Tag Archives: Breakfasts

Three Weekends in Holland: Amsterdam & Limburg (Part 2)

Limbourg Chic & Nature

The Hotel : Winselerhof in Landgraaf

Surrounded by vineyards, this elegant hotel set in an old farmhouse is a haven of peace. We had lunch in the lovely interior courtyard bathed in sunshine (photo above, 5). Tasty refined cuisine with Mediterranean accents (3 & 4). The breakfast is also varied and plentiful.

We are happy to get in our spacious comfortable suite (1 & 2), after a long (sporty) walk in the nearby forest (6: no, it is not the silhouette of a real wolf, but a sculpture). When we left the Winselerhof, we felt very relaxed and invigorated.

What To Do

Visiting Valkenburg & Maastricht

Direction Valkenburg aan de Geul, a picturesque medieval village (photos 2, 3 & 4 above). What a surprise when we arrived, the village was crowed by tourists! It is really touristy. To avoid the bulk of the crowd, move away from the center of the village.

Another option: driving to Maastricht, a charming little town with countless cafes whose summer and winter I never tire of (1). In the evening, we dine in Herleen at the Brasserie Mijn Streek, located on the top floors of the SCHUNCK museum (5 & 6). A nice view, really good food and friendly team. 

Arty Amsterdam

The Hotel : Conservatorium Hotel

For this new weekend in Amsterdame, we focused about contemporary art. The Conservatorium Hotel, a former music conservatory, is located in the museum district of Amsterdam. I did not know this lovely neighborhood.

As soon as we enter the imposing lobby (photos below 4 & 5), we are projected into a large space mixing cutting-edge design, massive architecture and lots of art. The hotel has a number of works of art as well as renowned restaurants. The reception and restaurant teams are  friendly and professional.

But the best is our large Rooftop Suite with a sleek minimalist design (photo above and photos below 1 & 2). Superb bathroom (3). A cocoon of luxury and good taste. I forgot, the breakfast in the Brasserie and Lounge is simply delicious. 

What To Do

Amsterdam Art Weekend

There are a thousand ways to visit Amsterdam. We decided to go there, during the Amsterdam Art Weekend  (the next session is scheduled from April 15 to 17, 2021). s 2021). We started our art walk by visiting of the artists’ studios in residence at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten  (1).

Then we spent the rest of the day in different private art galleries. And in the evening, we were at an exhibition opening in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, the huge museum of contemporary art (2). After the event, what a treat to quickly be able to walk back to our hotel! 

The next day: long stop at the PAN Amsterdam,, the most important art and antiques fair in the Netherlands. Where among a thousand discoveries (it’s a real Alibaba cave), I really liked the sculptures of Vladimir Zbynovsky at the Etienne Gallery (3). In the afternoon: we went to the Moco Museum where I really enjoyed the works of Daniel Arsham (4). 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

I Amsterdam

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Many thanks to Visit Holland and I Amsterdam, for this beautiful invitation. Also many thanks to the Winselerhof Landgraaf and Conservatorium Hotel and the restaurants mentioned in the article. As always, theses are my opinions.

Japan: Hakone Suishoen

  

Konichiwa Hakone!

Onsen Adventure

Bye bye Tokyo crowd and frantic pace! What a joy to be in Hakone nature! Two hours from Tokyo: after the train, we take the bus and stop in the middle of nowhere. Then a black limousine, driven by the concierge who will take care of us during our stay, drops us off at the Hakone Suishoen ryokan. There is worse as arrival, isn’t it? 

In the duplex suite, we enjoy our private onsen (thermal bath) overlooking the forest. The modern bathroom is really convenient. The wood walls and panels of the bedroom and living room adding a warm cocooning touch.

On the ground floor, the small terrace with a lazy hammock, opens on high pine trees. Green color everywhere! In a drawer, a guide explaining how to properly adjust your yukata. So I take the opportunity to put on a superb yukata! Both comfortable and so elegant! 

      

Heritage

Lovely Surprise

At the center of the different buildings, a traditional house dating from 1925, is listed as a “Registered Cultural Property” by the Japanese government (photos below). Inside, there is the great Momiji restaurant, as well as a bar with a cosy atmosphere. I have the feeling of being in a movie of the early twentieth century.

  

The dinner

The Elegance

If you are an esthete, you will be more than happy! The elegance by the finesse of flavors and the refinement of presentation. All is said! Unfortunately, I lost my notes with the name of the discreet chef. Thank you also to our concierge, a young woman who explained us with patience and kindness, the composition each dish in every detail. 

Itadakimasu!

      

Nos petits déjeuners

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Hakone Suishoen

Planning your trip with Exclusif Voyages

Flying to Japan : direct flights from Brussels & Paris with ANA

Related articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks to Exclusif Voyages, Ryokan Collection and all the team of the Hakone Suishoen, for this beautiful invitation. As always theses are my opnions.

Switzerland, Saas-Fee: The Fienart Resort & Spa

  

Ideally Located

Healthy Breakfasts

The Fienart Resort & Spa is located in the center of the village of Saas-Fee. Which is very nice to walk around early in the morning, before having breakfast served in the main restaurant. The space is clear with large windows that allow to enjoy a direct view of the mountains. 

I liked the variety and freshness of the different foods on offer at the buffet. The set makes for breakfast, a privileged break before attacking long days of skiing. This morning, as the weather is not good, it heavily snows with a lot of fog, I prefer to go to the spa of the hotel.

Back to my spacious room, in the wing of the hotel where the pool and spa are located. The newly renovated bathroom is open on the bed side (pictured below). The room is very comfortable and has a balcony with mountain views (the above first two pictures of the article are taken from this balcony). 

    

The Paradia Spa

Bathed in Light

The Paradia Spa, which covers more than 1200 m², includes steam baths, a jacuzzi (where I spent a long time), a relaxation area under a glass roof (where I fell asleep, above photo) etc …

Just like in Germany, part of the spa is (swimsuits) textile free (and children free too), so I only tested the pool, jacuzzi and deckchair. The pool is long enough to make real lengths (left photo below). 

  

The César Ritz

Un dîner gourmand

If the breakfasts are already very nice, the dinner is excellent! Again I really liked the quality of the products (mainly regional) and seasonal. 

The service and the presentation are well cared for: the plates are as beautiful as they are good. Lovely! Photo below: 1. scallops, 2. Caesar salads, 3. fish and 4. dessert! I only ate the delicious chocolate cake because everything was plentiful.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Fienart Resort, Saas-FeeValaisSwitzerland TourismSWISSSwiss Travel System (STS)

Autres articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Un grand merci aux offices du tourisme de Saas Fee, du Valais et Switzerland Tourism, SWISS, Swiss Travel System (STS) et Fienart Resort pour cette belle invitation. Comme toujours, ce sont mes opinions.