Treat yourself
After your shopping session at Designer Outlet Roermond, head to the nearby Maasplassen. These beautiful lakes are a true Mecca for anyone who loves waterside leisure and activities. There is always something to do here. First things first: get those energy levels up with a delicious lunch. Fashionable beach bar Bruis is the place to be. Between April and the end of September, this beach bar conjures up authentic Ibizan vibes with its beautiful interior, gorgeous views and delicious menu. If the weather doesn’t allow or the bar is closed, NU Nautilus, closer to the centre, is a worthy alternative. The terrace boasts breath-taking views of the city harbour.
After lunch, take a breather on the water: the Maasplassen are the perfect place to rent a boat - and you don’t even need a license. Get adventurous and explore both the bustling harbour, the city centre, and tranquil nature scenes. Prefer your afternoons slightly more active? How about an hour of wakeboarding or water skiing at Beaver Creek Wake Park? Passionate couple Sanna and Hannes will make you feel completely at home as soon as you arrive.
End your day in style at the luxurious five-star hotel La Butte Aux Bois in Lanaken, Belgium. This gem of a hotel is surrounded by nature and just a stone’s throw from the water. Guests will find literally everything they need to sit back and relax: a wellness centre, a beauty institute and even a two-star restaurant. Even a stroll through the hotel itself can be a journey of discovery, with owner Jochen Lëen displaying jewelry of his own making alongside works by various artists. When you get back to your room, you’ll find it meets your every need. Especially if you book the stylish Missoni suite.
Wine and wildlife
This one is for the early risers. Experience the magic of sunrise at a just a 5-minute drive from the hotel. We highly recommend the Meuse valley trail. This 5 to 14 km trail (it’s up to you to decide!) will take you along the contours of the Meuse river, as you wake up with countless animal species around you. Birds, swans, and ... wild horses and bison. Yeah, you read that right! You don’t have to leave the Benelux for a spot of Wildlife spotting. We guarantee that you’ll be astounded on this jaw-dropping trail. The icing on the cake? A luxury breakfast at La Butte Aux Bois. On sunny days, try to get a table on their gorgeous terrace.
If you can't get enough of this beautiful piece of Limburg nature, head to Kayak Maasland for a canoe trip. The helpful staff will give you everything you need for an unforgettable late afternoon. Your companions on the water? Herons, konik horses, swans, and picture-perfect views.
This route ends at the warm abode of a family that has used the natural bounty of the Meuse River to make a quality local product: wine! Welcome to Domein Aldeneyck in Maaseik. Karel and Tine planted their vineyards right along the waterfront, in a microclimate that imbues the grapes with a unique flavour. You can taste the multi-award-winning results on their vibrant terrace, where passionate sommeliers will tell you all about the wines.
Cheers!
ALONG THE WATER
MAP
Read next
