With its storied squares, historic bridges, ambient restaurants and lively bars, Brussels is a world-class destination for a city break. But for those seeking a more outdoorsy experience, it’s hard to beat the incredible natural beauty of Belgium’s vast forests, craggy peaks and meandering rivers. Enjoy the best of both worlds with an exceptional 3-night stay at Hotel Amigo, combining the luxuries of the big city with a life-changing experience in the Ardennes.
Settle in to your sumptuous Forte Suite, where Royal Belgian Caviar and Ruinart Champagne await, the first of a number of exquisite culinary treats to follow during your stay. A more enduring souvenir, select your choice of bag from the Delvaux Miniatures Belgitude collection at nearby Le 27 Boutique, the ideal accessory for a day of city explorations, before winding down in the Thermes de Spa. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a 4-course Italian dinner at Ristorante Bocconi, served with paired wines and created for you by award-winning chef Igor Rosi.
On the following day, enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling countryside, before arriving at the Skydive Spa in the Belgian Ardennes. Here, suit up and climb into a private plane, which will take off and gain height for fifteen minutes, ascending to an incredible 4000 metres above the mountains. Take in sensational views of the spa town far below, the wind rippling through your hair as you lean out of the door—and let go. Discover the indescribable feeling of total freefall in complete safety as, strapped to your instructor, you reach speeds of up to 200kph before your parachute releases to float you gently down towards the earth. Spot ancient castles, farms and villages from on high as you glide towards your landing spot, where a glass of Champagne will be waiting to celebrate your jump.
The adventure continues with a tour of the countryside in a gleaming 2CV convertible, before lunch at stunning castle Manoir de Lébioles and a chauffeured drive back to Brussels as the adrenaline rush recedes.
For more information or to reserve your stay, please email reservations.amigo@roccofortehotels.com or call + 32 2 547 4707.
Every couple has a travel personality, whether they know it or not. Some arrive with the itinerary already annotated, a dog-eared list of museums and monuments to be conquered before the weekend is out. Others navigate by appetite, and some show up with nothing planned beyond each other's company. Each is its own kind of romance. However the two of you travel, somewhere in Europe there is a city that answers to it perfectly, and a Rocco Forte Hotel at its heart.
A child with flour-dusted hands, entirely absorbed in the soft tactility of dough, falls quiet in concentration. The same wonder is felt as a small finger points skywards, following the erratic flight of a bumblebee – noticing that the orange pom-poms clinging to its legs are, on closer inspection, minute pockets of pollen. These are the seemingly small moments, observed offline, that are exactly the kind of adventure the best family holidays create. One where each destination invites children and teens to become absorbed in the world around them – not their devices – making, discovering and noticing along the way.
Some holidays are designed to be action packed. Others are the opposite. Not for idleness, nor just for sleep necessarily, but the simple, underrated experience of a mind with nothing to chase.
