City Trips

Noordwijk is the Cannes of the Netherlands

By
Sophie in Noordwijk laughing

Anyone who knows me a little knows that I am a big fan of a lovely staycation from time to time. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing better than seeking a bit of vacation feeling in your own country. Of course, it will take a while before we can settle down on beach beds again while enjoying long, sultry summer evenings, but the Dutch coast is also perfect for a trip that will pull you out of your winter slump in no time. If you ask me, Noordwijk aan Zee is the place to be if you feel like escaping the daily grind for a bit. What to do in Noordwijk aan Zee? I’ll list all my favorite tips for you.

Sleeping at Vesper
Boutique hotels have my heart, and so does the Vesper hotel. The enjoyment starts upon arrival, where you can take a seat for a welcome drink before checking in (and we never say no to a bubbly, of course). Did you book a room with a sea view? Then you can expect a breathtaking view of the coast after checking in. At Vesper, you can not only sleep wonderfully, but you can also have lunch, dinner, and enjoy their signature cocktails. In the morning, a delicious breakfast awaits you, which is available until 11:30 AM. Because if there’s one thing Vesper is good at, it’s teaching you not to worry about time. You are there to relax, and Vesper has mastered the art of unwinding. Prefer to have your breakfast in your room? You guessed it: that’s possible too! Just let them know the afternoon before. You don’t even have to get up to enjoy your breakfast. So actually, you don’t even have to leave your hotel for the best staycation in the country. Absolutely delightful, right? You can enjoy your stay here books.

Dining at Salt
Zout is heaven on earth for all seafood lovers among us, but you can absolutely go there if you prefer vegetarian or meat dishes. The cozy restaurant is located on the beach, allowing you to see the sun sink into the sea from your chair (hello romance!), and you will be extremely well taken care of all evening. Treat yourself and go for the tuna tataki, the lobster risotto with prawns, and the half lobster, and order an espresso martini, and I promise you will have a wonderful evening. Just a warning, because once you’ve been to Salt, you’ll want to return as soon as possible.

Drinks at Copper
Of course, you can choose to go to your hotel room after dinner to order a nightcap, or you can take a short walk to Copper. You can have lunch and dinner there, but you can also definitely go for a drink after eating. Choose something nice from the extensive wine list or order your favorite cocktail and enjoy the lively atmosphere in the bustling café. The ambiance and the large round bar in the middle of the restaurant give off a metropolitan vibe, making you feel like you’re in a big city. Highly recommended!

Enjoying at MC Wellness
We can all agree on this: we give ourselves way too few pampering moments. And when you do go for it, you solemnly promise yourself that you will really do this more often. Just because you step outside feeling reborn time and time again. Just like after a QMS Facial at MC Wellness, hidden in the oh-so-delightful Huis ter Duin. All you have to do is take a seat on the heated lounge chair where you are covered with a down blanket, after which your skin receives a cleansing and hydration treatment. Creams, masks, and serums all pass by, and after a little hour, you step outside with skin so soft that you won’t need any Instagram filters.

Lunching at Beachclub O
Or dining, having drinks, or enjoying tea. At Beachclub O it’s all possible. After blowing off some steam, settle down for the best lunch you’ve ever had (with a view of the sea) or join for dinner in the evening and enjoy the fact that your only problem at that moment is that it’s impossible to choose between the delicious dishes on the menu. If you’re overwhelmed with choice stress, go for the tuna tacos, the tortellone al tartufo, a truffle ravioli that truly melts in your mouth, and finish off with Beachclub O’s famous tiramisu that I will be dreaming about for a long time.