Six Senses Douro Valley

Standing at the bottom of vineyard covered slopes, just near the magnificent Douro River, this ochre coloured 19th century manor house has had new life breathed into it by New York-based Clodagh who has created a real sense of place within. Blue and white azulejotiles, granite floors, ceilings of cork and gold leaf on the walls root it in its landscape, with large windows bringing the outside in - the abundant orchard outside, the vines and the forest, where forest bathing is not to be missed.

Rooms bring a new level of luxury to this part of Portugal, particularly the latest vineyard and rooftop suites which open out onto large private gardens or terraces with hot tubs. Décor is similar to the other rooms which also feature Portuguese oak floors, muted colours and textured walls. Technology exists in the shape of an in-room tablet which operates the lighting, curtains and television as well as any in-room dining you might want.

The spa, a pillar of the Six Senses concept is vast and impressively equipped with skilled therapists and facilities. There are 10 treatment rooms for body and facial treatments with The Organic Pharmacy and Biologique Recherche; there is aerial yoga, a Pilates pavilion, a big indoor pool and a gym. There is smart technology to do skin analysis, sleep programmes and wellness screening – all of which can be transferred and followed at different Six Senses throughout the world.

A strong garden to table philosophy is found in the hotel’s restaurants which draw on their home grown, organic produce with an emphasis on vegetables. In the main Vale d’Abraão Restaurant dishes are a mix of traditional Portuguese food such as fish and seafood rice with coriander, Bacalhau grilled from the Josper and international favourites like Ramen. Local wines are at the centre of the culinary experience.

Guests can explore more about the Douro, one of the world’s oldest wine regions, in the hotel library where books and guides to its history as well as an interactive enomatic machine where guests can wine taste at their own pace can be found.

 

Written by Mary Lussiana

• Swimming Pool
• Outdoor and Indoor Pools
• Parking
• Free parking
• Family Suites
• Bath robes
• Safe
• Bar
• Bicycles available
• Fireplace
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• Airport transfer
• Outdoor dining
• Massage
• Internet
• Sauna/Steam
• Meeting Room
• Cots available
• Library
• Bicycle hire
• Sit-out Terrace
• Air conditioning

• Disabled access
• Spa
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Gym
• Pet friendly
• Child friendly
• Room service
• 24 Hour room service
• Business Centre
• Suites
• Private villas
• Hot Tub
• Concierge
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Four poster beds
• Wifi
• Free wifi
• Views

• Other Activities
• Try Forest bathing, a Japanese wellness tradition where you follow guided meditation while suspended in a coccon pod.
• Wine tasting
• Meet winemakers at nearby historic wineries and even try your hand at the historic art of 'grape stomping'.
• Mountain biking
• Discover the property grounds or take a guided tour through villages and rural paths.

• Sailing
• Take a 'wine and dine' Douro river cruise, perfect for a romantic break.
• Great walks
• Explore the Douro Valley with its pretty villages and vineyards.
• Hotel boats for hire
• Try your hand at canyoning and descent the River Cabrum Falls.

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Six Senses Douro Valley is a place where people can reconnect with themselves and the natural world around them. Great healthy food, a cutting-edge Spa and wellness programs, a first-class sleep experience with 100% handmade organic beds, great activities, both indoor and outdoor pools for swimming.

The Quintas are magical places to visit, to taste fantastic wines and ports, and also to reconnect with a very old tradition. The beauty of the river and the valley are perfect for boating, picnics, photography, bird watching…the list is long.

What makes your hotel unique? Many things.. LOCATION between the vineyards and over the river, and within the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. The 60-guest accommodation quinta, or wine estate, dates to the late 19th century when it was known as Quinta Vale de Abraão and its contemporary interiors reflect both this rich heritage and Six Senses’ design values.

SERVICE AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL we have a Guest Experience Maker for each guest who will be responsible for organizing all the programs inside and outside the hotel.

AUTHENTIC FOODS from the Douro that bring those who visit us, through smells and flavours, to the memories of traditional Douro estates.

An EARTH LAB where guests can learn about the vegetables that, in their maximum freshness, are harvested and used in the preparation of the dishes in our restaurant.

One of the largest SPAS in Portugal with Six Senses signature treatments and a program of fun activities that are peculiar to us.

A respect for SUSTAINABILITY that is reflected in countless decisions and actions, such as the use of MATTRESSES produced with organic materials, the organic production of vegetables, a WATER TREATMENT BOTTLING station that is served to our guests. Part of this revenue is donated to an organization that supports the study of young people in need in the Douro.

SUPPORT to a local organization for the preservation of BURRO DE MIRANDA, a friendly animal that was on the verge of extinction.

These are the main reasons, but just a few of them.

What is there to do in the area or on site? The list is long and we have a very detailed list of activities that include culture, adventure, sports, wine, food and arts, boat trips and trains. We have a Guest Experience Maker that will welcome our guests and will tailor a program for their stay.

How far are you from the nearest airport and do you need to hire a car? We are 1h30 away from the International Airport in Porto and guests can choose from a private transfer or renting a car. In both cases if they choose to come through national roads the view is just breathless.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We offer the best breakfast in Europe! It’s a buffet breakfast displayed in our Open Kitchen, full of fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade yogurts and cereals, a chef ready to prepare any request made. Breakfast is definitely the most special meal.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We do breakfast lunch and dinner and even have an afternoon tea! All meals can be done in house and we always have vegan and vegetarian options, as well as some light and tapas options. Our main recommendations would be DOC Restaurant and Castas e Pratos Restaurant in Régua.

Which is your most popular room, and why? All of the rooms are quite unique but we would have to say that there is a draw between our Quinta Panorama Suite, with floor to ceiling windows and views to the river, and our Vineyard Rooftop Suite with a private jaccuzi on the terrace.

Do you accept children and if so what facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We do and although we do not have extra beds we have some rooms with day beds already in that can be set up for the children. Our facilities are all adapted to children and Six Senses philosophy is to offer family activities instead of having just a kids club. So from Tree Climbing, to Tile Painting or Stand Up Paddle in the river all of the activities are suitable for all ages… Well, let’s leave out the wine tasting…..

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The Douro is full of charms and hidden secrets to discover and the right place to start this journey is Six Senses Douro Valley.

Use three words to describe your hotel. Sustainable, authentic and relaxing.