exuberant, and soothing: a blend of northern and Louis XVI aesthetics, bergère armchairs, taffeta window coverings, a chandelier, a fireplace, and an enormous, incredibly comfortable bed. An invitation to travel back in time… like the diary of a sophisticated traveler from the 19th or early 20th century. In the morning, I wake up to a view of the garden. I almost forgot about the bathroom, with its deep soaking tub, which combines old-world charm with demanding modern functionality.

The Breakfast

Finally, breakfast—but do we really want it to end when we feel so good? The restaurant has a cheerful atmosphere; to the strains of light opera, I sit down smiling at our table. I really like the L-shaped arrangement of the cutlery. We smile at the other guests, because this cozy little haven encourages good manners. I chose the “Healthy” breakfast: yogurt, berries, granola, an egg, and avocado with salmon toasts. Mister Le K had the Signature breakfast, with more choices and champagne! What better way to start the day?