The perfect daytrip

Up in the air
Haute cuisine in a hot-air balloon
A special day does not have to be location-specific. In fact, sometimes you don't even have both feet on the ground. The feet go off the floor at a dinner in the sky, at CuliAir Sky Dining to be precise. How does that work? This once-in-a-lifetime experience was devised by master chef Angélique Schmeinck, who you may have seen cooking the stars from the sky on television channel 24Kitchen. And now she does the same in a very special way: high in the sky, in the world's only hot-air balloon restaurant. 'Is there even room for a kitchen there?' you will think. Indeed, the creative master chef uses the heat of the hot-air balloon, which acts as an enormous hot-air oven. And not the least creations come out of it. For example, how about Scottish lobster cooked under a hot-air balloon? Now that's some high-altitude enjoyment. Add to this culinary spectacle a phenomenal view and your day can't fail.culiair.nl

Hop on a boat
Sail to Vuurtoreneiland
Who gets on the ship to Vuurtoreneiland, in the Markermeer off the coast of Durgerdam in Amsterdam-Noord, is not just waiting for a day out, but rather a mini holiday in your own country. On the deserted private island, there is nothing but tranquillity: the only buildings you will find are a lighthouse (Amsterdam's only one), a dilapidated fort and the summer restaurant. From May to September, you dine there in a transparent glass greenhouse, sheltered from any rain and wind. In the winter months, from October to mid-May, the culinary activities move to the winter restaurant inside the fort, in the bombproof barracks to be precise. It's not draining: with blankets, candles and a fireplace, the brigade creates an intimate atmosphere there. How to get there? From the Veemkade near the Amsterdam Lloyd Hotel, you sail the historic IJveer XIII across the IJ towards the Markermeer near Durgerdam. During the one-hour boat trip, the first snacks are already being served. Before you know it, the island looms in the distance and it's time to go ashore from the water. This is quite special, because until recently, the island in the IJdoornpolder was not open to the public. Only the Engel family had access, who watched over the pristine nature as lighthouse keepers. It is now the job of the Forestry Commission to protect and conserve its natural values. As a visitor, you therefore do your bit to preserve nature. You may spot stray animals or rare flora. Between the six courses, there is plenty of time to explore the small island. The harvest from the Beemster and local vegetables can be found on your plate, while you can stare endlessly at the horizon. The emphasis is on vegetables, complemented by fish and meat prepared on an open fire according to the head-to-tail method, so as not to waste anything. Satisfied and fanned out, it's time to head home, but not without dessert. You can eat it on board on the way back. What a day.vuurtoreneiland.nl

Walk the walk
Dreamy country walks in Somerset
Castles, estates and lush gardens. Sounds like a fairy tale, but you'll find it in the English county of Somerset. Country walks abound: from a coastal walk along the northern cliffs of Exmoor National Park, a climb to medieval Dunster Castle to a visit to the fragrant gardens of stately Montacute House. The possibilities are endless. For instance, how about a hike to Glastonbury Tor? Outside the city, at the end of a spiral path lies the medieval St Michaels Tower on a hill. Here you imagine yourself in the time of King Arthur and everyday life seems very far away for a while. That comes a little closer again with a visit to Durslade Farmhouse in Somerset, which may date from the eighteenth century, but is bursting with contemporary art under the wings of the Hauser & Wirth art gallery. Surrounded by a lush landscape garden designed by Dutch garden architect Piet Oudolf, you can wander, enjoy art, dine and stay here to your heart's content. Before a walk, stock up on some local provisions at the Durslade Farm Shop, or knock on the door of the Roth Bar & Grill for a seasonal dish from its own farm and walled garden. At the end of the day, art rooms with Egyptian cotton bedding await you. If you're smart, let a visit to our English neighbours coincide with the famous Glastonbury Festival, which, after previous postponements, is finally about to happen again. On the grounds of Worthy Farm - a hilly landscape between the villages of Pylle and Pilton - artists like Billie Eilish and Diana Ross will rock the English landscape. But first, enjoy what nature has to offer. Enjoy!dursladefarmhouse.co.ukglastonburyfestivals.co.uk