Domaine La Butte aux Bois

An historic country estate, an award-winning gourmet hotspot and an eco-chic Spa Retreat, the Domaine La Butte aux Bois in Lanaken offers the highest level of hospitality to its guests. This exclusive luxury Relais & Châteaux hotel in Belgium is situated at the entrance to the Hoge Kempen National Park.

From the spacious terraces which offer an idyllic atmosphere to the stunning views of the magnificent landscaped garden with its mature trees, ponds and beautiful objets d‘art, nature can be enjoyed in all its glory at this luxury Relais & Châteaux hotel in Belgium.

Welcome, wilkommen and bienvenue at one of the most exclusive lifestyle-addresses in the cross-border area Belgium-Netherlands-Germany!

History
La Butte aux Bois – ´the hill in the woods´ – was originally built in 1924 as a stylish country estate for Belgium’s noble Lagasse de Locht family.

Now it is a leading world-class hotel and restaurant and one of Belgium’s most decorated lifestyle and gourmet hotels. A visit to this luxury Relais & Châteaux hotel in Belgium will surpass your expectations: hospitality and cordiality go hand in hand.

Domaine La Butte aux Bois, the backyard of bustling cities
La Butte aux Bois is located in an exclusive region where luxury and pampering are paramount. The bustling cities of Maastricht, Aachen and Liège are just a short car journey away, as well as many other historic towns.

Fashionistas will be thrilled with the prices of top labels at the Maasmechelen Village Chic Outlet Shopping – just a 10-minute drive away from La Butte aux Bois.

ROOMS & SUITES
Dream away at Domaine La Butte aux Bois!
Optimal relaxation: set in a spacious park, the Domaine La Butte aux Bois offers stunning views of nature from every window. The 59 rooms are spread across three buildings and each room offers luxurious furnishings and idyllic vistas.

“RALF BERENDSEN”
TWO MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT IN LANAKEN, BELGIUM
The gourmet Restaurant “Ralf Berendsen” holds two Michelin stars and a Gault&Millau score of 17 out of 20 points, and is one of Belgium’s 40 best restaurants.

Chef Ralf Berendsen serves the finest haute cuisine creations to prove that opposites attract, and that global culinary influences can come together in perfect harmony.

Gourmets make regular pilgrimages to the two Michelin star restaurant in Lanaken to indulge in the chef’s signature dishes such as Trio of Langoustine with Tandoori Masala, Miso and Couscous, and French Foie Gras with Chinese Yuzu Tangerine and Ginger Beer.

Service, atmosphere and craftsmanship
The ambitious team at the two Michelin star restaurant in Lanaken is led by Ylja Berends as Maître. She has a passion for hospitality, quality and innovation.

Match made in heaven
Restaurant “Ralf Berendsen” exquisite wine list currently features around 400 wines. Sommelier David Aerts is the man responsible for the superb selection of fine wines. With great passion, David advises on the specific selection of wines that have been chosen to accompany Ralf’s dishes.

Nature as a backdrop, birdsong as musical accompaniment
“Ralf Berendsen” overlooks the beautiful park-like gardens and the Hoge Kempen National Park. The Restaurant “Ralf Berendsen” terrace was named Belgium’s most beautiful restaurant terrace by the Gault&Millau Guide in 2015 and the most beautiful restaurant terrace in Flanders by FoodTaster in 2016, and in the warm summer months, this is the place to be.

CHEF RALF BERENDSEN
TWO MICHELIN STARS
The driving force behind La Source is Dutchman Ralf Berendsen. He arrived at Restaurant La Source in 2011, and was awarded his first Michelin star just two years later: a reward for being a perfectionist, as he likes to call himself.

‘Nothing is so good that it cannot be improved. That must be the starting point,’ is the premise of Berendsen’s work, allowing him to constantly evolve. After receiving two Michelin stars in 2017, Ralf Berendsen has reached another milestone in his career.

Two-star chef Ralf Berendsen commented: ‘I am of course thrilled that this life-long dream has come true. In fact, the whole team shares the honour, the second star is also the merit of the motivated and skilled people who are at my side day in and day out.

Two Michelin stars is truly extraordinary! Right from the beginning, I have been given the freedom to go my own way at La Source. Once you reach a certain level, it is important to give your own signature to every dish.

This is painstaking work, a never-ending story. In the process you acquire new insights, learn new methods of preparation and discover new products to experiment with. I have reached a point where authenticity prevails. Cooking is not only an art, but also a quest for perfection that never stops.’

‘Being a chef is, for me, the most beautiful job in the world – providing you are in an environment that allows you to turn your knowledge and creativity into dishes that bring your customers the ultimate pleasure.

At La Source, the owner, Eric Bullens, and the General Manager, Yannick Bouts, give me every opportunity to make it happen and for that I am truly grateful.’

LA SOURCE “RALF BERENDSEN”
MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANT
Domaine La Butte aux Bois is located in a tranquil setting overlooking beautiful gardens and with views of the Hoge Kempen National Park. Guests are welcome to dine on the Michelin-starred Restaurant “Ralf Berendsen” terrace and take in the picturesque natural scenery during the summer months.

The Restaurant “Ralf Berendsen” terrace was named Belgium’s most beautiful restaurant terrace by the Gault&Millau Guide in 2015 and the most beautiful restaurant terrace in Flanders by FoodTaster in 2016.

When the weather is warm, we can serve your lunch and/or dinner outside on our terraces. The decision to serve meals outside is based on the weather forecast for that particular day.

BRASSERIE “LE CIEL”
COSY RESTAURANT IN LANAKEN
Classic, regional dishes with a twist.

At Le Ciel, guests enjoy classic dishes made from carefully selected, regional and seasonal products. Sourcing top-quality produce from the region is a regular endeavour for the chef and his team.

Fine-dining in a warm and relaxing environment
At the centre of our brasserie restaurant in Lanaken our open fire is always alight. The warmth of the cosy fire combined with the attentiveness of our staff creates an ideal ambience for your dining experience.

Trusty favourites and local surprises
In the vaults of Domaine La Butte aux Bois, over 400 different wines await. Our highly trained team is pleased to advise you on the perfect wine to accompany your meal at our restaurant in Lanaken.

From delightful wines from Limburg to tasty international favourites, our sommeliers are here to guide and amaze you!

CHEF ROBERT LEVELS
“HERE YOU STILL HAVE A FAMILY FEELING.”
Fans of computer games would give anything for his surname, but ROBERT LEVELS has a completely different passion: cooking at the highest possible level. at is what the 49-year-old has been doing for almost thirty years.

He was the right hand of top chefs like Toine Hermsen and Hans van Wolde. Since last summer, he has been the head chef at LE BISTROT. But his role as head chef at Domaine La Butte aux Bois is not a first for Robert Levels.

Five years ago, at Bilderberg Castle Vaalsbroek, he was named executive chef of In de Oude Watermolen (restaurant and bistro) and De Kruidentuin (events hall). “There, I learned a lot about management and organisation”, he emphasises.

“That experience now comes in handy. I’m not only the chef at Le Bistrot, I am also responsible for banqueting, the lunches served at the spa and the hotel guests’ break- fast. As a result, my job entails a lot of variety.

I wouldn’t want it any other way. To manage a team and join in their hard work, that’s my new passion. I can see myself working here for many years to come. La Butte is a family business. You can feel that. Chain hotels are often more impersonal.”

LE BISTROT TERRACE
Dining with a view
In the summer months, guests of our luxury hotel in Lanaken are invited to dine on our spacious outdoor terraces.

Look out over the beautiful gardens and the Hoge Kempen National Park, breathe in the fresh air, and savour the moment. Bliss. The decision to serve meals outside is based on the weather forecast for that particular day.

SPA RETREAT LA FORÊT
WELLBEING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
Overlooking idyllic forests, the Spa Retreat La Forêt is set in a terraced garden that blends into the surrounding Hoge Kempen National Park, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior.

The landscape has been skillfully drawn into the building, transforming your stay into a rich experience of nature and wellbeing. Enjoy full use of our luxury Spa Retreat as well as the use of top-class gym equipment and daily activities at Le Gym.

MEDICAL SKIN IMPROVEMENT
Our new treatments for beautiful, healthy skin
The latest methods. State-of-the-art technology. Stunning results. Our skin rejuvenation and improvement treatments are performed by our expert team and trained beauty specialist Bibi Faas under the guidance of Dr Yolande Bullens-Goessens

Mesopeel®
The innovative, medical anti-ageing dermopeel for the professional reduction of wrinkles, scars, hyperkeratosis and acne. Step by step, this exfoliating treatment stimulates the production of collagen fibre and elastin to visibly improve the skin’s physiological and mechanical properties.

m.pen – Microneedling by mesoestetic®
Microneedling is the anti-ageing revolution in the fight against face and décolletage wrinkles. Known as a non-ablative process, it preserves the skin’s thickness thereby maintaining natural protection.

Tiny needle punctures into the upper skin layer trigger its natural wound healing process. As a result, the skin produces endogenous collagen, which ensures firmness and elasticity, naturally activating the body’s natural rejuvenation mechanisms.

Skin-rejuvenating connective tissue massage for the face
This anti-ageing method is also known as ‘fitness for the face’. Just as a workout improves your physical condition, a connective tissue massage improves the condition of your skin. Various massage techniques stimulate blood flow to facial muscles, making your cheeks fuller, eyebrows higher, and facial lines softer.

Wrinkles, crow’s feet, scars and pigment spots are greatly reduced. A connective tissue massage ensures visible results after just one treatment. However, to achieve lasting, optimal results, we recommend several treatments. After each application, the skin looks even better than before.

DERMATOLOGICAL CONSULTATIONS & AESTHETIC COSMETICS
DR. YOLANDE BULLENS-GOESSENS
Dr Bullens-Goessens’ professional expertise is amply demonstrated by her outstanding qualifications, significant experience, continuous training, and attendance at many conferences and congresses.

These are all factors that have given her access to the latest methods and developments in the field of aesthetic cosmetics, as well as refining her know-how.

In 2006, Dr Yolande Bullens-Goessens and a partner opened a private dermatology clinic in Genk. Since the Spa Retreat La Forêt opened in 2017, she has also been running its Clinic for Dermatology and Aesthetic Cosmetics.

LE GYM
TAKE A BREATH… AND EXERCISE
This exclusive fitness club is for hotel guests and members only, and is run by the former professional athlete and top coach, Ingmar Harthoorn. It is the first gym in Belgium to be fitted with TechnoGym’s ARTIS line of high-tech equipment.

Face to face with the beauty of nature
A workout doesn’t get any better than this! Here in the stunning surroundings of Domaine La Butte aux Bois, it is easy to combine enjoying life to the full with a responsible attitude to your wellbeing.

During workouts, the eye is drawn beyond the picture windows and out into the forest, giving the impression of being part of the landscape.

LE GYM: for hotel guests
Hotel guests enjoy complimentary daily access to Le Gym from 7am – 10pm, guests aged 14-18 have access when accompanied by an adult.

BUSINESS EVENTS AND INCENTIVES IN BELGIUM
Nature summons the best ideas
Extensive grounds, two-star Michelin restaurant, select ambiance and ten superbly equipped salons and meeting rooms covering 1,000sqm provide the perfect backdrop for your business events and incentives in Belgium.

As a long-standing specialist in the conception and implementation of corporate events, our excellence of all aspects of service and commitment to unparalleled hospitality ensure that your business events and incentives in Belgium will be unforgettable.

Dinners, meetings, incentives, conferences, launches, seminars, training, events… Domaine La Butte aux Bois is one of the region’s most exclusive and sought-after luxury venues.

Experience our dedicated team’s genuine charm, absolute discretion and highly personalised attention to detail, all day and every day, at Domaine La Butte aux Bois.

TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN BELGIUM
African drumming, a Segway tour, or maybe some sheep herding? Dinner and dance, spa time, or perhaps wine tasting? What better way to thank your staff and colleagues for their hard work and bring them closer together than with team-building activities in Belgium?

We love working with our fantastic partners to host perfect team-building activities in Belgium. Maastricht Events Company is one of our partners of Domaine La Butte aux Bois and would be delighted to create your bespoke programme.

ACTIVITIES
Hotel near Maastricht
Just 5km to Maastricht, 25 minutes’ drive to the German border and 1.5 hours’ drive to Brussels – the ‘capital of Europe’. Domaine La Butte aux Bois in Lanaken is centrally located in the east of Belgium’s Flemish province of Limburg.

All tastes are catered for: extensive shopping and cultural attractions in Maastricht, Antwerp, Hasselt, Tongeren, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Aachen and Liège; hiking trails, cycle routes, bridle paths and waterways; championship golf courses such as the Maastricht International Golf Course and the Spiegelven Golf Club at Genk.

SURROUNDINGS
La Butte aux Bois is an estate in a varied region where pampering with great class belongs to the traditions. You will find Domaine La Butte aux Bois centrally located in the east of Belgian Limburg just five kilometres from Maastricht, a mere 25 minutes drive to the German border and 75 minutes from Brussels, the ‘capital of Europe’.

The possibilities are endless: extensive shopping opportunities and cultural attractions in Maastricht, Aachen, Hasselt, Tongeren, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Liège and Antwerp.

Moreover, you can also indulge in sports: walking paths, cycling routes, bridle paths starting from the front door, marinas and golf courses such as the Maastricht International Golf Course and the Spiegelven Golf Club in Genk.

NATURE & LUXURY
A green oasis on the hotel’s doorstep
Pine forests, heathland, streams, canals and little lakes make Hoge Kempen one of Europe’s most romantic national parks. A natural paradise on the doorstep of our luxury Relais & Châteaux hotel, best explored on one of the hotel’s rental bikes, Domaine La Butte aux Bois adjoins this green oasis.

The canals of Limburg are a watersports haven, and for those who aren’t tempted by canoeing, kayaking or sailing, there are more than 2,000km of car-free, signposted paths alongside the waterways that are perfect for cyclists, joggers, Nordic walkers and hikers.

SHOPPING
International city flair in three nations
A shopping spree along Düsseldorf’s Königsallee? Trips to Cologne, Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp or Liège? A tour of Aachen’s old town and its splendid houses? La Butte aux Bois is surrounded by attractive towns and cities that make easy day-trip destinations.

Relais & Châteaux hotel near Maastricht, a European city
Just 5km separate Lanaken (Belgium) from Maastricht (Holland). The border city of Maastricht is one of the country’s oldest and boasts excellent shopping opportunities as well as a vibrant arts and cultural scene.

The TEFAF antiques fair – the most important of its type – takes place annually, attracting dealers, collectors and high-society figures from all over the world.

Outlet shopping in Maasmechelen Village
From B for Boss to V for Versace, a 10-minute drive from our Relais & Châteaux hotel near Maastricht, Maasmechelen Village (www.maasmechelenvillage.com) will wow fashionistas with its spectacular prices! Open every day, the village features around 100 top international labels.

Tongeren antiques market
The nearby Sunday antiques and flea market in Tongeren may be less exclusive, but is equally atmospheric. The largest market in the whole of Benelux, it takes over half the old town with tempting items at affordable prices. Set off at 6am, pause for breakfast in a bistro and watch the world go by.

HISTORY & CULTURE
Delight in the culture that surrounds our luxury hotel near Maastricht. During your stay at Domaine La Butte aux Bois, experience an excursion to one of the many interesting places nearby. Our multilingual reception team will be pleased to help you organise your day trip.

Culture in the coal mine
The Belgian province of Limburg was a major coal-mining area for many centuries. Although coal production has now ceased, the mines are still active – particularly the C-mine in Genk (www.c-mine.be), now home to a large arts and cultural centre with studios, a museum, an interactive mine and concert hall.

Climbing the old shaft tower is highly recommended, as is a visit to porcelain designer Piet Stockmans’ showroom www.pietstockmans.com.

Belgian wine
As well as consuming more Champagne than anyone else in the world, the Belgians produce exceptional wine. To try it for yourself, visit charismatic vintner Jaap van Rennes at his ‘wine castle’, Wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen. His white wines are wonderful and a wine list must-have for all the top restaurateurs in Flanders.

Culinary delights
There are more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in Belgium than in any other European country. Countless smaller cafés and restaurants serve local specialities that combine a down-to-earth quality with a distinctly French inspiration.

With more than 140 breweries around the country, Belgian beer is as varied as any in the world. It was added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016 in recognition of its long history and outstanding quality.

GOLF
For fantastic golf in Belgium, guests at Domaine La Butte aux Bois can take a day trip to Championship golf courses such as our preferred partner Golf & Country Club De Herkenbosche. Also located nearby, golf course The Spiegelven in the middle of wooded nature.

The Spiegelven golf course features a fine large terrace with a view over the greens… for stunning views from the moment you tee off. Other locations are Rijk van Margraten, Het Hoenshuis, International Golf Maastricht and Golf Club Brunsummerheide.

Website: www.labutteauxbois.be

Rooms: 59

Price: from 140 EUR per night