A few weeks ago, my Mom and I spent the weekend at Antwerp's newest luxury hotel: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. This five-star superior hotel was created out of a re-established 15th century monastery, forming without a doubt a real asset for us Belgians, as one of the Leading Hotels of the world! Not only because of its yet renowned name and the royal treatment guaranteed to its guests, but foremost because of its amazingly friendly staff and jovial professionalism at all times. Here's my experience with Antwerp's finest piece of luxury retreat.

ROOM

We stayed at a sumptuous Junior Suite, where tones of rustic beige and navy blue come to the fore. Entering this space I witnessed the perfect marriage between the old monastery room's history and contemporary, minimalistic design. We looked over the botanical garden from our window. For a hotel that's located in the heart of Antwerp, amidst the city's noisy chaos, I was surprised to not hear a thing inside. The serenity and quiet that plays here, makes this place to me more unique than any other I've visited so far. During the day we went to have fun in the city, and by nightfall we returned to freshen up for dinner. The staff always surprised us with a small gift and left the room cleaned up by our return. In every room lies an iPad, with which you can control television, have the chance to read more about the hotel, or order room service.

RESTAURANTS

Following the handing out of the MICHELIN stars last week, a small word needs to be said about the exquisite restaurants this hotel hosts. At the Botanic Sanctuary site you'll find 4 restaurants and Henry's Bar. We had a taste of Hertog Jan (now granted 2 MICHELIN stars) by insane kitchen gods Gert De Mangeleer & Joachim Boudens, and Fine Fleur (1 MICHELIN STAR) with chefs Jacob Jan Boerma & Thomas Diepersloot. Our dining experience at Hertog Jan exceeded all expectations, with one of their courses being served in a really special setting, a secret I will keep from you as a surprise! Also the young team of Fine Fleur managed to blow our minds with both their hospitality and culinary skills. On our last day, we had a bite at Henry's Bar, a place decorated with style that sets the perfect atmosphere for just cocktails too when you're in the neighbourhood, by the way. Last year we had dinner already at 1238 Restaurant, the restaurant located next to the monastery garden, which is just as much recommendable.

I'd love to eat out at Bar Bulot, another culinary project by Gert & Joachim, in the future. Something to look forward to.

Hertog Jan

Fine Fleur

WELLNESS

Unfortunately we didn't have the chance to fully indulge ourselves into the promising Botanic Spa experience since it was still under construction at the time of our stay. However, we DID have a small retreat feeling with a massage and facial at one of the hotel's Spa Suites. Anyway, now I've clearly got an excuse to go back and have myself a Spa stay!

Most products they use are from a French-Japanese revolutionary skincare brand called EviDenS de Beauté. They expertise in anti-ageing, and created Triple Collagen complex, which contains three collagen molecules of different sizes that target different layers of the epidermis. I myself have a slightly sensitive skin, prone to acne and rosacea, in my experience often aggravated by too moisturising facials. Although the products have a certain price, I was very satisfied with the quality and softness of my skin afterwards. And as a enthusiastic future dermatologist, you understand what that means: I took home a travel kit to try it out further!

♥ Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

Lange Gasthuisstraat 45, entrance via Leopoldstraat

2000 Antwerp, Belgium