STAY

Photo credit: August Antwerp www.august-antwerp.com

AUGUST, ANTWERP, BELGIUM

Antwerp is one of Europe’s culture capitals and well known for its incredible fashion, art and music. Located on the site of a former military hospital complex, this area is pedestrian only and home to a selection of shops, cafés and restaurants which makes for a thriving, vibrant scene. This new hotel from Mouche Van Hool (owner of the stylish Hotel Julien in Antwerp) has definitely caught my attention - let me tell you why.

Spread across five heritage-listed structures, it was originally an Augustinian monastery. It has been respectfully renovated under the guidance and watchful eye of the superb Belgian architect and interior designer Vincent Van Duysen, and I think the results are beautiful. The historical features have been preserved, and bespoke finishes such as handwoven carpets, hand glazed bathroom tiles and customised furniture have been used throughout the hotel.

There are 44 rooms and suites, and no two are alike due to the different structures of the building. I love the refined, sophisticated colour palette used on the interiors - taupes, grey-beige, black, brown and fresh white.

A sanctuary like Spa is located in the hotel, along with a guest library, shop and quiet gardens. Chef Nick Bril (from The Jane, a Michelin star restaurant nearby) oversees the modern brasserie restaurant and they use fresh, local ingredients. Some of these ingredients are grown on the rooftop of a nearby repurposed industrial site - you can’t get more local than that! Antwerp here I come!

www.august-antwerp.com

Photo credit: Hotel August www.august-antwerp.com