Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a top location that you will naturally find in Eventonline’s client portfolio. The venue had been on my bucket list for a while, so it was high time for a visit and a review. I visit quite a few hotels and venues on a yearly basis, but a five-star superior hotel …! You don’t visit that every day …
With the acquisition of a 99-year lease on the former Hotel and Congress Centre Elzenveld, property developer IRET committed to the realisation of a landmark project, restoring and breathing new life into the historic building complex on the 20,000 m² site of the city of Antwerp. With its own green spaces and complemented by the almost 200-year-old Botanical Garden, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a green hideaway in the bustling city centre. The history of the site is unmistakably felt throughout the complex, and the current renovation project has removed later embellishments to reveal old brickwork and beautiful structures.
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is located in the heart of Antwerp. Anyone familiar with the Koekenstad will know that parking in the city centre is no mean feat. No problem though for Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp as the hotel has valet parking. Classy, by the way, because you can immediately leave your car with a valet employee, who awaits you in very stylish attire.
On my arrival, I was immediately escorted to reception for check-in. There, the pampering started already because I was allowed to take a seat in one of the beautiful lounges, and while the lady in question arranged the check-in, I was offered a nice glass of bubbles while waiting.
Suites
The 108 rooms and suites distilled from the 15th-century monastery are spread across five historic buildings: Sint-Joris, Monasterium, Sint-Elisabeth, Alnetum and Philip Van Marnix House. The architects have preserved the character of the original buildings while ensuring 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 & Healthness Suite and Diamond Spa Suite. No two rooms are the same and each is also expertly integrated into the fabric of the historic complex of monastic buildings. They exude timeless luxury stemming from a wabi-sabi approach to interior design: serene, beautiful and spiritual. Natural fabrics, carefully selected objects and books, and a soft but cheerful colour palette reflect both the history of the rooms and their verdant location. Many rooms have old beams that have been uncovered and expertly preserved. Craftsmanship and traditional materials like wood and iron are everywhere, but never redundant, always with a function.
My suite then. Coincidence or not, I was actually provided with the same suite I was shown during the renovations of this venue.
I had booked for just one night, which I soon regretted because I wanted to stay here for longer: large king-size bed, separate lounge, spacious bathroom with bath and shower. After all, a hotel has to have the right atmosphere to make you want to stay there, and at the same time make you feel a bit sad when you leave… So I instantly fell in love with the Botanic.
The hotel staff is very helpful and always there for you without being intrusive. You really get the feeling of being their guest here.
Catering
Having lunch or dinner at Botanic Sanctuary means tasting gastronomy created by world-famous chefs behind the cooker in Botanic Sanctuary’s five restaurants, namely Hertog Jan, Fine Fleur, Het Gebaar, 1238, Bar Bulot. And not the least according to the Michelin Guide 2022: 2 stars for Hertog Jan; 1 star for Fine Fleur and 1 star for Het Gebaar!
I had opted to dine at restaurant 1238 that evening. Named after the year the monastery was founded, this restaurant is firmly rooted in the monastery. Produce from the restaurant’s own garden adds to the delicious authenticity of the cuisine. My palate was indulged by a ‘Botanic Taste’, an uncomplicated synergy of top-quality regional ingredients and a comfortable approach to classic French and Belgian cuisine. Signature dishes at this fine restaurant include Veal sweetbread ‘Corrèze’ and North Sea cod with lemon thyme, baby spinach, smoked eel and a sauce of cockle and capers. Add to this excellent service, as well as an insane wine list with the great grand cru’s, etc. In short, too much beauty to list further. You have to experience it for yourself!
Wellness
The unique Spa & Healthness Suites and the Diamond Spa Suite feature a private spa treatment room with Finnish sauna, whirlpool, Technogym bike, treatment table and separate shower. All are equipped with air filtration and purification systems. Indulgence at its finest!
Fitness
Would you like to continue working on your fitness during your stay? No problem. Botanic Sanctuary also has a gym. Not overwhelmingly large, but well equipped with all the necessary equipment for a full-body workout. Moreover, a professional coach is always present, a real plus point.
Tasty breakfast
The breakfast, like everywhere else, was high quality (including Belgian bubbles), with particular attention and respect for products from here. My travel companion even suggested that she had had the best coffee ever …
Congress Centre
You would almost forget, but with 2,450 m² of banquet and event spaces, Botanic Sanctuary is home to Antwerp’s largest conference centre. Fourteen multifunctional meeting rooms combine a historic ambience with state-of-the-art technology to offer the full spectrum of facilities. Flexible and seductive lounges offer a range of spaces and configurations, providing an unrivalled setting for all kinds of meetings, incentives, conferences and events. In short, everything top-notch for companies and/or organisations to hold (multi-day) meetings.
Downside
And now for a downside. The only one that is … I had only booked one night, I know … mea culpa. Maybe they will like my article so much that I will be asked again … Who knows. – Absolutely Wood Approved!
Conference and seminar location in the heart of Antwerp – Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
