Travel & Hotspots

7X WHY KATWIJK IS COMPLETELY THE SHIT

Okay, let me just throw it out there that I am heavily biased and probably can't even paint a normal picture of Katwijk aan Zee. Because I was there on the hottest September 13 ever recorded in Dutch history and am now ruined forever. Because lying on the beach in the freezing cold is obviously no fun, but at 33 (!) degrees, well, that's something you can really make a party out of.

Together with my dearest mother-in-law (I hate people who are all mushy about their mother-in-law, but really, mine is the best), her husband, and my love, we set off for a midweek mini weekend at the beach. We stayed in a super cute beach house by the sea where a claustrophobic person would have an instant heart attack, but we lived two full days outside with the beach as our backyard. And that was top-notch and here's why:

1. That hottest September 13 ever, right, it immediately provided a good pre-tan for Fashion Week in Paris. #AlmostGoing.

2. Speaking of the sun, I finally had the chance to apply my new Dior Bronze sunscreen. Conclusion: I want to slather this on all day, even when the sun isn't shining.

3. Mrs. ‘I always drag myself down with suitcases’ has discovered for the first time in her life that she doesn't need that much. A bikini, cold drinks, maybe a little cigarette, and lovely people. That’s all.

4. I discovered in Katwijk that supping (short for Stand Up Paddle) is totally the shit. It looks cool, you get mega tanned, it's a lot easier than surfing, and Rihanna, Miranda Kerr, and Alessandra Ambrosio are also fans.

5. The sound of the sea. Soft sand grains between your toes, light red blush on your cheeks from the sun, hair that is ruined for the rest of the day, but who gives a shit. Towel out and finally read your favorite magazine. This is where a person recharges, it's not normal.

6. In Katwijk, you eat the most delicious fish in one of the many beach pavilions along the boulevard. Because sea, duh. Tip: the tuna steak from Willy Zuid.

7. It is a hell of a lot quieter in Katwijk aan Zee on a damn nice summer day than in Scheveningen. And for those who still want to visit the pier: it's only 21 kilometers away. Alright, are you already convinced? That sun needs to come back for a bit.

Oh and, a downside to Katwijk aan Zee: at night, creepy beach mice roam around looking for flip-flops to munch on. But hey, those are details. #RIPHavaianas.