Could you briefly introduce yourself and your family members, and share the names of your accommodations?

Our accommodations are all located in Belgium: on the coast (SoulforSea), in the city of Ghent (SoulforCity), and soon also in the Belgian Ardennes (SoulforTrees). Soul is primarily a family project where we are all involved in our own way. For me, it has almost become a full-time job. My eldest son Arthur (30) is an art advisor and selects the artworks. Every semester, new artworks from mainly New Zealand are exhibited in Ghent. My son Louis (27) is a landscape architect and is working on the project in Bouillon. My daughter Anna (21), who is studying biology, is also involved in the forest project. Arthur's partner Eugénie helps with marketing and PR. My husband Filip is my rock in everything.

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself? What are your interests, hobbies, work, family, and vacations?

I have always worked with language. I studied language and literature and have been active as a journalist and copywriter. I also had a small translation agency. When I started with Soul, my hobbies became my work. This project brings together everything I love: my interest in architecture and art, my love for nature, my passion for travel, and meeting people from around the world. The most important thing for me is that I can share this project with my children.

How did this accommodation come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

The Soul project officially started in 2022. After a miraculous recovery from a heart attack in 2020, I asked myself what makes life worth living. Together with my husband, we decided to sell our student house, which had become a burden, and do something different. When we saw the apartment in Ghent, it felt symbolic: one of the rooms has a staircase that literally leads to heaven and a dome adorned with Greek philosophers. The ancient Greeks considered the soul to be the spiritual breath that animates life. Seeing this dome was simply magical, and it still is. Thus, Soul (the soul) became a metaphor for a new perspective, for the feeling of lightness when something is added to your life that you can share with the people you love.

What makes your accommodation special on a personal level? Are there special memories or moments that are dear to you?

The Soul project is not just about me, but involves many others: my family, but also future guests who hopefully enjoy a stay with us just as much as we do. Soul is about sharing our passion for beauty and inspiring guests to enjoy special moments in unexpected places in our homeland. The project also connects our roots with the future. In the late '70s, my father bought the apartment on the coast; in 2008 we took it over and later renovated it. I spent my childhood by the sea, just like my children, and hopefully, our grandchildren will too. Ghent is also special to us, as my husband was born there and we both studied at the university there. For me, Ghent is the most romantic city in Belgium.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your accommodation?

SoulforCity is minimalist, timeless, and warm. Earth tones and a fireplace create a luxurious and cozy atmosphere in a vibrant city. SoulforSea features sand tones and breathtaking views of the sea, which is quite rare on the Belgian coast.

What part of your accommodation do you find the most beautiful, and why?

The room with the dome in Ghent, for the reasons I've mentioned earlier!

What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?

SoulforCity is located in the historic part of Ghent: you can see the belfry from the apartment, and it's just a two-minute walk from the river, amid the most beautiful shops and restaurants. SoulforSea is near a nature reserve and is the last apartment on the Belgian coast. It also has an outdoor pool.

What motivated or inspired you to rent out your accommodation to guests?

With Soul, we want to offer a soulful alternative to the more formal and sterile hotel accommodations in Belgium.

Can you paint a picture of the overall experience someone can expect during a stay at your accommodation?

Both accommodations are hidden gems. You don’t expect what you see when you stand in front of the entrance of the building. That makes the experience unusual and surprising. A stay at Soul is an experience of accessible luxury. Artworks, travel finds, photos, and books give both places a natural aesthetic and an intimate atmosphere. As soon as you leave the apartment door, you find yourself in the vibrant heart of the city (at SoulforCity) or right on the beach (at SoulforSea).

What makes your accommodation unique compared to others? What are the special features or qualities that make it an unforgettable experience for guests?

Our accommodations have unique architecture, a special location, and an intimate, warm atmosphere.

Can you share the most beautiful compliment you have received from a guest?

An American guest told us that he had visited more than 100 places around the world, but his stay at SoulforCity was the best he had ever experienced. He had just come out of a difficult period, and staying in a place that felt like home while also being unique inspired him to create a similar experience for future guests when he returned home.

Do you have recommendations for guests to make the most of their vacation? Your valuable tips will be featured on your accommodation's page!

In Ghent: experience the city at night from a private boat; dine in fantastic restaurants such as Rizoom, Oak, Roots, and AfoodAffair; visit the old castle and the modern art museums (SMAK and MSK); and don’t miss the famous Van Eyck painting in St. Bavo's Cathedral. Relax on our terrace or enjoy a drink in the dome, close to heaven.

In De Panne: the largest beaches in Belgium, perfect for beach sailing. Try this when it’s windy and the beach is empty. A new artwork, Westerpunt, has been unveiled in De Panne, attracting a large number of visitors. The artwork is located right next to the apartment and is even visible from there.