Zeeuwse Stromen, Renesse, Netherlands

A hotel with a welcome mat for dogs. Not only does this hotel welcome the family pooch, but they even allow well behaved dogs into the dining room. So it is not surprising that entire families complete with their four-footed members flock to this hotel to celebrate Christmas. From another point of view, if you have objections to dogs in the hotel rooms and in the dining room, you have been warned.

Although we don't have pets, we have repeatedly stayed at the Zeeuwse Stromen. That is saying quite a lot since we normally would prefer to discover new places. So what brings us back here each year?

Well to begin with, there is the prime location. The hotel on the outskirts of Renesse is removed from the beach by just one dune ridge. One step out of the door and there is peace and quiet, salt wind, sea grass, sandy stretches, rhythmic crash of waves and winding paths through the dunes. Although to be fair, I've been told by other friends that high season brings an unwelcome horde of noisy tourists. So far, this being our winter/Christmas destination, we have been blessed with tranquility. I can't really say anything about high summer until I've experienced it first hand.

The other significant reason that brings us back each year is the superb kitchen. Christmas eve, Christmas day and Boxing day all feature special dinners for the guests. Each evening offers a choice of a wild game, fish or vegetarian main course. Appetizers are served in the form of a generous smorgasbord of fresh local produce. This Christmas we started with a lobster bisque soup (oops forgot to photograph this) and two helpings from the buffet which included puff pastry with creamy meat stew, Dutch shrimp in cream and herbs, smoked salmon with dill and a fine roast beef with sweet onion chutney. The main course consisted of a tender medium rare venison steak on caramelized Brussel sprouts and mashed celeriac. Dessert was a lovely creamy chocolate mousse with a rich dark chocolate filling.

As if we were not spoiled enough at dinner, a sumptuous breakfast buffet awaits us in the morning. Freshly baked local bread specialties, smoked salmon, local cheeses and cold cuts are just some of the breakfast highlights. That is in addition to breakfast standard fare such as bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, fresh fruit, cereals and yogurt.  A leisurely sitting at the breakfast table is a good way to fortify oneself for a long trek through the dunes and beaches.

http://www.zeeuwsestromen.nl/