Colorful oasis in Westeinderplassen

After a short cruise, we arrived at their colorful island in the Westeinderplassen. I honestly had never heard of it – oops – but it’s a surprising wetland, with small ditches connecting several pools. Plus, there is enough space for all kinds of water sports and activities! And if you like flora and fauna, this location is highly recommended. We also went on an adventure on the water, more about that later in this article.. 🙂

Several unique accommodations

Although we stayed where their own house is located, they also rent out various unique accommodations including their former (rose) greenhouse, oil boiler, or literally on the water: on a camping raft or safari tent. It is their passion to create an atmosphere and experience that their guests will never forget, ensuring that you have a calm mind, body, and life everywhere on Happy Island.

Where roses used to be grown – the former rose greenhouse is located around the corner from Aalsmeer.  Here you will now find two double bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and an open kitchen that is fully equipped. What more? You also have a spacious garden! Their other former greenhouse, the luxurious Ship house also offers plenty of space.

If you really love the water, then you should probably opt for a unique camping experience on one of their camping rafts. During the day you can sail through the beautiful nature reserve while in the evening you can put up the tent and literally sleep on the water. For a similar experience with a little more space, they also rent rafts with a tough and more luxurious safari tent – floating on an island, with 250m² of land.

Sleep in an oil boiler!

In the middle of the island you will find, next to their own very nice house, an old oil boiler that was once used to heat the greenhouses. They converted this a few years ago into an incredibly beautiful abode to spend the night.

Although the (now) blue boiler may look a bit smaller from the outside, you won’t notice it on the inside – not even the fact that it was once a boiler, by the way. There are two floors, each with plenty of space. Downstairs you will find a gas stove, kitchenette, dining table, (sleeping) sofa and record player – for those happy tunes. When you climb up the stairs, you leave the ground floor full of ocher yellow tones and you enter a very bright, restful bedroom, with a large, comfortable double bed and open bathroom.

And on arrival there was also a sweet message on the door, and a bottle of bubbles waiting! The Happiest way for any staycation to start.

On and around the island

It is not only nice to stay in the boiler itself, but the colorful paradise around it also has plenty to offer. We were lucky to be there on one of the sunniest days of spring, so we had a great time basking in the sun. Both on the sunbeds and in the hammocks – it was a lot of fun! If the water temperature allows it, or if you are simply a real water rat, you can of course swim around the island and then (warm up) in the hot tub. We skipped swimming this time, but we absolutely made use of the hot tub.

On a lucky tour

Of course, we also had to get out on the water to explore the beautiful surroundings. Luckily they have several options for that: a canoe, kayak, or SUP board. They have developed an audio tour especially for all guests, which leads you through the nature reserve around the island. And not just any tour, completely in the style of this concept – it is of course a happiness route. While sailing you will hear about the wildlife in this area and learn how to create a happy mindset. Sporty, relaxing, and educational at the same time! And boy was it sporty! We actually had sore muscles after kayaking. Still, it was totally worth it and completed our experience on Happy Island.

They also offer various training courses for tough men and ambitious women, you can read about that more here.

Adventure and relaxation

The next morning we woke up wonderfully, made breakfast that we ate in the sun, and enjoyed the peace for a while. After we got some ice cream, we were sailed back to the other side for our return journey. Yes, there is no doubt about it, you will leave this island very happy. Whether you are looking for tranquility or adventure, you will find both at this special location.

Check out our vlog!

→ This article was written in collaboration with Happy Island. We were allowed to stay here for a night for free, in exchange for content. Of course you can read our own opinion here!