Beer, chocolate, and a cheeky little statue — Brussels has long been defined by its indulgences and quirks. Visitors flock to sip Trappist brews in tiled taverns, hunt down the city’s best pralines, and snap a photo of Manneken Pis doing what he does best. But just 15 minutes away from the city centre lies an alternative way to experience the eccentric city at The National Hotel Brussels, a refined new destination located directly on the prestigious The National Golf Brussels course.
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Quiet Luxury by the Greens at The National
From the outside, The National Hotel feels quietly assured — all clean lines, soft stone, and expansive glass that reflects the sprawling green of the golf course surrounding it. Inside, Belgian architect Olivier Dwek continues that conversation with nature — warm woods, textured stone, and natural light creating a space that feels more like a sanctuary than a city hotel.
The National Hotel comprises 150 thoughtfully appointed rooms, including 30 suites and 12 junior suites, many with private terraces and expansive views across the rolling hills and an adjacent golf course, reinforcing the hotel’s position as a unique destination immersed in nature.
The Fairway at Your Doorstep
Just beyond the hotel’s sculpted façade, manicured greens roll out in every direction — the domain of The National Golf Brussels. Crafted by renowned architect Bruno Steensels, this 18-hole championship course stretches over six kilometres of gently undulating terrain, challenging and charming in equal measure. It’s a unique setting that offers hotel guests the rare luxury of stepping from suite to fairway in minutes.
With extensive practice facilities, sweeping putting greens, and a compact six-hole course for quick rounds, it turns a day of golf into something altogether richer — a full-scale experience that’s as social as it is sporting.
After a golf lesson with one of the club’s instructors, we’re able to retreat to one of Belgium’s most advanced wellness destinations just moments away, thanks to the hotel’s partnership with David Lloyd Sterrebeek. Here, we have full use of state-of-the-art facilities: indoor and outdoor pools, an impressive gym with a seemingly endless variety of exercise classes, restorative spa treatments, and even tennis courts inviting a slower kind of indulgence. It’s this blend of movement and mindfulness that defines The National’s take on Brussels luxury.
Stoke Bar & Grill: Vibrant Dining with South American Soul
Following a round on the greens and a restorative spell in the sauna, the evening calls for something indulgent — and Stoke Bar & Grill, the hotel’s restaurant, delivers just that. Designed by Wil Erens, the space is colourful and eclectic, pulling Amazonian and South-American influence in stark contrast with the quiet modernism of the rest of The National Hotel.
Stoke is a contemporary grill house offering sharing plates with a South American influence, alongside perfectly cooked fish and prime cuts of meat grilled in-house. Seasonal vegetables and decadent sides complement each dish, with the menu focusing on high-quality ingredients and straightforward, well-executed flavours.
We savour perfectly seared kingfish and delicate tuna carpaccio, paired with creamed spinach, aubergine with puy lentils and garlic yoghurt, and rustic bruschetta — my ideal kind of dinner, where everything is beautifully plated in the centre and everyone can pick and choose. Accompanying the food is a creative wine menu, curated by Belgian sommelier Christy Verhoeven (or ‘Le Nez’) and featuring a number of organic and biodynamic wines from the surrounding regions, with a focus on female winemakers, which is a really nice touch.
Each of the creatives involved in the conception of the hotel have been able to make their own mark, and Stoke feels genuinely special, holding its own with a thoughtfully curated and well-executed menu. While the hotel’s décor is beautiful and the overall experience undeniably luxurious, Stoke is a destination in its own right — well worth a visit.
City Adventures Within Easy Reach of The National
And of course, just 15 minutes away from the tranquility of The National Hotel lies Brussels’ city centre. This makes for the perfect day out — a bit of sightseeing, even more fantastic food, and the chance to wander through charming streets, historic squares, and hidden chocolate shops before returning to the calm of The National Hotel. The centre of Brussels is very walkable, with an interesting history which is well worth an explore with Brussels by Foot, who offer a range of walking tours. The ‘highlights’ tour is fantastic for a first-timer in Brussels, meanwhile the ‘crime’ tour offers something a little bit different!
A Taste of Brussels
Exploring a new city works up an appetite, and Brussels is brimming with exceptional culinary spots. On this crisp autumn evening, it feels almost sacrilegious not to pause for a Belgian beer (or two!) while people-watching from a terrace at one of the many bars on the cobbled streets of Sablon, soaking in the atmosphere before dinner.
A dinner at Michelin Guide restaurant Umā unfolds like a well‑composed symphony. We begin with delicate amuse-bouches and a sea‑bass ceviche with mango foam, where Japanese precision meets the boldness of Peruvian flavours. The interior mirrors the cuisine: whitewashed brick walls, contemporary art, and an open kitchen alive with flame and technique. By the time dessert arrives, you’ve travelled far from the usual Brussels plate — this is modern bistronomy with intent and finesse, where every dish is thoughtfully balanced, beautifully presented, and utterly memorable.
For a more traditional affair, Belga Queen to the North of the city centre offers an elevated approach at typical Belgian cuisine. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th‑century bank building in the heart of Brussels, Belga Queen exudes quiet elegance from the moment you step beneath its domed ceiling and grand columns. The menu honours Belgium’s culinary heritage — with time‑tested classics such as waterzooi, shrimp croquettes, and fresh shellfish — reimagined with polish and precision.
Returning to Calm at The National
After a day of city sights, golf, wellness, and world-class dining, returning to the quiet luxury of The National Hotel feels like slipping into a private sanctuary. There’s a simple joy in sinking into a plush, king-sized bed with a glass of wine from the mini-bar in hand and a single, exquisite Belgian praline on the bedside table — a moment that feels indulgent and utterly deserved. With Brussels just a swift train ride from London, The National Hotel strikes the perfect balance between city adventure and wellness retreat, offering both the energy of the capital and the restorative calm of an escape in nature.
