Luxury Wellness Experience at Hôtel La Réserve: A Fusion of Natural Stone and Craftsmanship

Hôtel La Réserve in Knokke-Heist — an iconic hotel on the Belgian coast — has recently unveiled its exclusive wellness area, further raising the bar for luxury and escapism. This project marks the crowning achievement of a large-scale renovation, led by businessmen Marc Coucke and Bart Versluys, who purchased the hotel a few years ago and reopened it last year after a complete refurbishment. Brachot supplied various high-quality natural stone materials for the renovation of this superior five-star hotel on the Belgian coast. Here are some of the materials used and their applications.

The new wellness area at La Réserve perfectly complements the luxury and refinement of previously renovated spaces, such as the La Rigue restaurant, wine cellars, restrooms, and the main entrance hall. It is the result of exclusive design and the selection of unique materials, thanks to which architect Glenn Sestig has once again elevated the hotel to a superior class. High-quality natural stone supplied by Brachot, a company renowned for its exceptional materials, was used for the renovation.

As throughout the hotel, Tesoro Veneziano was selected as the flooring for the wellness area. This limestone from Croatia closely resembles marble and reflects a rich historical past. Tesoro Veneziano was extensively used in the construction of Venice, a city well known for its challenges with foundations in marshy lands. Due to its weather resistance and low porosity, this limestone was the ideal choice for the foundations of Venetian churches and palaces. The presence of Tesoro Veneziano in La Réserve’s wellness area is not just an aesthetic choice, but also a tribute to this historic stone.

The appearance of the stone was enhanced by a unique surface finish, which required intensive research in collaboration with Brachot to find one that would fully reflect architect Glenn Sestig’s vision. This finish accentuates the horizontal linear structure of Tesoro Veneziano, making the natural stone even more exceptional and contributing to the serene and luxurious ambiance of the wellness space.

Breccia Imperiale, another significant natural stone in the project, adorns the walls of the wellness area. With its refined anzano finish, achieved through a flamed and brushed technique, this material creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is complemented by subtly undulating structures placed within the walls, inspired by the sand ripples left by the low tide—a subtle nod to the Knokke coast, also featured in the La Rigue restaurant.

The stone cutting was executed with the utmost precision by Potier Stone and Vanneste Natuursteen, completing the project in just three months. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail not only met but far exceeded expectations for the wellness area.

Thanks to years of expertise and a wide range of natural stones, Brachot has created unique finishes that perfectly match the exclusive atmosphere of Hôtel La Réserve. This project demonstrates that thoughtful design and the use of high-quality materials are key to creating an unparalleled wellness experience that exceeds the expectations of even the most discerning guests. Hôtel La Réserve is a beacon not only of tranquility but also of craftsmanship and timeless beauty.

Project Developer: Bart Versluys, Marc Coucke

Location : Hotel La Reserve Knokke

Architect : Glenn Sestig

Photography : Valerie Clarysse

Stonemason : Potier Stone & Vanneste Natuursteen

Materials: Tesoro Veneziano, Pietra Bicci, Breccia Imperiale

Other materials at La Réserve: Marron Napoleon, Crema Bramos, White Onyx