Amsterdam Unfiltered: a TMTY (Train Me To You) Escape
If you’re longing for a city escape from London, and you’ve already been to Paris one too many times (even if I would personally say it’s never too many times in Paris, but shame that Parisians are part of the equation), a convenient Eurostar train ride can teleport (well, not really: you’ll have to put up with an awfully overcrowded lounge and extremely frustrating WiFi on the train, much better not to attempt connecting to the internet) to Amsterdam!
As cold, rainy, and gloomy as the UK, and the first (and hopefully the only) country in the EU implementing a new tax on unrealised gains at a rate of 36%: welcome to the idyllic Netherlands!
Luckily, the wonderful company made the whole trip!
But let’s cut to the chase and get into the details, as I know you’re all here for the travel recs. Funny thing is, I’ve now received messages from two different women, not involved with the companionship world, saying they check my blog/site monthly for travel and dining spots. So let’s give the people what the people want!
Amsterdam Hotel Recommendations:
Not so recommended: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. The spa was conveniently broken the whole duration of our stay, and it looked rather unappealing anyway. Terrific location in the canals area if exploring on foot only. On the other hand, if you ever need to be picked up/dropped off in a car, it’s a nightmare. The area is packed with tourists, most of whom will be drunk/high/had one too many frites that they will regurgitate on the unlucky passerby’s shoes.
We were staying in two separate rooms, as it’s always required for extended travel so that we don’t end our escape looking like we’ve advanced into senile age due to lack of sleep, and my lover had arranged not one but two bouquets of flowers: a huge one in his suite, and a smaller one in the smaller room for me, where I retire to sleep and have some me time.
Recommended, tried & tested on a personal trip: Conservatorium Hotel (it used to be part of “The Set” (think Hotel Café Royal in London), but, at the time of writing, it seems to now be a Mandarin Oriental. You must get one of the duplex suites if staying there. Pool/spa area is not remarkable compared to some London offerings, but definitely much better than the Sofitel. I also loved the area more (probably because it was walking distance from some of the best shops, hehe).
Amsterdam Restaurant Recommendations:
Spectrum (two Michelin stars): this typical canalside mansion charms with its understated class and graceful elegance, and the view over the inner garden is unique in Amsterdam.
My favourite dishes: the caviar & truffle amuse-bouche, and the dessert, which was really fun.
The other dishes were also outstanding and really well presented (only a few pictured; it was a long tasting menu, and I didn’t feel like taking my phone out 27 times).
MOS (one Michelin star). Picture the scene: as you take in the magnificent view of the IJ, a luxury yacht appears to sail right past you. Perched at the very tip of the IJdok, MOS boasts a location like no other!
A bunch of canal-side bistros with pretty views and unremarkable food that turns delicious after one too many glasses of wine!
Breakfast in bed.
Amsterdam Activities Recommendations:
Watching the sunset over the Amsterdam roofs
Lingerie shopping at Pleasurements (we need more shops like this in London!)
Lingerie modelling
Shopping in general
Canal walks
Spa treatments
Last but not least, we spent a super fun day being chauffeured around cheese farms and windmills! Now, that’s a change of scenery! Call me a woman of the people.
Amsterdam might not be my favourite city in the world, but anywhere with the right company, some caviar & truffles, and a cheeky shopping spree can turn into an unforgettable escape.
P.S.: I do wonder how the Netherlands' newly introduced tax on unrealised gains will work. If someone racks up unrealised losses, do they get a big payout from the government? It would only be fair!
Ready to make some memories together? Get in touch :)