Featured property: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is an opulent, five-star destination built on the site of a 13th Century monastery.

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is an opulent, five-star destination “hidden away” in the heart of the city offering an exceptional level of luxury hospitality that combines a profound sense of history with modern comfort and convenience. The hotel is Antwerp’s first member of the Leading Hotels of the World, and the site’s history dates back nearly 800 years.   

Historic records show that in 1238 an order of monks set up a monastery and the St Elisabeth hospital for the local sick and poor on the grounds. An infirmary and chapel were added in the 1400s, and in the 16th century an onsite apothecary and medicinal garden followed. In 1798, the hospital was taken under the management of Antwerp’s Board of Almshouses, and the premises underwent further construction over the coming years and centuries. Today, the monastery has been converted into a hotel.  

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp opened its doors in 2022. The botanical garden and apothecary are still operational, the infirmary and chapel have been beautifully restored as event and wedding spaces, and the property features tranquil gardens, five restaurants, and a spa. The recent restoration, which began in 2017, preserves the legacy of historic buildings and breathes new life into the property with a focus on its tradition of botanical study. 

Besides 108 rooms and suites, all located in five old original buildings, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp has five gourmet restaurants with four Michelin stars, a three-story Botanic Health Spa & Club, a 14-room conference center, a restored 19th century apothecary, a wedding, classical concert and event venue in the 15th century chapel, and a “secret venue” for VIP members’ devoted to Scotch whisky. 

Each of the 108 rooms is unique – no two are alike and the modern additions meet strict standards of sustainability. The Spa Suites have their own private spa treatment spaces plus a Finnish sauna, whirlpool, Technogym bike, treatment table, and separate shower.  

Botanic Health Spa 

The sleek and luxurious Botanic Health Spa is a leading destination spa in an oasis of calm offering sophisticated next-gen technology. Traditional hands-on treatments, provided in 10 treatment rooms by a team of therapists using a range of healing modalities, are complemented with state-of-the-art cellular analytic equipment that allows guests to quickly access a detailed physical assessment. 

botanic sanctuary antwerp

The spa operates in partnership with the apothecary, just across the courtyard, which stocks a variety of tried and tested herbal and plant-based remedies. 

Spread over three floors, the 1,000 square-meter spa features a panoramic swimming pool, panoramic Finnish sauna, Kneipp walk, ice fountain, Himalayan salt-stone sauna, infrared sauna, steam bath, reflexology basins, infinity whirlpool, herb and vitamin bar, and relaxation area. Treatments, services, and experiences include cutting edge cellular-analysis, traditional European medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness classes, manicures, pedicures, and waxing, massages and full-body treatments. 

The holistic focus of the Botanic Health Spa is on a mix of healing and preventive methods, while the “synergistic combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional European Medicine (TEM) that is the quintessential expression of the spa. 

 

 

Spa Executive is published by Book4Time, the leader in guest management, revenue and mobile solutions for the most exclusive spas, hotels, and resorts around the globe. Learn more at book4time.com.

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