Netherlands in Bloom: Visiting Amsterdam for Tulip Festival
By Jessica Montevago
Come spring, millions of bright tulips are blooming in and around Amsterdam. The tulip season in Holland begins late March and lasts through mid-May, marking a wonderful time to visit the European country.
As most tulip fields are “headed” after 2 or 3 weeks of flowering so that more energy can go to the flower bulb instead of the flower, April is the best month to see tulips fields in full bloom. For clients who prefer to travel later in the season, Keukenhof Gardens, the most popular flower attraction in Holland, does not cut back the flowers allowing the tulips there to bloom until mid-May. Every year, Keukenhof Gardens plants over 7 million flower bulbs, with over 800 different tulip variations. This year, the gardens in the Bollenstreek, or “flower region,” are open from March 24 to May 15. This year, there will be limited capacity per day; advisors can reserve tickets for their clients in advance.
Depending on how active your clients are, there’s a few different ways for them to explore the tulip fields. They can go sightseeing on a bicycle, a popular mode of transportation in the Netherlands, with a self-guided route along the tulip fields or led by a local guide. For a more relaxing experience, depart on a boat trip aboard a Keukenhof cruise or take a Twizy electric car tour, a two-person vehicle with GPS navigation and audio guide that allows visitors to go at their own pace. For the VIP clients looking for something extra, go for a spectacular helicopter flight above the tulip fields (keep in mind this is only available on six dates in April and space is limited).
There are several events celebrating this important part of Dutch culture and heritage. The most famous is the Flower Parade Bollenstreek, where spring flowers like Hyacinths, daffodils and tulips decorate gigantic parade floats. This year, the 75th annual parade themed “freedom,” will be held on April 23. There is also the Tulip Time Festival from May 7 to 15, a time-honored street parade featuring Dutch costume, music, and other traditions.
Tulips are such an important part of Holland’s history and visitors can learn more at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. The tulip was first discovered by plant hunters of the Ottoman Empire (present day Turkey) and became a famous and beloved flower during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent in the 16th century. From there, the tulip started its journey throughout Europe and finally ended up in the hands of the Dutch, becoming a symbol of wealth in the century and eventually leading to “Tulip Mania.” Along the way, the flower has inspired many Dutch artists, designers, and painters.
In the last 400 years, the tulip and flower industry became an essential economic industry in The Netherlands, exporting two-third of the world’s flowers. That’s more than two billion flowers exported annually.
Where to Stay
Advisors can plan an itinerary encompassing all the country has to offer, as Bollenstreek is close to Amsterdam and other Dutch cities such as Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam. From Amsterdam there are various options for traveling quickly to Keukenhof Gardens, which is just 30 minutes outside of the city center.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam brings the understated, minimalist luxury of Japanese hospitality to one of the city’s trendiest districts, De Pijp. The hotel is home to five fine-dining restaurants, including Yamazato, the first traditional Japanese restaurant in Europe to be awarded a Michelin star in 2002, and two-Michelin-starred Ciel Bleu. A night cap can be sipped overlooking panoramic views of the city at the Twenty Third Bar atop Hotel Okura. There’s also a tranquil spa that includes the biggest hotel pool in town and Japanese stone garden.
Overlooking the city's famous canals, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is a trendy respite in the heart of the city's historic canal belt. The luxury lifestyle hotel is housed within a 1970s former public library building overlooking the iconic Prinsengracht canal. Inside, Dutch-inspired design by national legend Marcel Wanders is both whimsical and quirky, with Delft blue-and-white murals wall, oversized tulip-shaped chairs, and video art collection displayed 24/7.
The Conservatorium Hotel combines a landmark heritage building with a contemporary design. Upon entering, guests are met with Art Nouveau interiors, and what was once the building's courtyard is now enclosed in glass and houses a chic lounge and restaurant. The property's eateries are under the direction of celebrated Dutch chef, Schilo van Coevorden. Taiko serves up award-winning, Asian-inspired cuisine in a chic space filled with cherry blossoms. The nearly 11,000-square-foot wellness center provides a tranquil retreat, with four different areas corresponding with the elements of nature: earth, water, fire and air. Visitors can enjoy a swimming pool, a private Hammam and gym.
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will open its first property in the Netherlands this fall, the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam. Located in the Dam Square city center, the 155-year-old property, currently the NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, will undergo a soft refurbishment before the rebranding, including some guestrooms and suites, as well as a new spa and gym. When it opens later in the year, the new Anantara Spa will blend warm, indigenous-inspired hospitality. Influenced by the costal dunes, the beautiful interior space is designed from natural wood and stone. Located in front of the summer garden, it will feature three specialized treatment rooms, a sauna and infrared sauna, and a hammam.
Only minutes from central station, Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre is an ideal location for both exploring historic Amsterdam and taking a trip to visit the flower district. The 408 guestrooms and suites boast views of the city, while the hotel provides guests with a gym, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, ice fountain and massage room. There is also a restaurant and bar onsite.
Any of these property choices, from the unique to the luxurious, will provide clients with top-rated accommodations as they take in the beauty of millions of vibrant tulips.
Before traveling, please check with your local government regarding any international travel restrictions and advisories.
