A Family Escape to Another World: Our Stay at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

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Every once in a while, you step into a place that makes you pause — a place that feels like it exists outside of time, where the noise of everyday life fades and something quieter, softer takes its place.

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Category

TRAVEL

Date

21/10/2025

Length

4 min read

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That’s exactly what happened when we arrived at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp.

Nestled in the heart of the city, yet completely hidden from it, this incredible hotel is built within a 15th-century monastery complex. From the moment we walked through its stone archways, it felt as though we had been transported into another world — one where history whispers through vaulted ceilings, and every detail is wrapped in beauty, elegance, and calm.

We stayed for two nights as a family — just me, Martin, and Finn — and honestly, I wish we could have stayed longer. Even with 108 rooms, Botanic never felt busy. It felt peaceful. Thoughtful. Like every corner was designed to invite you to slow down and simply be.

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A Place Where Time Moves Differently

Our room was a haven in itself. Warm neutrals, soft textures, and an incredible view that made us feel both grounded and a little in awe. You could tell that history lived here — but without ever compromising on modern comfort. Every detail was carefully considered, from the lighting to the quiet hum of the air, to the view of the inner gardens just outside our window.

Finn was in his element. There’s something magical about letting your child roam hallways that feel like they belong in a fairytale — and yet, at the same time, he could swim, play, and explore the hotel’s beautiful spaces in total comfort.

Food for the Soul (and the Senses)

If you love food — real food, food as an experience — then Botanic Sanctuary is a dream. With four gastronomic restaurants on site (yes, including Michelin-starred chefs), you could honestly spend four nights here and never eat the same thing twice.

During our stay, we decided to venture just around the corner for dinner at Le Pristine — and it was amazing. Everything from the interiors to the flavors on the plate was thoughtful and unexpected. There’s a creative energy there that you can feel from the moment you walk in. It was one of those meals that stays with you — and truly, the perfect pairing with the serene luxury of Botanic.

Breakfast the next morning was no less magical. Slow mornings, sunlight through the windows, the clink of cutlery and coffee cups, Finn laughing over his croissant. Simple moments that somehow feel more special in a place like this.

Le Pristine

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Botanical Beauty and Pure Relaxation

One of my favorite spaces in the entire hotel was the lounge, tucked inside a botanical greenhouse. Sitting there with a book or a cup of tea made me feel like I was somewhere in between a spa and a secret garden.

And speaking of the spa — what a sanctuary. The pool, the hammam, the soft scent of essential oils in the air. It’s the kind of wellness space that feels restorative the moment you walk in. My husband disappeared into the fitness area (he’s the active one), while I leaned into stillness. And Finn? He splashed, giggled, and floated — pure joy.

Just What We Needed

There’s something so precious about staying somewhere that welcomes all of you — not just the adult version, but the parent, the partner, the woman who needs a pause. Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp gave us that space. It allowed us to reconnect, to rest, and to be fully present together.

Two nights felt like a reset. I can only imagine what four would do.

Would we go back? In a heartbeat.

📍 Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp Leopoldstraat 26, Antwerp botanicantwerp.be

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