Experience romance – The Flemish way

Famed for its fine food and architectural heritage, it's not surprising that Flanders offers the perfect backdrop to a romantic break away. Gastronomic treats, absorbing culture and the opportunity to discover the hidden charms of a European city within a stone’s throw from the UK, all await prospective lovers! Whether it’s just a romantic sojourn from the hustle and bustle of normal life or it’s to mark as special occasion, romantics can find more than a fair share of cosy retreats to escape to.

Here’s our guide to some of the best Flemish romantic hideaways:

1. Englen aan de Waterkrant – “Angels at the Waterfront”- Ghent
Engelenaandewaterkant.be

With only three rooms, this B & B sums up the epitome of romance in Flanders. Overlooking a tranquil tree-lined canal, angel themed décor adorns the whole property, appropriately reflected in the hotel name. Each of the rooms is tastefully decorated and exudes an air of perfect opulence and grandeur.

Prices start from €130 per room per night

2. Pand Hotel – Bruges
Pandhotel.com

This small family owned hotel recently won the coveted award of Best Charming Hotel in Europe. Situated in the heart of one of Europe’s most romantic cities, The Pand is housed in a picturesque 18th Century house. Antiques and objets d’art are found throughout. All 26 rooms are tastefully decorated with top of the range fabrics including the junior suites decorated in Ralph Lauren. Try the champagne breakfast for a truly indulgent romantic treat.

Prices start at €180 per room per night

3. Hotel Recour – Poperinge
Pegasusrecour.be

Situated just a few miles away from the historic city of Ypres, the town of Poperinge offered troops somewhere to escape from the atrocities of World War One. Hotel Recour, in the heart of Poperinge, offers 15 sumptuous, individually decorated rooms. Not only are the rooms luxuriously decorated, but the hotel is served by one of the best gastronomic restaurants in the region. Ideal for lovers of fine dining and living!

Prices start from €150 per room per night.

4. Dixseptieme - Brussels
Ledixseptieme.be

The Dixseptieme is a historic property dating back to the 17th century. It once was the residence of the Spanish Ambassador. Over the years, it has been painstakingly restored into a luxurious hotel residence complete with antique features. Rooms are named after Belgian artists and are individually decorated.
Prices start from €100 per room per night.

5. Carpe Diem – De Haan
Manoircarpediem.com

Situated at the beautiful Flemish Coast, the Belle Epoch coastal resort of De Haan has long been a haven for stylish beach trips. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, the Flemish coast is famed for its gastronomic excellence. The Carpe Diem is a luxurious hideaway with English Gardens and picturesque vistas from the highest dune in De Haan.

Prices start from €180 per room per night

6. Het Klooster Hotel – Leuven
Hetklooster.com

Formerly a convent, this medieval hotel is neatly tucked away despite being in the heart of the historic city of Leuven. Sympathetically converted into 40 charming rooms, its intimate and enchanting style will captivate a truly romantic stay in Europe’s oldest Catholic university towns.

Prices start from €155 per room per night

7. Hotel Amigo – Brussels
Hotelamigo.com

With some of the best views of Brussels, the Hotel Amigo offers a variety of individual room types. For a touch of opulence, a stay in one of the suites offers complimentary packing and unpacking leaving you time to explore the sights of Brussels or dine romantically in one of the finest Italian & Mediterranean eateries in the city. Amorous couples can take advantage of their “Love is in the Air” package which include rose petals strewn on the bed!

Prices start from €190 per room per night

8. Number 11 – Bruges
Number11.be

Situated in a quiet street overlooking the Groene Rei canal, this B&B is housed in a former 16th century house. In its illustrious past, it has been occupied by noblemen, tradesmen and even nuns! Each of its individually decorated rooms has been restored with the finest quality detail. The property comprises a salon, breakfast room and quiet, walled romantic garden. The owner’s artwork adorns the whole house and is available to buy should you take a liking to a particular piece.

Prices start from €125 per room per night

9. The Patiohouses – Mechelen
Patiohouses.be

Housed in a former perfume merchant’s store, the Patiohouses is a luxury B & B and spa situated in the historic centre of Mechelen with just one room. Intimate living with in-room dining is offered to all guests. The ultimate getaway for some romance and tranquillity in a city bursting with culture and history.

Prices start from €145 per room per night

10. Charles Rogier XI - Antwerp
Charlesrogierxi.be

Situated in the artistic quarter of Antwerp surrounded by art, fashion and gastronomy. Charles Rogier XI has just three exclusively decorated rooms, one with a four poster bed, another influenced by Scottish ambience and the final room decorated in French Toile de Jouy opulence.

Rooms start at €185

For further general information about the region, log on to Visitflanders.co.uk.