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A fascinating kingdom at the heart of Western Europe, Belgium, despite being small, commands attention and admiration in equal measure - the stage for many pivotal events in world history and boasts three official languages no less.
Belgium pirouettes on the world stage with creative flair too, you know, from the cartoonist genius that is Hergé’s Tintin, to the first Art Nouveau building ever built, and its grand ascent with local artistic greats such as Brueghel, Rubens, Van Dyck and the father of surrealism himself, René Magritte. Belgium’s headliner historic cities of Brussels, Bruges, Leuven – a city located 25kms east of Brussels in the Flanders province of Brabant, Ghent and Antwerp are world famous for their medieval architecture, culture and flair. A love of food from chocolate, waffles and Moules-frites to the art of brewing signature beers; the Belgians relish their complex cultural heritage, not forgetting their ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’.
Located on the Scheldt, it’s the centre of the world’s diamond trade and has been the home of major historical artists like Rubens and Van Dyck. Big names in the art and fashion world are still proud to hail from this Flemish city – Luc Tuymans, Jan Fabre, Dries Van Noten and Martin Margiela.
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Leuven, a city located 25kms east of Brussels, proudly wears the crown for the largest number of breweries in a Belgium city. An impressive feat for a country whose reputation and culture is built on its plethora of beers in varying flavours and strength, and the craftsmanship and tradition that lies within this industry. Leuven is also home to the second largest brewery in the world – the Stella Artois brewery.
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The gift of a hotel stay is a great present for a birthday, Christmas, a Wedding present or just a thank you gift. Shop online for hotel gift cards, and vouchers.
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Antwerp is one of Europe's cultural hotbeds with historical landmarks and art institutions. And while Antwerp has plenty of those – we turn our focus on the smaller-scale contemporary culture must-sees the Flemish city has to offer.
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It appears that Antwerp continues to wear the crown for Belgium’s coolest city with the Lewis, a hip restaurant in the bohemian Zuid (south) district, created by interior designer Bjorn Verlinde.
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Kanaal by Axel Vervoordt & Co is a kind of city in the countryside, less than half an hour’s drive from Antwerp, where art, architecture and nature combine.
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Anchored to specific genres of hotel design, The Aficionados print editions: Farmhouse Fabulous, Casa Gorgeous, Blueprint Beauts and Neu Heritage take the reader through the creation narratives. A sourcebook for hoteliers, travellers, style aficionados and those who appreciate design.
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Simplicity and a lack of superfluous detail characterise the multifaceted work of Kerstens Architects design studio, based in Antwerp, headed up by Andy Kerstens – a man with clear vision of architecture, interior design and furniture design.
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At initial first glance it’s hard not to be dazzled by its shiny, glinting topper – multi-faceted in glass, it’s designed to refract light, and appears to ripple like the sea that surrounds it.
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Hidden in a small street in Antwerp’s historical centre, where a convent used to be, gallerist Veerle Wenes founded a design gallery that’s known for exploring the fusion between art, design and architecture.
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