Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

Located in the heart of Maastricht lies a 15th century monastery whose Gothic exterior hides a sublime, sleek and luxurious interior. This amalgamation, which boasts innovative solutions that seem perfectly comfortable in their environment, can be found near the famous Vrijthof Square.

 

 

When you approach the monastery the first signs of fusion are found at the entrance to this monstrous 60-room hotel, which emits a soft copper glow from its polished finish, underneath one of the many vast windows. Enter the building and the theme is set, oranges, reds, coppers and shades of grey and black accent the reception, which is woven with glass structures and walkways. The ceiling reaches high above catching the natural light through its renovated windows.

 

 

Standing abandoned since 1979, the architecture has been transformed under the astute eyes of architectural company Satijn Plus Architects, synthesizing the monastery’s Gothic exterior with a modern interior, which, apart from a few notes of colour, blends into the original structure without being intrusive. This concoction of old and new is complimented and executed through the interior design skills of Henk Vos, whose design language weaves the two eras more closely.

  

 

 

The hotel is divided through three interconnected locations and these, in total, house the hotel’s 60-rooms and suites, where most can be found in the old monastery, adjacent to the Church, and the rest are divided between the renaissance-style porter building and a newly built annex. The church holds many of the innovative solutions for the numerous structural challenges, for example the glass evelevator that connects the church to the monastery area. Here the rooms are unique and vary in ways of colour, styles and furnishings, also the creation of Henk Vos. The rooms breathe to the tune of modernity, space and comfort and the use of exposed wall reminds the guest of where they are.

 

 

And what of the catering? Well, there are two glorious spaces to choose from; one on the split level mezzanine of the church that offer a panoramic view of the city through an amazing glass wall; the other is a Michelin star restaurant, the Neercanne, also owned by the hotel, that offers the ultimate dining experience and caters for those that have a particular attitude to food. Oh, and back at the church the old choir is now a luxurious wine bar that displays a hefty 1800 bottles. A guaranteed WOW.

So, if you are looking for a get away steeped in history, architectural treats, an alternative attitude to shopping and you fancy sleeping in an old monastery then Kruisherenhotel is the place for you.

 

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Photos -  www.designhotels.com

Written by Ben Taylor

TAGS: dolce&gabbana d&g d & g dolce & gabbana luxury online magazine stefano gabbana domenico dolce the netherlands luxury travel travel luxury hotel gothic style kruisherenhotel maastritch satijn plus architects henk vos