Maison Delaneau

An oasis of calm in fashionable Antwerp – the Maison Delaneau boutique hotel

Antwerp has long been regarded as the trendsetter of Europe. It is a creative tableau of couturiers, designers and artists, whose designs and ideas are recognised throughout the world. Right in the middle of the hip fashion district in the south of the city – Het Zuid – two experts on the scene have opened a small and exclusive boutique hotel with just eleven rooms, that is true to the motto “Enrich your life at Maison Delaneau”. An oasis of restful comfort and discreet luxury.

But there is more to Antwerp than this. “A reflection of the world” – this nickname for the seaport results from an age in which this seafaring nation collected treasures from the Old and New Worlds. It is still a melting pot of cultures today, as there are more than 160 nations living and working here, giving this commercial metropolis its creative potential. A flair that was discovered as early as the 16th century by great painters such as Peter Paul Rubens. A vibrant source of inspiration, with the breakthrough being made in 1986 by the modern fashion fairy story of the “Antwerp Six”. But it is also a prosperous terminal, enjoying a worldwide reputation as one of the biggest ports in Europe with an international role in the diamond trade. It is quite obvious that Antwerp has more to offer than fashion and design, and it is currently working hard to resurrect the town by revitalising its spacious port and industrial facilities by renovation and new construction. The magic word is architecture. There is an enticing mix of architectural styles at every turn. An impressive array of exciting modern buildings lines up between the magnificent historic monuments – a renovated grain silo becomes a museum, car repair shops mutate into libraries and warehouses become desirable lofts. Advocates of contemporary architecture have also got their money’s worth, as the opening of the MAS / Museum Aan de Stroom by the Neutelings Riedijk architects is eagerly awaited in April 2011, as is the completion of the new housing development in the docks by Diener + Diener, David Chipperfield and Gigon/Guyer. The concept from Zaha Hadid could consign her rivals to also-rans in the latest competition for new port buildings. A pulsating city, somewhere between traditional and modern, but never at a standstill.

But if you are looking for somewhere that is quiet and peaceful, then a special gem awaits you – the Maison Delaneau.
A small, fine hotel, that scores more highly for its Japanese Zen teaching-based philosophy than for focusing on the technical features it has available. So the interior of the few, but very exclusive rooms and suites is of a minimalistic and timeless design, with some unexpected, special surprises, such as a Jacuzzi in the room, open fireplaces, access to an intimate garden or the private sauna. This goes hand-in-hand with natural materials and state-of-the-art technology. The ideal backdrop for the new elementary MEM fittings aesthetic. There is also an exclusive SPA that is not just available to guests of the hotel. The ultimate experience of remarkable treatments, combined with pure bio-active products – the perfect balance for regeneration of body, mind and spirit. Stressed city dwellers can also make use of this venue of rejuvenation to escape from everyday life and meet friends for an aperitif in the salon that is open to the public.

Armaturen Dornbracht: MEM