Theatrical and dreamlike – Belgium’s first Mövenpick, by WeWantMore

Inspired by the building’s surrealist architecture by David Vacanneyt – characterised by distinctive concrete ‘curtain’ window surrounds – Belgian studio WeWantMore infused the Mövenpick Brussels Airport Hotel with Belgium’s rich surrealist art heritage. The result: a 103-key hotel that is ‘equal parts theatrical and dreamlike’.

Commissioned to design the Accor-brand hotel’s rooms, lobby, lobbybar, restaurant, and wellness areas, WeWantMore channelled both the Mövenpick brand philosophy of ‘doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way’ and the property’s airport location, to craft a narrative-driven experience that evokes the sensation of soaring through the clouds.

“Our ambition was for the hotel interiors to unite dreams and reality, finding beauty in elements both unexpected and uncanny. WeWantMore has partnered with Mövenpick to redefine the airport hotel experience, transcending the traditional boundaries of functionality and business travel,” said Monika Jedrzejczyk from WeWantMore.

The public spaces are bathed in warm whites, soft blues, and golden ambers, complemented by sheer curtains and cloud-shaped carpets to create an ethereal, cocoon-like ambiance. “We crafted an extraordinary and timeless aesthetic that blurs the line between dreams and reality,” added Monika.

Image credit: Tijs Vervecken and Antoine Deckers

This sense of airiness and levitation extends throughout the hotel, with furniture and joinery appearing to float above the ground or cascade from above. Rounded edges and flowing curves enhance the softness and organic movements of the space.

A distinct sense of playfulness permeates the communal areas and restaurant, where objects subvert expectations. Shelves rest atop books, spheres, and vases, while foot rails and lighting fixtures are whimsically supported by sculpted ‘hands.’

In the bar, a counter lifts its stone skirt to reveal polished metal beneath, while a solid block of granite seemingly hovers, defying gravity. Mirrors further enhance the dreamlike quality, distorting perspectives or appearing to melt in place.

Image credit: Tijs Vervecken and Antoine Deckers

Even in their rooms, guests can expect the unexpected – cane-shaped wall lights and over-the-bed lamps cast bird-shaped shadows, paying homage to both Belgian surrealist René Magritte’s bird motif and the Mövenpick logo.

The Magritte restaurant exudes warmth and relaxation through the use of wood, copper, bronze, light camel leather, and soft plaster. At the back, booths feature 3D-printed panels that resemble swirls of stracciatella ice cream  – an ode to Mövenpick’s renowned ice cream line.

In the hotel’s restaurant, a copper veil appears to float weightlessly, as if caught in an invisible breeze – blurring the boundaries between art and reality while reinforcing the hotel’s dreamlike aesthetic. The result is a space that elevates the traditional airport hotel experience into a surreal and immersive escape.

Who is WeWantMore?

WeWantMore is a Belgian creative studio founded in 2006, known for its innovative design direction and strong international client network. Specialising in branding, design, and immersive experiences, the studio collaborates with major names in the hospitality and food & beverage sectors, including Accor, Hilton, McDonald’s, Corinthia, Campari, and Neuhaus. Operating at the intersection of design, art, and entertainment, WeWantMore pushes creative boundaries to shape the unimaginable.

Who is Mövenpick?