Staycation guide | Water-inspired adventures

Whether you’re an experienced wakeboarder or a beginner, change into your best swimwear look and head for Terhills Cablepark, at just a stone's throw from Maasmechelen Village.

If kayaking is more your cup of tea, opt for Kayak Maasland, at just 15 minutes from the Village. Or, try the latest water-led trend of stand-up paddling or ‘SUPping’ at SUPclub Maasvallei: the perfect opportunity to try your hand at some sunset and yoga SUP or to take your four-legged friend for a puppy SUP session.

What to wear: shop the season’s hottest swimwear from Protest, or go with timeless Bermuda shorts from Scotch & Soda and Lacoste.

Relax among nature at Elaisa Energetic Wellness. This peaceful oasis is located at the centre of Belgium’s only national park, Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen, at just a ten-minute drive from the Village.

Prefer to stay dry? Spend the afternoon exploring the Maasplassen with Stil Sloop – an electric boat that requires no experience or license. For the ultimate relaxation trip, sail down the Oude Maas quietly on a ‘Whisper Boat’. Or, treat yourself to a luxury sloop – such as the Aquatico Retro or the Nicki Sloop – at Sailcenter Limburg.

If you’d rather leave the helm to the professionals, look no further than Boat Tours Maasland. Fabio will take you on a sailing route of your choice down the Zuid-Willemsvaart. Choose from the historic route to Oud-Rekem, the Relax tour – which ends at the Neeroeteren beach bar – and more.

Time for a break? Head to one of Maasland’s relaxing pop-up bars on the water. Sink your feet into the sand at the cosy Terhills Cablepark beach bar, catch the sunset at the brand new Maasbar overlooking the Maas, or, if you pass through Hasselt on your way home, head to Westpunt – one of the region’s finest gastronomic hotspots.

If a day on the water has left you longing for more, extend your experience with a night on a raft at Camping Raft (Dilsen-Stokkem) or Treibgut raft (Kinrooi). Looking for a little less adventure and a little more luxury? Spend the night at the enchanting La Butte aux Bois hotel and treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment.

Outfits for every occasion

Whichever way you decide to spend your summer days, you will find the perfect outfit for any occasion at Maasmechelen Village. Shop swimwear at Protest, lightweight summer dresses at ESSENTIEL ANTWERP, ba&sh and Twinset Milano, and timeless Bermuda shorts at Scotch & Soda or Lacoste.