I must admit, when an unexpected free afternoon in Antwerp presented itself, my thoughts turned to a spa visit. It was the second day of my stay in the city and the fourth in Belgium. After several walking tours, museum visits and culinary indulgences, I wanted a peaceful pause — some time to unwind at a spa.
As I searched for a suitable spot, luxury spa options in Antwerp seemed limited. Then I discovered the boutique Hotel Julien, which offers a private spa — a distinctive and rare find in the city. The hotel’s intimate atmosphere and spa facilities made it an obvious choice for a restorative afternoon.
Hotel Julien feels like a private hideaway in the middle of the city. Tucked into two 16th-century buildings that have been thoughtfully restored, the hotel retains historic character while presenting contemporary design. It sits in the heart of Antwerp, within easy walking distance of the main shopping streets and designer boutiques, yet the entrance is subtle enough that I almost walked past it before recognizing my destination.
Inside the hotel, the tone shifts to a chic, exclusive environment. The property combines thoughtful amenities with refined style — from chauffeured town cars to carefully chosen designer furnishings. Guest rooms are appointed with custom Egyptian linens, REN shower and bath products, a well-stocked minibar and complimentary WiFi, providing comfort and a polished experience for visitors.
The hotel’s public spaces encourage lingering. The dining room serves homemade dishes in an airy setting, while the intimate bar offers creative cocktails and welcomes non-residents. Serene inner courtyards provide seating and greenery, and a cozy lounge with an open fire is perfect for cooler evenings. The rooftop terrace delivers a striking view of Antwerp’s landmark, the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Despite the many appealing design details throughout the hotel, I was eager to head to the spa. Located in the historic cellars, The SPA at Hotel Julien is a calming retreat. Dimly lit and spacious yet warm, the cellar setting creates a secluded, soothing atmosphere. On my drizzly July visit I had the place nearly to myself. The spa design follows feng shui principles to promote harmony and balance, which complements the atmosphere of quiet relaxation.
The spa offers a full menu of treatments — facials, body therapies and massages — and features facilities such as a hammam, sauna, hot stone area and an invigorating ice scrub. These amenities provide a complete experience geared toward relaxation and renewal.
Spa sauna © HOTEL JULIEN
The SPA uses products from REN Clean Skincare and Intelligent Nutrients. REN is known for plant- and mineral-derived actives and formulations free from many synthetic ingredients, while Intelligent Nutrients offers certified organic, non-toxic products. Both brands align with a wellness approach that values effective, cleaner formulations that are gentle on the skin and mindful of the environment.
My appointment was the 50-minute Inner Balance massage. I changed into a robe and slippers in a private, single-person changing room, then was led to the treatment area. The therapist prepared the space with soft lighting and candles to enhance the calm, turning the cellar’s volume into a peaceful sanctuary. I settled onto the treatment table, covered by blankets, closed my eyes and surrendered to nearly an hour of quiet and attentive care — a welcome break amid a busy travel schedule.
The Inner Balance massage combines Ayurvedic, acupressure and kneading techniques to relieve tension and restore equilibrium. The Destress Express blend from Intelligent Nutrients — a mix of rosemary, cinnamon, black cardamom, mint, chamomile and vanilla — added a comforting aroma that contributed to the restorative experience.
When the massage ended, I felt noticeably lighter and more centered. I dressed, stepped back out through the low-key entrance and returned to the wet streets of Antwerp. Emails and evening plans awaited, but the calm from the spa lingered. The brief interlude had been enough to restore energy and focus for the remainder of the day.
Walking away, I felt quietly pleased at having discovered a discreet and enjoyable refuge in the city. Hotel Julien’s spa provided a private, thoughtfully curated experience that turned an ordinary afternoon into a peaceful, memorable pause.
HOTEL JULIEN
Korte Nieuwstraat 24
2000 Antwerp
Belgium
tel 32 3 229 06 00
hotel-julien.com