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A Boutique Hotel to Match Bruges. Martin's Relais

When in Bruges, it's easy to let yourself taken on a journey back in time. The fairy-tale like medieval buildings, the charming canals and the romantic squares create a magnificent painting of how life used to be in another era.

At Martin's Relais Hotel however, the magic never dissipates. On the contrary, the amazing feeling lives on even after you cross the threshold. This is the only boutique hotel in the city centre of Bruges. It is housed in five historic buildings that during seven long centuries served as patrician residences, a tavern, a factory, storage space and haven for refuges.

Today, the hotel is a sweet combination between classic and modern comforts. Situated just minutes away from Grote Markt, in a serene part of the city not precisely in the way of the tourists, Martin's Relais is elegant without rubbing it in your face.

Each of the rooms are uniquely decorated, some with exposed wooden beams, some with a canal view... Ours faced the generous interior garden, so secluded and intimate... A modern bathroom complemented the spacious room with a huge bed.

But it was the squeaky wardrobe that captivated our imagination the most. We kind of expected to step into Narnia every time we opened its old, massive doors. There was something enchanting about it, and somehow I convinced myself that the sounds it made were actually words from a story... the story of how the large, dark wardrobe traveled through space and time all the way to our hotel room.

To say Martin's Relais is full of character, is an understatement. From the moment you enter the front courtyard, it's easy to see this place is quite different. A beautiful glass and iron veranda welcomes the visitors and lures them in. And inevitably, the first impression is that it looks rather like a private residence than a hotel.

When we stayed with them at the end of November the staircase leading to the main entrance was still decorated with colourful pumpkins, but inside it was already superbly decked up and all ready for the festive atmosphere of Christmas.

We loved that they put so much thought into decorating for the season, but we could easily tell the lobby is just as charming any time of the year. The fireplaces, the candles, the beautiful crystal chandeliers, the amazing oak staircase and the fabrics that invite to be touched are all wrapped in a peaceful atmosphere reminiscent of a long lost past.

Breakfast is served in one of the most romantic places possible. Think exposed wooden beams, unbeatable views over the canals, impeccable white tablecloths, attentive staff and beautiful paintings hanging on the walls.

The buffet is abundant and varied, including local delicacies and... and this is our favourite part, champagne! We could easily tell the utmost attention is put every morning into providing the guests with the best start to the day. The big Santa in the middle of the breakfast spread was a bit quirky, but he brought a smile on our faces.

We found it curious that in accordance with the peaceful ambiance of the hotel, guests were also keeping to themselves. It might have been the overcast winter days and the anticipation of the low temperatures outside, but as if by magic, nobody seemed to find many words in the morning. We repeatedly found our way to a table by the window, and caught in a dreamy state of mind, watched the daily local life on the other side of the canal. The mailman, sporadic greeting, a boat, solemn facades with closed windows...

Truth is, there is something about Martin's Relais that invites you to dream. One moment you might be witnessing a thought frenzy under the influence of the beautiful city outside, and the next you can suddenly find yourself caught in the tranquil web of your own thoughts.

Bruges is one of the most charming cities in Europe. Finding a hotel to match was a privilege.

For more information on Martin's Relais or to make a booking, please visit their website.

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