The best idea ever

What comes from afar is tastier, they say. But let's not forget that the best can also be close by. Knokke, for example, is a solid three-hour drive from Amsterdam. No hassle with customs, waiting times, and polluting airplanes. Just take the car (also polluting, but a lot less) or the train and you're in paradise. Why? Uh, do you have a moment?

1. The shops
I used to shop after a weekend in Antwerp in Knokke where the shops are also open on Sundays. You can find all layers there: Essentiel Antwerp, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Verso (Off-White, Palm Angels, Dolce & Gabbana), Natan (what’s good enough for Máxima and Mathilde is good enough for you) and the favorite jewelry brand of stylists Wouters & Hendrix and Odette Lunettes, where even Dua Lipa once wore a pair of sunglasses.

2. The restaurants
In Knokke, Michelin stars rain down, but if you find that like I do a bit too much of a good thing, there are also many restaurants just below the star level. A bit more informal and often also a bit more affordable. A tip: La Rigue in hotel La Réserve by three-star chef Peter Goossens.

3. The hotels and B&Bs
Hotel La Réserve, or Lugano, or Brittania; you can just feel that you are heading towards Deauville. The grandeur, the luxury, and at the same time the coziness, you have it all.

4. The beach
I almost forgot, but Knokke has a beautifully wide and long beach and due to a wonderful quirk of nature (it lies a bit in a bowl), the sea water temperature there is just a bit higher.

5. Everything is walkable
So ideal if you are with a group or family where all members have different wishes. Children can go paddle while you enjoy an aperitif.

I would say: go.