| Reading time: 6 minutes | By: Anne-Floor |

Enjoy a sustainable stay at Stayokay Dordrecht. Together with my friend, I got the chance to enjoy a tiny house made of recyclable cardboard. The Wikkelhouses at Stayokay Dordrecht are located on the waters of the Biesbosch. A perfect base from which to explore this special nature reserve. Join me on an adventure and read about my experiences during the stay.

Hostel, camping and tiny houses - Staying at the Biesbosch

Stayokay Dordrecht, situated between water and nature, is a true gem. With National Park the Biesbosch as our backyard and the city of Dordrecht nearby, we knew we were in for a super nice stay. The hostel itself was a pleasant surprise. The cosy bar and lounge acted as a pleasant meeting place, while the large terrace behind the hostel looked out over the glistening waters of the Biesbosch. We stayed in a sustainable Wikkelhouse next door with a private bathroom and in the morning we were treated to a delicious breakfast.

A sustainable future at Stayokay - Eco-friendly soap and local breakfasts

Before I tell you more about our unique accommodation in one of the Wikkelhouses, I would like to tell you a bit more about Stayokay's sustainable focus. Despite being a chain, this hostel chain still offers the opportunity to stay sustainable and in nature. All Stayokay hostels use wind energy and already five locations have solar panels to generate green energy, even for electric car charging points. They reuse as much as possible and make sure waste is separated. Even furniture is given a second life when hostels are renovated.

Upon arrival, for instance, an environmentally friendly soap awaits you. And during breakfast, organic and local products are used as much as possible. Stayokay even organises regular clean-ups to protect the environment.

The Wraphouses - Staying in a tiny house

We were allowed to spend a night in one of the Wikkelhouses. There are a total of four of these sustainable lodges on the grounds of Stayokay Dordrecht. The lodges are made of recyclable cardboard and are located next to the hostel. The ideal retreat for anyone looking to escape the daily hustle and bustle. In the Wikkelhouses, you will find a comfortable double bed and a bunk bed for when you want to stay with the whole family.

The cottages have their own shower, toilet and even kitchenette. The front and back of the cottage have large windows and doors that you can open. This is how you bring nature inside. Would you like a cup of coffee or tea? The cottage has everything you need to make it yourself. But there is one thing you won't find at the wrap house: television and Wi-Fi. Here, we go 'back to nature', which means you get the chance to disconnect completely and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Fresh eggs and croissants - A breakfast basket

At Stayokay Dordrecht our morning started very relaxed. My friend was kind enough to walk to the hostel reception to pick up our breakfast basket. As we feasted on fresh orange juice, croissants, sandwiches, boiled eggs, yoghurt and muesli, we could hear the birds whistling happily around us through the French doors. They do their best to sing the most beautiful songs for us.

Discover the surroundings - In nature and city

There is plenty to experience around the Wikkelhouses in Dordrecht. I share a few tips with you:

1. Hiking in the Biesbosch & coffee at De Zuileshoeve

The hostel is located a few minutes from the Biesbosch visitors' centre in Dordrecht. From here you can walk straight into National Park de Biesbosch. We chose to walk towards the visitor centre. From here, you can easily walk to De Zuileshoeve. At this fine tasting room you can enjoy a tasty lunch, good coffee and freshly baked cakes. Because of the rain, we decided to plop down on one of the nice chairs inside, but if it's dry, you can sit in the backyard adjacent to National Park de Biesbosch.

2. A day of discovery in Dordrecht

A stay at Stayokay Dordrecht is not complete without a day out in Dordrecht itself. This historic city is a short distance away and has a lot to offer. We spent our day strolling through the winding streets and enjoyed lunch at one of my favourite places: Bluebirds in the Backyard. The restaurant serves only plant-based dishes. Choose a cosy spot in the restaurant, browse the beautiful items in the shop or enjoy the sunshine in the courtyard garden.

Curious about more tips in Dordrecht? Amanda wrote a blog earlier.

3. Explore the Biesbosch from the water

Stayokay's hostel in Dordrecht is also the perfect base if you want to discover the Biesbosch from the water. The hostel works together with neighbours DRIJF. They offer the opportunity to join them on a canal cruise or explore on your own with SUPs and canoes.

During our stay in one of Stayokay's wraparound houses in Dordrecht, we enjoyed the surrounding nature and Dordrecht. Plan your own sustainable adventure at Stayokay Dordrecht and be inspired by the beauty of the Biesbosch and the charm of Dordrecht. Share your own experiences with us. Use @honeyguide.nl/en or #heyhoneyguide on Instagram. I would love to hear your stories and tips.

Love,

Anne-Floor

 

Discovering the environment - Unique experiences

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Written by:

Anne-Floor

Anne-Floor van Nunen is editor-in-chief at Honeyguide and responsible for the content line of the platform. She creates and edits stories that encourage conscious discovery, with an eye for target groups and traveller motivations. She finds her inspiration mainly close to home, where she manages to capture the extraordinary in small, everyday places.

See all Anne-Floor's blogs