Dutch Escape

With interiors by local design studio Buro Belen (whose work has shown in the city’s Stedelijk Museum and MoMa), the former 17^th century inn’s 14 guest rooms are an arty mix of autumnal hues and rich textures, with ochre walls, russet silk cushions, gold velvet throws and both vintage and custom-made furniture. Expect lake views, wood-burning stoves, copper bath tubs, a waterfront terrace and an innovative restaurant, De Mark, helmed by Koen Marees (onions and shallots cooked in hay, or vegetables with cranberry tiger milk, anyone?).

On the northern shores of Lake Ijssel, Durgerdam itself is a pretty fishing hamlet with traditional gable-fronted wooden houses, a protestant church and a fancy marina, lovely for yacht-watching and cycling around on the hotel’s electric bikes. Behind you have wetlands, dykes and more cute villages to roam, or head back towards the city for the cool bars, cafes and galleries of the former docklands of Amsterdam Noord.

Eco credentials

The hotel is managed and owned by Aedes, an Amsterdam-based property and hospitality company (Hoxton Amsterdam, Soho House Amsterdam), who are environmental champions. They have their own Sustainability Advisor, won the city’s first BREEAM certificate, and installed the first thermal energy storage system in Amsterdam (back in 2011).

In De Durgerdam they have installed solar panels, gas-free heat pumps, energy-saving detection devices and a Hydraloop system to recycle grey water. They use only LED lighting and long-lasting, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and bio-based materials, and have locally-sourced ingredients and a zero-waste policy in the kitchen. An electric salon boat is on hand for transfers from the railway station, there is a mileage limit for imported products, and a dedicated private building for the wellbeing of employees.