Seize the Day at Manoir Carpe Diem in De Haan

Where: Prins Karellaan 12, De Haan , Belgium, 8420

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Well said, no? And this is exactly what our friends will be doing next month.

Instead of traveling the well-touristed paths in Brussels and Bruge, they're heading to Belgium's North Sea coastline, to the village of De Haan. Never heard of it? Neither had we, but get this. This is where Albert Einstein and Marvin Gaye went to escape the madness.

It obviously has just the right equation to get it on (sorry, couldn't let it pass without a plug for Marv and Al, rest their souls).

Anyway, our friends will be seeking respite from their own crazy lives at an intimate 15-room property called Manoir Carpe Diem. A plum piece of property right next to the forest dunes, beach and promenade, this family-run villa is like a country-style home. English garden, brick terrace, grassy lawns. And the heated outdoor pool is the thing when you can't bare the frigid North Sea waters.

All 15 guest rooms (lofts and suites) have polished wood floors, deep comfy beds, modern baths and free wi-fi. Yahoo. But each room is different. For example, the Sea Loft suite is light and airy with a contemporary motif; there's a dark cherry wood sleigh bed and burgundy/green stripe furnishings in the Ralph Lauren room (what else?), and the Long Island suite in aqua and brown hues features French doors enclosing the bed and sitting areas.

Each morning complimentary breakfast with fresh baked goods is delivered to your room. And evening brings romantic table settings with a regional gourmet menu from the Chef. Here you're guaranteed the freshest mussels, oysters, lobster and crab from local fisherman, and a never-ending flow of Chimay. It IS Belgium.

Word is the local pubs don't close until there's no one left to order a round (we'll drink to that). And there's a tram that shuttles folks up and down the coastline for sightseeing other port villages, all kinds of museums, and more including Marvin's own piano on display. And for the outdoor types, you'll find horseback riding, cycling, and hiking paths near the hotel.

Rates vary by room selection, from USD $200-400. And as the hotel name suggests, the guest mantra here is "Seize the day!" So enjoy every minute.

Stayed at the Manoir Carpe Diem? Let us know how it went in comments below.

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