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inspiring families with all things luxury family travel + lifestyle

inspiring families about all things luxury family travel + lifestyle

pool

Autumn Break at the Dutch Coast

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The beautiful Blanke Top ⓒ Hotel de Blanke Top

Due to the Corona restrictions, we didn’t go abroad this year. Instead, we stayed in the Netherlands for our autumn break.

We headed out to the seaside town of Cadzand-Bad at the impressive coast of Zeeland, near Knokke (Belgium).

Our hotel pick could not have been any better. The luxurious ‘Blanke Top’ hotel is a beautiful seaside hotel for both families as well as couples. Featuring an indoor swimming pool and two excellent restaurants, all with sea view! On top of that, a blissful Spa for pampering moments and stunning rooms and suites.

Le Sommet, ⓒHotel de Blanke Top

We’d booked the ‘Family Wellness Suite Sea View’, a stunning and impressive suite with a whimsical kids room. 

As all beach pavilions were closed due to the Corona restrictions, our dining options were limited to the hotel. A real bliss and treat, with lunch at Brasserie Henriette and exquisite dinners at Le Sommet. 

The whimsical kids room within the Family Wellness Suite Sea View, ⓒHotel de Blanke Top
Family Wellness Suite Sea View, ⓒHotel de Blanke Top
Suite with a View, taken from our balcony on the 4th floor, ⓒIlonka Molijn

In particular, the indoor swimming pool (15 metres) is truly wonderful for swimming laps as well as playtime for kids. We surely enjoyed the views of the North Sea thanks to the large windows. Next to the pool is a shallow children’s Bobbi the Bear pool for little kids.

Furthermore, we visited the B. Spa & Wellness. Our spa treatments with products from Sothys ©, got our backs revitalised!

For sure, we look forward to coming back again.

Indoor Swimming Pool, ⓒHotel de Blanke Top
Miffy sign at Cadzand-Bad, North Sea ⓒIlonka Molijn

Our Family Stay at the five-star Pestana Amsterdam Riverside

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The Façade of Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, our room: 1st floor, the two windows on the right ⓒPestana Collection Hotels

Our Summer Holiday plans were cancelled due to the Corona virus, so this summer we didn’t go abroad but stayed at home, in the Netherlands.

As tourists we stayed at the beautiful luxury Pestana Amsterdam Riverside. It was our first time at any Pestana. Part of the Pestana Collection Hotels (luxury hotels in historic buildings and monuments in prime locations), this fabulous hotel’s location is the best. Especially if you are looking for a local Amsterdam experience away from the crowds. 

The Bar at Pestana with outdoor terrace under a beautiful tree ⓒPestana Collection Hotels

Arrival & First Impressions

The Corner Junior Suite facing the Amstel river, ⓒPestana Collection Hotels

We were welcomed very warmly and were impressed by the Portuguese design of the hotel. Considering Pestana is a Portuguese brand, we were very happy to see that the Portuguese exquisite taste for style could be experienced throughout the hotel. From the toiletries from Castelbel to the design of the pool and the suites.

We stayed in a Junior Suite overlooking the Amstel River and were connected through a private hallway with a Deluxe Room where our kids stayed. Both rooms were wonderful. The automatic curtains were also a very nice touch. 

The Pool, ⓒPestana Collection Hotels

The Pool

The indoor swimming pool was much larger than expected. It was even possible to swim laps. As we swim multiple times per week, a hotel with a pool is a must for us. This one was just blissful!

Location

Pestana Amsterdam Riverside is a short walk from the Sarphati Park and in de ‘Pijp’ neighbourhood. A trending destination with lots of hip bars and restaurants. We dined outside at the nearby Maris Piper (Frans Halsstraat 76).  This luxurious brasserie is open daily for lunch and dinner and a must-do when in Amsterdam. 

Indoor at Maris Piper, ⓒMaris Piper

Activities & Culinary

As we’ve never been a the Heineken Experience, now was the time with hardly any international tourists in town. It was fun and educational. 

Another great dining experience we’ve had was at the Sofitel Legend The Grand. Their 1st edition of The Grand Beach was memorable. A truly remarkable beach experience in the heart of Amsterdam. 

The Grand Beach at Sofitel Legend The Grand ⓒSofitel Legend The Grand