Vuurtoren + HOP an unforgettable evening of connection you didn't know you needed

The Experience We Shared

Part of being a member of HOP includes access to exclusive reservations and experiences around the city and beyond that we curate and invite our members to attend.

This time our group of Peregrines embarked on one of the Netherlands' most exclusive and coveted dining experiences in Amsterdam: Vuurtoreneiland.

This remote lighthouse island, accessible only by boat and months-in-advance reservations, delivered an extraordinary culinary experience that perfectly blended primitive cooking methods with sophisticated gastronomy and stunning access to nature.

What Made It Extraordinary

The island's unique approach to dining captivated our entire group. Operating completely without electricity or running water, the kitchen team prepared every dish over open fires and in traditional wood-burning ovens.

Watching our five-course seasonal meal come to life using only local ingredients was mesmerizing – it connected us to both the land and historical cooking traditions in a way that modern restaurants simply cannot replicate. Eating in the greenhouses gives you an almost "forest bathing" vibe except it is ocean and earth and spa like guest expereince that you are immersed in.

Our Journey

The experience ran like absolute clockwork. (word to the wise: the boat leaving Amsterdam does not wait so be early to avoid missing out entirely)

We boarded at 3:15 PM sharp from Oostelijke Handelskade 34 (at The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam), with the ferry departing precisely at 3:30 PM. The anticipation built during our boat ride as we approached this exclusive island sanctuary.

From 4:45 PM to 7:30 PM, we dined in the stunning glass-walled Summer Restaurant, where each course showcased the incredible flavors that emerge from fire-based cooking. The return journey at 8:45 PM included sweet treats that perfectly capped off our adventure.
The Culinary Revelation

The menu's emphasis on seasonal vegetables, complemented by carefully selected local animal products, created flavor profiles that were both familiar and completely unique. The natural-leaning wines from their walk-in cellar paired beautifully with each course, while the house-fermented kombuchas and kefirs offered equally compelling non-alcoholic options.

Why You Should Experience This

For Future Peregrines Planning to Attend:

• Book strategically: Reservations open exactly three months in advance and sell out within minutes
• Arrive early: Timing is absolutely critical, the boat will not wait for you!
• Dress appropriately: Dress nicely but comfortably (walking shoes and dress for an island setting and a nicer restaurant)
• Communicate dietary needs: The restaurant accommodates most requirements, though some limitations exist due to the unique cooking environment
• Budget accordingly: €120 per person includes everything except optional wine pairings and beverages

The Verdict

This experience represents the pinnacle of exclusive dining in the Netherlands. The combination of the island's remote beauty, the primitive-yet-sophisticated cooking methods, and the exceptional quality of local ingredients creates something truly magical. For peregrines seeking dining experiences that transcend the ordinary, Vuurtoreneiland is absolutely essential.

The fact that reservations disappear within minutes speaks to both the quality of the experience and its exclusivity. This isn't just dinner – it's a journey back to the roots of cooking while enjoying some of the most innovative cuisine in the country.

Highly recommended for any Peregrine seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure. Sign up here to be notified about second edition of this event!