Oysana Spa Opening at Van Oys Maastricht Retreat

With the start of the new year, Van Oys Maastricht Retreat marks another milestone in its young success story. The five-star superior hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, will open its innovative OYSANA Spa at the beginning of 2026, furthering its vision of sustainable luxury, slow travel and uncompromising quality.

OYSANA represents wellbeing as a way of life. At its heart is the philosophy of LifeFulness – a modern approach to living a long, vital and meaningful life, inspired by Blue Zone research and deeply rooted in the terroir of South Limburg.

‘With OYSANA, we are taking our Cittaslow philosophy to a new level’, says General Manager Marc Alofs. ‘This spa embodies our commitment to sustainable, nature-connected wellbeing for body, mind, soul and environment.’

Photocredits: Van Oys Maastricht Retreat, Michael Huber, Mach Architekten, woods_copenhagen

Nature is at the heart of the OYSANA Spa – in its architecture, its concept and its treatments. It draws on the essence of South Limburg’s terroir, which not only shapes the culinary experience at Van Oys but also underpins the spa’s focus on regeneration and balance.

Spring water, deep green vegetation, limestone and the purest air are transformed into innovative, sensory rituals. From this emerges a form of LifeFulness: cultivating life in its fullness – its lifespan, yes, but above all in its vitality, meaning and harmony.

The focus is on the principle of SlowSync – the art of aligning one’s inner rhythms with those of nature. In this process, ancient wisdom is combined with cutting-edge technology to support sustainable restoration of body, mind and soul. OYSANA is conceived as a sanctuary of conscious deceleration, where guests can release stress, restore natural energy and rediscover their deep sense of inner peace and balance.

The philosophy is deeply rooted in Cittaslow values of regionality, authenticity and mindfulness, combined with the Blue Zone approach to a long, healthy life. Every aspect – from the treatments and architecture to the culinary offerings at the retreat – reflects this credo.

‘Just as terroir provides authenticity in gastronomy, it also brings genuine quality of life to the spa. OYSANA captures the essence of the region in every detail,’ explains Marc Alofs.

The architecture of OYSANA Spa is guided by the principle, ‘Form follows the flow of energy’. Instead of hard lines, rounded, organic structures define the design. Curved walls, oval forms and rounded seating areas create a soft, flowing impression. This design language conveys a sense of protection, balance and harmony, creating a haven of calm and restoration amidst the hectic pace of everyday life.

Regional materials – local Kunrader limestone, oak, clay and natural textiles – embody authenticity and bring the strength of the terroir into the spaces. The hotel’s own spring water is a central element, present in both design and treatments, and highlighting the energy-efficient, sustainable nature of the concept. The combination of cold and heat therapy enhances the regenerative and preventative focus of the LifeFulness philosophy. The spa circuit includes a Finnish sauna (90°C), bio sauna (60°C), steam cabin (45°C), cold water cascade, footbath (12°C), spring-fed plunge pool and experience showers.

The region’s flora – native herbs and grasses, enriched with the fragrance of jasmine – brings a living touch of nature to the spa. The finely tuned colour and lighting concept is inspired by the four elements and the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Architecture, design and ritual merge into a sustainably sensual experience that brings nature indoors, creating a harmonious connection between inside and out. The nature spa experience continues seamlessly in the evergreen spa garden, offering deep immersion into the terroir.

OYSANA is the first spa in the Benelux to combine the LifeFulness philosophy with the Nordic skincare brand woods_ copenhagen. The partnership integrates highly effective, clinically proven formulations with traditional techniques to create a uniquely sensory wellbeing concept – culminating in high-end biohacking.

Wellness at OYSANA is a personal journey reflecting the harmony of body, mind and soul. The woods_Moods philosophy embodies this through carefully composed blends of essential oils combined with intuitive, individually tailored touch to create personalised rituals. Each Mood represents a specific emotional and energetic state, offering guests a sensual experience that begins exactly where they are. The OYSANA Moods by woods_ open a path to inner balance, emotional wellbeing and sustainable regeneration: deepening sleep, awakening energy, providing comfort or promoting grounding and stability. Every ritual thus becomes a moment of stillness, renewal and harmony – inspired by the spirit of the North and the gentle strength of OYSANA.

‘We are delighted with the partnership with Van Oys, a retreat that shares our commitment to exceptional experiences through premium care. This collaboration marks an exciting milestone for our brand’, says woods_ founder Martin Lyne.

The multisensory dimension at OYSANA Spa is complemented by cutting-edge touchless biohacks – the SlowSync Journeys. Infrared, magnesium, weightlessness, sound and vibration therapy promote better sleep, metabolism, stress reduction and mental resilience, in line with the latest scientific findings. With cutting-edge technology, the body’s natural rhythms are supported and synchronised at the deepest level through brain waves, bioresonances, and cellular vitality.

‘True excellence lies in the balance between nature and innovation. OYSANA is our contribution to a new spa culture that cultivates LifeFulness’, says Spa Manager Maureen Smeets.

Van Oys Maastricht Retreat is more than a hotel: it is the successful transformation of a historic castle into a contemporary model of sustainable excellence. The former Kasteel Oost, with origins in the 13th century, has been brought back to life with passion and vision.

Since June 2025, the restored and extended retreat has welcomed guests from around the world as a five-star superior hotel and member of The Leading Hotels of the World. With 81 individually designed rooms and suites, two restaurants, a wine bar, event spaces and an extensive park, it unites historical authenticity, modern design and sustainable construction.
Architecture and interiors bridge tradition and modernity. Regional materials such as marlstone and oak, combined with clean contemporary lines, create an atmosphere of simple elegance and timeless harmony.

The vision for the retreat is rooted in the Cittaslow philosophy: deceleration, authenticity, cultural heritage, warm hospitality and respect for nature define its concept. As well as a luxurious hideaway, Van Oys is also a place where guests can experience the values of South Limburg and the essence of slow travel.

At fine-dining restaurant Create, 2-star Chef Guido Braeken combines home-grown produce with European and Asian influences, crafting a precise architecture of flavours rooted in authenticity and seasonality.

At Maes, Cuisine du Terroir, Executive Chef Raymond Remmen brings the essence of the region to the table. His cuisine translates the seasons into pure, refined dishes – always defined by the best regional ingredients. Classics such as Berugi beef with Béarnaise sauce stand alongside finely balanced creations like trout mi cuit with parsley coulis, made with ingredients sourced exclusively from within a few kilometres.

‘We wanted to create a sanctuary that unites history and future, simplicity and sophistication’, explain Michel and Leon Maes. A place where guests experience not only excellence, but a way of life – rooted in the region, driven by sustainability and designed for a new era of conscious travel.’