B&B Instituut Tim Torfs Wellness

Don't get scared when you see the word "instituut" (institute). Tim used to be a specialist in permanent hair depilation, fortunately he had a keen interest in wellness and massage so since June 2008 he added a beautiful wellness area. I booked a 2 day/ 1 night package (3 hours private use of wellness area, 1 hour massage, overnight with breakfast) Upon arrival I was quite surprised to find a normal house in a nice and quiet area and wondered where they hid the jacuzzi and sauna. We were heartily greeted by Tim himself, who showed our room, gave us time to settle in our room, change into our bathrobe and slippers and then guided us to the wellness area. The wellness area has a modern design but it's charming and has a warm feel to it; with open (rain)shower, separate wc, dry sauna, infrared wall, dining area and nice big lounge (with TV for the die-hards). Outside in a nice, private, garden there's the jacuzzi, a cosy and fragrant Kelo-Sauna and swimming pool with deck chairs. The Kelo-Sauna was quite a surprising and pleasant experience and much nicer than a traditional sauna. Otto explained us the importance of cooling off and not staying in too long, we were given ice cold apple and orange parts to eat and water to drink. We were also treated with a fragrance session; so utterly relaxing that is !! We lingered on in the jacuzzi with a glass of cava and enjoyed the cool evening before retiring to our room at 23.30h. There is only 1 guest room so book well in advance. Oh...the luxury of not having to drive home... The room itself is quite sober: a double bed with very comfortable mattress, wardrobe and 2 nighttables with lamps. The bathroom is simple too and down the hallway (shower & separate bath). But who cares as all of the time is spent in the wellness area. Breakfast was served, as we requested at 9h, in the wellness area. What a breakfast it was: fresh orange juice, glass of champagne, yoghurt, cheese, egg & bacon, jam, even chocolate spread, hot coffee... Fresh croissant, rolls, chocolate croissant, ... I thought I would sink through the jacuzzi after eating all this. The relaxing massage and hot stone therapy were fabulous: they actually massage you with the hot stones and not just leave them on your back to fall off. We had a sense of privacy and luxury because it felt like we had the whole house to ourselves (when in the room we could hear people coming in but we never saw them, in the wellness area you don't hear anything at all). Tim & Otto are still young but are highly professional in what they do. Highly recommended ! Tim & Otto: we wish you all the best for 2009 !!