KRO-NCRV and producer Big Blue will present Grand Hotel aan Zee at the end of 2026: the first romantic period drama of Dutch origin. The eight-part series is set between 1912 and 1919 in a prestigious seaside hotel on the coast of Noordwijk. Previously announced cast members include Thekla Reuten, Joes Brauers, Florence Vos Weeda and Mustafa Duygulu. Two new cast members are revealed: Daan Schuurmans and Malou Gorter.
Daan Schuurmans plays Mr. Arends, an ambitious businessman who has rapidly climbed the social ladder. With his major new project, the Bellevue Hotel, he aims to outshine the competition in Noordwijk. However, as he increasingly finds himself face-to-face with hotel owner Sandra (Thekla Reuten), his admiration for her begins to grow.
Malou Gorter portrays Baroness Lynde van Ameringen, a wealthy woman with a clear mission. Within her class and in the era in which the story takes place, she is strikingly modern. She believes in the power of women and annually invests in the education of a young woman in whom she sees potential. Sandra was once one of her protégées.
Dare to dream
At the heart of Grand Hotel aan Zee is Sandra, who aims to transform her hotel into the ultimate destination for the European elite within two years. As a woman in the early twentieth century, she faces significant obstacles. While Sandra reshapes her hotel into a fashionable, high-society destination, the lives of the women around her begin to change as well.
In and around the hotel in Noordwijk, the lives of staff, guests and local residents intertwine, leading to intrigue, blossoming romances and unexpected twists. Grand Hotel aan Zee brings together beautiful costumes, impressive set design and compelling characters with timeless themes such as love, motherhood and ambition.
A trusted collaboration
The head writer of the series is Astrid van Keulen, known for series such as Knokke Off and De Club. The series is directed by Aniëlle Webster (Swanenburg, Wat is dan liefde, Nemesis) and created by producer and showrunner Fleur Winters. Grand Hotel aan Zee is produced by Big Blue in co-production with KRO-NCRV and VRT. KRO-NCRV and Big Blue previously collaborated successfully on the drama series Rampvlucht and Don’t Fall, Dance.
The series will premiere at the end of 2026 on KRO-NCRV at NPO.
