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Harpers Bazaar Arabia
28-06-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Double Dutch: Discover Amsterdam's Most Elegant Boutique Hideaways
A fairy tale city of olive-hued waterways, romantic arched bridges, and dainty gabled canal houses, Amsterdam wears its age well, still glimmering with Golden Age grace. Nowhere is this enduring magic more palpable than in these three stays – the city's most captivating expressions of modern luxury and 750 years of history As Amsterdam marks its 750th birthday, these stand-out stays capture the spirit of a new Dutch Golden Age… The freshman with top marks Nothing says Amsterdam collegiate cool like the new Pillows Maurits at the Park. Nestled on the edge of the city's Canal Belt, within the serene green expanse of Oosterpark (Eastern Park in Dutch), this 88-room newcomer feels a world away from the hustle of the city centre, even though it's just a short walk (or tram ride) away. Housed in a former university building, the space has been reworked with sleek, modern sensibilities. Glazed-tiled hallways stretch into grand archways, while thick carpets cushion each step. At the heart of the hotel is the Living Room, a booklined guest-only hangout space, while the sun-splashed rooftop lounge is the place to be, come summertime. The hotel's airy, bright rooms are quiet luxury personified with handsome panelled walls, contemporary light features, and – if you book the top room, the Pillows Grand Suite – even a grand piano. Overlooking the treetops on the hotel's theatrical first floor, the lofty VanOost is the property's top-class restaurant, dishing up internationally influenced signatures like well spiced Indonesian langoustine served with pillowy Japanese milk bread and delicate Anjou pigeon, crowned with foie gras and flurries of black truffle. This will be one of the best – if not the very best – dinners you will have in the city. Save space for the epic cheese trolley, largely made of small producer Dutch picks with great backstories (including one cow's milk cheese aged in a WWII bunker). Breakfast of cream-filled croissants and avocado toast is served on the ground floor, at the aptly named Spring, which tumbles directly into the park. The boutique bolthole in Dam Square A true boutique hotel in every sense, Hotel TwentySeven is part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, and it is indeed small, with just 16 spacious suites – and undeniably luxurious – with textured wallpaper, silky draperies, and kingly furnishings. The vibe here is château chic meets goth grandeur, with a seductive, rock'n'roll edge. Metallics feature heavily, and photographic artwork can be kindly described as bonkers. Marble bathrooms are especially opulent, outfitted with deeply relaxing jet tubs, steam showers, and both Lanvin and Lalique products to choose from. Very spoiling. Besides the dramatic design, it's the location that makes this intimate and private hotel stand out. Hidden in plain sight and tucked away on the upper floors of a townhouse tower on the city's main square, Hotel TwentySeven neighbours the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century New Church, and the imposing white stone pillar of the National Monument. Make no mistake: This the central, tourist heart of the city (which may be a plus for some and a drawback for others). Other than the ritzy rooms, there's not much to this hideout, but don't miss the awarded restaurant, Bougainville, stationed on the hotel's third floor. While the 14-seat chef's table is the most inspiring with no-expense-spared bites of Irish Mór oysters and buttery Perle Imperial caviar, the hotel's breakfast of à la minute eggs and flaky house-made pastries doesn't disappoint – nothing about this bolthole does. The canal-side grande dame De L'Europe is not just a hotel in Amsterdam, it's the hotel in Amsterdam. Dating back to 1896 and purchased by the Netherlands' famous Heineken family in the 1950s, there's no grander dame in the city. The thrill starts in the canal-front lobby, a study in old-world elegance with museum-quality oil paintings, gilded chandeliers, and oversized florals (tulips feature prominently). The homespun elegance continues upstairs, where 107 rooms are divided into a cosseting old wing and the of-the moment new't Huys wing of 14 suites, collaboratively designed by some of the city's top tastemakers like Dutch jewellery designer Bibi van der Velden and filmmakers Daan & Bracha of Wolfi Pictures. There's even a Harper's Bazaar suite, curated by the Netherlands edition's Editor in Chief Miluska van't Lam, which feels more like an apartment with framed magazine covers decking the walls, avant-garde sculptures, and a balcony over the boat-filled Amstel Canal. A rarity for Amsterdam, the hotel's dreamy spa has an indoor heated pool, as well as several saunas. Dining is a pleasure at this landmark property, with several spots to choose from, including the fastidious and formal Restaurant Flore and the French-inflected Brasserie Marie, a buzzy, local favourite overlooking the Munttoren, a 15th-century tower once part of old city wall. A pre-prandial drink on the outdoor waterfront terrace at sundown is a quintessential joy.
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Where To Eat In The Dutch Capital Of Amsterdam Right Now
Jansz It's a big year for Amsterdam: The captial of the Netherlands is celebrating its 750th birthday this October, and while there is no shortage of reasons to visit (the sights, the art, the tulips!), the city's world-class cuisine is one of its top draws. From always-evolving tasting menus served in centuries-old dining rooms to Dutch brasseries with an eye for detail, Amsterdam's dining scene is at the top of its game. The White Room With soaring gold-accented ceilings and dramatic oversized flower displays, the Michelin-starred White Room is considered to be the oldest, unchanged restaurant in Amsterdam. It's a must-visit for old-fashioned fine dining; the kind of place to go to celebrate a special occasion. On the fringes of the always-busy Dam Square, this intimate restaurant is a visual delight, swathed in neoclassical detailing that brings to mind the city's bygone Golden Age. Spearheaded by Jacob Jan Boerma, the on-point tasting menu is served both for lunch, as well as dinner, alongside an a la carte offering. Plates can be described as modern Dutch with European haute cuisine technicality. The ingredients are intricate and seasonal, rooted in the country's terroir. Standout bites include the slightly cured, delicate kingfish, with notes of geranium flower and a citrusy hit of bergamot, and the rich pigeon main course, served perfectly pink. Also of note: the house-made sourdough bread, crafted with both whole wheat and spelt, and the expertly cooked, caramelly canelés for dessert. Service is unsurprisingly a ten out of ten. VanOost The relaxed, leafy neighborhood of East Amsterdam has found a new culinary hero in the exquisite VanOost. Nestled on the edge of the very pretty Oosterpark in a converted university building, VanOost has a refined, modern look with moody lighting; overhead wooden beams; and theatrical florals—with a massive open kitchen at its heart. While the restaurant is a new addition to Amsterdam, it has quickly become one of the city's most exciting fine-dining destinations. Top Chef Floris van Straalen crafts expressive dishes that fuse together European and Japanese techniques, featuring Dutch produce and ingredients. Highlights include the signature langoustine dish with dashi beurre blanc, and the dry-aged duck, prepared with precision and plated with a painterly finesse. (Almost every dish is a photogentic delight.) Save space for seasonal desserts (like a twist on summer strawberries and cream), as well as a formidable cheese trolley with plenty of Dutch cheeses. Pre- or post-dinner cocktails can be enjoyed in the restaurant's chic bar space, with large windows overlooking the treetops of Oosterpark. Lotti's Set in the heart of the trendy and quaint Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), The Hoxton Herengracht (one of two Hoxton hotels in the city) is a stylish mash-up of 17th-century canal-house architecture and industrial-stylish design. The hip hotel's in-house restaurant Lotti's is a lively all-day affair and a perennial favorite for its easy-going brasserie menu. There are some classic dishes here, but they are done up in a modern way. Think: on-trend gildas gone Dutch with silvery pickled herring (a staple in this city) and bite-sized bitterballen, another classic snack, made up of meat and potatoes shaped into balls and fried to crispy perfection. While most tourists head to Winkel 43 for the Dutch apple pie, Lotti's version gives it a run for its money, with plump raisins; a thick, flaky crust; and well-spiced Dutch apples. Lotti's also has a fantastic cocktail list with seasonal additions and local influences, like drinks made with Dutch gin (jenever) and grain wine (korenwijn). Marie Considered to be the city's grandest hotel, Hotel De L'Europe feels like stepping into another time period while still maintaining a distinctly Amsterdam air. It's a monument to long-ago luxury, with Belle Époque flourishes and an enviable location on the Amstel canal. There's no shortage of places to eat here, including the Michelin-praised and newly redesigned Restaurant Flore, and Freddy's Bar, named after Alfred Heineken, the patriarch of the famous beer family, who still serve as custodians of the historic hotel. However, Brasserie Marie is a top pick among locals and visitors. Relaxed but still upscale, this eatery is housed in an airy, conservatory-style setting with delicate vintage touches and oil paintings lining the walls. The menu features refined French cuisine with an overarching Mediterranean vibe, as well as some of the best bread in town: a doughy fougasse, served hot from the oven and sprinkled with crystals of sea salt. Signature dishes include steak tartare and seasonal seafood plates. Expect all dishes to be effortlessly polished, and this is a true gem for long, lazy lunches or romantic dinners. Book during sunset and ask for a table with views over the canal. Peacock Alley Occupying six 17th-century canal houses on the Herengracht ("Gentleman's Canal" in Dutch), the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is undeniably impressive and considered one of the city's top stays. It's also home to the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Spectrum, as well as one of the city's prettiest spots for tea. Based in the heart of the hotel just off the lobby, Peacock Alley is the hotel's plush, grand all-day dining lounge. With the air of a private salon and views over the flower-filled garden, this is the spot in the city to try afternoon tea. Crystal chandeliers, blue banquettes, and genteel classical music set an aristocratic tone, while finger sandwiches, fine-bubbled champagne and sweet treats fill the table. The tea is fantastic too, with several signature blends made just for the hotel in collaboration with the world-famous tea brand, TWG Tea. Try First Edition, a green tea made with verbena and cherry blossoms. Oriole Once a 15th-century convent, then city hall, and now a five-star Sofitel Legend property, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam sits between two canals just off Dam Square. The hotel's top restaurant, Oriole Garden Bistro has been praised by Michelin with a Bib Gourmand accolade, for its good-quality and good-value cooking. In a glasshouse-style space filled with sunlight and hanging greenery, the restaurant plates up international dishes like thick cuts of beef served with parsnip puree and shavings of truffle and catch-of-the-day with lemony risotto. The seafood is especially noteworthy here as the restaurant is part of the Netherlands' Fish&Season Foundation, which is committed to high-quality and sustainable fishing. A concise menu du chef of three or four courses presents a good value at €50 or €60, respectively (a bargain for expensive Amsterdam). Some of the produce and herbs are grown onsite on the hotel's rooftop garden, which also has its own beehives for honey harvesting. Jansz Named after an affluent 17th-century Dutchman once sketched by Rembrandt, Jansz is a great spot for a casual lunch, offering a calm, contemporary take on classic Dutch dining. Well-lit, bistro-like interiors are warm and inviting with creamy blush tones, brushed brass features and large windows overlooking the charming streets and canals. Though Jansz has been around for a few years now, it remains fresh and relevant, loved among locals for its unfussy and elevated dishes. The kitchen focuses on simple, seasonal plates like yellowtail ceviche; seabass served skin on; and a particularly indulgent steak sandwich in a fluffy brioche-style roll. The wine list is well considered, and there's even a white wine from the Netherlands on offer: an Apostelhoeve Cuvée XII from Limburg, Netherlands. On warmer days, opt for a table in the restaurant's Rosé Garden, decorated with striped pillows and potted lavender plants. Here, there's a well-curated menu of rosé wines and sparkling wines to choose from, as well as an a la carte food menu. Overall, the vibe is high end but relaxed with just the right amount of buzz—it's a perfect microcosm of modern Amsterdam. Restaurant Bougainville Perched above the hustle and bustle of Dam Square, Bougainville (part of TwentySeven Hotel, an SLH Hotel) is where theatrical interiors meet Michelin-starred precision. The space is a maximalist fantasy, with mustard-yellow velvet banquettes, city views over the Dam and gold details throughout. The food also leans into this luxurious drama, and every plate feels wrapped in decadence and extravagance. Dutch Chef Tim Golsteijn orchestrates an elaborate one-Michelin-starred tasting menu that is not afraid of being avant-garde. It's interesting and dazzling—both visually and gastronomically. And above all, every bite feels truly new and extravagant, from the amuse bouche of delicate tuna nori rolls with Perle Imperial caviar and duck liver mousse with Dutch liquorice, to the desserts of early season Lambada strawberries served with tarragon frost. One dish that has been on the menu since the beginning is the unmissable gado gado, an Indonesian-inspired green papaya salad, served here with a crown coconut mousse and a heart of lime ice cream. Winning Gault&Millau's Wine List of the Year Award in 2025, a wine pairing here is a must. Expertly curated by Maître-Sommelier Ronald Opten, each course is transformed into a miniature journey by his suggestions and stories.
