INK HOTEL, AMSTERDAM

Famed for its red-light district and cannabis cafes, Amsterdam is a city with one hell of a reputation, but don’t let that put you off – the Dutch capital, with its canals, bicycles and open-minded attitude, could also be considered a wellbeing capital. A calm immediately embraces you as you walk through Ink Hotel’s stylish lobby. Located in the heart of the city, this modern, super-cool boutique hotel is packed with charming, authentic details that celebrate the building’s newspaper heritage. Rooms are beautifully ‘bijou’ (on the small side), but with enough space for two to move around comfortably. Plus they have many genius design features, such as a two-way wardrobe opening into both bedroom and bathroom. The decor is a monochrome palette mixed with glass and brass touches.

Pressroom, the Ink Hotel’s restaurant and bar, has a hip ‘city eaterie’ atmosphere. Breakfast is a feast for the eyes: from fresh fruits and home-made bircher muesli to crispy bacon and eggs – ideal if you plan to hire a bike to explore the city. Amsterdam is designed for cycling, even for those who lack confidence (streets are safe and easy to navigate) and on every corner you’ll find a bicycle hire shop. Rent one from Bike Is Ready, conveniently opposite the hotel (€40 for three hours).

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without exploring the cool, independent boutiques in The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), a reflective historical tour around Anne Frank’s house or getting your culture kicks in the Museum Quarter, in particular the Stedelijk Museum and the little-known gem Moco Museum, which focuses on modern, contemporary and street artists such as Banksy, Jean-michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol. Fit in a wander around the beautiful Hortus Botanicus palm house, have afternoon tea in the adorable Smallest House in Amsterdam, take a stroll round Noord (Amsterdam’s of-the-moment neighbourhood), then relax in the stunning 120 acres of lush gardens in the Vondelpark (apparently it was once the only public park in the world where one could legally barbecue, smoke a joint and have sex). Amsterdam is utterly charming – with a side of decadence.

PRICES AT INK HOTEL AMSTERDAM START FROM £224 A NIGHT FOR A DOUBLE ROOM. INK-HOTEL-AMSTERDAM.COM

Ink Hotel’s clever design features create a feeling of luxury and space Left and below: nods to the building’s newspaper heritage can be seen throughout the hotel. Bottom: Amsterdam’s iconic canals are just a stone’s throw away