George Michael has bounced back from illness to enjoy a four-day trip to Amsterdam.

The 'Faith' singer came close to death last year after battling the life-threatening illness pneumonia, but following his recovery he jetted off to Holland -- which has more relaxed laws on cannabis use than other European countries -- for a mini-break with his boyfriend Fadi Fawaz before returning home to the UK on Monday.

However, George, 48, joked with photographers outside his hotel that he was behaving himself in the party city.

The singer -- who previously underwent narcotics counselling for his cannabis use -- said about his choice of holiday destinations: "I know what you are thinking and you are wrong."

When he was asked about his health he said he was feeling "better and stronger every day" and revealed he is writing new music.

George had to cancel a number of dates of his 'Symphonica' European tour when he was struck down with pneumonia, and in a hastily called press conference outside his home at the end of December, he admitted the severity of the illness had been played down to his fans.

He said: "I'd say it was touch and go for a few weeks. And I played it down, I didn't want to worry my fans too much and I'm really sorry that I couldn't contact them in any way before now, but I was in no state to."