4 x forest retreats

The days of Silva Carbonaria are long gone: there is little forest left in Flanders. All the more reason to make the most of it! Four cosy places to stay in Scheldeland, close to the bronze gold oak or beech.

Amidst an abundance of woodland, and run by people who greet you with a smile: at the Boskapelhoeve you'll find everything you want for a wonderful weekend away with friends – or just the two of you. The hotel comprises two beautiful farmstead buildings with a green courtyard. The terrace is the place to be for an apero, and also to use the jacuzzi. You are immersed here in peace and wellness… 

Hotel Boskapelhoeve is right beside Buggenhout forest. You can walk and cycle to your heart's content. Test out the Buggenhoutbos Walking route or make up your own using the Brabantse Kouters walking network.

Another place only a stone's throw from the ancient Buggenhout forest is B&B Fagus. This B&B is located in Opstal, a really quiet borough of the equally quiet community of Buggenhout. 

The biggest bonus at B&B Fagus is the garden and (particularly) the swimming pond. In the unique garden room you can enjoy the afternoon or evening sun with a drink in your hand. Or jump directly into the natural swimming pond before relaxing on the pool terrace.

But of course, you also come to Buggenhout for its equally impressive nature. Buggenhout forest is an attraction on its own: nowhere else in Flanders can you find as many sessile oak trees. At B&B Fagus the rooms are named twig, bark and beech. And 'fagus', the Latin name for 'beech' is simply everywhere in the B&B. A reference to Buggenhout forest and the borough of Buggenhout which centuries ago was called 'Bukenholt' (old Dutch for beech wood).

Fancy the Provence, without the long car journey? Then try B&B La Clé du Sud in Merelbeke. On a sunny day you really feel like you are in southern Europe. That is down to the stylish rooms, with names that make you dream: Roussillon, Terra di Siena, … The Rousillon is actually a separate house in the middle of the garden, with its own kitchen, private patio and garden furniture, right beside a petanque pitch. The garden is quite magnificent, divided into 'chambers', each with its own ambience and inviting you to enjoy a good book or glass of wine amidst the lavender. 

Less than 250 metres from the B&B is Gentbos, a valuable ecological site and paradise for toadstools, bats and squirrels. You wander through majestic avenues lined with ancients trees from the former castle. The perfect setting for some yoga or bathing in the forest, as the perfect remedy against the daily rat race...

In B&B De Roesbeekhoeve in Meerbeke you experience farm life from close by. Enjoy the green environment and the many hooved animals. You can bring your own horses if you like. They'll stay in the stables at Roesbeekhoeve and the owners know the best horse-riding routes in the region. You can also rent a bike from the farm and get a free packed lunch. Then you're ready for an invigorating excursion.

Prefer a close encounter with the local nature? You'll find an exceptional experience in the 2000-year-old hills of Neigem forest. This is known for its rich biodiversity and ancient trees. In the untouched nature you'll find rare plants, birds, insects and amphibians. Now and again you can even spot deer! And in the spring, the bluebells provide a brilliant purple-blue carpet. 

The call of the wild

So you see it: in Scheldeland you can have a breather and fill your lungs in a beautiful forest area. And if you can also stay locally, then the dream is complete. Feel free to be tempted by one of these places to stay in the middle of nature. You'll return home completely relaxed!