It had been a long time since I’d spent my summer holiday abroad; instead, I made a conscious decision to holiday in my own country. Through various trips around the Netherlands, I rediscovered just how many beautiful places we actually have close to home. One of the hotels I stayed at was the Bilderberg Résidence Groot Heideborgh in Garderen. A hotel where tranquillity, nature and comfort come together in a delightful way.

The location was exactly what I was looking for. The hotel is situated right in the heart of the Veluwe, and you can walk straight into the woods from the grounds. It’s the perfect place for walking and cycling. Garderen is centrally located in the Veluwe, whilst destinations such as Kootwijkerzand, De Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Kröller-Müller Museum are easily accessible. At the same time, you don’t have to go far at all to relax.
There are plenty of reasons to take it easy whilst staying at the hotel. Résidence Groot Heideborgh has 85 rooms and features a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a gym and an extensive range of wellness facilities. At the Clarins Expert Salon & Wellness Centre, you can book massages and beauty treatments, amongst other things. The swimming pool is open daily and offers extra relaxation after a walk.

What really made my stay here complete was the food. The Grand Café feels like the hotel’s living room. You can pop in for a tasty lunch, and there was the option of sitting on the outdoor terrace. For dinner, there’s Restaurant Het Element, which uses seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients. Highly recommended.

All in all, I enjoyed my stay. You can get out and about in the countryside, then go for a swim or visit the sauna, and round off the day with a good dinner without having to leave the hotel again. My stay lasted just one night, but actually that was the only downside. I wouldn’t have minded staying here for an extra night.
Which hotel should I check into next if I want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Let me know and I’ll add it to my list.