Originally a 13th-century monastery, the unique property is now a wellness haven featuring a world-class spa, listed botanical gardens that have been given a new lease of life, and even a chapel. 

Work begun on converting the former 13th-century monastery and hospital back in 2017, and it has now become a Leading Hotels of the World member in Belgium’s diamond and fashion hub, offering 108 guest rooms and Michelin-star dining. 

The project concludes this summer, with the launch of the Botanic Suite, which features a 68-sqm private rooftop terrace with views of Antwerp’s skyline and inside, guests will find a living room, bedroom and bathroom ideal for couples or small families. 

Spread across five historic buildings, no two guest rooms are the same, and options include the Spa Suite, with a private wellness space and sauna, while the Diamond Suite comes with a climatic wine cabinet, dining area and walk-in wardrobe.

The hotel is the vision of Belgian property developers and owners of IRET, Eric De Vocht and Maryse Odeurs, who took on the site eight years ago. Part of it was being run as The Elzenveld Hotel and a conference centre back then, and it does still also have a 14-room conference centre today, which has also been transformed, while the Botanic Health Spa & Club has been developed, and the chapel offers a space for weddings, concerts and events. 

IRET has carried out many hotel redevelopment projects, but said none had been to this level of luxury. “Our hometown has long had an impressive variety of hotels,” said De Vocht and Odeurs. “But it was missing something truly luxurious, a hotel that paid rightful homage to Antwerp’s great past, its golden age, and a city that today stands as a centre for art and design, fashion technology, and multifaceted trade. As the city’s first five-star superior hotel, this places Antwerp firmly on the map as a destination for international guests who enjoy exploring the very best the world has to offer.”

Botanic Health Spa & Club is being hailed as Belgium’s leading destination spa, with the old orangery incorporated into its base and boasting 10 treatment rooms, an 18-metre swimming pool in a conservatory setting, along with a whirlpool, panoramic Finnish sauna, steam room, ice fountain and a variety of botanic shower experiences, as well as holistic treatments that nod to the property’s medieval heritage. 

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is the only hotel in Belgium to boast four Michelin stars among its restaurants, including at Hertog Jan, Fine Fleur and Het Gebaar, three of its five dining options. 

For drinks, Henry’s Bar has been created, while The Unprecedented is a members’ whiskey bar where some of the pours are so rare, they’re available only at the hotel.  

There’s also a greenhouse growing flowers, vegetables and herbs, as well as the 15th-century chapel and an apothecary boutique, selling a range of niche skincare brands and sustainable toiletries.

Rates at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp start from €450 per night on a B&B basis.