By Contributor,Lewis Nunn
Copyright forbes
Hof van Saksen
Tucked into the whispering meadows of the Netherlands, Hof van Saksen is a majestic eco-resort—a former noble estate reborn as a family-first urban oasis spanning over 160 lush acres. Here, thatched-roof farmhouses blend with glow-in-the-dark bowling alleys, mini roaming landrovers, and ten themed ‘Kids Academies’—from mini-chef classes to ingenious woodwork studios. You won’t find any infinity pools or champagne fountains—instead, expect sunset paddles on its twinkling lake, the smell of warm stroopwafels drifting from the Grand Café, and adrenaline-pumping thrills at the indoor waterpark—home to the world’s longest indoor waterslide: the Bombo. Best kept secret? Its mini spa serves full-body massages that could rival Europe’s leading spa hotels. Stay at Hof van Saksen and you’ll find luxury reimagined for curious minds and muddy boots.
Drenthe Province, the Netherlands
The resort is nestled in Drenthe—a Dutch province of windswept heathlands, ancient hunebedden (megalithic tombs), and whispering forests—where the Netherlands sheds its urban skin and returns to its roots. It sits just outside the village of Nooitgedacht—surrounded by patchwork fields that blush gold in the evening light. Nearby, however, you’ll find the haunting beauty of the Balloërveld nature reserve, with its drifting sheep herds and prehistoric burial mounds; the storybook charm of Assen’s tree-lined canals and historic bridges; and the living history of Orvelte—a car-free museum village where cobbled lanes lead to working blacksmiths and timber-framed farmhouses.
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Style and Character
Hof van Saksen Art Trail
Gijs Versteeg Fotografie / Landal
Arriving at Hof van Saksen feels like stepping into a Dutch fairytale. The resort’s signature farmhouses—with their steep thatched roofs and timber frames—nod to 18th-century Saxon heritage. But inside, it’s all about modest elegance: think gleaming stone busts, rustic banquette chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the landscape like living art. Its central glass dome—home to the swimming paradise—glows like a lantern at dusk. Meanwhile, around it, lime tree-lined boulevards connect its ensemble of attractions—meandering through a 3-kilometer art trail dotted with quirky Alice in Wonderland-style sculptures.
Rooms and Suites
Farmhouse at Hof van Saksen.
You’ll find 692 elegant farmhouses at the resort, ranging from entry-level comfort to the top-of-the-line 24-person Luxe Farmhouse. But the 6-person Wellness Farmhouse is where rustic charm meets indulgent touches. Outside, it’s a quintessential Dutch longhouse—low-slung, thatched-roofed, and nestled among wildflowers. Step inside, and the mood shifts. The living room is a light-swathed cocoon of Scandi-chic: still life paintings, soft cotton sofas, and a fireplace that crackles on command—perfect for cozy Netflix nights with crunchy popcorn. A long dining table invites slow continental breakfasts and late-night board games. Outside, a private terrace overlooks the pond—ideal for morning yoga, evening wine, or simply watching ducks paddle past as you sink into the bubbling hot tub. Upstairs, you’ll uncover your own Finnish sauna in a marble-clad bathroom, while the bedrooms feature blackout curtains and skylight ceilings that frame the stars.
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Food and Beverage
The Grand Café at Hof van Saksen.
Dining at Hof van Saksen is a quietly indulgent affair. The Grand Café, with its vaulted ceilings and serene lakeside views, serves comfort food with a twist—think juicy stacked burgers topped with truffle mayo, the famed Saksen hotdog, or succulent polder hen. Gusto, the resort’s gourmet Italian restaurant, offers 4-course tasting menus under the helm of Tuscan chef Nino Granza, who imports fresh ingredients every month from Italy. Expect squid ink tuile, risotto infused with langoustine bisque, pulled veal cheek, and a show-stopping dessert of sous-vide rhubarb and chocolate cremeux—finished with a warm Aperol. The highlight? Its homemade Limoncello—which earned a prestigious Silver Award at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2025.
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For kid-friendly feasting, Al Fresco bursts with live cooking stations—serving wood-fired pizzas, sticky chicken wings, buttery pies, and smoky hot dogs. Its crowning glory? A glorious chocolate fountain where kids dip fresh strawberries, gooey marshmallows, and crisp macarons into a cascade of velvety Belgian chocolate. Craving something special? Guests staying in the culinary farmhouse can opt for a private chef experience, with dinner prepared in your own industry-level kitchen. Picture platters of aged Parmesan drizzled with 25-year balsamic vinegar, hand-rolled spaghetti with aubergine and ricotta salata, sliced beef entrecôte, and freshly made espresso tiramisù.
Spa and Wellness
Spa at Hof van Saksen
The Spa at Hof van Saksen is a quiet sanctuary nestled beneath the resort’s iconic dome. While modest in size, it’s thoughtfully designed—offering pro-lift facials, ultra-glow peels, Himalayan salt rituals, hot stone therapy, and deeply restorative treatments like the Pro Sleep and Indian head massages. Younger guests are welcomed too, with gentle facials and playful mini manicures tailored for kids and teens. After your treatment, take time to unwind in the Turkish steam bath, infrared sauna, footbaths, plunge pools, jacuzzis, or the Finnish sauna—heated to 90°C. Beyond the spa, wellness is woven into the resort’s DNA—picture a yoga studio with panoramic views, a fitness center with sleek Technogym gear, and a lakeside trail ideal for morning runs.
Entertainment and Activities
Waterpark at Hof van Saksen.
This is a paradise where kids reign supreme. By day, they leap through the springy trampoline dome, drive mini Landrovers around the resort, or conquer the indoor play paradise, scaling sky-high climbing walls (as parents look on with Starbucks in hand). Or dive into one of ten themed ‘Kids Academies’—from its Fashion Academy (making mini bags and stuffed animals) to its high-tech Technology Academy (with its own laser wood cutter). Outside, a forest-hidden adventure playground awaits—along with a zipline soaring over the lake and a sandy beach perfect for digging, splashing, and castle-building. The crown jewel? A mighty waterpark boasting five twisting slides (including the world’s longest indoor winner—Bombo), bubbling whirlpools, virtual reality snorkeling, a 107-meter-long water course, and a musical paddling pool made just for kids.
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With babysitting services on hand, parents can slip away for a quiet dinner, unwind in the spa, or join guided bike tours through the tranquil countryside. By night, it’s all about bowling showdowns, air hockey duels at the arcade, and blissful jacuzzi evenings in your cozy farmhouse retreat.
How To Do It
Enjoy a three-night weekend escape at Hof van Saksen in a 6-person Wellness Farmhouse, starting from €995. Travelers from the UK and the US can fly direct to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport—from there, Hof van Saksen is just a two-hour cab ride. The resort is part of Landal, which features over 250 holiday destinations across nine countries. To book your stay, visit landal.com.
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