Review: Terhills Resort by Center Parcs (Belgium)

The Terhills Resort advertises itself as the ultimate destination for a relaxing and luxurious holiday.

A place to escape from the stress and hustle of everyday life, where you can enjoy nature, comfort and wellness in a beautiful setting.

Is it?

We booked an Exclusive Lakeside cottage for 6 persons and a baby for 7 nights.

What did we think of our stay here?

Let’s find out!

We fully paid for our holiday at the Terhills Resort and didn’t get or ask anything in return for this review.

Video

We made a video of our cottage and the Terhills Resort.

You can watch it here:

Location

Terhills Resort is a new holiday park in Dilsen Stokkem, Belgium, operated by Center Parcs.

It thrives to offer a unique experience of tranquillity and luxury, with spacious and stylish cottages, a stunning lake view, and a range of activities and facilities to suit every taste and need.

The park is located right next to Hoge Kempen National Park, a 12,000 hectare nature reserve.

Checkin

On the day of arrival you are welcome from 10am onwards to enjoy the resort.

You can check into your cottage from 3pm onwards.

We arrived on a Monday afternoon around 2:40pm, no queue at all as we drove up to the resort entrance. Rolled down a window, a staff member scanned our reservation QR code and told us that our cottage was ready.

She gave both of us a green bracelet, told us in what parking lot we could leave our car and handed us some extra maps and info about the resort.

And off went went, easiest checkin we have ever had!

We made our way to our cottage number 118, opened the front door using our bracelet and unpacked.

Parking

There is space in front of your cottage to park your car when you pack and unpack.

Once that is done, you have to move your car and leave it at the nearest parking lot.

Ours was parking lot B1, a half a minute drive from our front door.

If you brought bicycles like us, you can attach and secure them to the wooden railings in front of the cottage (bring your own lock).

Cottages: the difference between Exclusive and VIP

One of the main attractions of Terhills Resort is the accommodation.

You can choose between two types of cottages: Exclusive or VIP. Both are designed to provide you with the highest level of comfort and convenience, but each has its own special features.

Exclusive cottages have a spacious living room with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a rain shower, and a private terrace with an outdoor sauna. They also have a smart TV, a Bluetooth soundbar, and a Nespresso machine. You can choose between two-, four-, six-, eight-, or twelve-person cottages, depending on your needs.

VIP cottages have a cozy living room with a fireplace, a modern kitchen, a bathroom with a rain shower, and a private terrace with a lake view. They also have a smart TV, a Bluetooth soundbar, and a Dolce Gusto machine. You can choose between two-, four-, or six-person cottages, depending on your preferences.

Both types of cottages have large windows that let in plenty of natural light.

They also have free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and underfloor heating.

Our Exclusive Lakeside cottage #118

We booked the Exclusive Lakeside cottage for 6 people and a 10 month old baby, for 7 nights and paid a total of 1906 euros.

Services included in that price:

• Kitchen package
• Beds made up on arrival
• Sauna towel package (2 sauna towels per cottage)
• Shampoo and shower gel
• Sheet package
• Slippers and bathrobe (1 per booked adult)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Towel package
• a change of towels and toilet paper
• Final cleaning

Upon arrival everything was there, nothing was missing.

As we stayed for more than 4 nights, we receive a change of towels and toilet paper after day 4.

Stays of more than 7 nights receive a full cleaning with change of bed linen (made-up).

Living room

Let’s start off with the living room here at our Terhills Resort cottage.

At first sight it looks absolutely fine.

The thing that attracts everyone immediately is the beautiful view over the lake. The large windows make the sunlight flow in which gives it all a very airy and bright feeling.

Comfortable L shaped couch, 2 coffee tables, a round rug, a TV with soundbar, an electric fire place and a large safe right above it.

The couch and rug could have been cleaned better, or had it been cleaned at all? The previous guests clearly had a black dog. Thank god for the vacuum cleaner in the storage room.

Kitchen

In the same room is an open kitchen with in the middle a dining table and 6 chairs.

The kitchen is fully equipped.

it has a Whirlpool dishwasher, a 4-ring induction hob, a Whirlpool microwave with oven and grill function, a fridge with small freezer compartment, kettle, Nespresso coffee machine, Philips coffee maker, toaster, juicer.

In the cupboards you find enough crockery, cutlery, pots and pans: scroll through the pictures to see what you can expect. No cooking or chef knife: don’t forget to take one with you!

The Nespresso machine came with 10 Nespresso coffee capsules (6 regular, 4 decaf), and 2 bags of instant hot chocolate. You can buy the same coffee capsules in the Terhills resort supermarket.

Included in our price was a ‘kitchen package’: 5 dishwasher tablets, a sponge, a dish brush, a kitchen towel, hand towel, small bottle of dish soap and a reusable dish rag. As we were staying 7 days, we received a change of towels after 4 days, clean bath towels as well as clean kitchen towels.

The 3 garbage bins all have plastic bin bags, no other bin bags are present so you might want to take some with you. You need to take your own trash and empty bottles to the nearest recycling station in the Terhills resort (also when you check out). The nearest one for us was a 2 minute walk out.

We thought that this kitchen was spacious, clean and well equipped.

All the appliances and equipment worked well.

Bedrooms

Our Exclusive Lakeside cottage has 3 bedrooms:

• one bedroom with en suite bathroom, walk in shower and toilet
• and 2 bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom, walk in shower, but no toilet.

There is a second separate guest toilet in the hallway of the cottage.

One cot is also provided, a mattress and sheets for it were included in our price as well.

Our beds were made as this service was included in the price.

A pair of hotel slippers and a bathrobe were neatly placed on top if the duvets, one for each guest. Also on the bed was an extra towel.

The drawers and wardrobes next to the headrest are the only storage space for your clothes and stuff.

No other cupboards or shelves are present.

Also next to the headrest is a reading lamp, 2 electric sockets and a USB charging port.

The air-conditioning was strong, quiet, and very welcome in the heatwave during our stay.

Were the beds comfortabel?

Very much, and so were the fluffy but firm pillows.

The curtain was unfortunately too thin and would let in a lot of light during sunrise.

Other than than, the bedroom was comfortable.

All 3 bathrooms have a single sink vanity.

They all come with 2 bath towels, a smaller towel (+ the 2 rolled up towels on the bed, a bath mat, hair dryer, hand soap dispenser, small trash bin, hair and body wash dispenser, heated towel rack and shower step stool.

One bathroom had a toilet.

Both the bathroom toilet and the separate toilet in the hallway were provided with 2 rolls of toilet paper.

As we stayed here for 7 days, after 3 days our used towels were changed for clean ones, and we received 2 extra rolls of toilet paper as well.

The bathroom was perfectly fine, good water pressure in the shower, fragrant body wash.

It only had one electric socket though, and that is where the hair dryer is plugged in.

Storage room

In the hallway is a boiler room where handy equipment is stored:

• vacuum cleaner
• 4 brushes for inside and outside
• a bucket
• dustpan and brush
• high chair for babies
• wiper scraper
• drying rack
• shopping trolley bag
• kids toilet seat

We used practically all of it during our stay.

The vacuum cleaner was quick and easy to use, definitely a plus that you can keep the cottage tidy during those 7 days with that many people living together.

Outdoor

The spacious private terrace offers a beautiful panoramic view over the lake.

It has an outdoor shower, infrared sauna (comes with 2 extra towels), lounge set, round sun lounger, sun umbrella, outdoor heating, ceramic Kamado barbecue and a jetty.

We booked an e-boat for an extra 300 euros.

We used the Kamado barbecue twice and it worked very well. No bbq utensils are provided, you have to bring your own. Charcoal is for sale in the Terhills Resort supermarket: 5 kg for 8,30 euros

Although we used the outdoor loungers a lot during the day, they were not practical and too low to sit in at the outdoor dining table. The table itself was too small for 6 people to have a meal also.

The loungers, table and terrace floor could also have been cleaned better: dog hair on the cushions again, sticky table and floor. The cleaning staff could definitely a much better job here, it felt as if it had just been left the way the previous clients left it.

We didn’t use the sauna, the heatwave outside was more than enough.

Swimming pools at the Terhills Resort

The heated indoor and outdoor connecting pool is spacious and a great place to cool off when it is hot.

The indoor children’s pool is perfect for kids up to 6 years. This paddling pool is only 20-cm deep.

Lockers are provided to put your stuff in, you can use your green bracelet to open and close it.

As no bath towels are present, you need to bring your own towels or the towels from your cottage. Not practical.

This indoor and outdoor swimming area is only accessible to Terhills Resort guests.

The beach is also a place where you can go for a swim in the lake.

There is a designated swimming area especially for that.

You can use the sun loungers or bali beds if you like, and enjoy a drink from the beach bar. Or rent an padel board or water bike.

This beach area gets pretty crowded on sunny days and during warm weekends.

Even visitors who don’t stay at the Terhills Resort can spend a day here.

Party music starts at 11am, and even though our cottage was definitely not close to this area, we would hear it hear it all day long until late in the evening.

Even with the windows closed.

Terland restaurant

We visited the Terhills Resort restaurant once for a drink.

We liked it, nicely decorated inside and an outside sitting area overlookijng the lake.

Food and drinks are quite reasonably priced, 3 to 6 euros for a beer, 3 to 4 for a soft drink.

More expensive: cocktails are 13,5 euros, a bottle of wine 30 to 50 euros.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast is a buffet: 26 euros for adults and 13 for kids.

Meals are freshly made pizza, pasta, salads, burgers, vegetarian and vegan options, fish, steak, lobster and Belgian classics such as vol au vent, beef stew, meatballs in tomato sauce, chicken and applesauce, cheese and shimp croquettes, ribs (same for the kids menu).

We recommend to book in advance as the restaurant was always fully booked when we were there.

Bars

Besides the beach bar, there is also a bar near the Terhills Resort outdoor swimming pool.

The Shelter is a trendy covered outdoor bar next to the swimming pool and the indoor kid’s playground, you can go there with family and friends for some snacks and drinks. It offers a range of simple snacks, hamburgers, crispy salads and ice cream.

The other side of the bar is called The Aqua Café and is connected to the swimming pool where you can order drinks and snacks if you wan to take a break from swimming.

Supermarket

The Terland supermarket is open every day from 8am until 8pm.

It is located opposite the Terland restaurant.

Here you can buy classic groceries such as bread, pastries, beer, jams, cheese and charcuterie, wine, microwave dinners, frozen pizza and a small selection of sausages and such for the bbq.

We were not very impressed by the choice and thought that the prices were quite high.

We preferred to go to the nearest Albert Heijn supermarket (an 8 minute drive) and do our groceries there.

The Cycle Center

One level below the Terhills Resort restaurant is the Cycling center.

Here you can book and pick up your e-bike, e-step, e-golfcart and e-boat.

We booked an e-boat in advance: we went to pick it up after we checked in.

The staff is very friendly and gave us plenty of information.

The e-boat was a nice touch, perfect to go from our cottage to the swimming pool and restaurant, or enjoy a tour during sunset. You can charge the boat on the jetty.

The lake: a natural oasis

Another highlight of Terhills Resort is the lake that surrounds it.

The lake is part of the Terhills Resort site, which used to be a coal mine area decades ago. Now, it has been transformed into a natural oasis, with rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.

The lake offers many opportunities for relaxation and recreation. You can swim in the clear water, sunbathe on the sandy beach, or rent a pedal boat or an electric boat to explore the lake. You can also enjoy the view from your cottage terrace or from the restaurant terrace.

The lake is also home to many birds and fish species, which you can observe and admire. Ducks, geese, grebes and swans were there all the time.

Sometimes beavers and otters also visit the lake.

Things to do at the Terhills Resort and nearby

If you are looking for some fun and excitement during your stay at Terhills Resort, you will not be disappointed.

There are plenty of activities to choose from, for all ages and interests.

• Visit the Adventure Mountain, where you can climb, zip-line, bungee jump, or slide down the slopes.
• Try the Cable Park, where you can water ski or wakeboard on the lake.
• Explore the Bike Park, where you can ride on different trails and tracks.
• Play golf at the Terhills Golf Club, where you can enjoy an 18-hole course with stunning views.
• Join the Kids Club, where your children can have fun with games, crafts, and entertainment.
• Watch a movie at the Cinema Complex, where you can choose from different genres and languages.
• Shop at the Maasmechelen Village Outlet Shopping Center, where you can find great deals on fashion brands: take the free shuttle from the Terhills Resort to the shopping center!

The Elaisa wellness

If you need some relaxation and rejuvenation, you can visit the wellness center at the Terhills Resort.

Pamper yourself with a variety of treatments and services, such as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more.

You can also use the sauna, the steam room, the jacuzzi, or the indoor pool to unwind and refresh. You can also book a private spa session for you and your partner or friends, for a more intimate and exclusive experience.

The wellness center is open every day, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can make a reservation online or by phone.

The wellness center is the perfect place to treat yourself and your loved ones. You will feel like a new person after your visit.

The surroundings: Explore and discover

Terhills Resort is not only a great destination by itself, but also a great base to explore the surroundings.

There are many attractions and places to visit nearby, for all tastes and interests.

For example, you can:

• Visit the National Park Hoge Kempen, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride in the beautiful nature.
• Visit the Connecterra Park, where you can admire the panoramic views from the former mining terrils.
• Visit the Cosmodrome, where you can learn about astronomy and space exploration in an interactive way.
• Visit the Bokrijk Open Air Museum, where you can experience the history and culture of Limburg in an authentic way.
• Visit the C-Mine Cultural Center, where you can discover the heritage and creativity of the former coal mine site.

You will be amazed by the diversity and richness of the region. There is something for everyone to explore and discover.

The prices

Terhills Resort offers competitive prices that vary depending on the season, the type of cottage, and the duration of stay. You can find great deals and discounts on their website or through their partners.

For example, you can:

• Book early and save up to 20% on your stay.
• Book last minute and save up to 30% on your stay.
• Book for a longer period and save up to 40% on your stay.
• Book for a special occasion and get extra benefits or gifts.
• Book with a group or family and get special rates or packages.

You can also use your Center Parcs loyalty card or gift card at the Terhills Resort to get additional advantages or discounts.

The booking

Booking your stay at Terhills Resort is very easy and flexible, online or by phone.

Choose between different options and preferences when booking your stay, such as:

• The type of cottage: Exclusive or VIP
• The number of persons: Two to twelve
• The arrival date: Any day of the week
• The departure date: Any day of the week
• The duration of stay: Two nights minimum
• The extras: Breakfast delivery, bike rental, activity vouchers, etc.

You can also modify or cancel your booking at Terhills Resort if needed, in certain cases without any fees or penalties. Check their cancellation policy on their website for more details.

Would we go back to Terhills Resort?

Yes, the cottages are comfortable and well equipped.

We wouldn’t book the lakeside cottage anymore though, due to the we found the noise from the beach and beach bar too overpowering. The resort claims to be a peaceful and relaxing holiday haven, but it was far from that when you hear dance music all day long.

We happily give up the beautiful lake view for a more secluded and tranquil cottage in a other area on the Terhills Resort.

Would we recommend Terhills Resort?

Yes, although it wasn’t perfect.

Terhills Resort is located in a beautiful area and is a modern and new getaway for families, and friends.

Do you have any questions about the Terhills Resort?

Leave a comment below, we might be able to get you the right answer!

Pros

• speedy checkin
• comfortable cottage
• good mattress, excellent pillows
• vacuum cleaner
• towel change after 4 days
• beautiful location
• equipped kitchen
• bbq
• good internet connection
• great with small kids

Cons

• living room couch and rug could have been cleaned more thoroughly
• dirty outdoor table, couches and sofa
• loud music coming from the beach and bar area from 11am onwards
• outside visitors can freely access the property: concerns for security and nuisance

We fully paid for our holiday at the Terhills Resort and didn’t get or ask anything in return for this review.

Address

Terhills Resort
Nationaal Parklaan 1
3650 Dilsen-Stokkem
Belgium