
Retranchement
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen
A heads-up: there are two sides to this siren, but, no worries, you’ll enjoy both. Inland, the original village awaits you, and on the wide open coast, one of the nicest spots in the entire country, Cadzand-Bad.
Nature is here, 360°, all around. In the inner you, through therapy and wellness: since 2014, Cadzand-Bad – in company with similarly stylish Domburg, a’yonder over the estuary on Walcheren – is the only Dutch seaside resort certified as a ‘spa for thalassotherapy’. The ‘t’ word is Greek for ‘sea’. The coveted title ‘Heilzame Zeebadplaats’ (‘healing sea resort’) is subject to strict criteria on sea water quality, climate and soil properties. Under its blessings, you’ll find a palette of vitality and wellness activities, therapy courses and arrangements.
It’s not just the views that will grab you on the wide open beach of ‘t Zwin at Nieuwvliet and Groede. Take a good look down at the sand, peer, stare, gaze, squint, do whatever it takes. Take your time, and bring a bucket and spade and sieve away – within reason, please. You might find some fossils of sharks’ teeth from many millions of years ago. We are not alone.
Atop a wee hillock on the Zuidzandseweg stands the Nooit Gedacht windmill. Majestic in its own way, this flour mill was built in 1898 to succeed a 17th-century version. Pop in during its frequent opening hours and buy some real eco-produce.