The Ardennes Relais brand, originally established in 1980, has returned to the holiday accommodation market. Over the past year, Belvilla, also a member of the @Leisure Group, experienced a significant increase in the number of bookings of holiday accommodations in the Ardennes. In response to this development, 800 more holiday accommodations in this region will be offered jointly under one specific brand. Ardennes Relais’ sizeable portfolio varies from group castles to cosy gîtes for families, and from ‘back to basics’ to 'super deluxe' accommodations that include wellness facilities among other features.

Ardennes Relais believes that the relaunching of the brand and new website will enable it to better fulfil the desired experiences and preferences of holidaymakers with an interest in the Ardennes. For decades, this nature-rich Belgian region has been a popular holiday destination and interest in the area continues to grow. This is not surprising, since the Ardennes is not only easy to reach, but also a versatile destination. The region offers active holidaymakers plenty of nature, while culture enthusiasts can discover historic sites, regional heritage and the unique identity of the region.

From a country home to an old windmill

Ardennes Relais aims to meet growing demands in terms of both quality and quantity. Holidaymakers can choose from a highly varied selection of accommodations based on the region and the character of the accommodation. From a country home near Spa, manoir along the Meuse, renovated railway station and eco-certified holiday home to a former courthouse and old windmill, everyone imaginable type of accommodation is available. Not only that, but the number of holiday accommodations is increasing continuously and across the entire Ardennes region.

Ardennes Relais has invested significantly in the user-friendliness and accessibility of its new website (www.ardennesrelais.nl and www.ardennesrelais.be). All accommodations can be booked online quickly and easily, and detailed information is provided along with pictures and, in many cases, videos. Also included are homeowner tips, experiences of other guests and a rating score. The website also contains much information on things to do and experience, as well as local sites in the various areas. Ardennes Relais is supported by a call centre that is also open during evening hours and on Saturday (NL: 088 – 202 12 34, BE: 0800-38001).

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Photo caption: “Ardennes Relais, the kid sister of Belvilla, is back. With its portfolio of more than 800 holiday accommodations that vary from group castles to cosy gîtes for families, and from ‘back to basics’ to super luxurious accommodations with their own wellness facilities, Ardennes Relais is the largest provider of holiday accommodations in the Ardennes.”

About Ardennes Relais

Originally established in 1980, Ardennes Relais is the leading brand specialising in holiday homes in the Ardennes. With more than 800 holiday homes in the Ardennes, extensive service and an extremely user-friendly website, Ardennes Relais has grown to become the largest holiday home specialist in the region.

About the @Leisure Group

The @Leisure Group is one of the biggest players in the European market for accommodation rentals, including holiday homes, holiday parks and hotels. The @Leisure Group engages in a variety of online activities that include acting as a 'tour operator', reseller (aggregator) and online marketplace (enabler). The @Leisure Group serves as a tour operator in the holiday home rental sector through its consumer brands Belvilla, Ardennes Relais, Jules Villas and CityTrips-europe. The holding company manages the rental of around 20,000 holiday homes in 20 European countries. As an aggregator, the @Leisure Group offers an even wider selection of accommodations to several tour operators under the Euro Relais and Casamundo brands. It also operates advertising models as an enabler. A staff of around 160 individuals works in the offices in Heerhugowaard, Eindhoven, Hamburg, Cologne, Kitzbühel and Ibiza. In 2009, 700,000 holidaymakers of more than 50 different nationalities booked their holiday with one of these brands. A booking turnover of more than €105 million was achieved that year.

Note to editors (not for publication):

For more information and/or high resolution images, please contact:

Public Relations, Ellen Oude Grotebevelsborg, by phone at +31 (0)40-216 36 12 or e-mail to Ellen.OudeGrotebevelsborg@leisure-group.eu.

Belgium: Glenaki, Kristien Basting or Birgit Defoort by phone at +31 (0)50-614200 or by e-mail to birgit@glenaki.com or kristien@glenaki.com.