Havezathe Carpe Diem

The handwritten “happy birthday” in chocolate on dessert was such a thoughtful surprise for my mother. They remembered my request to do something small for her birthday, even though I’d forgotten about it myself by dinner. We had a wonderful evening for her birthday, starting with an aperitif in the lounge before being shown to our table. The five-course surprise menu tasted sublime. There was a bit too long between courses, but the staff and food made the wait easy to forget. It’s a lovely spot for a long, cozy meal with family, friends, or your partner. I wouldn’t choose it for a quick bite.

The only snag was the lighting: in some rooms, switching the light off still left a little light on. I’m not sure why, and the only way around it was to cut the power to the whole room, bathroom included. Still, that’s a small setback in an awesome place. It’s a perfect getaway or an easy stay, tucked away with birds, including owls, all around. Best seat in the house.

From the outside, this gem near Doetinchem, Netherlands, looks like little more than a farm. Don’t let that put you off. The chef’s menus were fantastic, and the woman who served us was great. Give it a try.

The restaurant was so good it felt like being in a high-end Shanghai restaurant. Every dish was carefully prepared and delicious. The rural setting is lovely, with plenty of natural scenery, and it’s a great place for an overnight stay.