Are you looking for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or maybe a romantic escape with your loved one? Look no further than La Butte aux Bois in Lanaken, Belgium. This luxurious five-star hotel offers a unique experience surrounded by nature in a historic setting. From the elegant rooms to the exceptional dining options and top-notch amenities, La Butte aux Bois guarantees a stay that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and pampered. So, let’s dive into this article and explore what makes this hotel a must-visit destination.
1. Location and History
Located in Lanaken, just a 20-minute drive from Maastricht in the Netherlands, La Butte aux Bois sits in the heart of a beautiful natural reserve known as De Hoge Kempen National Park. The park spans over 57 km² and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for hikers, cyclists, and bird-watchers.
The hotel has a rich history that dates back to the early 1920s when it was a hunting lodge owned by Baron de Stockem. In the 1980s, the building was transformed into a luxury hotel with only 12 rooms. Fast forward to today, La Butte aux Bois boasts 59 luxurious rooms, including suites, garden studios, and villas.
1.1 How to Get There
Whether you are traveling by car or public transport, getting to La Butte aux Bois is easy. If you are driving, take the E25 highway towards Brussels and exit at Bilzen-Zuid. From there, follow the signs for Lanaken until you reach the hotel.
If you prefer public transport, take a train to Maastricht Central Station in the Netherlands, and from there, take a bus (line 64 or 45) to Lanaken. The bus journey takes about 20 minutes, and the hotel is only a short walk from the bus stop.
1.2 Surrounding Attractions
One of the main attractions near La Butte aux Bois is the De Hoge Kempen National Park. The park offers a variety of hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails through its stunning landscapes. You can also visit the Zonneberg Caves, which are the only underground corridors in the Netherlands/Belgium border region. Other nearby attractions include the historic city of Maastricht, the Maasmechelen Village shopping outlet, and the charming town of Genk.
2. Accommodations
La Butte aux Bois offers 59 luxurious rooms, suites, garden studios, and villas, each uniquely designed with elegant furnishings and top-notch amenities. All rooms come equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. The spacious bathrooms feature marble floors, a bathtub, a separate shower, and luxurious toiletries.
2.1 Room Types
- Deluxe Rooms: These luxurious rooms offer views of the forest or the hotel’s courtyard. They feature a king-size bed, a sitting area, and a marble bathroom. Some deluxe rooms also have a balcony.
- Junior Suites: With a separate living room and bedroom, the junior suites are perfect for those looking for extra space. They offer views of the park or the English garden and come with a king-size bed, a seating area, and a marble bathroom with a whirlpool bath.
- Garden Studios: These spacious rooms are located on the ground floor, offering direct access to the hotel’s beautiful gardens. They feature a king-size bed, a sitting area, a large dressing room, and a marble bathroom.
- Villas: For the ultimate luxury experience, book one of the three villas at La Butte aux Bois. These private houses are ideal for families or groups and offer three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, and a private terrace.
2.2 Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Safe
- Flat-screen TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower
- Hairdryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Luxury toiletries
- Complimentary bottled water
- Nespresso coffee machine
- iPod docking station
- Balcony or terrace (in select rooms)
3. Dining Options
La Butte aux Bois offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your cravings, each with its own unique setting and menu. From fine dining to a casual bistro, there is something for every taste at this hotel.
3.1 La Source – Fine Dining Restaurant
La Source is a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant’s elegant interior, combined with the exquisite menu created by Chef Ralf Berendsen, will leave you wanting more. The dishes are inspired by French cuisine with a modern twist, and the ingredients are locally sourced from the surrounding areas. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the extensive wine list, and you have the perfect fine dining experience.
3.2 Bistro Gourmand ‘De Feestzaal’
For a more casual dining experience, head to Bistro Gourmand ‘De Feestzaal.’ Nestled in a charming conservatory, this bistro offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that combines traditional Belgian dishes with modern European cuisine. During the summer months, you can dine on the outdoor terrace, surrounded by the hotel’s beautiful gardens.
3.3 Le Bistrot – Wine & Tapas Bar
Le Bistrot is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. This cozy wine and tapas bar offers an impressive selection of wines and spirits from all over the world, as well as delicious tapas dishes. In the winter, you can enjoy your drinks and snacks by the fireplace, and in the summer, you can sit on the outdoor terrace and soak up the sun.
3.4 Room Service
If you prefer to dine in the comfort of your room, La Butte aux Bois also offers room service, available 24 hours a day. The menu includes a variety of dishes from both La Source and Bistro Gourmand, so you can enjoy a gourmet meal without leaving your room.
4. Wellness and Recreation
La Butte aux Bois is not just a place to rest your head; it’s also a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel offers various wellness and recreational facilities that will make your stay even more enjoyable.
4.1 Spa Retreat ‘La Forêt’
Located in the heart of the hotel’s gardens, Spa Retreat ‘La Forêt’ is a peaceful oasis where you can indulge in a variety of spa treatments. From massages and facials to body wraps and scrubs, there is something for everyone at this spa. You can also relax in the sauna or steam room, take a dip in the indoor pool, or simply enjoy some time in the tranquil relaxation area.
4.2 Fitness Center
For those who want to keep up with their fitness routine, La Butte aux Bois has a fully equipped fitness center with Technogym equipment. You can also take part in yoga or Pilates classes held in the hotel’s gardens during the warmer months.
4.3 Outdoor Activities
As the hotel is located in the middle of a natural reserve, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. You can rent bicycles from the hotel and explore the surrounding area, or go on a guided hike through De Hoge Kempen National Park. Other activities available nearby include horseback riding, golfing, and water sports.
5. Events and Meetings
With its beautiful grounds, elegant rooms, and top-notch facilities, La Butte aux Bois is the perfect venue for events and meetings. The hotel has several event spaces that can accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to large conferences and weddings. The professional events team will work with you to create a tailor-made experience for your guests, from catering to decorations and every detail in between.
5.1 Wedding Packages
La Butte aux Bois offers several wedding packages that include everything you need for your special day. From a champagne reception to a gourmet wedding dinner and a night’s stay at the hotel, they have it all covered. The hotel’s beautiful gardens also make for a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.
5.2 Meeting and Conference Rooms
For business meetings and conferences, La Butte aux Bois has several meeting rooms equipped with modern audiovisual equipment and high-speed Wi-Fi. The tranquil setting and attentive service ensure that your meetings will be both productive and enjoyable.
6. Sustainability Efforts
In today’s world, being environmentally conscious is more important than ever. At La Butte aux Bois, sustainability is a top priority. The hotel takes various measures to reduce its environmental impact, including using renewable energy sources, recycling, and using locally sourced ingredients for their dishes. They also have an electric charging station for hybrid cars and offer bike rental services to encourage eco-friendly modes of transportation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, La Butte aux Bois offers a luxurious and unique experience for those seeking a retreat in the heart of nature. From its stunning location to its elegant accommodations and exceptional dining options, this five-star hotel has everything you need for a memorable stay. So, next time you are planning a trip to Belgium or the Netherlands, make sure to add La Butte aux Bois to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
