Hidden behind ancient walls within the city’s Botanic Gardens lies Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a former 13th-century monastery, now a spectacular 108-room hospitality destination serving as the jewel in the crown of Europe’s ‘Diamond Capital’. The vision of Eric De Vocht and his wife Maryse Odeurs, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp has been meticulously and methodically restored, and in 2024 will reveal The Botanic Suite, marking the completion of this sensitive four-year transformation. Home to five impeccable restaurants, three of which boast Michelin stars, a stylish bar, a 1,000sqm state of the art spa, an apothecary, a 15th-century chapel, 18 conference rooms, a screening theatre and The Unprecedented – one of the globe’s most exclusive invitation-only Whisky investment clubs, it promises an ultra-chic and intriguing destination for the cultured and curious traveler.
DIVINE INTERVENTION – CONNECTING CENTURIES OF MONASTIC HISTORY WITH MODERN CRAFTSMANSHIP
Grand in stature but with a boutique atmosphere, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp holds a past which has shaped its present – with buildings dating back to 1400. Through artfully combining tradition with modern craftsmanship, the architect and design team made sure to respect the monastery’s former life, deftly connecting original elements with the new. From the centuries-old wooden beams and original brickwork to the modern art and contemporary glass conservatories, a harmonious balance imbues the hotel. Where possible, the original function of rooms have been preserved – the two monastery kitchens now serve as elegantly tiled dining rooms, and the monastery’s 19th-century pharmacy has been brought back into use as a modern-day apothecary. Each room and suite has been individually designed and filled with warm colors, carefully curated antiques, natural textures and artwork by celebrated local artists. Whether guests choose to stay in a Comfort Room, the Diamond Suite or the highly anticipated brand-new Botanic Suite, luxury can be found in every detail.
Situated amidst the city’s botanical gardens, the grounds surrounding the property permeate within, creating a biophilic design which adds to the sense of oasis. Within the 5 acres of leafy grounds lie a trio of gardens, the hotel’s greenhouse which grows flowers, herbs, and tomatoes, and an abundance of lush plants and flowers.
A MASTERCLASS IN MICHELIN DINING - EXPERIENCE ONE OF EUROPE’S LEADING CULINARY HOTSPOTS
With a four-Michelin-star-strong armada of restaurants on site, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp embodies the exceptional cuisine that has confirmed Antwerp as a true European culinary capital. Hertog Jan, the two Michelin star restaurant with Head Chef Gert De Mangeleer and Sommelier Joachim Boudens at its helm, immerses guests in a world of knife-edge precision and painstaking craftsmanship, complemented by honest, muted interiors designed by Benoit Viaene. Located in the former cloister, guests lucky enough to dine here are met with a revered three-hour omakase experience which showcases the produce grown in the greenhouse and garden. Fine Fleur and Het Gebaar – both of which boast a Michelin star – offer dishes ranging from traditional afternoon pancakes created by the acclaimed ‘Best Pastry Chef in the World’, to modern and exotic twists on casual fine dining. The vibrant Henry’s Bar is a haven for Antwerp’s cosmopolitan crowd, whilst the exclusive, invitation-only Whisky investment club, The Unprecedented, is hidden in the Botanic Sanctuary’s ancient vaulted cellar. Here, invitees and investors are met with single Malt Scotch whiskies so rare that they’re no longer available anywhere else in the world.
RESTORE, RECHARGE AND REGENERATE – PAIRING GROUNDBREAKING WELLNESS TREATMENTS WITH ANCIENT HERBAL HEALING
At 1,000 sqm, spanning three floors and with ten treatment rooms, the Botanic Health Spa is Belgium’s leading destination spa - offering pioneering treatments and the latest innovation in eco- and sustainable design. Through fully harnessing herbal healing - taken from the monastery’s history when the monks and nuns would grow plants and herbs for remedial purposes - the spa is focused on holistic health and supporting long-term well-being. Guests can expect comprehensive and rigorous wellness programs – from acupuncture to osteopathy – in addition to a panoramic Finnish Sauna with herbal infusions, a steam bath, a beautiful 18-metre-long swimming pool set within a glass conservatory, and natural Saint Charles spa products.
DISCOVER ANTWERP
A city which complements the old and looks to the new, thanks to its cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture, youthful energy and burgeoning food-and-drink scene, Belgium’s ‘second’ capital exudes first-class style. Historically a port city on Belgium’s River Scheldt, dating back to the Middle Ages and known as the ‘City of Diamonds’, Antwerp is now home to over 1,500 restaurants, including 17 Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class galleries and museums which see a revolving calendar of exciting pop-ups and collaborations. From exploring the city’s Antique Districts to marveling at the Flemish artistry located within the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is already the destination of choice for the city’s glitterati, and the perfect platform to show off the best of this intriguing under the radar European city.
Rates at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp start from €450 (approx. $487) per night on a B&B basis www.botanicantwerp.be/
