My Favorite Cities for Exclusive Encounters Close to Home
When it comes to memorable encounters, you don’t always need to travel far. Some of the most refined and intimate experiences can be found just across the border—in cities that blend elegance, comfort, and discretion effortlessly. Düsseldorf, Cologne, Maastricht, Brussels, and Antwerp are places I return to often. They’re easy to reach, rich in charm, and offer just the right ambiance for a relaxed, luxurious meeting. Below, I share some of my preferred hotels and upscale restaurants—each one selected for its quality, atmosphere, and discretion.
Düsseldorf – Understated Elegance by the Rhine
Düsseldorf offers a stylish, international atmosphere without feeling overwhelming. The Steigenberger Parkhotel, located on the elegant Königsallee, is a timeless place to stay—refined, peaceful, and discreet. Breidenbacher Hof is another favorite, with a luxurious feel and outstanding service that makes you feel truly taken care of. If you prefer a modern setting, Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf at the harbor offers contemporary comfort in a tranquil part of the city.
For fine dining, Nagaya is an excellent Japanese restaurant with a Michelin star—perfect for a quiet, refined dinner. Im Schiffchen offers classic French cuisine in a cozy, elegant space. And Berens am Kai, located in the MedienHafen, is ideal for those who enjoy modern cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere.
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Cologne – Refined Comfort and a Warm Ambiance
Cologne strikes a nice balance between tradition and modern comfort. Right in the heart of the city, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst provides classic luxury and top-level service in an understated way. Hyatt Regency Cologne, with views of the Rhine, offers generous space and a peaceful atmosphere. For something a little more unique, I also enjoy Wasserturm Hotel Cologne. Housed in a 19th-century water tower, this boutique luxury hotel offers stylish rooms, exceptional architecture, and a rooftop restaurant and bar with striking views over Cologne’s skyline. It’s the perfect mix of character, comfort, and discretion.
There are also several excellent restaurants where you can enjoy a private and tasteful dinner. Le Moissonnier serves refined French cuisine in a lively yet elegant space. Taku, located within the Excelsior, offers stylish Asian fusion in a calm setting. And Ox & Klee, a Michelin-starred venue, combines innovation with warm hospitality and attention to detail.
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Maastricht – Intimate and Relaxed
Maastricht is a city that invites you to slow down. Its historic charm and peaceful streets make it a wonderful place for quiet, meaningful time together. Kruisherenhotel, set in a former monastery, is one of the most unique places to stay—modern interiors meet centuries-old architecture in a serene setting. Château Bethlehem, just outside the city center, offers charm and calm with a personal touch. In the heart of town, Derlon Hotel Maastricht is reliable and central, perfect for a smooth, discreet stay.
On the culinary side, Château Neercanne, located in a peaceful castle setting just outside Maastricht. With baroque gardens and French-oriented menus, meals here feel special without being ostentatious. Beluga Loves You offers a more creative take, while still maintaining a calm and polished atmosphere. Restaurant O focuses on flavor, intimacy, and subtlety—ideal for an evening of relaxed conversation.
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Brussels – International Class with a Personal Touch
Brussels has a worldly elegance to it, without losing its warmth. The Hotel Brussels, high above the city, is sleek and modern, offering beautiful views in a calm, private environment. Hotel Amigo, near the Grand Place, combines classic decor with genuine hospitality. And Steigenberger Wiltcher’s, on Avenue Louise, brings timeless sophistication to one of the city’s most prestigious streets.
For dining, La Villa Emily offers refined French cuisine in an intimate and stylish setting. Kamo in Brussels is an exceptional find. As the only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Belgium, it offers refined dishes with delicate precision and a tranquil atmosphere—perfect for a quiet, elevated dinner. And La Paix, located in Anderlecht, is known for its calm ambiance and beautifully balanced flavors—ideal for a discreet, high-quality dinner.
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Antwerp – Sophisticated, Trendy, and Private
Antwerp is a city that blends design, culture, and comfort in just the right way. One of the finest places to stay is Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, set in a restored monastery next to the botanical gardens. It’s quiet, luxurious, and home to top-rated wellness facilities and Michelin-star restaurants like Hertog Jan and Fine Fleur.
Hotel Julien, with its contemporary style and serene courtyard, is another favorite. And Sapphire House Antwerp, set in a historical building, offers a combination of grandeur and modern comfort.
Dining in Antwerp is a pleasure in itself. DOJO is an excellent upscale Japanese restaurant in Antwerp’s Meatpacking District, known for its refined tasting menus and elegant, discreet atmosphere.. Zilte, perched at the top of the MAS museum, offers refined dishes with panoramic views of the city. And Het Gebaar, nestled near the botanical garden, is a charming and intimate option for an upscale lunch or early dinner.
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Whether it’s a quiet evening in Maastricht, a stylish dinner in Brussels, or a weekend escape to Antwerp, each of these cities offers a unique backdrop for moments that feel relaxed, refined, and memorable. With carefully chosen hotels and restaurants, everything is in place for a special kind of connection—private, effortless, and genuinely enjoyable.