Mercure Blankenberge Station ★★★★

The Flemish coast glistens in the summer sun as the promenade stretches into the horizon. Next stop in your relaxing adventure, Blankenberge, a city that never sleeps à la New York, with the gorgeous white sands of the Costa Brava. The Blankenberge harbour spreads a real buzz across the population, fishing boats and yachts come and go, and you can see the ‘catch of the day’ live as shrimpers reel in their latest load.

The superior rooms are the epitome of modern cosiness, wooden walls keep you warm and safe while adding an elegant touch, the perfect abode from which to begin traversing this Flemish wonderland. Having the gleaming North Sea just a holler away means ocean activities are your oyster. Enjoy surfing of along the shores that caress the beautiful pier, or ride a bike along and hear its soothing song as it touches the sand. The cosy bar and warmed roof-top pool will give you good reason to want to stay in, as well as unmatched views of the marina.

With the Blankenberge station right next door to the hotel, you have the perfect starting point to explore further into Flanders. Bruges is a 10-minute train journey away, and countless other Belgian secrets await you thereafter. Should you yield to this entrancing town, lined with its countless boutiques, you’ll encounter many a charm reminiscent of Belle Époque joie de vivre. Truth be told, in a place that boasts so much vibrance, and all the traditional delights you could hope to experience, there’s no way you’ll want to leave a stone unturned.