THE STORY: Hasselt is so svelt! Especially when you set down your suitcases at the charming little Hemelhuy hotel tucked away in a peaceful, verdant courtyard in the center of the Dutch-speaking city, run by friends Liesbeth Van den Bossche and Ann Walraevens. There, you’ll find eight rooms named after gemstones (Topaze, Onyx, Opale), all of which are dressed in naturally beautiful materials – whitewashed walls, Belgian linen sheets, mohair bedspreads, terra cotta tiling – vintage furniture here and there, and come equipped with bathrooms that have rainfall shower heads. Certain rooms, like the Onyx and the Aigue-marine also boast bathtubs, and the Opale even has a kitchenette! In short, the perfect spot to start your morning off right and recuperate at the end of a long day. Double rooms starting at €150 a night. // Eddie Muffin

TOILETRIES: L:a Bruket soap, shampoo and body wash.

BREAKFAST: €25, featuring hot drinks, fresh juice, viennoiseries, breads, jams, fresh fruit, along with eggs, cheese, charcuterie, granola and homemade yogurt… Savor it all in the magnificent dining room with views of the garden, or even seated outside when the sun’s out.

LITTLE LUXURY: Leave with one of the beautiful ceramic or clay pieces from which you drank your coffee (€19.50 for a cup, €25 for a bowl).