Combining the tranquillity of sea and forest with the city

Those celebrating holidays today long for rest, recharge and new energy. Hotelier Youri Vandenberghe responds to this perfectly. Les Cabanes d'Ostende combines the silence of nature with the lively vibe of the city. With the sea around the corner, this lodging benefits from a unique location for a different kind of holiday.

The urban landscape concept has the comfort of a hotel and the green character of a holiday park. The secret garden in a forest behind the owners' home, accommodates nine luxurious cabins around a swimming pond with wellness island. An added bonus is the proximity to the beach within walking distance. 

Those staying here can collect eggs in the chicken run in the morning and stock up on local food and drinks in the underground honesty shop. Adventurous characters split their own wood to keep the fire warm in the cabin or hot tub. Guests who want to boost their energy levels in the great outdoors can follow a 34-kilometre trail from the dune area on foot or by bike that connects several parks around Ostend. The location is great for people who want to experience the power of nature up close but also taste the charm and dynamism of the city.

The overall project demonstrates an understanding of current holiday needs and the courage to opt for a new form of recreation. The cabins with inspiring interior ideas are aesthetic and functional. Combined with the physical space around them, they guarantee a beneficial stay.  

Youri, a qualified architect and urban planner, is familiar with the deeper meaning of experiencing space and knows the impact of design. "As an architect, you always create a design that blends smoothly into its surroundings. We wanted a structure that fits this place, a context-sensitive design. We succeeded in that." 

The cabins, six of which have hot tubs, overlook the swimming pond with wellness island. The icing on the cake for pure relaxation. Guests cherish this magical place. 

Youri and Natacha live on the site with their family. For them, hospitality means above all hospitality and authenticity. They want to share their love for Ostend and show their visitors the way to a selection of trendy spots. Collaborating with small-scale, local suppliers connects the place to the neighbourhood. The baker around the corner delivers bread in the morning and the butcher is the neighbour you walk past when you are hungry. That gives a familiar village feeling. 

Visitors don't have to lug around wind sails and beach chairs themselves. They will find it all in the hotel's beach cabin. And Les Cabanes' bicycles or electric cargo bike will get you to the city centre in no time. That makes it easier to opt for soft mobility.

Youri's dream has been realised and the success fuels the ambition to export the formula to similar locations abroad. Always true to its DNA: experiencing a piece of nature in the middle of the city. 

Meanwhile, in Ostend, this holiday spot continues to be developed. The next step is to build Belgium's smallest library on the site. "Reading is part of travelling for many people. If the book is not out, they take it with them and return it later."

Les Cabanes d'Ostende recently received the 'Independent Hotel Award'. The award recognises independent boutique hotels that are not tied to large chains. A nice crowning achievement. Earlier, they received the first award for 'Starter of the Year' from the city of Ostend. A bright future undoubtedly awaits the world's most beautiful cabins.