In short… August is a beautifully designed hotel within a former Augustinian cloister of an old military hospital complex, set in an inspiring neighborhood.
The surroundings… This area of the city known as the Green Quarter is vibrant with cool new apartments and pedestrian-only spaces, but also adjoining a large Jewish neighborhood. It feels extremely magical to see the juxtaposition of these modern spaces with hipster coffee houses and young Haredi and Hasidic children running around.
The vibe… Modern, peaceful, clean. Those words popped into my head when I walked in. The nuns’ former private chapel is the main lounge and bar area, and it welcomes you as soon as you enter to check in. Vincent Van Duysen, the famed Belgian architect, renovated the space with meticulous care and attention to detail. Its modernity comes through in the simplicity of the furniture design and the materials and fabrics used throughout. Every space is very simple yet stunning.
The rooms… are divided between three spaces. Some are in the small building housing the boutique and conference area; some are in the largest space behind the chapel/bar that also has the guest library and another handful of conference spaces; and 13 rooms are in the small building above the front desk, where we stayed. The décor is calm—lots of wood (our room had beautiful wooden slanted ceilings), white fabrics, a muted gray/green paint color with black lighting details throughout.
The wellness… There is a small wellness area comprising a swimmable natural pond, a hammam and relaxation room, a sauna and a couple of treatment rooms. It must be booked in advance as the whole space is only for private usage.
The food… We were only able to try the breakfast. It was wonderful! A perfect menu of breakfast classics with a touch of Belgian flavors. Beautifully presented and in a spectacular space.
Be sure to… Have a drink at the bar. It’s a must in Antwerp. Also swing by the boutique to buy a bottle of the Maiwe body oil, the Belgian brand that the hotel uses in all their treatments and was my favorite discovery of the trip.
Parting words… Antwerp is such a small city, and having the chance to stay off the beaten path in this inspiring neighborhood really extended our reach. The August is really special, one of the best designed hotels I’ve ever stayed in. I recommend it without a doubt.
Date of stay… August 2025
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