The Hidden Gem: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

Away from Antwerp's bustling fashion centre to the oasis of calm of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp: the five-star hotel is located in the buildings of a former monastery and hospital complex, hidden behind the walls of Den Botaniek, Antwerp's botanical garden. Visitors here discover a lovingly restored sanctuary where craftsmanship and innovation, ecology and tradition blend beautifully. The taps and shower solutions, designed by Sieger Design, are part of the whole.

The history of the Botanic Santuary Antwerp dates back to 1238, when a hospice was established in Antwerp, to which a monastery and a chapel were later added. In the 16th century, apothecary Peeter van Coudenberghe laid out a plant and herb garden for the hospital here. He thus laid the foundations for the botanical garden that still exists today. For the five-star hotel, the historic buildings were now restored. The challenge was to preserve the historical structure while meeting the highest technical and ecological requirements. The result is a peaceful and extremely comfortable retreat: surrounded by trees, rare plants and fragrant medicinal herbs, guests can unwind here.

Serene atmosphere and exceptional cuisine

Besides 108 rooms and suites, the complex includes several meeting rooms, a spacious spa and a small chapel. Five restaurants with a total of four Michelin stars provide an exquisite culinary experience.

Only materials that match the special atmosphere of the complex were used in the interior design: natural stone, warm woods, wrought-iron constructions and fine fabrics. A subdued yet cheerful colour palette underlines the historical dimension of the place and picks up on the green of the ubiquitous plants. This creates a light, peaceful look that creates a sense of well-being and deep calm.

Purist design: Vaia in Dark Platinum brushed in the bathrooms

In keeping with the 'monastic' atmosphere, the bathrooms in the comfortable rooms are very subdued in design. The walls are simply plastered white, top and floor are anthracite-coloured natural stone.

Two Vaia taps by Dornbracht are fitted above the white basins. Their classic-looking cross handles combine geometric and soft contours, while the tapered rosettes create a soft transition to the wall. The Dark Platinum brushed finish provides a clear contrast to the light walls and gives the natural stone a calmer look. Further matching Dornbracht products can be found in the shower and on the bath rim. They ideally complement the basin mixers.

Relax in the spa

In the spa, Vaia was applied in the changing rooms characterised by warm shades of grey. Here, a touch-free variant was chosen, also in Dark Platinum brushed. Here too, the earthy colour of the surfaces accentuates the subdued interior, and the colour is also precisely matched to the large mirrors and cylindrical pendant lights. The same combination can also be found in the massage rooms.

With their balanced design language, perfectly combining classic and contemporary stylistic elements, Dornbracht's taps fit harmoniously into the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp concept: dedicated to tradition, yet fully anchored in the present.

More information can be found at www.dornbracht.com.