As the days get darker, and nights get colder, snuggle season is finally settling in. Crisping leaves beneath your feet whilst you're walking in the dark to and home from work. Rare rays of sunshine on your cold, bare face every once in a while remind us that Fall hasn't ended just yet. Chances for a lockdown light are approaching slowly... and thus I found the time to enlist some activities to do around this wonderful time of the year, perfect for small groups of people.

♥ Go biking around Gaasbeek Castle

Restoration of the Castle itself is in progress, therefore you can't visit it at the time. Nevertheless, the Castle is surrounded by a 49 hectare park where people often go biking, jogging, or even for a Winter picknick next to the pond. I visited the Museum Garden with a friend, which offers you an amazing view over both the Castle's park and the Pajottenland. Even prettier around this time of the year, where fallen leaves surround the grotesque fortress, and the fauna & flora of the park radiate a warm, multicolor feeling. I highly recommend!

♥ Go for a long distance walk at the Hallerbos

Most famous for its bluebells flowering around March-April, attracting a lot of tourists in Spring. But that doesn't mean that the forest ever loses its charm and beauty, on the contrary! I try to go for a run in these woods every weekend, since it is the most productive way to free myself from restless thoughts, small worries and stress for a while. Sometimes with techno drumming in my ears, other days I like the quiet while I look out over the vast meadows, with towering trees bending over me like a blanket. Especially for you, I'm sharing my favorite walk of the area with you via RouteYou (Reebokwandeling).

♥ Spa day at Dolce La Hulpe

Nothing more blissful than long, almost never ending spa days. Mens sana in corpore sano. The professional treatments and massages at the Cinq Mondes spa of Dolce La Hulpe are by far the best to bring some tranquility into our busy lives. As a future dermatologist, their facials are my #1 tip to give your skin a boost now that cold days are putting it to the test. Make the dream come true, and book an end-of-year package with an overnight stay and delicious dinner in the hotel-restaurant complex. Admitted, the treatments are rather on the pricey side, but nowhere else have I received so much in return, not only for my physical, but also mental health. To quote my own mantra: you are your best investment.

♥ La Raclette du Chalet Robinson

Right in the middle of Bois de la Cambre, lies Le Chalet Robinson, accessible by little ferry boats. Pretty charming around this time of the year, and if you're an equally avid cheese-lover like me I've got great news. The people of Chalet Robinson present to you their RACLETTE PARTY, for only €40 every Wednesday night. Winter drinks, authentic Swiss cheese, hot chestnuts, delicious accompaniments, waffles bar & toppings, all in a live music atmosphere and a cosy warm chalet. Perfect to escape city life and get all caught up into the magic of the season.

Under every circumstance, whether they are favorable or not, this should be the season to enjoy every given minute and make memories that last a lifetime with friends and family. Let's all continue to let love rule, to take care of ourselves and of each other. I hope that with my personal highlights, I could inspire you to do so.

Chances are we will see each other here again soon! Until that time, stay healthy and keep shining your light. ♥

Love,

Ornella

♥ What I was wearing: Ralph Lauren shirt (vintage) / Atmos white satin blouse / Truenyc trousers (similar here) / Weekend MaxMara padded coat / Aigle boots

♥ Pictures by Annelies Schrevens