BungalowNet Group Magazine | 2022

Uniquelocations

every moment Enjoy

Whereas the hotel business is an established market, the holiday park business is still a blue ocean of opportunities. Six years ago, this realization hit us, and we drastically changed our business model in an effort to make something unique. The key priority? Location.

The BungalowNet Group started to look at the bigger picture. To look at regions rather than cities. To understand the broader environment of a park rather than its direct surroundings. We started considering provinces and even entire countries.

The idea was to pick a popular region, both for business and leisure travel, and build or acquire parks in close proximity to each other. This would grant a guest so much more than a single-stay experience. Instead, it would lay the foundation for an extensive portfolio of possibilities for planned and group travel. Now, we can offer business and leisure groups from abroad a concept in which they can see Cologne, Bruges, the Ardennes, and even Paris during a single stay. We discarded the notion of parks being an all-inone concept and started considering them as part-of-a-whole instead. The parks themselves have undergone significant changes as well. With our new collection, including Parc Maasresidence Thorn, Bergvliet Villa’s, and Green Valley Resort, we aspire to attain a new level of luxury whilst maintaining practical elegance. Spacious designs, durable materials, modern technology, and high-end facilities characterize these new parks. They offer services that are significantly more far-reaching than expected in conventional holiday parks.

We want to minimize the effort whilst maximizing the autonomy of every bungalow, chalet, and villa, and thus also the experience of the guest. It is up to the guest to make a holiday great, but we want to provide all the means to make this possible.

Unique locations, premium quality, total package. These are the pillars we deem essential for our guests to Enjoy Every Moment.

Karel Lanser COO BungalowNet Group

Wim van der Wilden CEO BungalowNet Group

Preface

Foreword

of contents Introduction Parks in the spotlight

to Meet You

phase ResortNet Events Bourgie Voyage

Parc Maasresidence Thorn

Welcome Facilities

accommodations

& figures

the scenes

the team

beach Events

food, good mood

European locatian

Contact

We are the BungalowNet Group,pleased to meet you!

This magazine is designed to give you a peek inside the world of the BungalowNet Group, the unique holiday parks, and, particularly, Parc Maasresidence Thorn. We will highlight some of our favorite parks, introduce you to our specialists and partners, highlight a number of our labels, and offer a never-before-seen look at the back-end operations.

The unique characteristics and vast diversity of the parks redefine leisure, whilst our distinct labels offer bound less opportunities for various tar get groups, both domestically and abroad, both for leisure and for MICE guests.

The BungalowNet group has more than 25 years of experience in its pocket, having developed and grown into one of the major players in the Dutch leisure industry. Throughout the years, specific labels such as ResortNet and ResortNet events

have enriched the group, adding significant value to our guests. We pride ourselves in our broad portfo lio of unique, exclusive locations that span across Europe.

With a dedicated team, consisting of more than 80 employees, we strive to deliver quality and exclusivity on a daily basis. We possess an in-house IT, customer service, marketing, human resources, finance, and operations team. Besides this, the development of new properties is also planned from within. The cen

tralized work ethic allows for an un ceasing high level of involvement and service, where we can keep a close eye on the personal touch that the Group is known for.

In conclusion: the BungalowNet Group has the outlook and the status of a multinational, whilst maintaining the sincere involvement and passion of a family-owned company.

BELGIUM

NETHERLANDS

Waterdorp Burdaard

Bergvliet Villa’s

Vallée les Etoiles

La Sapiniére

Green Valley Resort

Parc Maasresidence Thorn

Oosterhout (NL) Burdaard (NL) Thorn (NL)

Parc Hosingen (L)

Vama Buzăului (RO)

Hastière (B)

ROMANIA

LUXEMBOURG

Parc Maasresidence Thorn

The villas and apartments of Parc Maasresidence Thorn, the pièce de résistance of the BungalowNet Group dot the coast of the Maasplassen, shimmering in the reflection of the lake. At first sight, the park looks like a typical Dutch coastal village, with brick-and-mortar houses, a central square, and a long boulevard. Only upon closer inspection does it become apparent that it’s so much more.

The villas and apartments have been built with practical luxury in mind. The furnishing emanates a cool, yet comforting personality, with a contrast of dark fabrics against light wood tones. Extensive gardens, spacious porches, and stylish terraces characterize this park. The MRT Promenade, the central building, lures guests towards the lush lakes with its waterside restaurant and private marina.

Having opened its gates in April 2022, the park enjoyed a high occupancy of both domestic and foreign guests. Part of its success is attributed to its location. It is situated in the largest watersport and recreation area of the Netherlands, drawing in people from all over the Netherlands.

Furthermore, its proximity to the German and Belgian borders and to the famed Roermond Designer Outlet, makes it a base for international guests from where they can discover Europe.

Yet, its success early on may also be attributed to its unique concept. It is one of the only high-end holiday parks in the Netherlands. It offers a com paratively high level of service, quality accom modations, a broad range of activities, and an enticing cuisine. The park has thrown together the privacy and freedom of separate housing, with the full-service concept of a hotel… and it works!

Uniquely

Vallée les Etoiles

Enjoying the Ardennes year-round

Spring, summer, autumn, or winter; in whatever season you visit the Ardennes, you will be met by a brilliant display of natural beauty. When may we welcome you?

The chalets of Vallée les Etoiles hug the sunny south ern side of a rolling hill that overlooks the Meuse river below. They are spaciously dispersed among the slopes, allowing for majestic Belgian greenery to take center stage. The park offers everything you might wish for during a vacation, from mountain biking and hiking to abseiling and rafting. Apart from thrilling activities, the Ardennes is also known for its serene peace and tranquil outdoors. The forested region harbors sensational hiking trails and quaint villages with unique customs and traditions. The French border is mere minutes away from the park as well, offering a whole new spectrum of different sights and cultures.

The charming pinewood chalets are built according to typical Norwegian design, emanating a cool, yet comforting feel. The open kitchen layout invites every one in, while the living nook with an electric fireplace creates an ambiance of warmth and relaxation.

Quality materials have gone into the build of these chalets, which can be felt in the soft, plush box spring beds. Each chalet is also fitted with a balcony facing the breathtaking Meuse valley. It includes a table with chairs so that you play a board game with the family, or quietly watch the sun set behind the trees with a beer in hand. The chalets can accommodate two to eight guests.

Vallée les Etoiles offers a full experience. The res taurant, La Bonne Heure, boasts a panorama terrace where they offer delicious, season-bound dishes. Breakfast can be delivered to your doorstep, and you can even decide to cook for yourself in the private kitchen. Furthermore, the park includes a tennis court, a swimming pool, a sauna, a large playground, and all kinds of rentals, offering hour upon hour of endless fun.

We hope to accommodate you at Vallée les Etoiles soon!

crown jewel

Bergvliet Villa’s

Tucked cozily between the meadows of Brabant, the forests of Oosterhout, just a few kilometers from Breda, lies Landgoed Bergvliet, known for its fantastic 18-hole golf course, a superb restaurant, and a high-quality holiday park. Here, relaxation is second nature.

The greatest attribute of this park is its ideal location. The surrounding nature hides endless trails for hiking, cycling, and horse riding. Both amateur and profes sional golfers can test their mettle on the unique golf course whilst the wellness complex offers a relaxing retreat with bubble baths and delectable treatments. The famed Burgundian cuisine of the region can either be tasted in the park’s own restaurant or in the renowned city of Breda. Bergvliet Villa’s offers a luxury retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, whilst still providing for every need a guest might have.

The villas themselves are the epitome of high-end luxury and comfort. Their spacious designs feature extended glass-paned walls, allowing natural light to drench the soft, plush interior. Quality materials, Scandinavian design elements, and sustainable materials give each villa an essence of pristine re finement. The front door opens into a broad entrance hall, guiding guests to the open living area or the cozy bedrooms, of which most feature an en-suite bathroom. The terrace boasts comfortable designer furniture and a snug outdoor fireplace.

The villas blend in seamlessly with nature, not only by design but also through sustainable elements. Each villa is gas-free, has a heat pump, and has a high insulation value

Bergvliet Villa’s hopes to welcome you soon to their dream holiday destination!

Domaine La Sapinière

Just a stone’s throw distance from the charming towns of Clervaux and Vianden, tucked away between the foothills of the Ardennes, lies park Domaine La Sapinière. Here, in the nature-rich heartland of Luxembourg, you can explore historic castles and encounter quaint villages overflowing with culture. Don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes as the trails into the valleys and forests start right at your doorstep. During the winter you can even clasp on some langlauf skis for an adventurous excursion. Come snow or sun, Domaine La Sapinière is bound to have something fun.

The park offers a wide assortment of bungalows and apartments, for every occasion and type of company. Reservations from 2 to 16 persons can all be accommodated. The houses and apartments feature a stylish interior, fully equipped to serve your needs. The living area or the terrace offer ideal refuge to relax, enjoy good company, and take in the sur roundings after a day filled with exciting activities.

Waterdorp Burdaard

The Frysian landscape, it doesn’t get more Dutch than this. Old-fashioned windmills that line dykes and meanders, a clean-cut pattern of grazing fields, and traditional barges with leeboards that sail the canals are all to be found around Vakantiepark Waterdorp Burdaard. This humble park with 5 luxury villas unlocks the true awe-inspiring beauty of the north. For water-sport enthusiasts, this is definitely the place to be, as it is situated close to many bodies of water. It also serves as the perfect base from which to visit Leeuwarden or Dokkum.

The brand-new villas can accommodate any company between 4 and 6 persons. The spacious, fully furnished interior manages to keep an innately cozy feel to it, thereby checking all the boxes for a perfect stay. Each villa includes an open kitchen and a living area with broad, floor-to-ceiling doors that lead to a fully furnished terrace and garden where you can sit and enjoy the splendid view.

GreenResortValley in Romania

Unlocking Romania

Patchy pastures break through the thick, pine-wood forests, dotting the Carpathian landscape with various shades of green. In the foothills, not far from the ancient town of Brasov, but just far enough to be fully encapsulated by nature, lies a lush, untamed valley, waiting in quiet anticipation of the changes it is bound to undergo.

As if it was always meant to be there.

It is here that the newest BungalowNet Group park will settle, right between the soft pines, bubbling brooks, and grassy meadows of Transylvania. With the Green Valley Resort, the assimilation of nature is a central theme. By bringing locals and external architects into the fold, the BungalowNet Group is designing a park that feels natural, as if it was always meant to be there. Therefore, the sur rounding pinewood will be incorporated into the exterior of each home, while large floor-to-ceiling glass panes submerge visitors into the mesmer izing green panorama that surrounds them.

Valley Green Romania Resort

It is without a doubt an ambitious project. Designing and building an entire park with a range of houses, restaurants, swimming lakes, and a spa in such a re mote location requires resolve, precision, and patience. But there is no backing down now. CEO Wim van der Wilden fell in love with the location the moment he set foot in this hidden Carpathian gem. He envisioned a way in which he could share the sheer unrefined natural beauty through nature-bound hospitality. Talk ing him down at this point is futile.

It is not only the green valley but also the surroundings that make this location

so unique. It is fully submerged in the heartland of typical Romanian culture, tradition, and cuisine. The park will attempt to share the true face of Romania with the world by starting a collaboration with 21 different local homes. Guests will be able to partake in a gastro-tour, where they will visit these people’s homes to experience typical Romanian food and culture first-hand.

Furthermore, the park is situated near the ancient town of Brasov, a place riddled with Unesco World Heritage sights.Its decorative facades, open

squares, and hilltop fortifications have endless stories to tell. The same is true for smaller villages such as Tarlungeni, or the lakeside hamlets of Săcele and Buzau.

The Green Valley Resort will attempt to show the world that Transylvania is so much more than a place of Dracula lore. It is a region of astounding natu ral beauty and rich history. Particularly the blossoming green foothills of the Carpathian Mountains have a unique, distinct beauty. Creating a park there poses its risks. Risks worth taking with out hesitation.

Hit the ground running Primary phase:

A park does not simply pop out of the ground like a tree. Rather, it starts off as a small seed planted in a developer’s mind. Yet, it will take a long time before an initial thought transforms into a fully operational park.

We turn creativity into success.

To visualize an idea that works, close collaboration and communication with all stakeholders is a must. Who is involved? Where will we buy a plot of land? Which construction company understands what we want? What materials should we use? Who is our buyer?

Having set up several parks, the ResortNet team realized that so much is still to be gained in those critical conceptualization and construction phases of a park. Although they already have a full-service operational side for when a is park up and running, ResortNet now also includes an all-in-one service for conceptu alization, construction, and pre-opening. With over 25 years’ worth of experience, ResortNet has an entire network of contractors, architects, suppliers, IT professionals, and marketeers, all of which are crucial for the initial success of a park. Thus, they possess the resources and the knowledge that bring a park to life, from the drawing board to the final interior design and unit sales.

With this reservoir of expertise, ResortNet knows what areas require attention and what is often overlooked. This can be anything from an additional linen room for outsourced laundry to deciding on a location that is as ideal for future guests as it is for future homeowners. If the park cannot sell its houses to the owners, it will never open its gates in the first place.

It may sound counterintuitive, but ResortNet specializes in standardizing creativity. Whether you wish to build a park hidden deep within the forests or a park that caters specifically to old-timer enthusiasts, ResortNet knows what to do and whom to call. They unburden their clients in every way whilst leaving their unique concept intact.

We are here to create exceptional experiences

A romantic waterside wedding. A 6-course dinner for business partners, surrounded by nature. An action-packed outdoor program in the Ardennes. ResortNet Events distinguishes itself by catering to all your dreams and wishes. You bring the idea, we will add the wow factor.

The ResortNet Events team possesses all the means to create a uniquely spectacular event that will be etched in everyone’s memory for years to come. All partners of the BungalowNet Group are connected to the ResortNet Events network, allow ing for a broad selection of unique venues. Thus, we will always be able to provide the ideal location for your event, whether it is a small gathering or a large-scale incentive spanning multiple days. Our power lies in the interconnected network of highquality venues. We have the location, the means, and the capacity to accommodate dream weddings, business trips, team excursions, meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and more!

The core business of ResortNet Events is personal service. A team of dedicated professionals strives to deliver top-notch service on every front. If you wish it and if circumstances allow, the ResortNet Event Team will aid in the smooth flow of operations at any location.

your backyardEurope feel like We will make

“Unique locations, premium quality”. These are the words that drive ResortNet Events, the back-end branch of the BungalowNet Group. With a concentration of parks in Benelux region and a broad portfolio of themes, ResortNet Events prides itself in the ability to fully tailor an event to any preference.

The company has established itself on the international stage by creating parks in close proximity to famous cultural sights and impressive cities such as Düsseldorf, Aachen, Liege, Brussels, and even Paris. Yet, simultaneously, they offer a relaxing retreat, tucked between tranquil landscapes and serene nature. It is the promise of country side luxury in combination with the thrill of big city excursions that makes the parks so popular.

As the BungalowNet Group owns numerous properties in the region, it has started offering regional tours and city trips over multiple days. For example, one can start with a relaxing spa and golf experience in Bergvliet Villa’s, shop till they drop at the Roermond Designer Outlet (the largest outlet in Europe), sail away at the Maasplassen or test their outdoor hardiness at Vallée les Etoiles, and end the adventure with a day trip to Paris.

The careful consideration for the placement of each property is reflected in its acces sibility. Every park is less than an hour’s drive away from a major international airport. Furthermore, they lie close to the famous Thalys line and large-scale Benelux highways. This means that a guest or tour group can enjoy breakfast at the waterside in the south of the Netherlands and be overlooking the French Ardennes from a panorama terrace come dinner time.

Abroad

A Home for Internationals

“Location, location, location”. The quote might be 75 years old, but it’s still what drives Parc Maasresidence Thorn today. During its development, the Maasplassen were chosen, not only for their serene beauty and engaging surroundings but also for their proximity to numerous international hubs.

The park is at a natural crossroads between the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. A short drive in any direction will guarantee an entirely different experience in style, cul ture, and cuisine. Impressive cities such as Düsseldorf, Aachen, Liege, and Nijmegen are all within an hour’s drive of the park, each offering a highly unique cityscape. Limburg, the region in which the park is located, is in itself a haven for expats, cultural enthusiasts, and international studies. It is even the birth place of the European Union!

At a short distance from the park, Eindhoven International Airport and Düsseldorf Inter national Airport connect this bustling region

with the rest of the world. It opens up the Dutch south to all forms of business and tourism, of which Designer Outlet Roermond is just one example.

The Resort.Net team is aware of its highly diverse target group and caters to each accordingly. With a multilingual reception, meeting rooms, a varied restaurant menu, and houses built for both business and leisure, Parc Maasresidence Thorn is truly a home abroad for internationals.

Bourgie Voyage is a portal for travel agencies in Asia, unlocking the true potential of the Benelux regions to B2B and private clients abroad. General Manager Rita Samad and Marketing Manager & former Miss Universe Singapore 2015, Lisa Marie White, stand at the helm of Bourgie Voyage and excel in creating partnerships with mid-range to large Asian travel agents. Bourgie Voyage serves as an intermediary, creating a bespoke itinerary in collaboration with all our parks, partners, venues, and service providers.

B2B and private clients alike will find their needs, interests, and budgets met with a tailor-made excursion, whether this includes a recreational trip filled with luxury, wellness, and shopping, or a business, and incredible dinner locations.

The core business of Bourgie Voyage is creating a unique experience. Rita and Lisa both firmly agree that a significant contributor to a unique experience is planning. Organizing a trip to an unknown region, with foreign rules and

With the ever-expanding international demand for our parks, the need for a professional cross-border outlook has become imperative. Therefore, the BungalowNet Group proudly presents Bourgie Voyage: our response to personalized globalization.

customs can be very exhausting and stressful. Bourgie Voyage is an expert when it comes to the Benelux region. They are familiar with all the cities, know the greatest places to go shopping, have connections with leading tourism industry partners, and can secure reservations in highdemand venues. They will plan every detail so that you can focus on enjoying every moment.

Welcome

to

Parc Maasresidence Thorn

Adjacent to the shimmering waves and glistening shores of the Maasplassen, lies a park that defies all holiday conventions. This luxury park has a beach and its own marina but is nowhere near the sea. Yet, it thrives. It is here, cradled in nature’s embrace, that Parc Maasresidence Thorn has opened its gates.

In a class of its own, this luxury holiday park resembles a small, traditional Dutch village. Its brick-and-mortar villas with outstretched green lawns gather around playgrounds and flower beds, which gives a serene sense of permanence. A sense that it has always been there. Some of these villas dot the 3km stretch of private shoreline, with wooden jet ties bobbing on the temperate waters of the Maasplassen. Other houses boast extensive terraces and gardens that border lush-green thickets. The private saunas, en-suite bath rooms, ceramic BBQs, and floor-to-ceiling glass panes radiate modern luxury in a traditional Dutch setting.

Yet, it is the marina and the outstretched beach that make this park truly remarkable. It offers all the facilities of a beach-side resort, but at the lush Maasplassen lakes instead. Guests may take to the water on boats, SUP boards, e-flows, and paddle boats. They can bronze on the beach under the southern Dutch sun and enjoy the rippling waves that crest their private gardens and terraces.

The park first opened its doors at the onset of the summer of 2022. It truly hit the ground running, enjoying a high occupancy rate of both foreign and domestic guests. Although its brandished bayside theme plays a large part in this success, the decisive factor is its position in relation to the surrounding area. In close proximity to Eindhoven International Airport, Düsseldorf International Airport, Designer Outlet Roermond, the traditional town of Thorn, and both the Belgian, German and Dutch borders, it offers a haven of tranquil luxury in a sea of culture and excitement.

In a class of its own.

A typical day at Parc Maasresidence Thorn

Good morning!

I wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread. My girlfriend rose early to go to the park’s Recra Mini Market for an extensive breakfast. We sit on the terrace overlooking the water. It looks enticing. “What should we do today? Rent bicycle or e-chopper for a round around the lake?”

“Nah, the water is way too nice to just look at. Let’s splash around a bit”

We clean up and head over to the MRT Promenade. Here, a young lady walks us through all the water activities, from SUP boards, SUP bikes, and e-foils, to paddle boats and motorized sloops.

We decide on something a little more relaxing. The SUP board.

The water is pleasant and the surrounding greenery has a calming effect. We find our balance on the boards and make our way over to the private MRT Beach. After enjoying the sun for a bit, it’s time for lunch.

Good afternoon

We’re having a tough time deciding. Humphrey’s Thorn has a selection of unique, fusion-style dishes. We’re not that hungry yet so we settle on coffee and vlaai, a traditional pastry from Limburg. All this time, a big building across from the water-side terrace eyes us seductively.

“I heard the new pool has a huge slide and a whirlpool”, my girlfriend says suggestively, “Want to go?” I laugh, “You have already made up your mind, haven’t you?”

With our swimsuits still on, we down our coffee and race each other to the pool. After testing the slide at least 100 times, we head back to our Premium Water Villa, exhausted, but content.

We relax in the sauna for just a bit before show ering and heading out for dinner. Although our stomachs are growling, we decide to go for a quick pizza at Humphrey’s café and takeaway. We need to have enough time for our holiday bowling competition.

Good evening!

The screen from our We choose teams, order some snacks and drinks, and get playing! Like always, she beats me without effort. As per tradition, the loser, which is always me, gets ice cream.

We walk hand-in-hand across the long boule vard, enjoying our ice cream and the last rays of sun. As we head back to the villa, she lays her head on my shoulder and asks, “Success?”

I smile. “Success”

Good night.

Luxe accommodations

What does luxury mean to Parc Maasresidence Thorn? Luxury is the perfect harmony between exceptional practicality, exceptional service, and exceptional elegance. Luxury does not only mean beauty and quality. Luxury in the hospitality sector means, for a large part, that a guest is at ease and as comfortable as can be in an environ ment that is not their home. Therefore, careful consideration has gone into the design and building of each apartment and villa.

First and foremost, sustainable, and highquality materials have been used in build ing these accommodations. It is worth the extra investment as these materials prove to be more durable in the long run. At the same time, thicker fabrics, sturdy materi als, and quality furnishing give the house a sense of permanence; something that can be felt by its inhabitants.

Secondly, thought has gone into the place ment of furnishing and appliances. It’s im portant to put yourself in the mind of a guest. You wake up. What do you do first? Shower or breakfast? Will you be eating on the terrace, inside at the table, or in front of the TV? All these different choices need to be considered in the design. Eventually, this led to open living and kitchen areas, usually adjacent to the terrace. Bathrooms can be found on every floor and the furnish ing is placed with the behavior of a guest in mind. In essence, the layout attempts to maximize space whilst minimizing effort, giving the accommodations a feel of prac tical elegance.

Finally, the services and facilities in and around the accommodation truly drive home the guest experience. At Parc Maasresidence Thorn, thought has gone into the small things that deliver this

added experience. It already starts dur ing the booking of the accommodation. Once the guest has chosen the preferred accommodation, they receive a list of extra facilities they would like to add. This includes anything from terrace heaters to sunbathing chairs. Upon check-in, the guest will find a sanitary package waiting at their home, providing items such a hand soap and dishwasher tablets. During their stay, guests can request numerous extras as well, including breakfast service, additional laundry service, and concierge services.

Parc Maasresidence Thorn attempts to resonate luxury in every aspect of a guest’s stay. By adding practicality and durability to the elegant designs, guests are granted more time to do what is most important: enjoying their holiday.

Understanding luxury

Premium Water

Directly adjacent to “De Grote Hegge”, the Premium Water villas are all about assimilating the surrounding lakes into their designs. Their gardens overlook the shimmering waters and some of them even have a jetty leading into the water at the far end. Each villa is equipped with a sauna for warming back up after splashing about on the lakes. These villas are for those true water enthusiasts. For those who love sailing and swim ming. For those who dare to venture onto the lakes with SUP-Boards, E-Foils, and paddle boats. For those that want to enjoy a glass of wine with a view of the glistening water in the evening sun.

A closer look at our favorites

Due to the versatility, both in nature and in activities, of the surrounding Maasplassen, Parc Maasresidence Thorn attracts a diverse set of guests each day. In order to cater to as many interests as possible, the park boasts a number of distinct house types next to their standard accommodations:

Premium Buitenleven

The Premium Buitenleven villas most strongly reflect the Burgundian lifestyle of Limburg. With extra-large terraces, extended gardens with a green backdrop, and ceramic Kamado Joe BBQs, these villas are built for enjoying life. For the long evenings spent with good ales, good foods, and good company, this is the right choice. The Premium Buitenleven also comes with a sauna to truly bring home a feeling of comfort and coziness.

Kids Special

Sometimes it is difficult to find an accommodation that suits the parents as well as the kids. The Kids Special villa provides this by creating a safe and fun space for kids to let go, allow ing parents to sit back without worry. These houses are clustered together around a huge enclosed playground. Thus, from the fenced-off backyard of a Kids Special villa, a child can easily access the playground but cannot leave the area as it is surrounded on every side by the back yards of other Kids Special villas. Furthermore, these villas feature a special play corner and furnished children’s rooms.

“Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded” – Jess Lair

For kids

Children make up one-third of our population. That is why Parc Maasresidence Thorn has gone above and beyond to provide the ultimate experience for its young guests.

The most important aspect of making a childfriendly park is creating a feeling of safety, both for the child and the parent. Therefore, the guest journey of a family with children starts with their accommodation. The Kids Special villas are a unique type of housing that hedge themselves around a giant playground. It is designed in such a way that a child can only enter or exit the playground from the back yard, giving them the freedom to roam in the enclosed space. Furthermore, the houses are designed with fun in mind. Therefore, they boast uniquely furbished children’s bedrooms and a play corner.

Apart from the accommodations, the park offers a conglomeration of exciting kid’s fa cilities. This includes a number of playgrounds, a brand-new swimming pool, a bowling alley,

and a kid’s disco. Furthermore, the reception offers special tours, rentals, and merchandise for children as well.

And then there is Happy Benny, the beloved mascot of the Bungalow.Net Group. Happy Benny gets children on their feet by organizing workshops, scavenger hunts, excursions, and more! A special animation team creates an entertaining program that children can enjoy during official school holidays.

By providing an all-round exciting environment for children, we hope that they feel safe and free to explore, have fun, make holiday friends, and unfold a little more of their personality. We pride ourselves in creating a park that doesn’t only cater to children, it embraces them.

The village of Thorn received its white color after the French invasion in 1794. Villagers would brick up their windows in over to avoid having to pay high taxes. At the time, tax rates were based on the size of one’s window. The houses were paint ed white so that the bricked-up windows wouldn’t stand out.

No less than three rivers cross through Roer mond; the Meuse, the Rhine, and the Swalm.

Designer Outlet Roermond is open 363 days per year and lies at a distance of 15.9 km from the park.

On Humphrey’s menu, there are 16 different types of cocktails. Each cocktail is mixed with a minimum of 3 ingredients.

loaves and rolls per year.

The Abdijkerk started out as a monastery in the 10th century, but later became an abbey for la dies of high nobility. After the French occupation in 1797, the abbey officially went out of service. Instead, it changed into a parish church and in 1860 it experienced significant renovation by the famous Roermond architect Pierre Cuypers.

There are more than 45 types of Limburg vlaai (a regional delicacy). One slice of vlaai, on average, weighs 132 grams and contains 343 calories.

At this moment (phase 1 and 2), there are a total of 1,448 beds at the park. Once all the phases, including the hotel, are com plete, the park will hold 2,648 beds. At that point, there will be 68,640 toilet rolls and 285 high chairs.

In total, 379,000 liters of water fill the “MRT Pool”, the covered pool in the park. 15,000 of this total amount fills the kiddie pool.

Early morning briefing … for the recordings of the dutch TV program ‘Kamp van Koningsbrugge.’ Our entire team was ready to make sure everything went smoothly. Nice compliment: The production team of the show has never been received so hospitably.

The making of … the park’s central building were facilities like reception, Kids Club, bowling, minimarket, restaurants and meetingrooms are located. It took about a year before the entire building was complete.

Behind the Scenes

Getting ready … for the first special. During this weekend, the company’s employees experienced a spectacular weekend full of fun and action. The day before, the highchairs for kids arrived too late. We put them together last minute with several teams. Team power!

Photoshoot … just before the opening of the park with Rob Adriaanse (Humprey’s Restaurants), Martijn Verhoosel (Arcus Zuid) and Karel Lanser (BungalowNet Group).

Proud team … after Wim’s opening speech and seeing all the owners enjoy this special moment.

Take One ...

There were many photo and video shoots to capture all the unique locations, great activities and happy people feeling great!

The park and its international appeal … is presented to a major player in the Asian travel industry. In addition, an exclusive experience weekend is planned for relevant international tour operators in collaboration with Bourgie Voyage, our agency in Singapore.

Paddle in MRT Pool! It took no less than 8 days to fill the bath with water.

Official opening where Wim van der Wilden holds the key of Parc Maasresidence Thorn.

Meet the

We are proud to work with passionate people, who are all absolutely convinced that any great hospitality experience starts with satisfied guests. All individuals have a background in many different fields and form close teams who work together to provide the ultimate hospitality experience.

Team Parc Maasresidence Thorn: Bart (Humphrey’s), Tina (supermarket), Yurick (head of TD), Sandra (Humphrey’s), Arjan (Humphrey’s), Ronald (Humphrey’s), Henk-Jan (Humphrey’s), Colette (Humphrey’s), Happy Benny, Maud (Sales and Event Manager), Selina (reception), Shirany (reception), Mellanie (head of reception), Jarno (technicalservice), Stephanie (reception), Tjerk (Back office manager), Marielle (reception), Jolanda (head of housekeeping), Jos (Greenery), Frank K (Technical service / Greenery), Johan (Geenery), Frank Habets (Park manager)

Successful teams don’t happen by accidentthey are made, not born.

Team ResortNet: Karin Scholing (Operations manager), Rien Beije (Corperate Manager Parcs), Margot van Beek (Graphics Etc), Tjerk Kierkels (Back Office Manager), Raluca Man (General Manager), Karel Lanser (COO), Silvia van der Leeuwen (Marketing Specialist), Teodora Martiniuc (HR manager), Maud Corstjens (Sales en Event manager), Melanie Karssen (Customer Service), Anca Daniela Cridon (HR Generalist), Rita Samad (Bourgie Voyage)

The MRT Beach is probably one of the most audacious pro jects that the Bungalow.Net Group has ever undertaken.

CEO Wim van der Wilden and COO Karel Lanser envision a bay that bustles with life and caters to all types of guests. At this point, an artificial beach has been created, providing a great venue for water rec reation, and events such as weddings or festivals. In due time, the entire stretch of land between the park and the Belgian border will see an exciting transformation.

Going Above and Beyond

In the coming years, MRT Beach will gain a number of amazing food & beverage facilities. A beach bar will provide cold drinks, cock tails, and small snacks for our beach guests, while a Coffee & Bistro will serve artisanal ice cream, coffee, and freshly made bites. Furthermore, guests can make use of all the water-based rentals, and even take lessons if they wish.

Right next to the distinctive blue bridge, there are plans for a high-end luxury hotel that looks over the water from two sides. The architecture of this building will allow for much natural light and optimized comfort, in a style that matches that of the park.

Finally, behind the MRT Beach lies De Grote Hegge, an estate that features multiple conference & event rooms. Thus, big parties, weddings, important conferences, company team building trips, and more can all be offered 360° service all in one area, including catering and accommodation.

UNIQUE BEACH

moments

right on the beachA wedding

at Parc Maasresidence Thorn

As the temperate waters of the Meuse Lakes playfully fold over the warm sands of MRT Beach, the Parc Maasresidence Thorn team is setting up tents, tables, and decorations. It has become somewhat of a routine for them since the wedding season is in full gear. The venue emits an aura of sophis ticated beauty, with its polished boulevards, glistening beaches, and the quaint little blue bridge.

In the meantime, the wedding guests sit on the porches and terraces of their private villas, in excited anticipa tion of the festivities to come. They occupy the villas in one area one the park, basically making it a wedding neighborhood! Colorful dresses are fitted and scruti nized, voices repeating emotional speeches fill the air, and camera flashes capture lifetime memories. Natu rally, the bride- and groom-to-be have taken op lodg ing in Premium Water villa, pampering themselves with a hot private sauna, and a fresh cocktail on the jetty overlooking the water.

They don’t seem too stressed. The wedding was planned well in advance and they left most of the organization in the hands of Parc Maasresidence Thorn. A while back, a team of planners had sat them down and went through everything, from catering to music to the color schemes

on the tables. From there, the team used their local con nections to tailor the entire event to the wishes of the pair. They even found someone to officiate the wedding right on the beach!

By sunset, the beach is ready for the big day ahead. The tents glow in the last rays of daylight, throwing play ful shadows over the pensive lakes in front of them. To morrow, the place will spring to life with singing, dancing, hugging, and kissing. Once the wedding will draw to a close and the fires around the beach flutter, torches will be lit along the path and the bridge back towards the park. The overjoyed married couple will come home to a rose petal and candle-filled room. A cold champagne bottle sits ready for the couple to clinck to the rest of their lives one last time.

Groupevents

A Collaboration Towards Success

In organizing events, the versatility of Parc Maasresidence Thorn does not necessarily lie in what it can offer in-house. It lies in its collaborations with its surroundings. The reservations team has established and main tained strong ties with partners in the greater Maasplassen region. These connections may be called upon whenever necessary, whether for a small-scale teambuilding activity or an entire festival.

One of the park’s prime partners is Kasteelhoeve De Grote Hegge, a beautiful old estate designed in a classical style. This estate lies adjacent to MRT Beach and boasts a variety of meeting rooms in all shapes and sizes. As it is positioned incredibly close to the park, guests often use their decora tive rooms for events whilst staying in the park. Both the owners of the park and the estate see eye-to-eye on a lot of matters and share a simi lar sentiment towards the definition of hospitality, making it a truly mutually beneficial partnership.

For any aquatic events, activities, or challenges, Parc Maasresidence has sought the help of some great local parties who know the Maasplassen like no other. The characteristic ferryboats of

Rederij Cascade now offer amazing boat tours of the surroundings or destination dinners. Furthermore, the E-Flow team with their motor ized surfboards and SUP paddle boards form an integral part of the action-packed MRT Beach!

For other aspects of event planning, Parc Maas residence Thorn has an expert partner in every field. For equipment, they work with Eventrental, SIGMA Laser Vision for a lasershow, Twilight Entertainment for entertainment, and Zipwire for group activities. These partners are, without a doubt, experts in their respective fields. The event planners of Parc Maasresidence Thorn, however, are experts at combining all of them into some thing greater than the sum of its parts.

The BurgundianLifestyle

In the south of the Netherlands and Belgium, the Burgundian life style is a central pillar of society. It stems all the way back to the 15th century when the Burgundian state ruled over these lands.

The nobles were said to have thrown extravagant feasts where long wooden tables piled with food stretched over the entire length of a hall. The Burgundian state has long since vanished, but some of the traditions linger.

Good food, good mood.

Today, the Burgundian lifestyle represents good, local food, great wines, and a convivial atmosphere where friends and family come together to talk, laugh, and reminisce. Parc Maasresidence Thorn’s restaurant, Hum phrey’s Thorn, emulates this lifestyle. Their concept is simple: Burgundian food that makes you feel good. Much like the days of old, they will fill a table with a three-course dinner, fresh-baked bread with spreads, and other delicious side dishes.

Adhering to the Burgundian traditions, the chefs collaborate with numerous local sup pliers, trying to find exclusive quality in the re gion. For example, their biological ice cream comes from Happy Mrs Jersey in GoereeOverflakkee, their free-range chicken from Betsy’s Kip in Groesbeek, and their stewed beef from Limousin Culinar in Twente. Local sourcing has many benefits. It is a highly sus tainable practice and it is a way to guaran tee quality as each local supplier focuses on one thing they are good at. Because of this, guests will experience pure and more refined tastes in the restaurant.

Seated on the shores of the Grote Hegge, long wooden tables, comfortable chairs, and cozy lighting welcome guests to enjoy the quality, comfort food that Humphrey’s describes as French-Mediterranean with a dash of Asian cuisine. It is here, in the ancient Burgundian heartland, that people come to enjoy good food and good company.

Memories

to Take Away

For anyone looking to score a quick bite, an easy dinner, or simply just a coffee, Humphrey’s Café & Take Away stands at the ready. The decorative counter, the traditional pizza oven, and the quaint seating area beckon guests to come, sit, and take a break. Whether you just came back from hiking and crave a milkshake, or whether you want to grab a quick snack before heading towards the bowling alley upstairs, Humphrey’s Café & Take Away is there for the in-between moments.

In the morning, the little café trans forms into an all-out breakfast room. An enticing buffet, filled with fresh bread rolls, toppings, eggs, granola, juice, and much more, is set up by Humphrey’s staff. Any guest is welcome to ease into the day ahead by treating themselves to a healthy, comforting breakfast.

Although the café will always have its classic selection of delicious snacks, it also adapts to the seasons. Should you find yourself shivering whilst brushing the winter snow off of your collar, come and warm up with a hot cup of Gluh wein! Similarly, during the long, swelter ing, summer days, and an abundance of soft ice cream stands at the ready for anyone looking to cool down.

Even though the café & takeaway is thus quite versatile, they do not stray far from Humphrey’s values. Personalized service, quality foods, and an extra-large portion of convivi ality remain their number one priority.

Vietnamese-Style pancake

With stir-fried shrimp, spring onions, cilantro, bean sprouts, carrot, cucumber, and a sweet & sour dip made of Ketjap and lime.

Naturally, the crew at Humphrey’s have a number of signature dishes that make them stand out. These show stoppers are often kept secret, but luckily, the chefs have agreed to share one of their favorite recipes that is both delicious and easy to make:

Ingredients for the Ketjap-Lime dip

• 50 ml ketjap manis

• 1 tablespoon of lime juice

• Chili flakes (add according to your own taste)

• 1 garlic clove, pressed

• 1 teaspoon of brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of water

Place all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and let it cool completely before putting it in the fridge.

Ingredients for the Vietnamese pancake (approx. 6 little pancakes)

• 100 grams of rice flour

• 100 ml of water

• 100 ml of coconut milk

• 3 spring onions (finely chopped)

• 6 grams of Curcuma

• A dash of pepper and salt

Use a mixer to make a smooth batter from the ingredi ents mentioned above (except the spring onion). Fry a little of the chopped spring onion in oil (about 1 minute). Then, pour in 1/6th of the pancake batter. Fry the pan cake for 1 minute on both sides over medium heat.

Ingredients for the vegetable-shrimp topping (approx. 6 little pancakes)

• 240 grams of mixed vegetables such as carrot, cucumber and bean sprouts

• 300 grams of shrimp

• A dash of pepper and salt

Stir-fry the vegetables and shrimp for about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and a little ketjap-lime dip. Use the mix as a garnish for the pancakes.

Running the kitchens of a high-end holiday park is no simple feat. It requires planning, teamwork, and efficiency. Yet, as a guest, you rarely experience what goes on behind those doors. That’s why we decided to ask the crew some questions about things we don’t see or know.

How many dishes do you prepare per day on average?

It can fluctuate quite a bit. Generally, we will welcome around 100 to 200 guests per day. During the day, it is mostly lunch meals and small bites. In the evening, however, it is always the busiest because the 3-course menu is chosen most often

What dish is ordered most?

Honestly, of all the main courses, the Mixed Grill is the showstopper. For start ers, we have two clear winners: Humphrey’s carpaccio with truffle mayon naise and the crunchy salmon roll with yuzu dressing. At Humphrey’s Café and Take Away, we see that most people order pizzas. In the summer, how ever, an unfathomable amount of soft ice cream is sold every day!

Do you have any cool cooking tips or tricks up your sleeve that why might not know of?

Probably most people already know our cooking tricks. Still, in case people don’t know: if you ever find yourself needing to poach an egg, try adding a little vinegar to the near-boiling water. This will ensure that the egg will coagulate nicely.

What are your favorite spices or herbs?

At Humphrey’s Thorn, we love making all kinds of great combinations with fresh herbs and spices. However, fresh ginger, rosemary, and sesame prob ably take the win on this one. Each of them just has such a unique and versatile flavor!

What is the most enjoyable thing to do in the kitchen?

Making the dishes and then plating them in an appealing way is still probably the most fun. It’s nice to see everything come together. But of course, seeing our guest’s happy faces is the greatest reward of all!

What is the least enjoyable?

We don’t really deem any task annoying. We all know what needs to be done and we all make sure it happens. The kitchen needs to look clean and orderly, so we all shoulder the weight to make sure it does

Seeing our guest’s happy faces is the greatest reward of all.

Nature Mans best friend

“God created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands”. This quote once again holds true when looking at the surroundings of Parc Maasresidence Thorn. Although it is more than 130 kilometers away from the sea, the park boasts its very own private beach. Not only that, it’s also situated on a completely artificial lake. Actually, the entire 3000 hectares of the Maasplassen are man-made. Leave it to the Dutch to bend the water to their will.

Yet, one would never guess that the lakes and the beach were man-made when crossing them. The wild thickets, grazing cows, strange songbirds, and greenswept meanders tell a different tale. The area vibrates with some of nature’s most unique creations. A simple bike ride along the lake will transport you to a world of awe-inspiring serenity. The waters and the Koningsteen Nature Reserve surround ing the park are home to a broad

selection of species, some of which are unique to the region.

Parc Maasresidence Thorn blends itself into its surroundings almost seamlessly.

Long verdant hedges, scattered greenery, and architecture that follows nature’s curvature make the park more of a natu ral extension of the surrounding forests and lakes. The park also offers a wide variety of rentals, such as bikes,

mountain bikes, tandems, e-bikes, and e-choppers for guests to explore the surroundings with. The reception is more than happy to point out some of the most breathtaking tours and hidden natural gems.

Apparently, the quote does not quite hold up for the Maasplassen. Maybe the Dutch created the Netherlands, but god perfected it.

Get out thereand enjoy!

Although the lush lakes and swaying forests may give off a peaceful ambiance, don’t be fooled. Underneath the green overgrowth, the Maasplassen are packed with action and adventure. It is the single largest consecutive watersports & recreation area in the Netherlands. If you were to take one of the river cruises from the park to Roermond, you would be met by all kinds of water-based fun along the way.

Fun Beach Panheel

A huge outside waterpark with end less attractions. It is a guaranteed day of fun for all ages.

Area X

Hip cafes, beach clubs, and a wake park all characterize this vibrant area. There is even a special beach for dogs!

Shipwreck Diving

Right in front of the park, at lake De Grote Hegge, it is possible to dive down to Europe’s largest freshwater shipwreck.

Marina & Boat rental

Rent a boat at Parc Maasresidence Thorn and explore the region. Or use one of the jetties to harbor your own boat.

Oolderplas

Discover the serene coves and small beach-side cafés of the Oolderplas for a more peaceful water-based experience

E-Foil, SUP, SUP-Bike

Try out the latest watersport trends from the Parc Maasresidence Thorn rentals, or any of the other hip places along the lakes such as Windsurfcenter Roermond.

Typical Thorn

A Thorn in Napoleon’s Side

The little town of Thorn starkly contrasts with any other Dutch village. The pristine white houses, the winding roads, and little squares lined with cafés and restaurants produce an aura resembling that of a French coastal town. Its unique charm stems from its past. Not only does its architecture starkly contrast that of the rest of the Netherlands, but its history is also quite incomparable

Thorn was built around a Benedictine nunnery, and as such, a woman known as the abbess held power. As the town grew, so did its influence, and by the 12th century, it was officially declared an in dependent principality, still run and gov erned by women. This was something truly remarkable for its time.

Towards the end of the 18th century, the citizens of Thorn fled to evade the oncoming army of Napoleon. When they returned to their homes, they were war-torn and impoverished. Yet, the French were strict on levying taxes, and Thorn was no exception. Wealth was determined by the size of one’s win dow, for if someone could afford large windows, they could afford other luxuries

in life. The poor townsfolk, unable to pay the taxes, came up with a clever plan. They bricked up their windows and paint ed their houses entirely white to hide the difference in brick color. That way, tax col lectors could only measure the citizens’ taxable amount on the lowest income scale.

Once a symbol of poverty, these white houses now gleam in the southern Dutch sun, proudly embracing their heritage. The houses, along with the impressive church that sits upon the old abbey grounds continue to draw visitors from all corners of the globe. It remains one of the primary attractions for any of the guests residing in Parc Maasresidence Thorn.

These white houses now gleam in the southern Dutch sun, proudly embracing their heritage.

Activities

Due to its unique position next to the water and adjacent to the stunning nature of Limburg, the park has a lot on offer.

The MRT Marina, Boulevard, and Beach feature a complete scope of water-based fun, including boat rental, E-Foils, SUP-Boards, and water bikes. Should this not sate your appetite for water, then you can also dive into the brandnew MRT Pool.

Surrounding the park, there is also lots to ex plore and do. There are some amazing sights in the area, such as the historic white city of Thorn, the Koningsteen Kollegreend Nature Reserve, and, of course, the awe-striking nature surrounding the lakes. The recep tion rents out anything from a bike to an e-chopper so that guests may freely explore the area.

You can find an endless array sightsofand activities.

Top European location

Its centricity is without a doubt a big plus for Parc Maasresidence Thorn. You can discover a unique international mix of art, culture and nature which the region has to offer. A city trip from Thorn is easy to plan. In half an hour, you can enjoy a coffee in Maastricht or go shopping in Designer Outlet Roermond. In less than an hour, you can visit the bustling metropolis of Düsseldorf or the shopping streets of Aachen, Liege, and Hasselt.

In driving distance of the park, there are a number of exhilarating activities and day trips. Area-X, for example, is an extensive outdoor lake area with numerous small café’s bars, and water-based activities such as wakeboarding. Waterpark Fun Beach Panheel also offers endless aquatic fun, with its various pools, own beach, water castles, and thrillingly long slides.

A few widely popular towns and cities also lie in the park’s backyard. The historic city of Maastricht, the sprawling metropole of

Distances

Düsseldorf, and the port city of Antwerp are all definitely worth a day trip. Last but not least, there is the world-famous Designer outlet Roermond at just a 20-minute drive from the park. All the biggest brands come together in this one-of-a-kind shopping village.

In and around Parc Maasresidence Thorn, you can find an endless array of sights and activities to satiate your interests. Take a leap into the unknown!

Colophon

Project management

Karel Lanser (BungalowNet Group), Maud Corstjens (ResortNet Events), Margot van Beek (Graphics Etc.)

Graphic design, illustrations & realization Graphics Etc.

Contributing writers

Felix Kop, Rard Spätjens, Margot van Beek

Photography

Fotostudio Karel Bingen, Kristel fotografie Thorn, Maarten Eekelaar fotografie, Robert Aarts, Margot van Beek, Karel Lanser, Maud Corstjens, E-FLOW Thorn, Humphrey’s

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