For most groups of friends, a day away together is not enough. We also prefer to make a whole weekend of it. Including original group accommodation. We do not settle for the bed & breakfast around the corner, but prefer to sleep among alpacas, in a tree house or in a vintage Volkswagen van. In my search for the most special sleeping spots in nature in the Netherlands, I often come across some really great ones. Of course, I like to share them with you. So are you looking for an overnight stay in nature for an unforgettable friends or family weekend? These are my favourites.
1. Alpaca IJsseldelta - IJsselmuiden, Overijssel
Can't get enough of alpacas? These days, these llama-like quadrupeds are extremely popular. You can even sleep with them! In a newly renovated black gazebo, equipped with all conveniences, you have a view from the terrace on a small meadow full of your new best friends. What's nice is that this group accommodation is very close to Zwolle. Ideal for a city trip to the capital of Overijssel!
2. Donkey farm - Maasheggen, North Brabant
You will find this cosy group accommodation in Maasheggen near National Park the Maasduinen in the middle of Brabant. This accommodation is perfect for a weekend with family or friends in nature. Imagine gathering around the campfire in the evening after a long day in the woods. How cosy is that! Your bedrooms are right next to the donkey pasture, where you can walk extensively with these animals. Perfect for some quality time. The nice thing about the Ezelgasterij is that it is suitable for large groups of up to 26 people. Note that the price is not per person, but for the entire group! Kind of nice.
3. Boomken's Ranch - Rijsbergen, North Brabant
In Rijsbergen, near Breda, there is a ranch that is only for bon vivants who are not averse to a chic theme room. Think a luxurious wellness suite (including walk-in shower, whirlpool and Finnish sauna!) and a comfortable chalet with beautiful furnishings and fire pit. The surroundings of Boomken's Ranch are wonderfully green. There is even room to bring your own horse! So you and your friends can take unforgettable outdoor rides.
Don't have your own horse, but would like to go horse riding? There are several riding schools in the area that offer lessons and rides. In half an hour you can already be in Antwerp city centre. This way, you can combine the best of both worlds: active and adventurous in nature and culture and shopping in a metropolis!
4. B&B Reijgershof (yurts) - Amsterdam, North-Holland
For families, friends and friends who want to spend a relaxing weekend together, it can be wonderful to spend the night in an authentic yurt. A yurt is a traditional round tent, mainly used by nomads in Central Asia. The word yurt therefore literally means 'home'. Yurts are known for looking quite simple from the outside. Inside, however, they are colourful and warm. Beautiful rugs, cushions, a small stove and oriental accessories create a bohemian atmosphere.
On the edge of the Gaasperplas in Amsterdam you will find such a small Oriental Valhalla of tranquillity. Besides being very authentic, the yurts at B&B Reijgershof are equipped with electricity. Both small and large yurts are available on the B&B's green grounds. The small yurts are perfect for when you go out with a maximum of two people. Are you going out with a larger group? Then choose the large yurt, which can accommodate up to 15 people. Tip: at B&B Reijgershof they also offer all kinds of workshops and therapies. From outdoor yoga to dance workshops and massages. So you will return home completely zen!
5. Abroad (yurts) - Alphen, North Brabant
We can't get enough of those beautifully painted yurts. Here is another one that is at least as worthwhile. At 't Buitenland, you travel in our own Netherlands to faraway Mongolia as well as Finland and old North America. Because besides yurts, they also have Finnish kotas and Indian teepees (including a campfire circle! You can even cook in a kettle). For yurt guests, there is an outdoor hot tub. Can you imagine it? Under the stars, all together in the hot tub, reminiscing.
Honeyguide Lotte recently visited Camping 't Buitenland. Read more about her experiences here.
6. Minicamping and B&B Buitenwereld - Witteveen, Drenthe
Spend a (thousand-and-one) night with your club in the middle of the Drentse countryside. How about an Indian Radja tent? Let's go glamping! At minicamping and B&B Buitenwereld, you will find glamping tents that take you to Incredible India, fully serviced and equipped with every luxury. Radja tents are authentic Indian tents used long ago by Maharajas when they stayed outside the palaces. The tent poles are made of bamboo and the inside of the tent cloth is beautifully traditionally stamped with Indian patterns.
Even the surroundings of the tents are adapted to the country of origin. Fragrant and colourful plants originating from India, the smell of lavender in the air, fresh lemon balm to pick and big green palms. For groups, there are three large Radja tents, which can accommodate a total of thirteen people.
7. Avontyr (tree houses) - Reek, North Brabant
In the wild forest of Reek, away from civilisation, you will find six enormous tree houses. Think campfire at night with marshmellows, ghost stories around the fire and lots of time to strengthen your bonds. If you get tired of the forest and the tree houses for a while (impossible!), the most fun shopping cities of Nijmegen and Den Bosch are just around the corner.
8. Camping Torentjeshoek (tree house) - Dwingeloo, Drenthe
Squirrels rustle through the trees in the branches next to your window. At 7 metres, you are one with nature. Super cosy, such a wooden tree house! But make no mistake, despite being one with nature, this treehouse is super luxurious! The tree house has a panoramic view, a modern interior and even floor heating. Hip!
9. Camping site De Blauwe Haan (Hidden House) - Uffelte, Drenthe
A hidden house? Yes, what do they mean by that? Imagine you are staying in a cottage that is half above ground and half underground. That's a hidden house! The hidden houses at The Blue Rooster look like witches' houses, chimney included. But once you enter, you will discover that inside they are anything but that. Chic, luxurious and modern.
These were my tips for original group accommodations for the ultimate weekend with your favourite club. Hopefully, you found enough inspiration to make your next weekend trip unforgettable! But no matter where you sleep, at the end of the day, you'll have fun together everywhere. Have fun!
When will you visit these unique accommodations? Share your favourite moment with friends and family at one of these special places on @honeyguide.nl/en, and don't forget to tag us using #heyhoneyguide.
With love,
Amanda