A guide to Belgium's greenest region
Destination26 May 2024
Between the verdant province of Limburg and the capital’s green oases, nature lovers will feel perfectly at home.
Day 1

As the epicentre of Europe, Brussels is a grand city, filled with Art Nouveau design, imposing architecture and museums bursting with surreal art collections. But its cultural reputation shouldn’t overshadow the green heart at its centre.

Begin at the Grand Place – normally a bustling cobbled square – where, you'll find a host of activities and spectacular displays all year round.

Wander the surrounding alleys as you make your way to our next green patch – Parc de Bruxelles. Here you’ll find independent chocolatiers, the famous Manneken Pis statue and a delicious lunch spot at Wolf food market. While you're in the city, make Hotel Amigo Brussels your home.

Stop and smell the begonias

160 €

111,95 €

HUGO

Men's leather trainers with stacked-logo trim
Go green

Most spots in this compact city are reachable on foot, but hire a Villo rental bike to take you further afield to Bois de la Cambre, a favourite park beloved by locals for its picturesque lake. These trainers will power you through.

Look up as you stroll Brussels’ streets to spot comic book murals of Belgium’s most famous (fictional) resident, Tintin.

135 €

91 €

Sandro

Printed one-piece swimsuit with black contrast tie
Style tip

Pack your favourite one-piece for the spa’s saunas – and pair it with a cotton blouse and shorts for an easy daytime look.

Day 2

Travel east to Brussels’ more adventurous neighbour, the Limburg province. It’s here you’ll find the Hoge Kempen National Park and, on its edge, the Terhills region. Check in at the Terhills Hotel – designed to look like an old mining headframe with its neoclassical baroque style, the building is a nod to the region’s industrial past.

There’s nothing like nature to recalibrate your mind and body, which is probably why the nearby spa, Elaisa Energetic Wellness (there’s an electric shuttle bus to whisk you away), sits in the centre of the park, surrounded by a vast lake. Soak up the tranquil surroundings from the outdoor pool or watch the sun set over the lake from the Terhills Brasserie terrace.

A restorative lakeside retreat
Get the look

139,99 €

97,99 €

Nike

Fitness shoes Metcon 8

65 €

45 €

adidas

Optime Training shiny leggings

40 €

28 €

PUMA

Backpack

Michael Kors

Women's sports top

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Day 3

Before you tackle the nature trails, stock up on the hottest new activewear at neighbouring Maasmechelen Village. From the replica Manneken Pis to the beautifully landscaped flowers, the open-air destination reflects the best of its surroundings.

Once you’ve shopped your favourite designers, make your way to the Hoge Kempen National Park – you’ll find the entrance just minutes from the hotel. This former mining site has an activity for everyone. Walkers will want to begin by climbing the 12-metre high shaft tower for a breath-taking view of the surroundings. Alternatively, you can rent a bike and cycle through the lush greenery. Thrill-seekers should stop by Terhills Cable Park, a unique water-skiing park.

Get out on the water this summer

70 €

33 €

PUMA

Infuse woven shorts
Top tip

Terhills is a nature lover’s paradise. Slip into your favourite shorts and climb the long mining-stone hill to enjoy a beautiful panorama of Flanders.

Your holiday capsule wardrobe

BOSS

Men's slim-fit shorts in seasonal-print stretch-cotton satin

BOSS

Men's regular-fit polo shirt with logo embroidery

175 €

118 €

Sandro

Women's short top with dark stripes

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