Beer, bath and Belgian culture

It was once reported that there was a café (serving beer), for every five houses in this country so it’s no surprise that we’re able to find an ultra-cool beer-themed spa in the heart of downtown Brussels.

Situated on Rue de L’ecuyer, close to the world famous Grote Markt, Bath & Barley—the Belgium beer spa, has made its home in a renovated, centuries old building. Here grand vaults are cleverly restored as private spa bathing rooms where patrons immerse themselves in all that’s truly wonderful and good about beer. 

To beer or not to beer is no longer a question, as soakers sink into oak barrel style tubs heated to 39 degrees celsius with their choice of a soothing blend of hops and herbs. The hops, harvested by a local farmer are said to contain the most powerful of antioxidants—Xantholhumol with the added benefits of yeast’s bioactive skin nourishing properties. For additional body bliss, a large spa sauna called the Monk is kept at 70O C with cool down cold water in a barrel at the ready. 

Après soak, lounge with your bath-mate on a couch or straw bed covered by a linen sheet. Rest up during a warm and comfortable continuation of the experience that’ll give you the special opportunity to taste new beers, delicious bites and try an optional flight for two of local beers, the likes of which have helped to make the city a UNESCO cultural site.

P.S. Be prepared to head home smelling like beer…the Beer & Barley spa team suggests waiting for a period of four hours after treatment to shower off. 

beerandbarley.com

HF Recommends:

All the ladies
Consumption of Estaminet, the house beer, is included in your spa visit. For a little extra, guests can experience the true breadth and width of Belgium beer with one of seven curated beer flights. Our favourite:  All the ladies—a collection of amazing beers by noteworthy women.

Get our newsletter

Get monthly updates with unique HomeFront updates and stay up to date with tips and trends

Bella Cucina turns up the heat

Best of Italy Kitchen designs that bridge old and new worlds with innovation and timeless quality thanks to Renzo Rastelli. rastelli.com Too many cooks may spoil the broth so stake your claim and make sure the kitchen is your most

Liquid Assets tries to hibernate

The Hug Tub Designed by Matteo Nunziati, this tub is part of a marble shell bathroom collection embedded with an elegant frontal shelf. kreoo.com Channel your inner snow queen. Get under the covers, run yourself a warm bath and take

Bella Cucina turns up the heat

A made-to-measure With no detail left to chance, everything in this custom kitchen fits perfectly to scale. humphreymunson.co.uk Too many cooks may spoil the broth so stake your claim and make sure the kitchen is your most cherished part of

HF Travels

Auberge Saint-Antoine Coteau Restaurant Located in a historic 1822 maritime warehouse at Auberge Saint-Antoine, Restaurant Coteau celebrates Quebec’s terroir with refined, creative cuisine. Menus—crafted by Chef Lucas Brocheton and his team—highlight the freshness of ingredients from the family’s own Ferme

Welcome to the Velvet Underground…

Where sparkle and romance meet mysterious luxury. The muted glamour, endless volumes and monochrome palette of this converted cottage colour everyday life with a touch of magic. The design of Christian van der Walt and Anli Jones’s Johannesburg home began

Here comes the sun

Let’s celebrate the life, beauty and hope that warmer weather brings. Evolve Dealcoholized Sparkles 2025, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A. A bright, lively non-alcoholic sparkling wine with inviting aromas of green apple, citrus zest and white peach, followed by