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5 Hidden Gems to Cool Down
Summer is almost here. Temperatures are finally set to rise sharply next weekend. That means one thing: time to find the perfect spots to escape the heat.
Summer is just around the corner! Temperatures are finally set to rise this weekend. And that means: seeking cooling. MASTERS recommends five hidden gems in our own country where you can brave the heat in style and with surprises.
Giethoorn
Giethoorn, also called the Venice of the North, is perhaps the most fairytale village in the Netherlands. Giethoorn once originated as a settlement of miners. The peat extraction created ponds and lakes and houses were built on the islands in between. A whisper boat, which you can rent at several places in Giethoorn, is the perfect way to discover the many islands. If you are really looking to cool down; There are plenty of lakes around Giethoorn to dive into the water; You can swim in the Bovenwijde, the Beulakerwijde, the Molengat and in the Belterwijde. If you really want to go for the total experience, you can end the day at star restaurant De Lindenhof. Here you can enjoy the gastronomic delights of chef Martin Kruithof in a warmly decorated, homely restaurant with suites bordering an English garden.
Vineyard
In addition to cooling off in the water, you can also look for it in a vineyard... And no, you don't even have to go to the south of France; Douwe and Jantiene's Frysling is the northernmost vineyard in the Netherlands, located just outside the village of Twijsel. A lush vineyard has been created here since 2009 and has now grown into a real family business. In 2018, Frysling even received the prize for the best vineyard in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Maldives in Drenthe
Clear blue water and white sand; the Maldives? No, just Drenthe. 't Nije Hemelriek is a perfect place to put down your towel and enjoy the sun. The water of the lake has a tropical color and is surrounded by impenetrable forests. If you are looking for a nice stopover in the province, be sure to drive past De Havixhorst Estate. An excellent place for an extensive lunch, dinner or overnight stay…
The Westeinderplassen, Aalsmeer
Just a fifteen-minute drive from Amsterdam lies the best-kept secret of the region... The Westeinderplassen is the largest inland water in North Holland and is perfect for relaxing and cooling off. Take a boat trip, relax on one of the many islands or dine by the water. Of course you can go out with your own picnic basket, but if you are in the area; a cooling cocktail on the terrace of restaurant On The Rock is certainly not a bad idea.
Oosterduinse meer Noordwijk
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Noordwijk beach, the Oosterduinse lake offers a perfect base for a day of relaxation by the water. There are several nice catering establishments on the lake, such as Como & Co. Here you can have lunch, dinner or just a coffee with the famous homemade apple pie.
