Die Swaene ★★★★

Sadly, we arrived in Bruges on a typically bleak autumnal day, and as raindrops turn to rivulets between the cobbles, I sigh to my partner in exasperation as I fear the worst for our romantic weekend in the capital of the Flemish Region of Belgium. That said, the dreary weather almost made the city more romantic: couples scurried down higgledy-piggledy winding streets, and the traditional Flemish townhouses overlook the canals that shimmer and ripple as the raindrops hit the water.

We hurry on into the inviting warmth of the hotel lobby, where we are greeted warmly by a friendly concierge before being handed a tasselled door key, which looked as though it should be presented on a rich, velvet cushion. The key granted us access to our Standard room hidden away in the eaves of the building. Other rooms are located in the annexe across the canal. Here, some look out over the waterfront, and others are ideally placed for dinner in the charming in-house restaurant. At just thirty rooms, the whole hotel is intimate and cosy, and all are uniquely decorated in a classic, romantic style.

We turned the key in the lock and opened the door to a charming, characterful room. A window at one end let some light in, but with the dimmed lighting of early evening, the floor and bedside lamps gave it an intoxicatingly cosy, homely glow. Two cream, French-style armchairs look perfect to sink into and rest my sore feet, while my partner diligently unpacks his case, putting clothes away in the antique travelling trunk that serves as our wardrobe. Though his six-foot-four frame made the room look small, our large bed more than made up for it. Dressed in soft linens and plush decorative pillows, our bed was so inviting it took all I had not to curl up and doze. While the Belgian weather might have rained on my parade, we certainly had better luck inside the Hotel Die Swaene.

After an indulgent soak in the indoor swimming pool, and a short spell in the sauna, we emerged relaxed, invigorated, and absolutely famished. Once we were freshened up in our expansive bathroom, we crossed to the annexe to the Pergola Kaffee. This gourmet restaurant serves traditional Belgian and Flemish cuisine with a contemporary flair. We entered the chandelier-illuminated conservatory for an aperitif before being shown to the lift which descends to the main restaurant. Here, overlooking the canal, the quiet – almost sleepy – ambience of the restaurant belies its delicious food and high level of service.

On a romantic retreat at the Hotel Die Swaene, we couldn’t exactly bypass the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ menu, and after feasting on King Crab, delicious pork shoulder and an indulgent chocolate brownie, we asked to be escorted to a lounge where we could unwind in comfort. Following an immaculately-dressed member of the concierge, we were shown to a stunning, eighteenth-century salon, illuminated with dazzling chandeliers and adorned with original paintings surrounding the double doors. This awe-inspiring room is a perfectly preserved feature of Bruges’ rich historical heritage.

Waking up the next morning to stunning sunshine, my hopes for salvaging our sentimental sojourn in Bruges were restored, and hand-in-hand, we ventured into the sunny streets outside. Higgledy-piggledy cobbled streets and waterways lined with ancient Flemish townhouses indicate this picturesque city keeps its traditional heritage alive: market stalls and shops selling lace, Bruges’ most famous historical export, line the main square. And, all of the historic charm and beauty of the medieval city still endures in the tranquil, romantic, Hotel Die Swaene.