Ellen Beekmans’ Hidden Gems: A Dutch Experience (ADE) of Style, Art and Slow Travel
Ellen Beekmans is the designer and owner of Ellen Beekmans Jewelry. Her pieces are more than just products, they embody style, identity, and emotional value. Each design is creative, colorful, and made to help women shine.
Ellen Beekmans
Founder of Ellen Beekmans Sieraden
I enjoy walking through cities and natural areas; for me, it is an important source of inspiration and an essential part of slow travel in the Netherlands.
Friday: Maastricht – Boutique hotel and culinary indulgence
On Friday afternoon at 5:00 PM, my husband and I take the train to Maastricht. We check in at Boutique Hotel Beaumont, a historic luxury boutique hotel in the Wyck district that has been welcoming guests since 1912. The hotel is beautifully designed, blending classic charm with contemporary elegance.
In the evening we dine at Café Sjiek, a Maastricht institution since 1982 and a real authentic Dutch experience. The cuisine is French with a Limburg twist. After dinner, we stroll back to the hotel over the Sint Servaas Bridge. I love walking through cities and natural landscapes, letting every detail unfold slowly.
Saturday: fashion, art, and city hopping
On Saturday morning, we rise early because I want to stop by Le Marais, the very first boutique that sold my jewelry fifteen years ago. This beautiful women’s fashion store is a true family business, full of charm and character.
From there, we travel to Amsterdam. At the Noordermarkt, we enjoy delicious apple pie at Winkel 43, then wander through the 9 Streets, one of the most atmospheric shopping areas in the Netherlands, filled with unique boutiques, galleries, and canal-side cafés.
At 12:00 PM, we take the train to Rotterdam to visit the exhibition Iris van Herpen – Sculpting the Senses at the Kunsthal. Rotterdam always surprises me with its raw, modern character, a striking contrast to Amsterdam’s historic charm.
We enjoy lunch at Bar Bocht on the Coolsingel, where all ingredients are sourced from local farmers and small producers. Afterward, we take a boat to Hotel New York, located in the former headquarters of the Holland-America Line, an iconic place full of history and stories about emigration and hope.
Sunday: nature, slow travel, and the beach
On Sunday morning, I take my weekly walk to ’s-Graveland with a good friend. We have lunch at Proeflokaal De Serre, where seasonal, organic dishes are prepared using products from Land & Boschzigt.
Later in the afternoon, my husband and I take the train to Bloemendaal aan Zee for a peaceful beach walk. We visit Strandtent Republiek, whose minimalist yet rugged interior, designed by Anne Claus, perfectly complements the natural surroundings.
Just as Strandtent Republiek offers more than just food, a full sensory experience, my jewelry with Ellen Beekmans is not just a product. It embodies style, identity, and emotional value. My pieces are creative, colorful, and designed to make women shine.
In the evening, we return home to Hilversum, refreshed, inspired, and ready for a new week.
More Dutch Dream Weekends
Four Dream Weekends in One: My Perfect Dutch Escape
Why We Travel — And What We Bring Home
