The Credentials:
Opened in 1885, Huis Der Tuin offers 230 luxurious rooms, including 20 suites and four penthouses. Set directly on the beach and on the highest dune in Noordwijk (with views towards the North Sea) it’s excellently located for exploring other parts of The Netherlands, with Amsterdam 43km, The Hague 27km and Schipol airport just 25km away.
Polished marble and stone elements throughout the lobby offer a great first impression and there is a sense of grandeur throughout. The hotel boasts a choice of three restaurants, large sauna, steam and pool area, tennis courts, outside terrace, separate sunbathing area and secure parking.
Dine:
The Breakers Beach Club (located directly on the beach) was spacious and contemporary (neutral tones, deep comfy outdoor seating and lots of greenery) with amazing views — including a spectacular sunset — and impeccable service. We enjoyed samples of most of the fish and seafood dishes on the menu — all were outstanding for presentation and quality ingredients.
The plate of eight different oysters served with crispy seaweed and the lobster with spinach, mushrooms and dashi mayonnaise were divine; local handmade chocolate bars offered a wonderful final indulgence. Breakfast is buffet-style (with plenty of hot and cold options) and served in the imposing and buzzy restaurant area with a panoramic sea view.
Sleep:
Our room was classically styled and included a small balcony with a mesmerising sea view. The bed was huge (a pillow menu was available), Rituals products were stocked in the bathroom and the room had all the other amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel.
Spa:
The hotel’s MC Wellness spa has a classic retreat feel with Eastern influences and private low-lit waiting areas decorated in rich colours.
My Bergman facial (very popular in The Netherlands and produced by medical experts) felt effective yet relaxing. The Bergman product range uses high-quality beta glucan (molecules that occur most commonly as cellulose in plants) in conjunction with other active anti-aging ingredients.
Who Goes There?
I spied mainly smartly dressed European couples. Barack Obama made HTD his hotel of choice during his March visit and it’s the official host for the Dutch football team.
Out & About:
Noordwijk’s unrivalled stretch of 13km of coast and fine sandy beach remained sparsely populated during two hot days. We enjoyed a great lunch at Beachclub O — a five-minute stroll along the beach. I felt that the hotel and its grounds offered all I desired for a relaxed beach break with easy access to the airport and the larger towns of interest in The Netherlands.
The Worst Thing:
The charge of €12 for using a sun-bed within the hotel’s grounds.
The Best Thing:
The prime beach location, the classic and traditional style of the hotel and the wonderful professional staff.
