Is this nostalgia a sign that we are yearning for a simpler, more rustic lifestyle? Do we want to give up our gadgets and Ikea stainless steel in favour of spinning wheels and cast iron?

Due to globalisation, many of us are now living in a complex environment with an abundance of information. Mobile phones and internet has made us ever available - and not without consequence. When given a bit of time off, more and more people are choosing to spend it somewhere simple and peaceful. The quick pace of life combined with advanced technology has created a strong need to go back to the way things were - to slower, less demanding times.

"We see a lot of tourists today who are looking for a full experience," says Lea Winkeler of Flanders Tourism, who has seen a strong increase in the popularity of Flemish country holidays over the last 10 years. "There is a clear demand for authenticity - the way things really are, or really were. By staying in the countryside, guests have more contact with the locals and are closer to the source of their food. This is the experience they're after."

There is one other very important reason why people choose more and more for a holiday in the country, explains Winkeler: "The opportunity to do absolutely nothing."

"Our guests come here to unwind," confirms Hein Steenkiste of Hoevehotel Bladelijn in West Flanders. "For them, a stay in the countryside is like turning back the time. It's also kid- and budget-friendly, which is not always the case at a hotel. My sister-in-law is the chef, and she makes traditional farmer fare typical to the region. Gastronomy is another reason they visit. But really, more than anything, it's to get away from it all."

This form of escapism has been good for Flanders' tourism sector. After all, to step away from the obligations of daily life, one does not necessarily need to travel far or spend a lot of money. These days, the best holidays are close to home, in a place unhurried and authentic.

Studies by Plattelandstoerisme (Rural Tourism) show that 77% of guests opting to spend their vacation in the Flemish countryside actually live in Flanders. They may drive a couple of hours and only stay for a few days, but they fulfil their goal: to escape the city, turn off their phones and just enjoy the simple life. "Flanders is very densely populated," Winkeler asserts, "meaning that most people live in places that are busy and noisy. It's only natural that they look to escape for a while, to come up for air."

Longing for the past

Surprisingly, the deterioration of the economy in the past year has also given a boost to this particular sector. The Western world is experiencing a major shift in mentality, from overt consumerism to conscientious reduction and conservation. With less budget to spend on holidays, more people are drawn to lodging that is as affordable as it is comfortable.

Thoughts are then naturally drawn to the past, to a time when life was a lot less extravagant. After tasting progress, industry and technology in all its shapes and forms, people are perhaps realising that nature already had it pretty well figured out.

Even up until the latter part of the 20th century, for example, many small Flemish communities were still very much self-sufficient, with everything they needed coming from local farmers, bakers, etc. Now, it's rare that you find someone willing to visit four different shops in order to get all their groceries for the week. But this is still the best way to know you are getting fresh produce. It's also the most natural route, removing the middle man, transport, packaging and so on.

Finally, consumers are again becoming more critical of the quality and origin of the food they eat. This trend is directly linked to tourism, as tasting the regional specialities has always been a big part of travel.

A desire for authenticity is not necessarily about nostalgia for the era of our childhood. Authenticity is about rediscovering old values and traditional methods and learning to appreciate them in a new context, adapting them to a modern life.

Growing your own apples, making apple sauce and then potting it up for the winter is no longer seen as a chore, for instance, but as an enjoyable luxury for those who have the time. This newfound passion for getting closer to nature is what is driving the back-to-basics trend. Pure, raw and wholesale products that come straight from the source are in higher demand as a result. And there's no better place to find such products than at a farm, and preferably one that provides cosy sleeping quarters as well.

Taking advantage of the trend

Striking while the iron's hot, guest houses and B&Bs are popping up across Flanders to offer an alternative to the electronic excesses of the modern world. Stay in a renovated 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by fruit orchards and walking trails. Or a charming B&B in the woods that provides the opportunity for horseback riding or biking. In the morning, you'll be treated to a breakfast made fresh by the hosts.

"I make everything myself," asserts Rosa Van Hoecke, of Servaeshoeve, a classic courtyard-style farmstead in the undulating fruit region of Haspengouw in Limburg province. "I prepare everything using all products from the area, so a lot of fruit dishes. There's also fresh-baked bread and stroop". (That's a sticky, sweet syrup made from boiled apples or pears).

Van Hoecke has also noticed an increased interest from guests who want to stay on her and her husband's working farm. "It's not just families anymore," she notes. "We're seeing more and more couples without children, too, who come here for walking and cycling. It has something to do with nostalgia, surely, but, most of all, it's to relax, get outdoors and enjoy the homemade meals."

www.hoevetoerisme.be

Hoevehotel Bladelijn
In West Flanders, not far from the French border, lies Bladelijn, an idyllic walled farmstead dating back to the 14th century. The closest village, Lampernisse, is known as one of the quietest in Flanders. Perfectly restored without losing any of its authentic elements, Bladelijn is a friendly and inviting farm hotel with 10 unique guest rooms, all decked in wood and warm colours. The dining area boasts stone walls and vaulted ceilings. Here you will enjoy a buffet breakfast in the morning and a home-cooked, three-course Flemish meal in the evening. Located inside a nature reserve 15 kilometres from the coast, the area is lush and flat. Bladelijn offers special walking or cycling packages. Zadelstraat 8, Diksmuide, 051.55.50.83
www.bladelijn.com

Servaeshoeve
In Limburg, nestled among rows of fruit trees, lies Servaeshoeve, a 17th-century farm still active today. The hostess, Rosa, prepares delicious meals using all the regional goodies. Jean, her husband, also makes you feel right at home, more than happy to tell you all about his cattle and crops. The building itself is large and majestic and flawlessly finished with lots of wood, exposed brick and soothing earth tones. Each of the cheerful, bright guest rooms has an agricultural theme. A bike ride or walk through the surrounding hills takes you past tiny village churches, castles, orchards and grain fields. This is the area around the town of Grootloon, and it is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Grootloonstraat 101, Borgloon, 012.67.23.03
www.servaeshoeve.be

Kasteelhoeve de Tornaco
Also located in the rich landscape of Haspengouw in Limburg is Kasteelhoeve de Tornaco. The original castle-farm was practically in ruins when the current owners converted it into a gorgeous complex, integrating the main estate with five guest rooms, horse stalls and an inner courtyard. Every room perfectly illustrates the beauty in keeping it simple: white bedspreads, hardwood floors, exposed beams. In addition to cycling and walking, hosts Ronny and Ivo have something extra special to offer guests - horse tourism. Take guided tours by horseback, either with your own horse or with one of their dozen or so Haflingers. Or opt to be carried across the land, as these horses are also ready to pull you in a carriage. Romeinse Kassei 5, Borgloon, 012.67.26.00
www.detornaco.be