Looking for a place where comfort, nature, and refined hospitality converge? During our stay in Limburg, Belgium, we discovered two exceptional luxury overnight hotels where you can completely unwind: Stiemerheide I The Urban Hotel & Golf Retreat 4* superior, located on the Spiegelven golf course, and the elegant five-star hotel La Butte aux Bois in Lanaken. In this blog post, I'll share my personal experience—from charming rooms to gastronomic indulgences and hikes in the Hoge Kempen National Park.

Stiemerheide I The Urban Hotel & Golf Retreat 4* superior – Golf, charm and natural beauty

Upon arrival at this beautifully situated hotel, we receive a warm welcome. The golf course naturally surrounds the building, immediately immersing us in an oasis of tranquility. A wonderfully fresh citrus scent greets us in the lobby – a small but pleasant touch that immediately leaves a positive impression.

Our room, a "mineral suite," is luxuriously furnished with natural materials like wood and natural stone. There's a private sauna with infrared function, a whirlpool with color therapy, and even Bluetooth connectivity to play your favorite music—pure indulgence! As a bonus, a box of artisanal chocolates from local chocolatier "Sien Pralien" awaits you on the desk.

This room can even accommodate 3 people, because there is a door to a second room.

TIP: Dogs are also welcome at this hotel. There's a small additional charge, but they'll be treated to a lovely gift. Did you know there's also a hotel dog? A sweet Dachshund named Jules.

The hotel's wellness area features a spacious indoor pool, ideal

After a walk in nearby Thor Park, they also use color therapy, which creates a relaxing atmosphere.

One of Stiemerheide's greatest assets is the Michelin-starred "De Kristalijn" restaurant. Unfortunately, the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The next morning we enjoyed a generous breakfast buffet. You'll find smoked salmon, a variety of cheeses and charcuterie, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and even a glass of bubbly. Weather permitting, you can enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking the golf course and the surrounding forests of the Hoge Kempen National Park.

A major advantage of Stiemerheide is its location: just a 10-minute bike ride (which you can also rent at the hotel) from the entrance to Hoge Kempen National Park. The Mechelse Heide, which turns purple with heather in bloom in August, is especially recommended. You can hike, cycle, mountain bike, or horseback ride through the Limburg countryside.

La Butte aux Bois – Five-star pampering in Lanaken

Next level can be found at the five-star superior hotel La Butte aux Bois in Lanaken.

This stylish 1920s hotel combines historic charm with modern architecture. The new wing, "La Forêt," houses the newest rooms and the exclusive Shiseido Institute, the only one in the Benelux!

Upon arrival, we were greeted with bubbles and valet service. A pleasant aroma greeted us in this hotel as well, putting us immediately at ease and allowing us to relax.

After a tour of this exceptional hotel, we were escorted to our room. We are sleeping in the new section of the hotel, La Forêt. Our room overlooks the woods surrounding the estate, and I particularly enjoy the strip of wildflowers that have been planted here. A mix of sunflowers, bright red poppies, and deep blue cornflowers.

The room itself is exceptionally luxuriously furnished with natural materials like plenty of wood and natural stone. A double shower is located behind a door, as is the toilet. This makes it feel more natural to enter through the bathroom.

The comfortable bed faces the large window, giving you a panoramic view of nature.

We were treated to another refreshing cucumber, mint, and ginger smoothie. After unpacking, we decide to immediately use the bag containing bathrobes, towels, and slippers and head to the hotel's wellness area. We pass the exclusive Shisheido institute and decide to book a relaxing massage for the next morning. We are in luck, because there's still a spot available. The indoor pool certainly appeals to us and invites us for a relaxing swim. There's also a sauna, hammam, infrared cabin, and jacuzzi, all of which we, of course, try out at least once.

La Butte aux Bois boasts two restaurants: Le Ciel, with a glass roof allowing you to literally dine under the stars, and the soon-to-open fine-dining restaurant La Source. For those seeking a unique experience, there's also the "Wunderkammer" for private dining among fossils and gemstones.

Breakfast is delicious, and in the summer, it's especially nice to use the terrace. Besides a very extensive breakfast buffet, you can also choose from various egg dishes or pancakes. A smoothie is also available. Coffee and tea are served at the table. A glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice and a delicious glass of bubbly complete the breakfast experience to start the day in style.

What makes La Butte aux Bois unique is owner Jochen Leën's remarkable art and mineral collection. Think rare gemstones, fossils, and even dinosaur bones—all on display in the hotel.

A real eye-catcher is the 'Luna Aurea wellness suite with private garden,' available from August. This suite features a private sauna, a whirlpool, and a piece of the moon in the shape of a meteorite—a dreamlike retreat.

What to do in the area surrounding both hotels?

Walking in the Hoge Kempen National Park

Both hotels are located at a short distance from the impressive Hoge Kempen National Park. Here you'll discover a mosaic of pine forests, purple-flowering heathland, ponds, and former mining spoil heaps that now serve as viewpoints. A walk in Thor Park is highly recommended – a restored mining site where nature and industrial heritage converge. Be sure to follow the Panorama Route , which rewards you with stunning vistas.

Explore Terhills

Not far from La Butte aux Bois you will also find Terhills , with its iconic mining dumps,

In the National Park, the loop walk around the water offers a perfect balance between experiencing nature and exercise, ideal for a relaxing afternoon.

Mechelse Heide – purple paradise in August

Visiting Limburg in August? Don't miss the Mechelse Heide . This region is in full bloom, with a purple glow that gives the landscape a magical touch. Follow one of the walking trails that start at the entrance gate in Maasmechelen, and be sure to bring your camera: this is Limburg at its most beautiful. (This area is also beautiful for walking in other months.)

Cycling or e-biking in green areas

Using the cycling network, you can cycle from hotel to hotel, passing the most beautiful spots in the Maasland region. Along the way, you'll pass charming villages, vineyards, viewpoints, and even some outdoor artworks. Bikes are easily rented from the hotels or nearby.

Treat yourself to a luxurious overnight stay in Limburg

If you're looking for peace, comfort, nature, and culinary delights, Limburg is the place to be. Both Stiemerheide and La Butte aux Bois elevate a weekend getaway to the next level—each with its own unique charm and style.

Whether you're relaxing in your private sauna after a walk through the Mechelen Heath, or immersing yourself in the world of wellness and gastronomy at La Butte aux Bois, these places offer more than just an overnight stay. They offer an experience. A moment for yourself. And memories that will last a lifetime.

In the mood for a luxurious stay in Limburg? Book your next getaway using the handy links in the blog!