Those who are in need of a more luxurious getaway or a wellness weekend in the Belgian Ardennes, will be happy to stay at El Clandestino. This boutique cottage is tucked away in a small hamlet called Briscol in the province of Luxemburg. Not only is it perfect for those who are looking for a private and romantic escape with their loved one, it is also an excellent retreat for those who need some time alone, away from all the buzz to destress.
I was invited by El Clandestino as a guest, however my opinion is as always my own.
You can book now using my discount code “WANDERISTA21” and get a 30€ discount on the first night. If you book 2 or more nights, this code also gives you a free wine and champaign package! This discount is valid until December 31 2021.
A perfect wellness weekend in the Belgian Ardennes at El Clandestino
El Clandestino’s (unintentional secret) concept
El Clandestino did not steal its name. The cottage, that looks more like a lodge, is hidden in the small town Briscol, about 20 km from Durbuy and La Roche-en-Ardenne, Its front has only two tiny windows upstairs to make sure no one knows what happens behind its wooden closed door. Also from the back, where the parking lot is situated, you cannot see what happens inside or on the terrace. It is very private. So private actually, that it gets rented out now and then to secret lovers! Even though they named it El Clandestino, according to the nice owner Gregory, they did not mean to make this the concept of the romantic hideaway. But you cannot deny that it is the perfect place for it!
But the main goal of this luxurious getaway in the Belgian Ardennes is for couples to enjoy a nice private romantic wellness weekend without anyone disturbing you. There are a lot of couples coming here on honeymoon, to propose marriage or celebrate an anniversary. Which does not mean you cannot go there on your own either, like I did! Sometimes you just need to treat yourself to some luxurious indulgence and relax!
A luxurious getaway in the Belgian Ardennes
The interior
Like I mentioned earlier, the outside of El Clandestino looks like a wooden cabin, but the interior looks more like an exotic cave. Do not worry, you will not find cave people, fungi, dangerous animals or flying bats here (Just a few flies, thanks to the horrible summer this year. But every window and door has a fly screen). On the contrary, this place is very clean and super comfortable!
The whole place is designed and decorated by local craftsmen with handcrafted wood & forged iron. Which gives this luxurious getaway in the Belgian Ardennes an authentic, rustic and warm cozy look. The cave-like walls are decorated with beautiful mirrors, a big macramé artwork, hanging plants and pretty lamps.
I absolutely loved the kitchen with its wooden kitchen island and a magnificent old black kitchen stove. The brown chesterfield sofa adds sophistication to the cocoon vibes of the seating area with fireplace. And the dinner table and chairs gave me some serious fairytale vibes since they are made out of tree trunks and branches.
An iron spiral staircase takes you to the bedroom and bathroom upstairs. A massive bed with the most comfortable pillows is waiting for you to jump right in! This is one of the few places I have stayed at with some decent pillows. For some reason pillows in hotels or B&Bs are often too soft, so you have to use two, or too hard and thick. I do not need to tell you I had a wonderful night at El Clandestino! Fantastic bed, sheets and pillows!
Another feature I fell in love with was the freestanding bathtub. Located in a corner with hanging plants, it almost made me feel as if I was taking a bath in Bali. So of course I lay in this bath until I was all wrinkled and shrunken!
The wellness at El Clandestino
The aim of this romantic place is to relax and enjoy some wonderful wellness moments. On the downstairs terrace a two person jacuzzi is installed in a beautiful corner that looks like a little cabin on its own. It has a shuttered window frame which overlooks the surrounding meadows of Briscol and its walls are decorated with plants. So it does not matter whether the weather is good or bad. While enjoying the jacuzzi, you are always protected from the rain and the wind (and also from curious neighbors!).
I have spent almost two hours in the jacuzzi, because I loved it so much. While it was pouring with rain, I enjoyed the warmth of the water and the massaging bubbles with a drink in my hand. Absolute bliss!
After the jacuzzi I decided to try the forest sauna which is also located on the downstairs terrace. I did not last long, since I am not a real sauna person, but I have to say I learned to appreciate it more during this stay!
If the weather had been better, I would probably also enjoyed the sun on the lounge chairs on the terrace upstairs. Which had a fantastic sunset view by the way!
The food at El Clandestino
Since you have a complete installed kitchen available at this luxurious stay in the Belgian Ardennes, you can cook your own meals. I noticed a Spar supermarket not too far away at Érezée, which was also open on Sunday (closed on Tuesday). But for those who really want to spoil themselves, El Clandestino offers a 3-course menu for 50€ per person (drinks not included). I did not take it, since I do not like to sit at the table too long on my own (in a restaurant it is different though), but I did take the continental breakfast, which was great (35€ for two)! It consisted of fresh orange juice, a croissant, pain du chocolat, bread rolls, jam, cheese, ham, yoghurt and a big fresh fruit salad.
Small things make a big difference
Everything at El Clandestino is well thought out. Since the whole concept is about a private romantic getaway, you can find the key in a keybox next to the door. You receive its code via Whatsapp upon arrival. Scented candles are spread throughout the cottage. The wood in the fireplace is ready to light. Complimentary chocolates are offered from the local chocolatier Defroidmont, which is situated a little further. Various sizes of slippers and two bathrobes are also available to enjoy your wellness moments to the fullest! You can even find Netflix on the two big screen TVs. And last but not least, the owner Gregory sends you a long list of detailed instructions about your arrival (itinerary, parking, keybox) and on how to use all the appliances (Wi-Fi, TV, microwave, AC, lights, etc) and the jacuzzi and sauna.
What to bring to El Clandestino
- books & board games
- bath foam to enjoy a nice long bath
- comfortable clothes to lounge in
- food, snacks and drinks (you can also order the wine & champaign package (1 bottle of each) for 40€ or a Belgian beer assortment (3 bottles) for 10€
- hiking shoes if you want to hike
What else to do when staying at El Clandestino?
Those who like to stay longer than just a wellness weekend at El Clandestino in the Belgian Ardennes or who prefer to be a little more active, will not get bored. There is plenty to do in the area. Also the owner is thinking about adding two bikes to El Clandestino so you can go out for bike rides! Here are some ideas to visit:
- Chocolatier Defroidmont: this local chocolate maker has a store and a museum at only 350 m from El Clandestino. Discover how they make chocolate and indulge yourself with your favorite chocolates! There are also hikes starting from there.
- Wéris: one of the most beautiful villages of Wallonia, where you will find the fairytale house Maison de Hary Cot and the dolmen of Wéris. From here you can also do various hikes. (read more about Wéris in my “Hidden Gems in Belgium” blog post)
- Ny: another village that belongs to the most beautiful villages of Wallonia list
- Durbuy: the smallest town of Belgium. It contains a lot of beautiful narrow streets with stone-built houses and a castle!
- The Labyrinth of Barvaux-sur-Ourthe: 11 hectares, 600.000 maize grains, 6 km of alleys
- La Roche-en-Ardenne: a town situated by the river Ourthe, which houses a ruined feudal castle, situated on the hill and overlooks the complete town. (find out more about Durbuy & La Roche in “The Ultimate Wallonia Road Trip” blog post)
- Grottes de Hotton: beautiful caves with galleries on a giant scale
- Radhadesh – Château de Petite Somme: this beautiful castle houses a Hare Krishna community. You can visit the castle and its gardens.
Durbuy 
Maison de Hary Cot, Wéris
Book your luxurious stay at El Clandestino in the Belgian Ardennes
One night at El Clandestino costs 280€ on a weekday and 350€ in the weekend or during the holidays.
You can book now using my discount code “WANDERISTA21” and get a 30€ discount on the first night. If you book 2 or more nights this code also gives you a free wine and champaign package! This discount is valid until December 31 2021.
El Clandestino – Briscol 18, 6997 Érezée / www.elclandestino.be / check in: 17.00 – 22.00 ~ check out: 11.00
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