The “sentô” (Japanese public baths) are coming to Brussels! Winner of the Commerce Design Brussels Awards 2020 competition, the Atsukan offers a meditative experience where you can purify your body and mind in an almost mystical setting created by Lionel Jadot.
A row of 10 individual baths in precious wood, state-of-the-art taps, thick patchwork curtains to ensure privacy and in the back of the room, a bar screened by lanterns covered with Japanese inscriptions… (big winner of the Design September 2020 competition) is planted. Welcome to the Atsukan!
In their own words:
Here, we do not bathe to wash but to relax and socialize. To enjoy such an awakening experience all the senses, we just have to forget our western habits and adopt the rites “onsen” which, very codified, have been the same since the dawn of time. Firstly, you have to get rid of your personal belongings and put on a kimono. When comes the moment to slip (in Eve or Adam outfit) in one of the traditional baths whose temperature is around 42 ° C, it is first thought to come out cooked as a crayfish. On the contrary … Once installed in its little aquatic cocoon, protect prying eyes by large curtains in recycled denim, we are finally ready to relax. For thirty minutes, we float until returning to the quasi-fetal stage in water delicately scented with virtuous essential oils (Yuzu, Sugi, Shoga or Kiso Hinoki), we nibble on edamame or wasabi peas and we sip an exceptional sake. After allowing oneself to dissolve in bliss, it is relaxed and rested as we extract ourselves from this almost amniotic fluid, to rethread his yukata (light kimono), have a glass of sake or Sencha at the bar and pass through the sauna to prolong the experience. In this temple of relaxation, purity of body and mind are inextricably linked. A promise of well-being staff to which we add (or not) the pleasure of sharing, two or more if affinities but each in their bathtub, an intimate moment, out of the ordinary.
This is not a spa!
Located in the basement of Jam, a famous Brussels hotel recently bought by the Nelson Group (and which aims to open a second with the same name in Lisbon), the Atsukan offers a unique relaxation area, very far from the usual spa formulas. At the origin of this offbeat concept in tune with the times: Jean Michel André under the banner “Limited Edition Hotels” (the group that manages the coolest concept hotels in Brussels such as the Berger, the Jam and the Jardin Secret) and designer Lionel Jadot. Their idea? To offer Brussels a stylish place where body and mind praise slowness.
The subdued, clandestine, mysterious atmosphere is an integral part of the experience. So, while the body is evaporating, the consciousness is gently overwhelmed by what surrounds it. Like the ritual in itself, everything here has been designed to awaken the senses. Japanese architecture style with a recycled sauce and delirious made by Lionel Jadot right down to the dishes and beverages served and selected with care through the soundtrack, a 100% Japanese playlist, a tribute to the jazzy, folk and city pop pearls of the Japanese vintage repertoire, chosen by producer-musician Dan Klein. Total bliss. Without compromise or compromise.
A hotel definitely like no other
Since its inception, Jam Hotel has been an UFO in the Brussels hotel landscape by hosting arty and unique concepts such as the Fifty Fifty concert evenings or even weekends dedicated to all-round creation “Pop Up the Jam ”. Today and despite the health crisis, this hotel is reinventing itself again by offering the possibility of privatising the Atsukan for six to ten guests. The ideal place to relax and see loved ones in complete safety.
ATSUKAN
JAM Hotel, Chaussée de Charleroi, 132, 1060 Brussels
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Last reservation at 8:30 p.m.
From Saturday to Sunday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. (last reservation at 8:30 p.m.).
Reservation via: www.jamhotel.be/atsukan
