Vuurtoreneiland came out as my number one dining and sleeping experience of the year. Not only in Amsterdam, but worldwide. So what’s so special about Vuurtoreneiland?
The journey to Vuurtoreneiland
Vuurtoreneiland, also known as Lighthouse Island, is just off the coast of Amsterdam and can only be reached by boat. We visited in June for the grand opening of their new island rooms. Here, a lucky dozen are able to spend the night each weekend.
What I loved most is that the break from the city begins right away. I parked my bike by the Hoxton Lloyd Hotel, hopped on board the boat and we began our cruise towards Vuurtoreneiland with the others who would be spending the night. The team introduced themselves and welcomed us aboard.
It was a perfect blue sky day, rare for Amsterdam. We took advantage with a sweet tartlette and a complimentary glass of champagne. We began our journey and the crew explained in English and Dutch the history of the ship we were on, how the dikes work and where we were headed.
Arriving at Vuurtoreneiland
When we arrived, a new crew welcomed us to the island, toured us around the grounds and later took us to our rooms. We met the wild goats roaming the island, saw the beautiful greenhouse we’d be dining in, had a peek into the winter restaurant in the fort and, of course, saw Amsterdam’s only lighthouse.
The island houses on Vuurtoreneiland
I was eager to see our little island house. There are only six island houses, recently built for those interested in spending the night.
I feel so lucky to have been one of the first to sleep at Vuurtoreneiland. Four of the six island houses are nestled on the edge of the water, two a bit further back. They all have floor to ceiling windows, unobstructed views and modern furnishings. From ours we could see the city we left behind in the very distant horizon.
I loved the minimalist design, but mostly the peace and quiet. All the rooms are furnished with a double bed, private bathroom and small seating area. The shower is completely glass and opens onto the water and bird nesting areas just behind it. The most freeing shower experience I had this year.
Our house also had a little balcony over the water, where we enjoyed our picnic basket snack upon arrival.
Settling in
To start, there were only 12 of us and the staff on the island. We walked over to the greenhouse (summer restaurant) to pick up our welcome picnic basket. We had planned to eat it atop the lighthouse, but when we visited the lighthouse was being renovated. Instead, we took it back to our room and enjoyed it in our swimsuits.
Then, we walked over to the dock, where we had arrived, and took a dip in the water. I loved being able to relax and explore the island in peace.
Soon after, we got ready to head over to the greenhouse for a drink and an appetizer before the rest of the dinner guests arrived. We enjoyed our tomato starter and wine at a clever table, made from an old wheelbarrow with a top on it.
The ‘summer restaurant’ on Vuurtoreneiland
The summer restaurant is open from May to September and the winter restaurant from February to April and October to December. I look forward to going back one day to experience the cozy fort in winter time.
Whether you visit in summer or winter, Vuurtoreneiland aims to be as sustainable and self-sufficient as possible. They offer mainly local and green products and have smart technology to help with water, waste and energy.
At the summer restaurant, they offer an extensive 6-course menu (vegetarian or meat) with optional half or full wine pairing. We opted for the half-wine pairing, and I’m glad we did. They filled our glasses plenty, and we were certainly tipsy by the end of the evening.
We loved our meal. We began with a fresh green salad with edible flowers, moved onto local white and green asparagus, an Amsterdam favorite, and then a gray mullet with mushrooms and buckwheat.
After the lighter courses, we enjoyed a lamb with pepper and yogurt and finished the meal with two desserts, one with blueberries and a second with brioche.
Around 11 pm, the dinner guests began their journey back to Amsterdam. We leisurely ended our meal with a digestif and wandered down the path towards our island house. The island was beautiful in the dim summer sky, only the greenhouse lit up.
Breakfast on Vuurtoreneiland
The next morning, there was breakfast in the summer restaurant for those of us who spent the night. Of course, I was still full and groggy from the indulgent meal, and slightly too many glasses of wine, the night before. But, I wasn’t about to miss breakfast.
We got up and headed back to the greenhouse. The breakfast was just as delicious as dinner. An assortment of sweet and savory breads and pastries with spreads, jams and butter, yogurt with granola and berries, a charcuterie board with cheese and thinly sliced meat, eggs, orange juice, coffee and tea.
Incredibly full, we took a stroll around the island and watched the birds. So sad to go, I wish we could have spent a second night.
Afterwards, we grabbed our bags and hopped aboard the boat back to the city, around 11:30 am.
Ready to book your getaway?
Have I convinced you yet? If so, you can book your own adventure to Vuurtoreneiland here. Be sure to book in advance, and definitely add your name to the waiting list if there’s no space available. Spots often open up at the last minute. And if you’re questioning whether or not it was worth it to stay the night, without a doubt it was. I loved my Vuurtoreneiland city escape.
Looking for other recommendations in Amsterdam? Start here.
