Escaping to the Belgian coast: Suite 133
By: L'Escale Journal
Tags: Travel, Knokke, Review, Belgium, Hotels

Upon the Belgian coast is Knokke-Heist, where visitors swoon to for a fleeting escape. Charming seaside properties are aplenty. And under this category, there’s Suite 133, an apartment stay brought to you by local resident and arbiter of taste, Linda Dossin.

For as long as she can remember, Linda has been passionate about interiors and remodelling old buildings. It ultimately led her to create Escape the Ordinary, a family-run hospitality group, which became a way for Linda to share her proclivity for design with others.

Currently, Escape the Ordinary oversees two premium apartments in Belgium, including Suite 133 that’s ideal for weekenders. Here, the motto is simple: stay, enjoy and inspire. And inside bright and airy interiors, it’s entirely easy to drift from the humdrum of daily life.

I had the chance to speak to the wonderful Linda to find out more about Suite 133 and her enthusiasm for slow living.

You used to run a manor in the Ardennes. What was the story there?

As a young family, we would often escape to the Ardennes on the weekends. The area is fondly referred to as Belgium’s green lungs, and when you visit, you can see why. Nature takes centre stage; it’s so beautiful, making it the perfect place to slow down and relax.

We found a sizeable house here, and since it had more than enough room for the four of us, we thought of sharing it with others. And so Entre Ciel et Terre, which translates to ‘between sky and earth’, was born. It was a luxury bed and breakfast, which we ran for several years.

What was that transition like to Knokke?

As my children grew up and left, it became difficult to maintain the B&B by myself, as my husband worked elsewhere. As a result, we looked towards Knokke, a seaside town in northern Belgium, about a half an hour drive from Bruges. People call Knokke the Monaco of the North, sans the Mediterranean sun. Besides the casino, Knokke has always been a hub for those in the creative fields, and you’ll find plenty of galleries, exhibitions and museums. There’s also the Zoute Grand Prix, an annual art and lifestyle festival featuring luxury cars.

It simply felt like the best place to start our next chapter.

How did you choose a property in Knokke?

To continue offering our hospitality services, I envisioned a getaway that encompassed the luxury of a hotel but with the facilities and convenience of a small apartment. As such, it wouldn’t just be a standard hotel room.

We found the property, but it needed many renovations, which took longer than anticipated. By the time everything was done, it had brought us up to the end of January 2020. But soon after, the Covid-19 pandemic took full force, so we had to close for several months.

Where do you source your decor, and how do you decide what pieces to implement for the interiors?

I’m always on the hunt for tasteful objects. My children tease me, as I can never resist spending copious time inside antique shops or markets.

For Suite 133, I prioritised finding items that inspired mindfulness through simplicity. I like a more minimal style, and where the place is light-filled, I naturally gravitate towards raw, earthy materials and colours.

What do you hope your guests takeaway after a stay at Suite 133?

I always say that when you stay with us, you’re not merely booking a room. You’re booking a lifestyle. I consider Suite 133 as more than just a physical space because I want it to provoke a calm feeling where the guest experience is concerned.

Our goal is to foster the art of slow living, eliciting comfort and contentment. I hope our guests feel like they have managed to rest, create memories, and appreciate the beauty that lies in a muted, understated surrounding.

What are your favourite things to do in Knokke, and what are some points of interest that you would recommend to guests?

Knokke is a natural beauty, and I enjoy taking in the scenes, going on walks and hikes. Since it’s not too far away, many people cycle from here to the historic centre of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a great way to get outdoors and be active. For more sporty activities, there’s also the Royal Zoute Golf Club.

The town draws in many international artists, architects, sculptors and painters, and so the nearby galleries are a joy to visit as they hold exciting exhibitions throughout the year.

Indeed, you’ll find plenty of luxe restaurants and high-end shops. And as mentioned earlier, a casino for anyone looking to try their luck.

Although international travel has been unsteady, where do your guests mainly come from?

Many of our guests are here for staycations, coming from all parts of Belgium. Recently, we also have had a lot of visitors from the Netherlands, Germany, Luxemburg, England and Russia.

What can we expect from your brand in the coming months?

As a family-owned hospitality group, we try to offer a unique, personable hospitality experience through all our endeavours. We are constantly searching for exciting projects, but I consider ourselves a work-in-progress. I would say: stay tuned…