I used to think only a mix of sun, sea, and sand could fully recharge me. While it is undeniably delightful to spend two weeks lounging on the beach like a starfish, I have come to realize that a truly good staycation can give you that same sense of inner peace in under 24 hours. A night away in your own country can feel like a week-long vacation. Well, if you find yourself in the right place, that is. Welcome to Pillows Hotel, Zwolle.

Seduced with beauty

On a Sunday morning, armed once again with my rolling suitcase, I stand before Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Ter Borch in Zwolle. As elegant as the name suggests, so does the monumental building on Stationsweg. Whether you are staying there or not, the hotel gently seduces you with its beauty, prompting you to snap that photo quickly. The prestigious hotel, housed in a former 19th-century police station, wouldn't look out of place in a scene from Gooische Vrouwen. The am-I-in-'t-Gooi-or-in-Zwolle vibes continue as you step into the "Living," the heart of the hotel.

Fifteen minutes later, I am under a spacious walk-in shower. Everything about the room feels lovely: the bed linens, the size of the bed, and even the handwritten note (with Zwolse Balletjes) don't go unnoticed. While I put on heels for the occasion, I try to restrain myself from devouring the entire bag. After all, dinner at Coperto Restobar is on the menu.

Lovingly prepared dishes

At the table, "the question" is posed, one I am familiar with from previous visits to Pillows: "Would you perhaps like a glass of champagne?" I am not sure what this says about my personality, but the question alone makes me a calmer person. Just like our choice for the chef's menu, we like to be surprised. Chef Gijs Koopman and his team take us on a culinary journey that tantalizes our taste buds along the way. The dishes are lovingly prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The starter sets the tone immediately: grilled watermelon with feta, basil, and yogurt, followed by roasted celeriac with grapefruit, lemongrass, and green asparagus. There are so many flavours and textures that by the third course, I am in ecstasy. The wine pairing with this menu is also highly recommended. We end the evening with a cup of green tea (why are tea cups always so charming?) and petits fours.

Thankfully, I crawl under the covers. What a fantastic evening it was, once again.

Discover Zwolle yourself?

The best way to explore the Hanseatic city is on foot. Getting lost is simply impossible as the city center is surrounded by a star-shaped canal and remnants of city walls. Within that canal lies a beautiful city. Here are some great spots to discover:

Jantjes Lief – Jewel of the city. Lovely for breakfast or lunch.
Jaffa Jaffa – Crazy about street food? Worth it for the interior alone.
Las Rosas – for next level tapas.
De Librije – well, if you really want to go all out, this Michelin-starred restaurant in worth a visit.
De Gillende keukenmeiden – for the very best pastries. And juices. And high teas. All fresh, organic, and with a beautiful garden.
Restaurant NOÏS – besides Copertp the perfect place for gourmet dining.
Wannawaffle – you get it: the name says it all. A party on the palate.
Smooth Fruit Therapy – for the best smoothies in town.
Salute – for when you're craving delicious Italian ice cream.
Panorama Hanze – overlooking the city.
Feel like walking? Along the city wall is cozy, at the Pelser Bridge and Steenstraat. There are also Hanseatic walks for enthusiasts.
Climbing the Peperbus – if you want to see the city from great heights.
Waanders Bookstore – hands down the most beautiful in the Netherlands. A magical place, definitely worth stepping inside.