The story: In Knokke-Heist, the seaside resort long reserved for well-to-do Flemish families and retirees in sleeveless puffer jackets, Villa Bonnie proves that coastal chic doesn’t have to be starched. Behind the rather prim facade of this grand Anglo-Norman villa hides fourteen rooms dressed in sandy tones, light wood floors, plush seating and king-size beds. This is neither a concept-driven boutique hotel nor a seaside guesthouse cluttered with dusty nautical trinkets. Instead, it’s the sort of quietly luxurious retreat made for slowing down between bike rides through the Zwin nature reserve, drinks on the promenade and day trips to neighboring Bruges. The rooms stay naturally cool in summer, ranging from snug little cocoons to junior suites with freestanding bathtubs for those who enjoy a long soak. The greatest luxury of all? The blissful peace and quiet, despite being just a stone’s throw from the busiest stretch of the Belgian coast. Rooms start at €225 per night. · Boubou Encroûte

Toiletries: Clarins shampoo, body wash and soap.

Breakfast: Included, and served in the dining room or on the terrace when the weather’s playing ball, including hot drinks, eggs, cheeses, charcuterie, yogurt and granola, fruit juice and fresh pastries.

Little luxury: Rent one the hotel’s bikes and pedal to the Netherlands or through the Zwin nature park, picnic basket in tow (available on request).