A weekend in Belgium

Some love stories deserve a little extravagance. Others call for a spontaneous detour, a glass of excellent wine or a city that seems to have been designed with romance in mind. Belgium, as it turns out, is rather good at all three. 

For Keely Watson and his fiancé, Bozoma Saint John, a pre-wedding escape to Belgium became an adventure through grand hotels, medieval cities, remarkable art and a few surprises that even the most seasoned travellers wouldn't see coming. 

Their journey unfolds in 1st Look Presents: Extra Mile Club, the NBC travel series in which luxury travel advisors June Kleier and Julie Shotmeyer compete to create extraordinary experiences for their guests. The result? A Belgian fiancé-moon filled with thoughtful gestures, unexpected discoveries and some seriously romantic moments. 

While some of their experiences were specially arranged by the travel advisors, the wonderful thing is that the destinations themselves are yours to discover. From the creative energy of Brussels to the canals of Bruges and the vineyards of Wallonia, here's how to experience a little of the magic for yourself. 

First stop: Corinthia Brussels

Every great romantic escape needs somewhere wonderful to return to. For Bozoma and Keely, that place was Corinthia Brussels. 

Occupying the beautifully restored Grand Hotel Astoria on Rue Royale, the hotel brings a new chapter of contemporary hospitality to one of Brussels' most distinguished addresses. Its location places the city's galleries, architectural treasures, boutiques and cultural landmarks within easy reach. But step through its doors, and you'll discover a destination every bit as captivating as the city outside. 

Their home away from home? The Grand Gallery Penthouse, one of the hotel's most extraordinary residences and the largest suite in the Benelux. Inspired by Brussels' historic Royal Galleries, this remarkable two-bedroom penthouse is a world of its own, with contemporary artworks, beautifully crafted interiors and expansive private terraces overlooking the city's rooftops and landmarks. There's even a private treatment room and fitness space. It's the kind of address where every detail has been considered, and a rather spectacular setting for a couple celebrating their next chapter together. 

Gastronomy is another compelling reason to linger. At Le Petit bon bon, acclaimed Belgian chef Christophe Hardiquest brings his own flair to the country's much-loved brasserie traditions. For something altogether different, two-Michelin-starred La Paix by David Martin offers a fascinating meeting of French culinary craftsmanship and Japanese precision. Inspired by the chef's travels and deep appreciation of Japanese techniques, it's a dining experience defined by inventive flavours, exceptional ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. 

And after a day spent exploring? Corinthia Spa Brussels offers 1,200 square metres devoted to wellbeing, with a thermal circuit, hammam, sauna, and invigorating contrast-therapy experiences. Because even the most adventurous romantic getaway benefits from a little time doing absolutely nothing.

Brussels: a city with a creative streak 

Brussels has a delightful habit of surprising its visitors. Look beyond the grand squares and impressive architecture, and you'll discover a city with a mischievous imagination. 

Bozoma and Keely experienced this first-hand during an electric carriage ride through the capital, taking in its celebrated comic-strip murals. And in a particularly thoughtful surprise, the couple were treated to a personalised mural of their own, immortalising their Belgian fiancé-moon in true Brussels style. 

You don't need your own artwork commissioned to enjoy this wonderfully Belgian tradition. The city's Comic Strip Trial turns an ordinary stroll into an open-air gallery, with more than 80 murals featuring characters such as Tintin, the Smurfs and Lucky Luke. It's an entertaining way to explore Brussels, particularly when the route leads you down streets you might otherwise have overlooked. 

Creativity takes a more sartorial turn when Bozoma and Keely enjoy a private shopping experience with Belgian designer Katerin Theys. With a career shaped by time in Hong Kong, architectural influences and a clientele that includes Princess Astrid of Belgium, Theys brings an international perspective to Belgian fashion. For your own style discoveries, head to Avenue Louise for luxury boutiques or explore the Dansaert district, where independent designers and Belgian labels offer a taste of the city's creative spirit. 

Brussels rewards a similarly curious approach. Explore independent boutiques and Belgian designers or spend an afternoon among the city's exceptional art collections. 

BOZAR, housed in an architectural landmark designed by Victor Horta, offers an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, while the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium bring together centuries of artistic achievement. Contemporary art lovers should make time for Xavier Hufkens and the Vanhaerents Art Collection, while the upcoming opening of KANAL-Centre Pompidou will add a major new destination to Brussels’ contemporary art scene. Those visiting in January can also discover Brafa Art Fair, one of Europe’s most established art fairs, returning from 24 to 31 January 2027.

The pleasure lies in mixing the celebrated with the unexpected. A major exhibition in the morning, a little boutique browsing in the afternoon and perhaps a cocktail somewhere you hadn't planned to find. 

Bruges: romance comes naturally

There are cities that work hard at being romantic. Bruges barely needs to try. 

With its medieval rooftops, graceful bridges and waterways reflecting centuries-old façades, the so-called Venice of the North is every bit as enchanting as its reputation suggests. 

For Bozoma and Keely, the city provided a particularly photogenic chapter of their fiancé-moon. A horse-drawn carriage ride carried them through its historic streets, followed by a canal cruise and a romantic photoshoot against the city's storybook backdrop. 

It's an itinerary that's wonderfully easy to make your own. 

Begin with a gentle wander through the historic centre, where narrow lanes open onto handsome squares and unexpected views across the water. A canal cruise offers an entirely different perspective, revealing tucked-away gardens, ornate bridges and buildings that seem to lean towards the passing boats. 

Then there's the essential Belgian indulgence: waffles. 

The couple enjoyed a surprise tasting at The House of Waffles, adding a deliciously playful moment to their Bruges adventure. You can visit its Wollestraat address yourself, just a short stroll from the city's famous Belfry, for a taste of Belgium's two great waffle traditions: the light, crisp Brussels waffle and its richer Liège cousin, with caramelised pearl sugar. Naturally, there's no rule against trying both. 

And if the mood calls for a photograph or two, Bruges provides the scenery. No professional photoshoot necessary. 

Dinant: dramatic views and a little history 

Leaving the Flemish cities behind, Belgium reveals another side of its personality. 

Set along the River Meuse, beneath imposing limestone cliffs, Dinant is one of Wallonia's most striking destinations. Colourful riverside buildings, Gothic architecture and the commanding citadel above create a scene that feels almost theatrical. 

Bozoma and Keely explored the area's historic architecture and castle gardens before enjoying an extraordinary private dinner at a citadel, with the surrounding landscape providing a memorable setting. 

Fortunately, the views themselves are available to everyone. 

A visit to the Citadel of Dinant, perched high above the town, rewards travellers with sweeping panoramas across the Meuse Valley. Back at street level, the striking Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame is worth a closer look, its distinctive bulbous tower standing against the dramatic rock face. 

Dinant also has an unexpected musical claim to fame. It is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, whose legacy appears throughout the town in colourful saxophone sculptures and at the Maison de Monsieur Sax, dedicated to his life and invention. 

It's a charming reminder that Belgium's cultural contributions extend well beyond chocolate, beer and beautiful buildings.

Bioul: a château, a vineyard and a personal touch 

Sometimes the most memorable part of a journey isn't the grandest gesture. It's the one that feels entirely personal. 

In Bioul, Bozoma and Keely's romantic château dinner became especially meaningful when Keely performed on the cello. Against the elegance of the château setting, the performance brought an intimate, heartfelt note to their adventure. 

It's the sort of moment that captures the spirit of Extra Mile Club: creating experiences that mean something to the people enjoying them. 

For couples inspired to discover this quieter corner of Belgium, Château de Bioul offers an appealing reason to venture into the countryside. 

Set within a historic family estate, the château is home to 14 hectares of organic vineyards, where the Wyckmans-Vaxelaire family produces Belgian wines with a commitment to organic and biodynamic practices. Visitors can explore the estate's history and winemaking traditions through its Made in Bioul experience, followed by a tasting of the château's wines. 

For a particularly memorable afternoon, enjoy one of the estate's vineyard picnics, with a basket of local produce to savour in the château's park. It's an opportunity to discover a lesser-known side of Belgian wine country, and perhaps find a new favourite bottle to bring home. A beautiful setting, good wine and the pleasure of having nowhere particularly urgent to be. Sometimes that's all the occasion needs. 

Your own Belgian love story begins here 

What makes Bozoma and Keely's Belgian adventure so appealing isn't simply the extraordinary experiences arranged along the way. It's the variety of the country itself. 

In one getaway, you can discover Brussels' irreverent artistic spirit, drift along the canals of Bruges, admire the dramatic scenery of Dinant and raise a glass among the vineyards of Bioul. Each destination brings its own character, yet all are within reach of the capital. 

And at the centre of it all, Corinthia Brussels offers an exceptional place to begin and end each adventure. Beautifully appointed rooms and suites, remarkable dining, a restorative spa and wellness floor, and a city full of possibilities waiting outside the door. 

After all, the best romantic escapes aren't necessarily the ones with the most elaborate plans. They're the ones that leave you with stories you'll still be telling years later. 

Watch the adventure unfold: Discover Bozoma and Keely's Belgian fiancé-moon in Episode One and Episode Two of 1st Look Presents: Extra Mile Club on the official YouTube channel.