Laid-back luxury set in a 19th-century manor, hidden in a pocket of one Portugal‘s celebrated wine regions.
They say the journey is the destination. Making our way to Six Senses Douro Valley via a scenic 70-minute drive from Porto International Airport, we couldn’t disagree. The UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley is considered one of the world’s best driving areas. If you’re up for a longer road trip, its only 4 hours from stylish Lisbon city.
When we finally did arrive at the hotel, we took an extra few minutes to soak in the view of the breathtaking landscape unfurling ahead of us. The property has plenty more to offer beyond this stunning aesthetic: an organic garden, a spa that overlooks lush gardens, open living spaces for meals and lounging, and a peaceful ambience throughout.
But mainly, wine. And lots of it. Did we forget to mention the surrounding vineyards and exclusive Wine Library with nightly tastings?
Your home away for the night
All Quinta rooms, suites and Vineyard apartments have views afforded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which also allow plenty of natural light in to flow throughout. Larger rooms feature extras like daybeds and gardens but fret not if you’ve booked yourself a more modest night here, as you’ll find plenty of opportunities to bask in the sun in the hotel grounds.
The rooms also have semi-open bathrooms with oversized rain showers, and tubs with views of Douro River. We’d go back for a second round just for the bath amenities itself: soaps made from local olive oil, port wine and lemongrass.
Generous, comfortable beds are appointed with organic materials and a pillow menu is also available. Every night, the hotel gives you a sleep tip and supplement along with their turndown service. One night, we returned to find lavender oils and scented sprays for our pillows.
The freshest ingredients with a side of stunning views
After a long night of blissful sleep, we woke up feeling excited (and ready) for a decadent breakfast buffet at the Vale de Abraao. It’s gorgeous during the warmer months when you get to sit outside on the stone terrace, but a warm fireplace in the winter makes cosy dining inside the perfect way to spend some time.
At the Wine Library, nightly wine tastings feature local wines from surrounding vineyards, paired with cold cuts and cheese, as you happily indulge to your heart’s content.
Fill up your glass, and your itinerary
If you only have time for three things, let it be these: a spa treatment complete with a dip in the pool and some time at the sauna, Aerial yoga in the nearby woods, and a day out of at Douro River. The concierge can also help you arrange a boat trip during your stay! The 2-hour excursion takes you along the Douro River, while a guide will educate on famous wineries and the history of the area.
