Botanic Sanctuary
Antwerp, Belgium Overview
Spread across a 20,000sqm site in the heart of Antwerp, the Botanic Sanctuary, located in a 12th-century monastery, combines a sense of history with contemporary design. It’s a city resort with extraordinary fine dining, authentic Belgian bistro cuisine, a ground-breaking spa, conference hub and a wedding venue.
A hidden gem in Antwerp’s botanical gardens, the Botanic Sanctuary stands on the foundations of a 12th-century monastery. Its historic character has been preserved all over the place, enhanced by a sophisticated contemporary touch.
The annexe 15th-century chapel is a magnificent location for magical weddings and an idyllic ambience for private events.
The monastic heritage inspired the unique Botanic Health Spa concept, focused on naturopathy, phytotherapy, traditional European medicine, and ancient methods of healing and prevention.
The 1,000sqm spa spreads across three floors and includes an 18m panoramic swimming pool, cocooning spaces, extensive sauna area, Jacuzzi, lounge, vitamin and herbal bars and the Spa Bistro.
Curious travellers seeking local immersion will find great occasions.
Culture has always been part of everyday’s life. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city was home to great masters such as Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck. The great masters of the 20th and 21st centuries are the fashion designers like the world-famous Antwerp Six.
Architecture is also one of the city’s assets: medieval, Rococo and Art Nouveau buildings coexist with the contemporary masterpieces as the Port Authority Building designed by Zaha Hadid. And Antwerp is also known for its diamonds, of course.
Last but not least, the food scene has been exploding in the last few years, with fabulous restaurants and unique culinary paths in town and the nearby countryside. Do not forget you are in one of the most celebrated beer districts.
The annexe 15th-century chapel is a magnificent location for magical weddings and an idyllic ambience for private events.
The monastic heritage inspired the unique Botanic Health Spa concept, focused on naturopathy, phytotherapy, traditional European medicine, and ancient methods of healing and prevention.
The 1,000sqm spa spreads across three floors and includes an 18m panoramic swimming pool, cocooning spaces, extensive sauna area, Jacuzzi, lounge, vitamin and herbal bars and the Spa Bistro.
Curious travellers seeking local immersion will find great occasions.
Culture has always been part of everyday’s life. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city was home to great masters such as Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck. The great masters of the 20th and 21st centuries are the fashion designers like the world-famous Antwerp Six.
Architecture is also one of the city’s assets: medieval, Rococo and Art Nouveau buildings coexist with the contemporary masterpieces as the Port Authority Building designed by Zaha Hadid. And Antwerp is also known for its diamonds, of course.
Last but not least, the food scene has been exploding in the last few years, with fabulous restaurants and unique culinary paths in town and the nearby countryside. Do not forget you are in one of the most celebrated beer districts.
Food & Drinks
The Botanic Sanctuary offer unique possibilities to gourmet travellers with its three Michelin Starred restaurants and a fabulous bar.
Hertog Jan by Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens
Gert de Mangeleer, the three Michelin stars Chef at the original Hertog Jan, revives its culinary concept at the Botanic. A hub of innovative gastronomy, Hertog Jan recreates the West Flemish garden experience in an intimate setting with its glasshouse, beehives and herb garden.
Bar Bulot by Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens
The sister restaurant to Bar Bulot by Hertog Jan*** in Bruges Comes to Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp too. This “à la carte brasserie” offers traditional Belgian and French cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu offers fish, seafood and meaty classics such as steak tartare – as well as some delicious wines to accompany them!
Fine Fleur, Jacob Jan Boerma & Thomas Diepersloot
Two chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants join forces at the Botanic to generate zen-like balance. Jacob Jan Boerma is famous worldwide for his signature dishes – using citrus, acidity, herbs, spices, vegetables and Thomas Diepersloot from Michelin-starred Restaurant Voltaire, having worked with many world-renowned chefs. At the Fine Fleur, they will be creating the ‘wow’ factor that only the finest cuisine can offer.
The Botanic Restaurant, Wouter Van Tichelen
Wouter van Tichelen from the 1 Michelin star restaurant De Koopvaardij opens the Botanic’s authentic Belgian restaurant nestled in the conservatory of the Monastery Garden. Each dish provides a classic taste of Belgian cuisine but with an interpretation that is entirely his own.
Henry’s Bar
Named after the 19th-century botanist and director of Antwerp’s Botanical Garden, Henri-Ferdinand van Heurck, Henry’s Bar is Antwerp’s final rendezvous for cocktails Botanic style.
Hertog Jan by Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens
Gert de Mangeleer, the three Michelin stars Chef at the original Hertog Jan, revives its culinary concept at the Botanic. A hub of innovative gastronomy, Hertog Jan recreates the West Flemish garden experience in an intimate setting with its glasshouse, beehives and herb garden.
Bar Bulot by Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens
The sister restaurant to Bar Bulot by Hertog Jan*** in Bruges Comes to Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp too. This “à la carte brasserie” offers traditional Belgian and French cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu offers fish, seafood and meaty classics such as steak tartare – as well as some delicious wines to accompany them!
Fine Fleur, Jacob Jan Boerma & Thomas Diepersloot
Two chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants join forces at the Botanic to generate zen-like balance. Jacob Jan Boerma is famous worldwide for his signature dishes – using citrus, acidity, herbs, spices, vegetables and Thomas Diepersloot from Michelin-starred Restaurant Voltaire, having worked with many world-renowned chefs. At the Fine Fleur, they will be creating the ‘wow’ factor that only the finest cuisine can offer.
The Botanic Restaurant, Wouter Van Tichelen
Wouter van Tichelen from the 1 Michelin star restaurant De Koopvaardij opens the Botanic’s authentic Belgian restaurant nestled in the conservatory of the Monastery Garden. Each dish provides a classic taste of Belgian cuisine but with an interpretation that is entirely his own.
Henry’s Bar
Named after the 19th-century botanist and director of Antwerp’s Botanical Garden, Henri-Ferdinand van Heurck, Henry’s Bar is Antwerp’s final rendezvous for cocktails Botanic style.
Rooms
The 108 rooms and suites – each one unique – reflect the historical style and significance of the complex. At the same time, they radiate timeless richness brought about by a wabi-sabi approach to interior design: serene, beautiful and spiritual. They do have one thing in common – all offer welcoming green views away from the city’s hustle and bustle. A place of rest in the heart of Belgium’s most populous city. Truly a sanctuary.
Points Of View
A green oasis of tranquillity in the beating heart of Antwerp,
At the Botanic Sanctuary, step out of Antwerp's urban fashion hub into monastic tranquillity: enter a world of luxury, where craftsmanship, innovation and ecology meet tradition. Relax, pamper yourself in this ultimate city resort nestled in a century-old botanical garden offering refuge.
Four in one, where else can you enjoy such an extraordinary fine experience?
Belgium is the land of the good life, and today more than ever, Antwerp is the capital city of gastronomy. In the four restaurants of the Botanic Sanctuary, you only have Michel Stars chefs, inviting you to a new culinary experience far beyond your expectation!
Belgian Beer Trails
Many gourmets view Belgium as the fatherland of beer, with the local brewing heritage dating back many centuries. UNESCO recognised the historical significance of beer culture and inscribed the Belgian beer culture to their list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016. Antwerp and the Botanic Sanctuary is a perfect start to discover the top brewmasters preserving the unique characters of local beers. Rochefort, Achel, Chimay, Duvel, Orval, Westmalle: these are just some world-renowned breweries that have helped make Belgian beers household names across the globe.
Staying In Antwerp
Antwerp is less than a one-hour ride by car or train from the capital, Brussels. It is an incredible place to visit as it has a unique personality: artistic and progressive yet heritage-proud. The city feels very international, which is no surprise; monarchs from all over Europe have ruled it. No wonder you can find a myriad of global cuisines but French restaurants abound with around a dozen with Michelin stars. There is also interesting street food, outstanding chocolate makers and different kinds of beers to taste, such as the local one called “Bolleke”.
Antwerp was one of Europe’s richest and most inventive cities in the 1600s and 1700s and today it absolutely sparkles, and not just because it is the world’s biggest diamond hub. Did you know that the biggest Gothic church in Europe’s Low Countries is in Antwerp and the paintings are by Rubens, the city’s genius. However, Antwerp is also a world center of edgy modern fashion and a great shopping town with lots of designer’s boutiques.
Antwerp was one of Europe’s richest and most inventive cities in the 1600s and 1700s and today it absolutely sparkles, and not just because it is the world’s biggest diamond hub. Did you know that the biggest Gothic church in Europe’s Low Countries is in Antwerp and the paintings are by Rubens, the city’s genius. However, Antwerp is also a world center of edgy modern fashion and a great shopping town with lots of designer’s boutiques.
Leopoldstraat 26, Antwerp, 2000, Belgium