Hotel & Spa Savarin ★★★★★

Tucked snugly between The Hague and historical Delft, the Hotel & Spa Savarin provides a tranquil oasis close to the lively cultural buzz that Holland is well-known for. Having only visited Amsterdam in the past, with its busy streets, youthful culture, and vibrant atmosphere, I was looking forward to exploring a quieter part of the country. Set in Rijswijk, a small town that oozes traditional charm, the hotel is the perfect place to unwind.

From the outside, the Savarin is a simple affair, surrounded by neat, manicured gardens and a grand driveway with a feature fountain. It is actually set in a centuries-old farm that dates back to the 17th Century, which gives a sense of Holland’s rural past all wrapped up in the present day.

I found myself imagining the luxury that lay beyond the doors, and I wasn’t disappointed as I ventured inside. Combining elements of traditional design, modern nuances, and contemporary facilities, the Savarin has its finger on the pulse of luxury. My room was a direct contrast to the age-old history of the building, bringing together flashes of new-age design against whitewashed walls, ambient lighting, and sleek fixtures and fittings. Splashes of rich purples and golds brought it to life, whilst the spacious bathroom was a delight to wake up to every day – bursts of oranges sat side by side with nouveau blacks, and the facilities were everything I’d imagine of a 5-star hotel.

After settling in and enjoying my welcome drink, I set out to explore the surroundings of Rijswijk and the nearby cities. As it turns out, culture lovers like myself are spoilt for choice in this part of the country. In Rijswijk itself there’s a museum dedicated to the history of the town, in The Hague, the Peace Palace sprawls out in an iconic image, and the Haagse Mauritshuis is home to exquisite pieces from Old Masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. In Delft, a city I hadn’t heard much about before, I learnt all about Delft pottery, wandering through the 17th Century Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, the oldest remaining pottery factory in the city, and its accompanying museum.

My reason for staying at the Hotel & Spa Savarin was to enjoy some peace and relaxation, and the extensive spa was all too willing to provide this for me. With its relaxing pool, Finnish saunas, infrared cabins, Turkish steam baths, hot tubs and its range of treatments and massage facilities, I had no difficulty whiling away the hours.

The in-house restaurant played a part in the peaceful ambiance as well. I happily tucked into creative French dishes bursting with international inspiration, and the huge wine cellar held the key to the perfect liquid accompaniment.

If you are searching for a tranquil oasis where you can treat yourself to fine dining, an assortment of relaxing spa treatments, and a dose of culture in the surrounding areas, then the Hotel & Spa Savarin is the solution!