Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

Steeped in centuries of history, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is one of the chicest hotels in all of Belgium—and certainly in Antwerp.

• The five dining options, three of which have Michelin stars and one of which is fine-dining
• The on-property chapel, which is the oldest remaining part of the original complex and dates back to around 1400 A.D.
• The Saint Charles’ Store, which inhabits a space reminiscent of the property’s historic apothecary

The Botanic Sanctuary’s history dates back to 1238, when Antwerp’s first hospital became overcrowded and moved from the city center to here. Twenty years later, the same site became an Augustine monastery. The history goes on, but today, the sprawling and luxurious hotel comprises 108 rooms, junior suites, suites and spa suites spread across five historical buildings: Sint-Joris, Monasterium, Sint-Elisabeth, Alnetum and Filips Van Marnix Huis. All five have been immaculately restored to please the luxury traveler, yet every one maintains its unique, historic character. Each accommodation is different, but the general design of the rooms is best described as monastic-chic—every room has a simple, earthy palette with subtle infusions of contemporary design.

As its name suggests, the hotel is truly a sanctuary—most telling is the nearly 11,000-square-foot spa. It’s spread across three floors and has eight treatment rooms, two private double treatment rooms, 60-foot indoor swimming pool with panoramic garden views, whirlpool, ice fountain, multiple saunas and more. At its core? Botanical wellbeing. Guests can look forward to trying the herb and vitamin bar as well as the Botanic Health Bistro. There are botanical shower experiences, and many natural elements are infused into every private treatment. Harkening back to the hotel’s religious history, the spa also has a monastic medicine program.

Perhaps more impressive than the spa is the lineup of on-property restaurants and culinary experiences. The headliner, Hertog Jan, is a Michelin two-star restaurant by Michelin restaurant veterans and partners, Gert De Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens, who are also behind Bar Bulot, an elegant à la carte French and Belgian brasserie on the property. 1238 Restaurant by the talented Pascal Duvivier is a fine-dining option in a greenhouse in the botanical gardens, and the menu is a unique take on authentic Belgian dishes. Het Gebaar, situated within a “gingerbread” building in the botanical garden, has one Michelin star but is only open for lunch and dessert daily. As if that’s not enough, Fine Fleur by Jacob Jan Boerma and Thomas Diepersloot also lays claim to one Michelin star. For guests more inclined towards a casual meal, Henry’s Bar is the perfect spot for a bar bite, albeit a chic one.

Member Stories

In the words of Indagare member D.R., who visited in 2023: "Botanic Sanctuary was truly fabulous and is a lovely, extraordinary hotel. It is a restored monastery steeped in history. Our suite up in the eaves was fantastic and lovely. We easily could have used an extra day or two to enjoy the spa and pool and stroll the gardens. Botanic Sanctuary had an army of staff and concierge. Everyone was super helpful. The hotel has several restaurants which was convenient. The bar is wonderful and an easy place to eat without a reservation. It was fabulous and definitely worth going to Belgium to experience. Botanic Sanctuary has a Heckfield Place vibe which we of course loved and immediately felt as soon as we walked in."

Any traveler to Antwerp, especially those seeking a calming, luxe experience and delicious cuisine