The Vibe: Serene, restraint, meticulous attention to detail.

The Area: August is set in Antwerp’s upcoming Green Quarter – a leafy, largely residential zone, best known for housing restaurant The Jane. The bars and architectural wonders of the elegant Zurenborg neighbourhood are just an eight-minute walk away, while converted industrial site PAKT, with its buzzing cafés and restaurants, is fast helping the area to become a destination in its own right.

The DNA: Over his long career, Vincent Van Duysen had been approached many times to work on a hotel, but it wasn’t until Mouche Van Hool, the owner of the soigné Hotel Julien, came knocking for help on her sophomore project that the Belgian architect finally found his match. As it turns out, the 19th-century Military Hospital and Augustinian convent in the city’s Green Quarter development was an ideal canvas for his trademark blend of feathery light aesthetics and gently coloured palette. Absurdly high ceilings, restored floor tiles, and oversized arched windows form an impressively lofty backdrop that Van Duysen dresses with Flos lamps, deeply set black leather sofas, and low-slung tables.

Suite-Me-Up: The “August Experience” is the pinnacle of the Augustinian heritage with a personal living room, large sleeping quarters and an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and large bathtub. Enjoy the views on the courtyard, chapel and swimming pond from your private balcony.

Seen: dezeen, Wallpaper*

Accolades: Wallpaper* Best Urban Hotels 2019

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 44 rooms & suites (16-41m2) (170-450 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2019 • architecture & interior design: Vincent Van Duysen • bathroom amenities: Le Labo • parking possible on-site (charged) • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible