Travel Agent - August 27, 2007 - (Page 29) volleyball court, mountain bike rentals, and jogging trails, one need not venture into Brussels to pursue a fullday’s adventure. Two capable restaurants add a professional culinary element that rounds out a visitor’s experience. L’Argan, the less formal of the two, doubles as a 320-seat group eating and breakfast room. Tre-O is a sleek, intimate space for 54 diners, whose executive head chef, Pascal Marcin, presents a three-pronged approach to each menu item (chicken prepared three ways, foie gras prepared three ways, etc.). Those seeking relaxation with a spirit in-hand are well served: Badian Lobby Bar offers a full line up of drinks in an open, meet-and-greet atmosphere, complete with Manoir de Lebioles Hotel (top); Sequoia Suite at Dolce fireplace and TV room. The La Hulpe Brussels (bottom) Oak Bar presents a sedate, intimate room—the perfect place to unwind with a late-night drink. having been meticulously crafted to take The resort pays 10 percent advantage of the individual layout of each commission. Agents with requests for VIP space. The Suite Royale is the hotel’s top clients can contact Paul VanWijk (paul. room, a decadent 750-square-foot space vanwijk@dolce.com); +32 2 290 98 00. located within the manor’s alcove. With two fireplaces and views of the gardens, The Belgian Countryside it’s truly a first-class setting. Known by locals as the “Versailles of What the rooms share is overflowthe Ardennes,” Manoir de Lebioles (www. ing elegance that leaves visitors feeling manoirdelebioles.com) was constructed pampered if not privileged. Whether it’s in the early 20th century on a hill above soaking in a tower room bath, enjoying the town as a summer palace for royalty. an in-room breakfast in a nook overlookIt was neglected and fell into disrepair at ing the Ardennes, or reading a book the end of the 20th century, before underby a crackling in-room fireplace, each going substantial renovation and reopenroom awards its guests with sumptuous ing to the public in September 2006. decadence. Standard amenities include Today, the manor’s warm, lush lobby air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, DVD and opens to reveal meticulously kept gardens CD players, and Wi-Fi. All bathrooms are and an expansive terrace, the Ardennes richly appointed and include bidet, bathtub hills unfolding gently in the distance. and shower stall. Wooden flooring sets a Inside, 16 lavish rooms and suites clean, sleek look. (the latter a reflection of size only, No mention of the manor would be not amenities or character) integrate complete without equal emphasis on its harmoniously into the property’s regal world-class cuisine. Chef Olivier Tucki, personality, with bold, rich tones and an acclaimed European chef, is a master materials. No room is like another, each at preparing fresh, local ingredients that Resources Several airlines provide direct service from the United States to Brussels, including American, Continental, Delta, Jet Airways, Northwest, United, US Airways and Brussels Airlines. Information and Tours For detailed information on Belgium, contact the Belgian Tourist Office at 212-758-8130 or visit www.visitbelgium. com. The tourist office (www.visitbelgium. com/touroperators.htm) can recommend dozens of capable tour operators. Dining Superb dining experiences abound throughout Belgium, with more than seven dozen Michelin-starred restaurants. For a detailed listing, visit www. visitbelgium.com/restaurants.htm. For photos and reviews of hundreds of Belgian restaurants with a focus on the Brussels region, visit www.sensum.be. Shopping Brussels presents shopping opportunities for every budget and taste. Those seeking fashion will find great selections along Antoine Dansaert Straat. For those with a longing for an upscale and trendy environment, the area around Avenue Louise abounds with the top international names. All visitors should pay a visit to Gallerie St. Hubert, a 160-year-old, glass-roofed collection of high-end shops and cafés comprising Europe’s oldest shopping arcade. arouse the senses in full gastronomic vigor. Preparations favor light, healthy cuisine with sophisticated presentation; menus are seasonal and constantly changing. Top clients can take advantage of the property’s helipad, bypassing the 90minute drive from Brussels. The resort pays 8-10 percent commission. Contact Peter Biesmans for VIP requests (manoir@manoirdelebioles. com); +32 49 87 79 1900. August 27, 2007 TravelAgent 29 http://www.visitbelgium.com/ http://www.visitbelgium.com/ http://www.visitbelgium.com/touroperators.htm http://www.visitbelgium.com/touroperators.htm http://www.visitbelgium.com/restaurants.htm http://www.visitbelgium.com/restaurants.htm http://www.sensum.be http://www.manoirdelebioles.com http://www.manoirdelebioles.com
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