News Hub

Tell us about your journey in hospitality and what led you to become General Manager of De Witte Lelie. 

My journey in hospitality started with my studies in Business specializing in Hotel Management at the Blue Mountains Hotel Management School. From the beginning I was really drawn to the idea of creating memorable experiences for people. 

After my studies I had the opportunity to work at some incredible luxury properties around the world, including Saffire Lodge in Tasmania and Matakauri Lodge in New Zealand. Later I also worked at Park Hyatt Sydney, which is such an iconic hotel and really set the standard for luxury hospitality. Those experiences taught me a lot about service, attention to detail, and how important it is to make guests feel truly cared for. 

About 6 years ago I joined De Witte Lelie. Over time I became more and more involved in the different aspects of the hotel, from guest relations to the development of new concepts like our restaurant. Step by step I grew into the role of General Manager, and today I’m very proud to lead such a passionate team at such a unique property. 

How would you describe De Witte Lelie in three words? 

Intimate, distinctive, and welcoming. 

The hotel is known for its distinctive character and individuality. How do you protect that identity while continuing to evolve? 

De Witte Lelie already has such a strong identity, so for us it’s really about evolving rather than reinventing. 

The building itself is a beautiful 17th‑century property and the interiors are full of art, eclectic design pieces, and unique details. Guests often say it feels more like staying in a private home or gallery than in a traditional hotel. 

Our focus is on improving the guest experience while staying true to that character. Small changes, new ideas, and thoughtful additions help keep the hotel fresh without losing the personality that makes it special. 

What does luxury mean to you in the context of an intimate, independent property? 

For me, luxury today is much more about experience and authenticity than about extravagance. 

In an intimate property like De Witte Lelie, luxury means having the time and flexibility to really focus on the guest. It’s about creating a warm atmosphere, paying attention to the small details, and making each stay feel personal rather than standardized. 

That kind of genuine hospitality is something guests really value. 

How do you ensure each guest experience feels personal and memorable? 

Because we are a small boutique hotel, we have the advantage of being able to really connect with our guests. 

We try to understand why someone is visiting Antwerp and what kind of experience they are looking for. Sometimes it’s a cultural trip, sometimes a celebration, or simply a quiet getaway. 

Our team pays close attention to those details so we can tailor the stay accordingly. It might be recommending a hidden restaurant, organizing a special surprise, or simply remembering a guest’s preferences. Often it’s those small gestures that make a stay truly memorable. 

Antwerp has a strong cultural and creative scene. How does the city influence your positioning and guest offering? 

Antwerp has such a strong creative identity — from fashion and art to gastronomy and design — and that definitely influences our hotel. 

De Witte Lelie reflects that creative spirit through its interiors, its art collection, and the overall atmosphere of the property. Many guests come to Antwerp specifically for its cultural scene, so we love connecting them with the city’s galleries, museums, designers, and restaurants. 

In a way, the hotel becomes a gateway to discovering the creative side of Antwerp. 

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for independent luxury hotels today? 

One of the biggest challenges is competing with large hotel groups that have much bigger marketing power and global visibility. 

At the same time, independent hotels have something very valuable: freedom. We can be creative, personal, and unique in ways that larger brands sometimes can’t. 

More and more travelers are looking for authentic experiences with character, and that’s exactly where independent hotels can really shine. 

How do you build and inspire a team that delivers both warmth and excellence in service? 

For me it’s very much about creating a positive and supportive environment. 

In a boutique hotel like ours every team member plays an important role in the guest experience. I try to encourage open communication and make sure everyone feels involved and proud of what we do. 

When people feel valued and connected to the hotel, that naturally translates into genuine hospitality and great service. 

Do you attend the Independent Hotel Show, and what value do you see in events like this for independent hoteliers? 

Yes, events like the Independent Hotel Show are always very inspiring. 

They are a great opportunity to meet other independent hoteliers, exchange ideas, and discover new concepts and trends within the industry. Because independent hotels often face similar challenges, it’s really valuable to share experiences and learn from each other. 

As we mark International Women’s Day, what does the day mean to you, and how do you see the role of women evolving within the hospitality industry? 

International Women’s Day is a moment to recognize and celebrate the contributions women make across the hospitality industry. 

Hospitality has always had many talented women working in it, but it’s great to see more and more women stepping into leadership roles as well. Diversity in leadership brings different perspectives and makes the industry stronger. 

As one of the younger female General Managers in Belgium, I hope that seeing women in these roles encourages others to pursue leadership positions and continue shaping the future of hospitality.

Don't miss any exclusive Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam, interviews, insights and event news by signing up for our newsletter here.