Cindy-Lou Dale

Ninety minutes drive out of Amsterdam is the small historic Dutch town of Zierikzee, located on the southern island of Zeeland and connected to the mainland by motorway. Zierikzee has an ancient town centre with buildings dating back as far as the 15^th century and a picturesque yacht harbour straight out of travel brochure. A great expanse of biscuit coloured beach, with a seductive hush and suck of gentle waters lapping at the base of wooded dunes, reduces one to verbal beggary.

Just outside of the town lies Schuddebeurs, a forest enclave, surrounded by rural countryside. Only a few hundred people inhabit this charming hamlet where a 300-year old former Inn has been sympathetically restored and elegantly converted into the Hostellerie Schuddebeurs.

The Schuddebeurs has a long-standing gastronomic reputation which Head Chef, Bart de Bree, nurtures daily using only the finest regional ingredients when creating his lavish French inspired cuisine.

This character hotel offers 22 comfortable rooms and a Bridal-Suite which was once a Toll House. Four luxury bungalows have been converted into tasteful suites with terraces overlooking wild lush gardens. Throughout, the hotel oozes classic charm. The bar, which has a superb wine selection, and lounge area have a gentleman’s club feel about it with overstuffed leather chairs, a library, classic art, a maze of chandeliers and antiques.

The overwhelming charm of the Schuddebeurs is unmatched and highly recommend to those traveling beyond Amsterdam.