SAPIENS TRAVEL SLEEPS: DE DURGERDAM

On the serene shores of Lake Markermeer, just 20 minutes from the center of Amsterdam, Durgerdam offers a rare paradox: the feeling of being far away from everything, with the city still within a short bike ride. In this village of crooked houses and a silence punctuated by seagulls, you'll find Hotel De Durgerdam, my new favorite in the Netherlands. It’s a property that embraces guests with the warmth of a home and the flavor of an impeccable gastronomy.

Arrival and Check-in…

You can arrive by bike, car, or even by boat, a hint at the slow-living rhythm this experience invites. I haven’t yet had the chance to arrive by boat, but right after leaving Amsterdam and passing through the modern commercial district in the city’s eastern part, you begin to feel the idyllic atmosphere of the village. On a sunny day like the one I had during my stay, the sun sets directly over the lake, casting the perfect twilight across the pier where the small De Mark restaurant is located.

Check-in is cordial and delightfully informal, handled inside De Mark itself. The same staff who welcome you will walk you to your room. The hotel has created an arrival experience that is both elegant and relaxed, something no large hotel could replicate, and from the very first moment, you feel more like a guest in someone’s village home than a traveler at a hotel.

I stayed in the annex building, facing a small, well-tended garden and with a private entrance separate from the main house. There are only 14 rooms in total, 4 in the main building and 10 in the guesthouse that make up the hotel.

THE INTERIORS and the Rooms…

The architecture preserves the charm of old wooden houses, but inside reveals a soul full of character. The interior design is warm and welcoming without falling into clichés, featuring original pieces, natural textures, artwork on the walls, and a color palette that balances elegance and comfort. Everything feels carefully and lovingly selected.

The rooms are equipped with all the necessary amenities for a great stay, including perfect linens to lull you into a restful night’s sleep. The large windows, overlooking the water or the quaint village, are framed by soft linen curtains that filter the light, completing the ideal setting for an unhurried retreat.

THE gastronomy AND THE BAR…

The heart of the hotel beats at De Mark, its restaurant with tables set right on the pier. The dishes celebrate local cuisine with inventiveness and a deep respect for seasonality. Delicious house-made breads, vegetables from nearby gardens, and freshly caught fish tell the story of the village, bite by bite. Everything is served with the lightness of a friendly dinner party, only here, it’s crafted by chefs who understand the alchemy of flavour and memory.

And if it seemed impossible to create an even more intimate atmosphere, De Durgerdam offers a cozy library lounge with a fireplace and a rare gem in Europe these days: an honesty bar. Just like the nearby farms, where you buy cheese, berries, or flowers and leave your payment in a small box, here, trust is part of the experience. Ending the night in this setting, flipping through art and design books, sipping a final glass of wine before heading to bed, is a recipe for romance or one of those unforgettable evenings among friends.

ACTIVITIES…

Keep in mind, the hotel is located just 15 minutes by car from Amsterdam, making it easy to catch any show or explore the city’s highlights, and still be back in time for dinner at De Mark. A walk through the village reveals a charming little center with a quaint church and small shops selling goods from the surrounding farms.

In the summer, it’s possible to swim in the lake, with direct access from the hotel’s pier. For me, a dip in the Markermeer is more than just a refresh, it’s a rite of passage for those wanting to connect with the simplest, most beautiful side of life in Amsterdam.

That’s what De Durgerdam is all about: a stay that touches the essential, where luxury isn’t about display, but about the grace of being well received, of soul-nourishing food, and swims at sunset. A place that feels far away while being just around the corner.

Sapiens Travel offers special rates and exclusive amenities at De Durgerdam. Contact our team!