Saskia dove right in on a weekday evening: Fort Resort Beemster, a wellness resort located in a historic fortress of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. This defence work is part of UNESCO World Heritage and is located in the middle of the green Beemster polder. That was such a special experience that this is one she wants to keep in it. And guess what? Fort Resort Beemster is a Spa & Wellness Hotel that is also nice and sustainable. So come, grab your dressing gown and go!
My experience at Fort Resort Beemster
Why get excited about this? Well, where else can you find saunas ín a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the middle of greenery? The wellness resort is located in an old fortress, in the middle of the Beemster polder. The grounds are spacious and peaceful, with views of meadows, trees and water everywhere. And then those birds flying by. Got the picture sharp? From many saunas you can look straight into the landscape. Wonderful! The Vogelnest sauna, with its large panoramic window and views over the water, is perhaps the most beautiful sauna I have ever seen. Little Bali was also a super nice surprise: via small stones you step across the water to a hidden island with tropical atmosphere, complete with saunas, hot tub and relaxation areas.
The nice thing is: Fort Resort Beemster is big enough to keep you entertained for a whole day or even a weekend. They also have a hotel - lucky bastard if you are allowed to sleep there -, fine arrangements, puffs, massages and facials. But it's also manageable enough for a night out, as we experienced. We by no means got to try everything, but hey, that's just an extra good reason to look forward to next time already!
A wellness on a piece of world heritage. On the right: the Bird's Nest sauna.
Dining at Fort Resort Beemster?
And the food? So we went for an evening sauna. Lovely after a busy working week. And also nice and quiet, but we did arrive hungry. So we first settled in the wellness restaurant. Here you can simply pull up a chair in your bathrobe, no reservations needed. Choose a table or plop down on a bench by the fireplace. The menu offers something for everyone. Even if you eat vegetarian, this is the place to be. Highly recommended? The celeriac kebab? Don't hesitate. Really a ten.
Do you really want to unpack? Then, after your sauna visit, you can also book a table at Poterne restaurant. That is fine dining in the middle of the fort, with dishes by chef Paul de Graaf and his team, prepared with seasonal products from the Beemster. Note: this is separate from the wellness. Adam costume off, your favourite outfit on, then.
A sustainable sauna for the greener list
Fort Resort Beemster is not only a nice place to recharge, but also a resort committed to being greener. For instance, rainwater is collected to flush the toilets, residual heat from the saunas goes to the fort and the baths, and there are rechargeable lights everywhere instead of disposable candles. There is no more plastic in the wellness area: scrubs are put in your hand, shampoo and shower gel are in refillable bottles, and you get a reusable bag for your belongings. The kitchen is also thoughtful: many ingredients come from the region and there are plenty of veg choices. And the best part? As a hotel guest, if you don't have your hotel room cleaned, a tree is planted through Hotels for Trees.
See more about this Spa & Wellness Hotel.
More fine tips for your body
- Also see: With Juice, healthier eating becomes a lot easier.
- Also see: sensitive skin? Then check out Sea Line skincare!
Photo credits: Fort Resort Beemster.
