Sleeping under the stars at Château de la Chapelle

Innovative hotel concept in the Ardennes links castle rooms, gastronomy and exclusive glamping

Under the full moon and starry sky of the Condroz lies Château de la Chapelle, a place where luxury, nature and innovation come together. Joachim Marijnen, also known as operator of the Antwerp club Ampere, runs a hotel here that in June was awarded the Lightspeed Data Meets Hospitality Award 2025 for most innovative hotel concept. "We didn't expect it at all, especially among such strong nominees," says Marijnen. "But in hindsight, it's true. Our concept is not standard and sometimes difficult to grasp, but those who understand it appreciate it enormously."

Marijnen came not from a classical hotel background, but from a passion for "disruptive" concepts and a love of natural wines and gastronomy. When the castle's previous owner made him an "offer I could not refuse", he seized the opportunity. "Château de la Chapelle is not a classic castle, but a hidden gem in a secret valley. A night with a full moon and a bright starry sky makes it almost impossible not to fall in love with this magical place."

The corona period unexpectedly gave wings to his plans. Hotels, glamping and outdoor restaurants were allowed to open, making the concept immediately relevant. "Looking back, I am almost grateful to corona - this project gave me energy, focus and a healthier mindset."

Luxury and sleeping outdoors

What makes Château de la Chapelle unique is the combination of exclusive castle rooms and glamping under the bare sky. From the tents, guests look out over the castle, only to be woken up by sun and birds in the morning. "Inside is stylish and comfortable, but outside you really feel the power of this domain. You don't forget that experience," says Marijnen.

Glamping, he says, means no concessions. The tents have the same quality beds, linen and bathrooms as the rooms in the castle. "Glamping for us is never a lower standard, just a different setting," he says. It also gives the hotel much-needed extra capacity in the summer months. "With only ten rooms, we would never be able to fully roll out this concept."

Gastronomy with stars overhead

Not only the rooms and tents attract guests, the culinary aspect is also crucial. According to Marijnen, the outdoor restaurant is at the heart of the experience. "We see ourselves even more as a culinary destination 'with a corner off' - as the Flemish would say - than a pure hotel. No stars or points that count; just the stars above our domain. Actually, you haven't really experienced Château de la Chapelle until you also dine with us."

The kitchen works closely with local producers such as Ferme de Tabreux for meat and Jardin d'Antan for vegetables. Natural wines from pesticide-free winemakers also play a big role. "Our farmers and winemakers are the real stars in the kitchen. Their quality gives our chef wings."

Sustainability and slow tourism

Sustainability is a common thread in the concept. The castle works from principles of slow tourism and organic food, with a strong focus on hospitality and authenticity. "Sustainability and charm do not have to be mutually exclusive; on the contrary, they reinforce each other."

In addition to organic food and natural wines, Marijnen wants to make the estate more sustainable in the future, with plans for an ecological spa and the renovation of old parts of the castle and the forge. "I hope Château de la Chapelle can continue to grow, preferably together with like-minded partners," he says.

Personal inspiration

Marijnen still moves between two worlds: the vibrant night culture of Ampere in Antwerp and the serene nature of the Ardennes. "I balance between yin and yang, but if someone gives me a nudge now, I fall towards La Chapelle. For my health and consciousness, that's the place I prefer to come home to."

It is mostly the small, intimate moments that inspire him: the sunrise over the glamping, the golden evening light over the valley, or a clear night under the stars. "I'm a moon person myself," he says, smiling. "But I most enjoy the sunrise over the glamping and the 'magic golden hour'."

Future with the same vision

Where Château de la Chapelle will be in five years, Marijnen deliberately leaves open. His head is full of ideas - from new rooms to an expansion of the estate. One thing is certain, however: the vision will not change. "Our style and values I never want to sacrifice. This domain must always remain a place where guests experience luxury, nature and gastronomy; and where, after their stay, they think only one thing: I want to come back."