Luxury holidays in Bruges

‘I’d like to see Bruges again before I die,’ says the murderous Harry Waters (Ralph Fiennes) in the cult noir film In Bruges. You can see why – the mediaeval town’s step-gabled facades, criss-crossing canals and cobblestoned streets would melt the heart of even the most hardened contract killer. And, ok, Bruges’ beauty may not be a big secret – you’ll be sharing the Markt square, crooked belfry and Belgian beer bars with plenty of other punters – but with scenes this postcard-perfect, do you really mind? Plus, there are plenty of ways to sidestep the day-trippers: just hop on a canal boat for a watery perspective, stroll the city by night or get lost in an interior scene by Van Eyck (in a word: extra. Let’s just say Gianni Versace had nothing on Flemish merchants). And though Bruges is a feast for the eyes, it’s also a literal feast. For your mouth. Duck into the bars and brasseries for fat moules frites by the pot-load, hearty beef stews and heady Half-Moon brews. You can deliver the final insult to your arteries by devouring an entire box of Dumon chocolates as the Eurostar rolls you home.