This summer, La Réserve is throwing open its doors to invite guests to experience contemporary opulence in the heart of Knokke-Heist. On 17 July, Belgium’s finest seaside resort town will welcome the launch of the refreshed La Réserve, featuring fully redesigned public spaces by Glenn Sestig Architects.
The landmark venue has been a Knokke-Heist staple since its creation in 1949, as well as the host to a slew of distinguished guests, from Hollywood stars, to politicians, royalty, and leading creatives and intellectuals. The new design, following the venue’s acquisition in 2022 by Belgian investors Bart Versluys and Marc Coucke, celebrates the famed hospitality venue’s heritage, while layering 21st century style. The public interiors have been reimagined by Sestig and his signature take on subtle luxury, bringing together quality materials and a minimalist approach.
La Réserve’s Sestig-designed lobby now features the grandeur befitting its legacy, while being fully updated to the standards of present and future. The refreshed space offers a modern interpretation of 1930s chic, clad in eucalyptus wood, onyx, marble and brass detailing, and carefully composed furniture arrangements. This central, grand hall acts as reception, lounge and main public ‘plaza’ for the hotel. It flows effortlessly into a range of connected spaces, hosting public amenities. They include the seductive bar; the store, stocking the finest labels; the multifunctional space La Réserve Signature Room, available for anything from exhibitions to brand activations; La Rigue Restaurant powered by Michelin-starred chef Peter Goossens; a set of refined rooms for private events; and the Silver Lake Rooms halls, suitable for large scale events, from conferences to galas.
The hotel’s finely tuned indoor spaces feature a high-spec mix of both tailor made items crafted by Sestig, and sourced pieces, by designers such as Jean-Michel Frank and Christian Liaigre. Bespoke surfaces, such as a series of handmade, sculptural wall reliefs that mimic beachside sand formations, and made-to-order woven metal panels that act as space dividers, wrap everything in an atmosphere of high spatial sophistication.
These indoor public areas are matched by outdoor terraces, sprawling across the estate and overlooking Knokke-Heist’s Silver Lake and its famous Waving Crabs ‘floating’ artwork by renowned Belgian sculptor Panamarenko. And more is yet to come, with a sunbathing pontoon and a fully reimagined wellness and spa section by Glenn Sestig Architects currently in the works. And while the rooms were refreshed by the hotel owners earlier this year too, there are plans for a completely new look for them in a second phase of development in the future.
Gentle glamour and refinement underline the new La Réserve; where lavish surrounds meet supreme service, in a curated experience that ensures guests enjoy Knokke-Heist’s stylish seaside life all year round.
Team:
Architect: Glenn Sestig Architects
Photography: Jean-Pierre Gabriel
Material Used:
1. A collaboration with CEA Design for the taps and accessories in the restrooms
2. In general, natural materials such as wood, natural stone in combination with brass, glass and mirror.
3. Interior furniture: both tailor-made items crafted by Sestig, and sourced pieces, by designers such as JeanMichel Frank and Christian Liaigre.
4. Walls: Sculptural wall reliefs that mimic beachside sand formations, and made-to-order woven metal panels that act as space dividers.
