Markermeer Meadows

Perched on the banks of the Markermeer, this eco-friendly holiday resort is a sweet retreat in the great outdoors. Between cycling across the rolling fields, sailing along the steady water and strolling through the countryside, you'll never be short on adventures in the fresh air. Add in the playground ideal for little ones, on-site bicycle rentals and idyllic views and we think it's a winner.

Better still, you can enjoy a cosy stay without leaving a big carbon footprint. There's no gas hook-up here – solar panels power the whole home – and it's a car-free resort, encouraging you to explore your surroundings on foot.

After a wander, chill out in the stylish living room or take it easy and relax on the patio, instead. If it were up to us, we'd spend every evening out there, sipping cocktails and admiring the Netherlands sunset.

Fancy a change of pace? Head to Hoorn, a quintessential Dutch town only 12km away. There you'll find independent boutiques, antique stores and Saturday market stalls perfect for browsing and plenty of restaurants to try when you grow peckish. We think it's an excellent option for a day trip.

Home truths:
*Your host owns multiple homes on this holiday resort, so the exact view, furnishings and layout might differ
*You'll need to bring your own bath towels and kitchen linens – the beds will be made up on arrival
*The bedrooms are arranged with two single beds that can also be linked together to create a double
*This is a single-storey home on the ground level – it may be suitable for those with limited mobility
*This home is located in a car-free holiday park, so you'll need to park in the central parking lot at the entrance of the resort – your host supplies luggage carts
*There's no washing machine
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
*There's a charge for bed linen and final cleaning payable at the home