Antwerp has long been a city rich in history, culture, and culinary delights, yet it was missing a luxury hotel to match its vibrant character—until now. The Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a newly opened member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, fills this gap magnificently. The Sapiens Travel DMC Team had the distinct pleasure of conducting a site inspection at this exquisite property, and we left thoroughly impressed.
Hotel Key Facts in a Nutshell
Hidden in the heart of historic Antwerp, Botanic Sanctuary is the 5* superior result of a spectacular five-year restoration project. Conjured out of a crumbling old monastery, hospital and gardens dating back to the 13th century, sprawled across a 20,000 meters-squares site.
Exquisitely restored, it is made up of five historic buildings (St. Joris, Monasterium, St. Elisabeth, Alnetum, and Filips Van Marnixhuis) plus a brand new spa, all set around a series of gardens and courtyards. Besides five restaurants – three with Michelin stars – they also boost a collection of 14 atmospheric event and meeting rooms, and an exclusive whisky investor’s club deep in the vaults.
Perfectly positioned near Antwerp's high-end shopping district, with renowned brands, like the belgian Delvaux, are just steps away.
The hotel’s proximity to the Botanical Garden and a short 15-minute walk to the Grote Markt and major attractions make it an ideal base for exploring the city.
Why We Love This Hotel
Authentic Flemish Experience: The Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp offers an immersive journey into Flemish experience. Owned by a Belgium-Flemish company, the hotel’s restoration and design were masterfully executed by local Antwerp-based firms and designers, ensuring an authentic and deeply connected cultural experience. The hotel's unique blend of historical architecture and contemporary luxury standards has made it a beloved landmark among locals, who frequently visit its spa and restaurants. This strong local affection, combined with its international appeal, makes the Botanic Sanctuary a true gem for both residents and travelers seeking an authentic taste of Flemish culture.
Sophisticated Design: The hotel’s interiors are a masterclass in style, blending Japandi influences with abundant greenery and curated art pieces, perfectly mixed with the historical buildings. The result is a serene and elegant atmosphere that captivates the senses.
Unique and Comfortable Guest Rooms & Exclusive Suites: Each guest room at the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a meticulously crafted sanctuary, seamlessly blending modern luxury with a deep reverence for the building's historical roots. These tranquil retreats are furnished with high-end amenities and offer breathtaking views, creating an atmosphere of refined comfort.
Some rooms feature private saunas, terraces, and whirlpools, providing an in-room spa experience, while advanced air purification systems ensure a healthy environment. Every room and suite is uniquely designed to reflect the hotel’s rich history, offering guests a distinct and memorable stay.
Award-Winning Spa Experience: Recognized as Belgium’s top spa, the Botanic Health Spa & Club offers a luxurious wellness retreat spread across three floors and 1,000 square meters. It features a stunning 18-meter panoramic pool, whirlpool, saunas, steam rooms, and cozy relaxation areas. The spa provides 10 treatment rooms for tailored therapies that blend advanced technology with holistic traditions like Phytotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ancient Monastic practices. Signature treatments, such as skin rejuvenation and The3CureMethod, focus on enhancing well-being.
Additional amenities include a Finnish sauna with herbal infusions, a Himalayan salt stone sauna, an ice fountain, Kneipp walk, foot reflexology stations, and a botanical shower. Guests can relax at the herb and vitamin bar or enjoy light, healthy dining at the Botanic Health bistro. To complete the experience, the Health Club offers cutting-edge fitness solutions, and the Saint Charles Store provides premium wellness products.
Culinary Excellence: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp stands as a premier culinary destination, offering a variety of exceptional dining experiences. Begin your day with the lavish Botanic Breakfast Experience, featuring local delicacies like Belgian cheeses, artisanal bread, and charcuterie.
Henry’s Bar & Bistro blends a sophisticated atmosphere with exquisite drinks and world-class dining, while the Botanic Sunday Brunch provides a perfect weekend retreat.
Michelin-starred Het Gebaar, led by Roger van Damme, elevates lunchtime and teatime into memorable occasions. Fine Fleur’s chefs, Jacob Jan Boerma and Thomas Diepersloot, craft exceptional dishes using seasonal and regional ingredients.
Hertog Jan, with two Michelin stars, showcases the culinary mastery of Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens, while Bar Bulot offers a chic brasserie experience with traditional Belgian and French fare.
A Grand venue for memorable events: Whether you're planning a corporate meeting, an intimate gathering, or your dream wedding, their historic yet luxurious venues provide the perfect setting. A total highlight is their intact chapel from the 15th-century, as well the picturesque Monastery Garden.
Our Final Tips to Book This Hotel like a Pro
A Grand finale for your Benelux Itinerary: We recommend booking this hotel at the end of your client's stay, providing a well-deserved grand finale to their itinerary. At least one full day at leisure is advised so guests can fully enjoy the outstanding breakfast, spa, private gardens, restaurants, bars, and shops. Your clients will thank you for suggesting it.
Unique rooms, with great connecting options: Every room and suite is uniquely designed to reflect the hotel’s rich history, offering guests a distinct and memorable stay. If your clients liked a specific room, or need connecting rooms, it is important to let the reservations team informed, so they do their best to accommodate any specific preference.
Book the restaurant and spa treatments in advance. The hotel is beloved by locals, and even though they prioritize in-house guests, space is limited. Booking early ensures your clients won't miss out on these exceptional experiences.
Great for Entertainment clients: besides many connecting room options, the property offers two entrances, perfect for arranging a private entrance for guests from the entertainment industry, allowing for a smooth in-room check-in. Since the guest rooms are spread in 5 different buildings, it is possible to privatize one of them for outmost exclusivity. Restaurants and venues can be privatized (upon additional costs). Their great infra-structure for events (14 meeting rooms in total) is perfect to make any special arrangement, that always come for those type of clients. Butler service can be arranged upon request in advance.
For health-focused journeys: The hotel offers special Spa Journeys designed to detoxify, celebrate special events, or indulge in signature experiences. These journeys are crafted to meet individual needs and preferences, and must be arranged in advance. Additionally, the spa offers treatments that blend Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Western Medicine, providing the best of both worlds. These treatments must also be booked in advance.
Consult us to get the best rates & deals: we have exclusive rates and special deals with Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. Don’t hesitate to contact us to check the best rates and availability for your clients. Send us your request to: operations@sapiens-travel.com