About Land aan Zee
What is Land aan Zee?
Land aan Zee is a non-profit retreat center in Burgh-Haamstede, founded by Liselotte Baeijaert and Michiel Deturck. The center organizes retreats where guests live according to a healthy rhythm, enjoy vegan or vegetarian meals, take part in daily household tasks, and reconnect with themselves, others, and nature.
What is the vision of Land aan Zee?
The vision of Land aan Zee is to help achieve a “transition towards more balance in the world.” The founders believe that modern society exceeds ecological boundaries and undermines community, and therefore strive for a world that lives within the planet’s limits while safeguarding everyone’s well-being. They emphasize attention to self, others, and nature.
What is the mission of Land aan Zee?
The mission is “to serve people, society, and the planet.” The retreats aim to restore personal balance, improve relationships, and regenerate nature. Land aan Zee operates as a foundation with no shareholders; profits are reinvested to support initiatives aligned with its social and ecological goals.
Who are the retreats intended for?
Land aan Zee welcomes everyone seeking peace, inspiration, or balance. The center especially supports caregivers, volunteers working with vulnerable groups, people in mourning, young changemakers, the chronically ill, the elderly, and organizations exploring sustainability and meaning. It is neutral regarding belief, religion, gender, and ethnicity, and strives to make everyone feel welcome.
Where is Land aan Zee located?
The retreat center is situated in the peaceful countryside of Burgh-Haamstede (NL), near the Oosterschelde and close to the beaches of Schouwen-Duiveland. Address: Stichting Land aan Zee, Meeldijk 11a, 4328 NE Burgh-Haamstede, the Netherlands.
What makes the location unique?
The area offers rare silence, starry skies, and a “unique oasis of tranquility.” Guests hear owls, see geese flying overhead, and enjoy wide open landscapes. Nearby are charming seaside towns, beaches, markets, and restaurants. The center is housed in restored Zeeland barns and newly built wooden barns, radiating peace and authenticity.
Is Land aan Zee accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. The accommodation includes twenty guest rooms, two of which are wheelchair accessible. One of them can be used as a single or double room. There are also accessible paths and ground-floor halls.
What are the contact details?
Phone: +31 111 852 348; Email: hallo@landaanzee.org
Accommodation and Facilities
What room types are available?
There are single and double rooms, plus two rooms for wheelchair users. Each room has its own bathroom (shower, sink, and toilet) and air conditioning. When booking a bed in a double room, you may specify a roommate; otherwise, you’ll be paired with someone of the same gender.
What amenities are available on site?
Parking for twenty cars, charging stations for electric vehicles, a large landscaped garden with a tree circle, fruit trees, and walking paths, a library always accessible, a centrally located vegan restaurant, a living room with sitting areas, a courtyard, and bicycle rental. There is also an art studio, a meditation room, a sauna, and a 20-meter natural swimming pond.
Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Meals are vegetarian with vegan options and are prepared with fresh organic local produce. Guests can indicate special dietary needs (gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.) in advance, at no additional cost.
Is alcohol available?
Land aan Zee does not have an alcohol license and asks guests not to consume alcohol during their stay. Other non-alcoholic drinks not included with meals are paid for upon departure.
Do guests help with chores?
Yes. Guests are expected to assist with household tasks such as setting the table, clearing up, and doing the dishes. This “sharing is caring” principle encourages respect for others and the environment.
Is there internet or a digital detox?
Wi-Fi is available throughout the center, but guests are encouraged to limit screen use and keep common areas phone-free. Digital devices should mainly be used in private rooms.
Are children allowed?
Participants must be adults (18 +) and responsible for their own health and well-being.
Are camping or pets allowed?
No. Camping on the property and bringing pets are not allowed.
Is there a sauna?
Yes. Land aan Zee has a sauna. Guests should bring their own bathrobe; hammam towels are available and must be placed in the laundry basket after use. Room towels are not intended for sauna use.
Are there rules about shoes or candles?
Shoes are not worn indoors for hygiene and comfort. Guests bring slippers, and garden clogs are provided for outdoor use. Candles and incense are not allowed due to fire safety and sensitive smoke detectors.
Retreat Programs
What types of retreats does Land aan Zee offer?
The center offers three main types of retreats: Solo Retreats, Theme Retreats, and Guest Programs. Solo Retreats follow the daily rhythm with much free time; Theme Retreats add extra sessions by external professionals; Guest Programs are organized by partner organizations.
How long do retreats last?
Solo Retreats require a minimum stay of two nights. Theme Retreats and Guest Programs vary; the calendar lists both short and long options.
What is included in the price?
Full board (three meals per day), bed and bath linen, sauna use during designated times, coffee/tea/water and snacks, and participation in the daily programs. Tourist tax, private sessions, and extra drinks are not included.
What does the daily rhythm look like?
Example for a Solo Retreat:
- 07:00–08:00 a.m.: mindful yoga, qigong, or morning walk
- 08:00–08:45 a.m.: breakfast
- 08:45–09:30 a.m.: shared tasks (“sharing is caring”)
- 09:30–12:30 / 13:45–18:30 p.m.: free activities (reading, walking, cycling, journaling, creative work, or private sessions)
- 12:30–13:45 / 18:30–19:45 p.m.: lunch and dinner followed by cleaning up
- 20:30–22:00 p.m.: evening activity (yoga, chanting, sound bowls, dancing, film, sauna, or outdoor fire).
Solo Retreats (formerly “Home Retreats”)
What is a Solo Retreat?
A Solo Retreat allows guests to “unplug” from daily routines and restore balance in their own way. Participants choose daily activities (yoga, silent walk, meditation, etc.) while following a healthy rhythm and allowing space for meaningful encounters.
What does “freedom within structure” mean?
Guests follow the shared schedule of meals, morning/evening sessions, and daily chores but have freedom to use the rest of the day as they wish — reading, cycling, exploring nature, being creative, or resting.
What are the prices for Solo Retreats?
From 2025: € 155 per night (single room) and € 115 per person per night (double room, booked per two people). Includes full board and program activities.
Can guests book private sessions?
Yes. Guests can book massages, coaching, breathwork, reiki, systemic work, or nutrition advice. Some services are offered in-house, others via the Land aan Zee network. These sessions are not included in the base price and must be requested in advance.
Theme Retreats (thematic or audience-focused)
What is a Theme Retreat?
Theme Retreats follow the same basic structure as Solo Retreats but add a unique daily session led by “Friends of Land aan Zee” – professionals volunteering their expertise, such as sound healing, dance, talking circles, or special workshops.
Can participants customize their retreat?
Yes. Guests may add private sessions such as massage, coaching, or systemic work. These are not included in the retreat price and must be requested beforehand.
Are Theme Retreats offered year-round?
Yes. Both short and long Theme Retreats are listed in the online calendar.
Guest Programs
What are Guest Programs?
Guest Programs are retreats or workshops organized by partner organizations hosted at Land aan Zee. The content may differ from the center’s own programs. Only those aligned with Land aan Zee’s mission are accepted and listed online under “Guest Programs.”
How can I get information about a Guest Program?
Information is provided by the organizing partner. Land aan Zee provides the venue and atmosphere; participants contact the organizer for details.
Organizing Your Own Retreat or Event
Can I rent Land aan Zee for my own retreat or event?
Yes. The entire center can be rented by organizations aligned with Land aan Zee’s mission – people, society, or planet. Partners are carefully selected for sustainable collaboration.
What facilities are available for events?
The center includes a restored large barn, a new stone barn, two new wooden barns, a landscaped garden, a tree circle, and a sauna. There are five multifunctional halls and twenty guest rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning.
How many people can the site accommodate?
Up to 25 overnight guests in 20 rooms. Retreats are typically for 10–25 people; larger groups (up to 35) can be accommodated via nearby lodgings.
What rental formats are available?
- Shared or exclusive: groups of 10–25 may rent the center; sometimes another group is present. Exclusive rental is available for a fixed fee.
- Short formula: two full days / three nights (Sun evening – Wed morning or Wed evening – Sat morning).
- Long formula: four full days / five nights (required in July and August).
- Tailored stay: minimum two nights; customized together with Land aan Zee.
Are halls and rooms multifunctional?
Yes. The spaces include: Great Hall (87 m² for 14–36 people), Pond Hall (51 m² for 10–14), Atelier (39 m² for 8–12), Meditation Hall (48 m² for 8–12), Sauna House (30 m²), and an unheated Old Barn (200 m²). All except the Old Barn have floor heating and equipment such as tables, chairs, flip-charts, projectors, meditation cushions, yoga mats, and wireless speakers.
How can I request a quote?
Organizations can request a non-binding quote via the website. Land aan Zee discusses the needs and prepares a tailored proposal.
What other facilities support events?
Parking spaces, EV charging points, library, vegan restaurant, living room, courtyard, and bicycle rental.
Community Guidelines and Rules
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking allowed?
Alcohol, drugs, and smoking indoors are prohibited. Non-alcoholic drinks outside meals are paid for upon departure. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.
What are the meal rules?
Meals are vegan or vegetarian using fresh organic ingredients. Special diets (e.g., gluten-free, lactose-free) are accommodated at no extra cost. Guests assist with preparation and cleanup.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking allowed?
Alcohol, drugs, and smoking indoors are prohibited. Non-alcoholic drinks outside meals are paid for upon departure. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.
What are the main principles of respect and safety?
Guests must act ethically, respect other guests and staff, and avoid all forms of harassment, exclusion, violence, or unwanted sexual behavior. Participants are responsible for their own health and must be adults.
How does Land aan Zee handle waste and sustainability?
Guests are asked to conserve water and electricity and follow waste guidelines. The center uses an individual wastewater system (IBA), so only biodegradable products may be used, and nothing (like tampons) may be flushed.
What happens in case of rule violations?
If Land aan Zee suspects a guest of breaking guidelines or misusing medication, drugs, or alcohol, the guest may be asked to leave immediately without refund.
What about noise and silence?
Guests should limit noise and respect quiet hours. Use of digital devices is restricted to private rooms to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Why are there community guidelines?
To create a safe and respectful environment where guests care for themselves, each other, and nature.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted.
Booking and Payment
How do I book a retreat?
You can book a retreat via the online booking system. Your registration is confirmed once you receive a confirmation email and invoice, and Land aan Zee receives payment (preferably at least two weeks before the retreat starts).
Can I book private sessions or extra drinks online?
Private sessions (massage, coaching, etc.) are booked directly through Land aan Zee or partners and are not included in the retreat price. Extra non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase and paid upon departure.
How do I pay for my booking?
Payment for retreats is made online through the booking system. Extra drinks, purchases, or optional services are paid on site at departure.
What is the cancellation policy?
Land aan Zee may modify or cancel a program if there are too few participants. If cancelled by Land aan Zee: full refund. Force majeure (e.g., pandemic): 50 % refund. If cancelled by participant:
- Up to 1 month before start: € 100 fee.
- Within 2 weeks / no-show / early departure: no refund. Cancellations must be made by email.
- 1 month to 2 weeks before start: 50 % of total.
Surroundings and Activities
What activities are available in free time?
Guests can walk or cycle in the countryside, visit the Oosterschelde, go to nearby beaches, swim in the natural pond, read in the library, paint in the studio, meditate, or relax in the sauna. Nearby are seaside resorts, markets, and picturesque villages for outings.
How do I reach Land aan Zee?
The center is located in the countryside near Burgh-Haamstede. Most guests arrive by car (parking available) or by public transport to nearby villages, continuing by taxi or bicycle. Travel details are usually shared after booking.
Is there public transport nearby?
No direct service is listed. The nearest harbor (Burghsluis) and villages (e.g., Westenschouwen) are within walking or cycling distance. Guests arrange their own transport.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, bicycles are available for rent.
Team and Community
Who is on the team?
The core team includes Liselotte and Michiel, with team members such as Nadine (communication and administration), Suzanne (chef and mindfulness trainer), Joyce (yoga and dance teacher shaping the Solo Retreats), John (operations, sous-chef, mindfulness coach), volunteers like Mieke (flowers and energy treatments), and many “friends” who share their expertise.
Can I become a volunteer or Friend of Land aan Zee?
Yes. Land aan Zee welcomes volunteers and friends who wish to help make the retreats possible. The team invites neighbors, like-minded people, guests, partners, coaches, suppliers, employees, and interns to get in touch.
Who founded Land aan Zee?
Liselotte Baeijaert and her husband Michiel Deturck founded Land aan Zee as a non-profit foundation to create a place where people can restore balance in life, society, and nature.
How can I donate or support the foundation?
The website has a donation page (under “Community”). Financial contributions help realize the foundation’s mission. Contact Land aan Zee for more information.
Other Information
Is Land aan Zee a non-profit organization?
Yes. It is a foundation with social and ecological goals and no shareholders. Profits are reinvested to support its mission and maintain a small reserve.
Is the center vegan friendly?
Yes. Land aan Zee is listed as vegan friendly. Meals are vegetarian/vegan, and the restaurant focuses on plant-based cuisine.
Is the whole site wheelchair accessible?
Two guest rooms are designed for wheelchair users. The Great Hall and Pond Hall are on the ground floor with garden access. A wide staircase leads to the studio and meditation room upstairs.
May I bring or cook my own food?
The website does not mention self-catering facilities. Meals are prepared by the in-house kitchen, and guests help with preparation and cleaning.
Do guest rooms have locks?
Rooms are accessed via personal badge and are secure.
Is the library accessible?
Yes, it is permanently accessible to guests.
Is there a calendar of upcoming retreats?
Yes. The online calendar lists dates for Solo Retreats, Theme Retreats, and Guest Programs.