Four Dream Weekends in One: My Perfect Dutch Escape

Driven by my passion for travel and connection, I support destinations in shaping future proof development. I believe travel connects people, nature and communities. It enriches lives, strengthens local economies and contributes to more conscious tourism.

“The Netherlands may be small, but when it comes to beautiful places, one weekend is never enough.”

Isabel Mosk
Founder of Sherpa’s Stories

Friday | Amsterdam, Familiar Ground

17:00
The weekend begins in Amsterdam with a drink among close friends at Café Thijssen on the Brouwersgracht. I lived near the Westerpark for many years, and being back in the city still feels familiar in the best way. Over a good glass of wine, we ring in the weekend the way we always did. Catching up, laughing and revisiting memories.

Dinner is nearby at one of the Thai restaurants I keep coming back to, with Ko Chang as a favorite. The evening might end at a house party somewhere in the city. Just like the old days, when nights stretched on and you went wherever the music took you. Maybe just one more time.

We spend the night at Conscious Hotel Westerpark. A sustainable, locally rooted hotel and a true hidden gem in the park, where thoughtful design, comfort and eco awareness come together.

Saturday | Island Reset

10:00
We start slow with a long breakfast at The Bakkerswinkel. Plenty of coffee, no rush and excellent scones. Then it is time to leave the city behind and head north to Terschelling.

Once on the island, everything naturally slows down. Cycling across open landscapes, followed by a long beach walk. Wind in your face, sand under your feet. Space, silence and perspective. Exactly what modern life rarely offers.

13:00
Lunch at Pura Vida. The Costa Rican phrase means pure life and that is exactly the vibe here. Delicious food with international influences, fresh ingredients and a kitchen that makes you feel good long after lunch is over.

19:00
We stay on the island and spend the night on De Boschplaat, in a simple forester’s lodge tucked away in the Vogelwachtersbos. This lodge is managed by Staatsbosbeheer and normally used by volunteers. De Boschplaat has been a protected European nature reserve since 1970 and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Around 65 bird species breed here.

There is no mobile reception, accessibility is limited and at night the sky turns completely dark. One of the best places in the Netherlands to experience a true dark sky.

It is not about luxury. It is about stripping things back. Stillness, reflection and being fully present.

Sunday | Roots & Renewal

09:00
We wake up on Terschelling, pack slowly and make our way back to the mainland. By late morning, we arrive in Breda, the city where I studied and where a big part of my independence took shape.

Breda feels warm, human and familiar. We wander through the historic city center without a plan, the way I still love to do. Coffee on the Grote Markt, browsing small boutiques and lunch at one of the many great spots, like Sip First. This is still one of my favorite cities in the Netherlands. Not sightseeing, just being there.

Early afternoon
From the city, we head into nature. A long walk on the Veluwe clears the last mental tabs still open. Forests, heathland and wildlife offer the perfect counterbalance to city life.

17:00
We check in at Marber, the Netherlands’ first private retreat resort. Adults only, deeply calm and fully focused on wellbeing. Dinner is light, nourishing and thoughtfully prepared. Food that supports restoration rather than indulgence.

Monday | Recharged

After a weekend that blends friendship, island silence, personal roots and deep rest, we return home recharged. Clear headed, grounded and ready to step into the week ahead, without needing another weekend to recover from this one.