A Serene Retreat at Domaine des Hautes Fagnes in Belgium

Deep in the Ardennes, where the High Fens roll out toward the horizon, Domaine des Hautes Fagnes turns a weekend away into something closer to a full reset. This is our honest, first-hand look at the rooms, the spa, and the little details that made our stay one to remember.

• Immersive suites with private nature-inspired experiences
• A 2,500 m² spa that alone is worth the trip
• Front-row access to the High Fens for hiking and alpaca walks

First impressions 🏡

Set in the quiet village of Ovifat, this 4-star retreat greets you with the kind of calm that makes you slow down before you've even unpacked. The 70 rooms and suites strike a balance between comfortable and genuinely memorable, and the property is just as suited to a romantic weekend as it is to a business seminar.

We stayed in Suite 118, and it set the tone for the whole trip: spacious, quiet, and thoughtfully designed down to the last detail.

Where you'll sleep 🛏️

Every room is designed around comfort first: a plush bed, a well-finished bathroom, and enough space to actually relax rather than just pass through. Suites add a separate lounge area, ideal if you're staying a few nights.

The wellness experience 💆🏻♀️

The hotel's 2,500 m² wellness centre is reason enough to book a stay. Between the indoor heated pool, the sauna and Turkish bath, and an outdoor area with several bubble baths, it's easy to lose an entire afternoon here without noticing.

We treated ourselves to a relaxation massage, and it was, without exaggeration, one of the highlights of the whole trip.

Into the Fens: outdoor adventures 🌲

The surrounding High Fens are a hiker's dream, but the real surprise of our stay was the alpaca walk organised by the hotel. Gentle, curious, and each with a distinct personality, the alpacas made for wonderfully calm company along the trail, guided by a hotel staff member who clearly knew the animals well.

The alpaca walk turned out to be the quiet highlight of our entire stay.

The rolling hills and distant sounds of wildlife made it feel like a genuine pause from everyday life, not just a photo opportunity.

Dining at the Domaine 🍽️

Two restaurants sit on-site, giving guests a real choice depending on the mood of the evening. A relaxed brasserie serves generous, comforting dishes that mix traditional and modern flavours, while a more refined French restaurant leans into elegance for a special dinner. Both draw on the calm of the surrounding Ardennes to round out the experience.

Good to know 📌

Planning your stay

1. Book your room or suiteSuites are worth the upgrade if you want the immersive nature experience.
2. Reserve your spa slot earlyTreatments get busy on weekends, book ahead where you can.
3. Add an alpaca walkCheck availability directly with the hotel when you arrive, or ask when booking.
4. Choose your restaurantPick brasserie or fine dining depending on the night, both are worth trying if you stay more than once.