Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is an inner-city escape inspired by history and healing
Formerly a 12th century monastery, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a historic oasis in Belgium's urban fashion hub. Share
Steeped in history, the hotel’s botanical tradition accompanies visitors on a journey into 14 incomparable worlds of experience, totalling 20,000 sqm. Five fine-dining restaurants honour the culinary excellence of this exquisite destination with, most notably, the spectacular return of Hertog Jan. Fine Fleur, Bar Bulot, Het Gebaar and 1238 offer a shared celebration of culinary experiences and authenticity, while the atmospheric Henry’s Bar is a homage to the botanist Henri-Ferdinand van Heurck—a thriving association of tradition and modernity. This luxury destination also offers numerous event locations, a 15th-century chapel and the Botanic Congress Centre’s 14 meeting and conference rooms.
The 108 rooms and suites carved out of a 15th-century monastery are spread across five historic buildings: Sint-Joris, Monasterium, Sint-Elisabeth, Alnetum and Filips Van Marnix Huis. The architects have preserved the character of the original buildings while ensuring that they meet contemporary thermal, acoustic, lighting and sustainability standards. Room categories include Comfort, Deluxe, Deluxe with Terrace, Junior Suite, Junior Suite with Terrace, Junior Suite Duplex, Suite, Suite with Terrace, Grande Suite, Spa and Healthness Suite, Diamond Spa Suite.
No two rooms are alike and each has been skilfully integrated into the fabric of the historic complex of monastic buildings. They exude timeless luxury brought about by a wabi-sabi approach to interior design: serene, beautiful and spiritual. Natural fabrics, carefully selected objects and books, and a soft yet joyful colour palette reflect both the rooms’ history and their verdant location. Many rooms feature ancient beams that have been exposed and expertly preserved. Craftsmanship and traditional materials such as wood and iron are evident everywhere, but never superfluous—always serving a function.
The Botanic Health Spa’s visionary concept combines an understanding of ancient herbal and monastic remedies with traditional European and Chinese medicine. A few steps from the spa, the monastery’s historic apothecary has been reborn with Saint Charles becoming a leading botanic niche concept store. Next door, a very special emporium caters for those thirsting for nature and art: the Granada Gallery, where Jochen Leën skilfully traces an arc to the city of diamonds.
A good night’s sleep is found in spaces as unique as the destination itself. 108 rooms and suites are housed in five historic buildings, all of which have their own story to tell with the rebirth of their historic architecture, incomparable interiors, concierge and butler services and, of course, judiciously selected works of art. Resonant names offer a sense of each building’s uniqueness: Sint Joris, Monasterium, Sint-Elisabeth, Alnetum and Filips Van Marnix Huis.
The hotel’s dining options are led by a talented team of creatives and include 1238 Restaurant, which combines Belgian and French cuisine under the guidance of chef de cuisine Wouter Van Tichelen. The highly sought-after Hertog Jan, previously located in Zedelgem, has also been revived and is led by Joachim Boudens and chef Gert de Mangeleer.
This dining experience, inspired by the Japanese concept of omakase, in which the chef has complete creative freedom, is a form of performance art that can last for three hours or more. The restaurant sources fresh ingredients from the hotel’s on-site greenhouse, beehives, and garden. Bar Bulot, also led by the same team, offers more casual but expertly prepared meats and fish. In addition to Fine Fleur, Henry’s Bar provides a cozy, private space for a drink or an extended stay.
For further information, visit botanicantwerp.be
