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My work takes me to special places. I train, give workshops, coach, and follow courses or lectures in halls, forests, parks, film studios, gyms, hotels, company canteens, beach clubs, castles, country houses, churches, scouting houses, sports halls, on beaches, in offices, or on roof terraces.
In this article, I give you an overview of the most special places I had the opportunity to be in over the past few years to learn, give, and receive. These are places where I feel comfortable, and I am convinced they can also support a group’s process well.
(I receive no kickbacks for promoting these special places.)
Landgoed de Horst (NL)
This was my third visit to this unique estate. The first two times I was there to facilitate a haka experience; this time, I was there to follow a course myself. Arriving early in the wooded surroundings of Driebergen-Rijsenburg is no hardship. At the start of the path leading to the main building, a large bucket of umbrellas is waiting. A superlative touch of hospitality that ensures you arrive dry in the rain at one of the various buildings with rooms available for rent for conferences, meetings, or training sessions. Overnight stays are also possible during multi-day gatherings.
It had been six months since I was last at this beautiful location, and back then, I left behind a tube of posters. At the front desk, the friendly staff found my tube in the lost-and-found room. And as an extra service for “early arrivals,” I was even allowed to have breakfast in the restaurant. I hadn’t even stayed the night! Just like at NH Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (see below), Landgoed de Horst understands that hospitality is colorful, not just black and white. The estate is on its way to B Corp certification, and I’m convinced it will pass the audit with flying colors.
Hofstede Sterreschans
I could feel it the moment I arrived. This place is special. I already had goosebumps before I even got out of the car. First, you drive through a forest, and then you arrive at an old farmhouse that was lovingly renovated by the owner’s son during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hofstede Sterreschans is centrally located in the Netherlands (Nieuwersluis) and offers various spaces for training sessions, seminars, and workshops. It’s beautiful! The staff (Lotte and Ursula) were very helpful in making my workshop a success. There is a partially covered outdoor area where you can enjoy a delicious meal. The owner’s son is currently building a swimming pond. I have to come back here! I only found out later that this company is B Corp-certified. You can really see and feel that.
Tiny Parks (NL)
Tiny Parks is located on the island of Tiengemeten. It’s a unique location on the grounds of Natuurmonumenten where you can stay with your team, company, friends, or family. There’s a main building for dining and meetings. You can take the hourly ferry for a day or multiple daystrip. There are beautiful tents and domes for a truly luxurious glamping experience. Tiny Parks is the perfect place to really get away and get things done undisturbed. Highly recommended, and the staff is extremely friendly!
Kasteel van Ooijen (NL)
This small castle is a true gem! It’s located in North Brabant, near Nijmegen. With a bit of luck, you can take a ferry across the Meuse River to get there. The castle isn’t very large, but it can accommodate groups of up to 40 people. You’ll be able to hold meetings, team-building sessions, and parties here undisturbed. There are beautiful rooms inside, but there’s plenty of space outside as well. I received a warm welcome from the wonderful people at Travel Legends, and the venue managers are very helpful. I’d love to come back again.
Anna’s Hoeve (NL)
I was a participant in a lecture here. What a beautiful location on the Vecht near Abcoude! The lecture occurred in a separate building on the property, where guests could dine. The atmosphere is rural, allowing you to isolate your team from daily worries. The regional products are available for take-away. I was with 40 other people in Anna Haen’s cozy attic. It is an excellent location for training, workshops, and team building. You are also welcome to a cup of coffee and something to eat if you haven’t rented a room.
Better Meetings (NL)
This is the first B Corp-certified location where I have ever conducted a workshop. It is located in the middle of the woods on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. It is a beautiful location, far from the hustle and bustle of cities and highways. The people who work there are very friendly and helpful in helping you make your training or workshop a success. With several rooms, including a large plenary room, it is an excellent location for meetings and seminars. You can also rent an office space in the barn. Outside, you can walk, and there is a large football field in the middle of the forest.
Het kleine paradijs (NL)
“Het kleine paradijs” means the little paradise. It is a rather big paradise! You can find it in the province of Friesland; it is a unique place to gather with groups. It lies along the water, and you can go canoeing and swimming. You can also spend the night in tree houses, fairy houses, and other beautiful forest houses. One house is there to come together and eat—a recommendation for families and groups of friends, as well as for retreats.
De Weesper Koe (NL)
This farm is located along the Vecht River and is ideal for your team to meet, plan, and engage in team building or training. I trained between the cows, cats, and dogs on the farm. That was a unique experience. Irene can handle the catering, and you can also stay overnight with your group.
Op Hodenpijl (NL)
This old church has been transformed into a restaurant and cultural venue. It is in Schipluiden (near Delft). It hosts lectures, concerts, and seminars on culture and well-being. The church is a beautiful place for weddings and memorial services. Next to the church is a rectory where you can go for consultations or training. It is a special location where I regularly meet with clients, relations, family, and friends. It is a place to recharge.
Kontakt der Kontinenten (NL)
I once gave a workshop here in the church of the former monastery near Soesterberg. The reverberation was a great experience. You can come here for seminars, lectures, and events. It is possible to stay overnight.
The Polderij (NL)
This special meeting place is in Maasluis and, of course, is located in a polder. The Polderij rents out rooms for coaching and training sessions. The place is quiet. There are also larger rooms for presentations, singing, and eating together. The coffee there is delicious!
Nooren Estate (NL)
This estate is brand new and located in Zeeland. As a group, you can rent an entire Villa for your meeting. Outside, you can smell the sea, which is somewhat secluded, so you can work here undisturbed.
Energy Up Estate (NL)
Jochem and Juliette van Hessen are brother and sister. Together, they have this beautiful place in the Hulkensteinse Bos in Zeewolde where you can go for inspiration sessions, workshops, teambuildings, company outings, and complete onboarding programs. Their mission is to keep employees vital. I’ve enjoyed coming here for years and giving workshops in the blue tent, the forest cabin, or on the beach! In the summer, you can camp here, but they also have cottages where you can stay overnight. The special thing about the people at Energy Up is that they treat you like a colleague. The support is perfect, and the food is sublime. You taste and feel that they do their work with passion and love.
Temple of ECK (MN, USA)
I have been coming to this place outside Europe for almost 30 years to recharge and recalibrate spiritually. The Temple of ECK is located in Chanhassen, Minnesota, and is open to everyone, regardless of faith. It is a place to meet and attend workshops or lectures. There are beautiful hiking trails around the temple.
Hoorneboeg (NL)
In the woods near Hilversum is Hoornboeg. Like the Nooren Estate, you can rent an entire cottage for your group. It is quiet, and you can eat in the nearby restaurant De Tuinderij. You can also take beautiful walks here, and at night, the trails are lit, so you can easily find your way back to the parking lot.
Drakenburg (NL)
Drakenburg is located in the woods near Baarn. This is also a former monastery where you can rent rooms for training, education, and seminars. It is a special place where I have been coming for years to attend seminars myself. In the summer, you can sit outside.
Marienheuvel (NL)
In the woods of Heemstede lies the old monastery Marienheuvel. Chateauform operates this location and focuses on executive teams of large organizations. When you come here as a group, everything is perfectly organized and designed to make you feel at home. The same goes for the trainers. It is internationally oriented, meaning the staff also come from Germany, England, France, or Portugal. When I arrive early in the morning for a workshop, I often see guests jogging. It’s nice to be here.
La Grande Abbaye de La Ramée (B)
The same goes for this monastery. I like to come here, too, but it’s a bit further away in the Belgian Ardennes. Thorembais is located between Brussels and Namur. It is a beautiful location where you can spend the night, just as at the Marienheuvel monastery. I often see several groups here, all using their part of the monastery or the huge barn. This location is also rented for weekend parties and celebrations, but it’s mainly used for management meetings during the week.
Outdoor Office (NL)
Near Oisterwijk is the Outdooroffice. A smaller location for training and meetings. Remarkable is the good atmosphere and the nice staff.
Seminarhaus SAMPURNA (D)
This old school is located near Wiesbaden, Germany. I have been here twice now to follow training. It is nice to be here and very convenient. The rooms (single and double rooms) are very clean, and the food is delicious. Plenty of coffee, tea, fruit, and small snacks are always available during breaks. It is located in a hilly area, and you can run well.
NH Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (NL)
Near Schiphol Airport lies this seemingly unattractive hotel/restaurant/conference center of the NH Hotel Group. Upon entering, you are warmly welcomed, even as a trainer, as if you were a guest. The restaurant resembles a green greenhouse and can be converted into a room with a stage and audio amplification in no time. The staff goes out of their way to make everything perfect for their clients and trainers. They understand that hospitality is color, while service is just black and white. This is what Wil Guidara describes in his book “Unreasonable Hospitality.” Service is when you pay to get a hotel room. This is black and white. Hospitality is the staff asking me how my trip was when I check in at the front desk. It’s the good coffee, the exit ticket I get (for free), and the smile that provide color.
Priorij Corsendonk (B)
This monastery is located near Oud-Turnhout, Belgium. It’s beautiful! Large groups can have activities here, both indoors and outdoors. I’ve been working outside. It is quiet and secluded. It is surprising that you can also spend the night here if you are passing through or want to discover the Kempen.
Tero Lodge Jalhay (B)
Because it was raining, we had to go inside. Luckily, there was also a cottage at this location, near Hoge Venen-Eifel Park, that was large enough to host 60 people. The staff is extremely hospitable and flexible, especially for trainers.
Successful events
In 2023, I was at a music school in Belgium. It was an old building without a fresh cappuccino, a dressing room, or assistance. It smelled like my old music school in Luxembourg City.
On the way home, I realized that location is not the determining factor in an event’s success. A nice location with good facilities helps, but the participants ensure the success of a training or workshop.
What special places have you ever worked at or attended training? What made it a special place? Let me know in the comment box below. I, and other readers of this article, look forward to reading from you!
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Update: The original article was published on December 15, 2023, and I update it regularly because I discover new special places often.
