Discover Benelux  |  Contents

Contents MAY 2017

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COVER FEATURE 36 Wouter Hamel 2017 is a landmark year for Dutch singersongwriter Wouter Hamel, who shot to fame in 2005 as the winner of the Dutch Jazz Vocal Competition and has gone on to become one of the biggest names on the international jazz scene. On the eve of his 40th birthday, we caught up with Hamel to get the lowdown on new album AMAURY and find out why he is in such a happy place.

THEMES 10 The Hague Highlights We share some of our favourite addresses in The Hague. As the third-largest city in the Netherlands, this bustling destination boasts everything from regal mansions and beautiful parks to some of the country’s best beaches.

18 Unmissable Festivals in the Netherlands Whatever your tastes, get ready for a fabulous festival season with our special guide covering some of the most exciting festivals and arts events in the Netherlands.

40 Rotterdam Special With futuristic architecture, world-class art and vibrant nightlife, it is no surprise that Rotterdam is known as ‘Manhattan on the Maas’. Find out where to eat, sleep and drink in this must-see city.

52 Education Guide Whether you are looking to find the perfect day nursery, or are in the process of selecting the next stage of higher education, we bring you a selection of some of the best educational establishments in Belgium and Luxembourg.

FEATURES 48 The incredible legacy of Georges Simenon Following a new adaptation of his work hitting television screens in the UK, Discover Benelux explores the oeuvre of prolific Belgian writer Georges Simenon, best known as the creator of fictional detective Jules Maigret.

64 Brussels’ bustling art scene Last month saw the art world descend on the Belgian capital for a string of important art fairs. We bring you the lowdown on Poppositions, Independent and Art Brussels from the heart of Europe’s creative scene.

82 Benelux Beats We spoke to Utrecht-based singer, journalist and writer Aafke Romeijn, whose latest EP Versplintering op Rechts (Shattering on the Right) was released in March.

DON’T MISS 6 Fashion Picks | 8 Desirable Designs 76 Out & About | 81 Columns

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Issue 41  |  May 2017  |  3