Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium
Theaterbuurt
Vibe
Historic stone cloisters and serene inner courtyards provide a quiet monastery retreat hidden behind ancient walls in the city center.
“Monastic garden cloister”
Restored timber beams, wabi-sabi plasterwork, and modern glasshouse architecture overlooking the monastery gardens and historic rooftops.
A meticulously restored 13th-century monastery complex featuring a Gothic chapel, historic cloisters, and an authentic 16th-century apothecary.
Three floors of hydrotherapy, panoramic saunas, Traditional European Medicine rituals, and an eighteen-meter pool inside a glass conservatory.
In the Theaterbuurt district, bordering the historic Plantentuin botanical garden and Antwerp's theater square.
“Here a monastery complex, some of whose buildings date back as far as the 12th century, has been transformed into a 21st-century luxury hotel…”
Rooms
Wabi-sabi plasterwork meets aged timber beams and soft linens, while Spa Suites add private saunas and treatment tables.
“The most striking aspect of the scheme, by the city’s own AID Architecten, is the multistorey spa and rooftop pool, kept indulgently warm…”
Wellness
An 18-meter indoor pool rests inside a glass conservatory overlooking the monastery gardens, alongside panoramic saunas and Kneipp walks.
“Even my hotel, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a 13th-century monastery turned five-star stunner, boasts its own legends…”
Backstory
Founded in 1238 as Sint-Elisabeth Hospital, the estate preserves historic convent kitchens and a 16th-century apothecary reviving traditional herbal remedies.
Eat & drink
Gert De Mangeleer directs greenhouse-driven omakase at Hertog Jan, complemented by casual dining and botanical cocktails at Henry's Bar.
The neighborhood
Situated in the Theaterbuurt district, the grounds open directly onto Antwerp's historic Plantentuin botanical garden and nearby theater squares.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.