Domaine de Naxhelet

Wallonia gets short shrift when it comes to tourism, which is a shame given the wealth of attractions in Belgium’s southern region. Take Naxhelet, for example: snug on a verdant plateau between the Mehaigne and Meuse valley, this stately renovated farmhouse offers a healthful quiet that’s a million (metaphorical) miles from Antwerp or Brussels. They wouldn’t have it any other way — Walloons, in true Belgian style, take an enormous amount of pride in the hyper-local way of life.

The main event here is the Naxhelet Golf Club. Martin Hawtree saw to the course architecture, meticulously planning 30 holes with an eye to the the character and view of the landscape. No modern golf course would be complete without a clubhouse, of course, which serves light meals and libations both indoors and out-. For a meal with legs, drift over to La Cuisine, ably honoring the farmhouse’s heritage with seasonal, produce-driven plates — many grown in the on-site gardens.

The hotel’s interiors make excellent use of natural wood in the parquet flooring and beams overhead, retaining the weathered, time-softened vibe that might otherwise have disappeared beneath the renovation’s updates. 33 rooms and a couple spacious suites don’t skimp on the contemporary amenities, though: expect Smart TVs, complimentary wi-fi, Nespresso machines, and elegant marble bathrooms with Italian showers. In case that isn’t enough to relax you fully, there’s also an extensive array of wellness options — indoor pool, sauna, hammam, hot-spring baths, to name a few — and a terrace in every room. Some combination of the above will do the trick, we promise.

How to get there: Naxhelet Golf Club is located approximately 84 km by car from Brussels Airport via E411 and E42.