VAN OYS MAASTRICHT RETREAT RECOGNISED FOR WORLD’S BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

Two of the nine World Luxury Awards 2026 received by Van Oys Maastricht Retreat recognise the design of this young retreat in a historic setting in Dutch Limburg. At this year’s gala in Bucharest, the five-star superior hotel and member of The Leading Hotels of the World received the global award for Best Interior Design, while the two-MICHELIN-starred restaurant Create by Guido Braeken was recognised for Best Luxury Interior Design in Europe. Both design awards celebrate the thoughtful preservation of historic architecture, the use of regional materials and the development of a distinctive, cohesive design language. In total, Van Oys Maastricht Retreat, which opened in 2025, received nine World Luxury Awards, including four at global level.

Photo credits: Studio marketing deluxe, World Luxury Awards

The former Kasteel Oost, situated along the River Meuse, has roots dating back to the 13th century. Today, the Château, Remise and newly constructed Carré form an architectural ensemble comprising 81 rooms and suites. The castle and former courtyard buildings have been carefully revitalised with expertise and sensitivity, giving them a new purpose while preserving their historic character. The newly constructed Carré integrates harmoniously into the historic estate and surrounding natural landscape through a contemporary interpretation of traditional building materials.

The architectural challenge was to preserve three distinct identities while creating a unified whole. Dutch architectural firm SATIJNplus was responsible for the structural transformation of the listed heritage buildings, while Belgian design studio VERBRAEKEN x BISET oversaw the hotel’s interior architecture. For owners Michel and Leon Maes, it was important from the outset “not only to preserve the castle in its original character, but also to uncover its authentic fabric and bring it back to life.” This philosophy has guided both the treatment of the historic spaces and their interior design.

In the Château and Remise, original architectural features and materials characteristic of the region were uncovered and incorporated into the interiors. Light-coloured Limburg marlstone, aged oak and understated finishes define the atmosphere. The Carré draws on these same materials, reinterpreting them through contemporary architecture with a clear connection to the surrounding landscape.

For VERBRAEKEN x BISET, architecture, interiors and art form a unified whole. Natural materials, local craftsmanship and a restrained aesthetic reflect the retreat’s philosophy, which is rooted in Cittaslow values. Art also tells the story of the estate. Portraits by Alisa Gibet depict personalities from the castle’s past and are displayed throughout the suites.

For Create by Guido Braeken, Dutch design studio Studio Paul Linse created a distinctive and immersive interior. Circular seating islands symbolise the sun, moon and earth, while a tree trunk sourced from the estate’s park is suspended above them. The design connects the culinary experience with the history and landscape of the estate. Create, which also became a member of Les Grandes Tables du Monde in October 2026, received the World Luxury Restaurant Award for Best Luxury Interior Design in Europe. The two-MICHELIN-starred restaurant was also recognised for its culinary excellence in 2026, receiving the Overall Winner title of 2026 Global Restaurant of the Year and the global award for Best Gourmet Cuisine.

Oysana Spa & Sports also translates the surrounding landscape into its architectural design. Organic lines, the topography of the South Limburg hills, Kunrader limestone, oak and water shape the spa’s atmosphere. The spa architecture was designed by MACH Bau Kitzbühel, with interior design by ROSENTHAL INTERIORS & PARTNERS. The spa concept was developed by Claudia Reichenberger of marketing deluxe Spa Development Group, Schwaz. The estate’s landscaped parkland was designed by Linears Landscapers under the direction of Guy Stockmans.

Heritage Restoration: SATIJNplus, Netherlands | Hotel Interior Architecture: VERBRAEKEN x BISET, Belgium | Restaurant Create: Studio Paul Linse, Netherlands | Spa Concept: Claudia Reichenberger, marketing deluxe Spa Development Group, Schwaz | Spa Architecture: MACH Bau Kitzbühel, Austria | Spa Interior Design: ROSENTHAL INTERIORS & PARTNERS, Netherlands | Landscape Design: Linears Landscapers – Guy Stockmans, Belgium

Opened in 2025, Van Oys Maastricht Retreat is situated on a historic estate along the River Meuse in Eijsden-Margraten, south of Maastricht. The five-star superior hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and has been awarded a MICHELIN Key. In addition to its 81 rooms and suites, the property features the restaurants Create by Guido Braeken and Maes, Cuisine du Terroir, Bar César, Oysana Spa & Sports and extensive landscaped parkland.
The owners are Michel and Leon Maes, and the Managing Director is Marc Alofs.

The World Luxury Awards were founded in South Africa in 2006 by former hotel manager Brandon Lourens. His vision was to establish an international award and platform recognising pioneers, outstanding representatives and specialists within the luxury hospitality industry.
Over the past 20 years, a sophisticated evaluation process has been developed that goes beyond recognising infrastructure alone, placing particular emphasis on the underlying concept and product, the quality of execution and service excellence. The evaluation criteria have also been adapted in response to the evolving expectations and needs of guests and the industry.
Alongside the Luxury Hotel Awards, the programme has expanded to include the Luxury Spa Awards since 2010, the Luxury Restaurant Awards since 2015 and the Luxury Travel Awards since 2020.
The nomination process for the World Luxury Hotel Awards begins with participants submitting entries in categories that reflect their unique selling points. The World Luxury Commission selects nominees based on official guest reviews. During the subsequent three-week public voting period, international travellers, guests and industry representatives from around the world vote for the winners. In 2026, more than 300,000 votes were cast.