Friday 6 December 2013

BEAUTIFUL BRUGES!

*****
Back from beautiful Bruges....and it was everything we had hoped it would be.
Three wonderfully relaxing days, in this stunning Flemish City......beautiful hotel, wonderful restaurants, and a magical Christmassy atmosphere.  The perfect spoiling birthday and pre festive treat!






'Pand Hotel' Bruges


We stayed at the gorgeous 'Pand Hotel', which is part of the 'Small romantic luxury hotels of the World' group......it was indeed luxurious and very romantic.  It was kindly recommended through my friend Greet Lefèvre (of the beautiful Belgium design blog 'Belgian Pearls'......thank you so much Greet, what a fabulous address tip!


Pand Hotel......Cosy bar.






Housed in a former 18th century carriage house, in a quiet cobbled side street in the heart of Bruges, steps away from the historic Market Place, Burg Square, the canal, museums and boutiques. The Pand is a 26 bedroom boutique hotel, and is a member of the 'Small Luxury Hotels of the World' and 'Romantic Hotels International'.
  Beautifully decorated throughout, with close attention to detail.......gorgeous antique pieces, amidst sumptuous soft furnishings, and flowers and candles throughout.  We felt instantly relaxed and at home and made to feel so welcome by their charming and friendly staff.






The stylish small bar and warm and elegant drawing room were a lovely place to enjoy early evening drinks.......







Our bedroom too, was wonderfully comfortable and beautifully decorated.....








Equally gorgeous, was the fresh and pretty breakfast room......




....where we and fellow guests started the day with a superb breakfast, cooked in front of us.....accompanied by a very decadent glass of champagne no less!




Perfectly fuelled for the day ahead on each of the two mornings, we enjoyed walking for hours in the winter sunshine.....following the canal that surrounds this beautiful medieval City....admiring the stunning Flemish architecture and historical sites...stopping for hot chocolate and lunch....watching the skaters in the central square by the Christmas market and generally enjoying the very festive atmosphere. 














The perfect weather was such a bonus....cold but sunny....no wind, so the still waters of the canal were a perfect mirror, reflecting the many beautiful houses along its route.





















Our visit would not have been complete of course, without a visit to one of Bruges many famous chocolate shops!  A few delicious looking boxes made their way home with us, to enjoy with family and friends over the Christmas period....let's hope they last that long!



Evenings took on an even more magical atmosphere, as the City's Christmas lights sparkled in abundance.......







Although we would have been spoilt for choice amongst Bruges' many superb restaurants, we took the personal recommendation of our friendly Concierge 'Rebecca', who kindly suggested two wonderful restaurants for dinner on each evening.....both delicious food and great atmosphere!

For your address book:

Restaurant 'Couvert' (www.couvert-brugge.be)
Restaurant 'Quatre Mains' (www.4mains.com)
'The Pand Hotel' (www.pandhotel.com)


In all, a very lovely few days away!

*****

Wishing you a very happy weekend....

Sophia xx

2 comments:

  1. Dearest Sophia,
    I am so pleased you enjoyed Bruges and your stay at The Pand Hotel! I knew you would!
    What a gorgeous pictures you posted! Bruges is so romantic in this time of the year! You are so lucky to have had the opportunity to see all the Christmas decorations.
    Happy weekend my friend!
    xx
    Greet

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  2. Dear Sophia,

    The Pand hotel looks like a beautiful place. I will write it down, for when I visit next time. Very pretty photo's of Brugge too. It is an enchanting little town!

    Happy weekend!

    Madelief x

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