Coming back to Belgium always feels like stepping into a familiar rhythm and the quiet joy of seeing people I love. This time, I was visiting from Portugal, just for a few days, to reconnect, gather, and walk a few of my old routes through Antwerp.But even in a place that feels like home, I’ve learned the value of staying somewhere that brings a sense of pause. Somewhere that allows you to both land and lift. For this visit, I had the chance to stay at two of my favourite places in the city: Hotel Julien and Hotel August — each beautifully designed, thoughtfully composed, and quietly iconic in its own way.
Hotel Julien – Calm in the Centre
Tucked behind a discreet facade right in the heart of the city, Hotel Julien is a sanctuary of soft light, hushed tones, and refined minimalism. You step off the street, and everything slows down — as if the building itself exhales with you.
Design here isn’t loud. It’s curated with intention. Clean lines, tactile textures, curated art, and spaces that invite quiet. Whether it’s the sun-filled lounge or the soft murmur of the spa downstairs, every corner feels crafted to let you be. The rooms offer comfort without excess, luxury without pretense — everything you need, nothing more.Julien is the kind of place where mornings start gently: a good coffee, a quiet view, and the feeling of being held by space.
Hotel August – Sacred Architecture, Reimagined
A little outside the centre, in the leafy area of Berchem, lies Hotel August — a former Augustinian convent turned soulful hotel. The architecture by Vincent Van Duysen is nothing short of extraordinary: serene, warm, and reverent of its past.
Here, old meets new in the most elegant way. Arched hallways, high ceilings, linen curtains, handmade ceramics — every detail whispers rather than shouts. My room felt monastic and comforting, a space for deep rest.The garden, the apothecary bar, the seasonal breakfast — everything follows the same rhythm: thoughtful, calm, designed to nourish. August feels like it was built not just to host you, but to reset you.
I left Antwerp with a suitcase full of memories, a film roll half shot, and a promise to come back soon. To me, these two hotels represent exactly what I look for in places — not just a place to stay, but a place to arrive. And sometimes, when you're living between places, that's exactly what you need.
