Porto and Douro are two destinations synonymous with luxury, offering visitors an unparalleled experience of refinement and indulgence. From high-end accommodations to Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class wineries, these regions have everything you need to unwind in style.
Porto and Douro offer a range of luxurious accommodation options. For a truly exceptional experience, stay at the Villa Foz Hotel & Spa in Porto, a five-star hotel just a stone’s throw away from an endless promenade with breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The hotel offers spacious rooms, a luxury spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The utterly majestic Six Senses Douro Valley is a luxurious retreat in Portugal’s wine country, offering stunning views and top-notch amenities.
Another great option is the Octant Douro, a luxury wine hotel in the heart of the Douro Valley, offering guests an immersive wine experience and stunning views. For those wanting a family stay or a luxury private villa just as a couple, then Casa Marmelo is a luxurious and secluded villa in the Douro Valley, offering breathtaking views and a private pool for the ultimate relaxation.
Foodies will love the Michelin-starred restaurants in Porto and Douro. Check out Villa Foz Hotel & Spa in Porto, which has earned one Michelin star for its contemporary Portuguese cuisine, with Chef Arnaldo Azevedo in a sumptuous dining room. Or the Casa de Chá da Boa Nova boasts a stunning location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The DOC restaurant by Chef Rui Paula offers excellent cuisine and a spectacular view of the Douro river in the Douro.
Finally, a trip to Porto and Douro would not be complete without sampling some of the region’s renowned wines. Tour the Douro Valley’s wineries, such as Quinta do Crasto or Quinta do Vallado, and taste some of the world’s best wines, including the famous Port wine and my two personal favourites, Grahams Port Lodge and their one-star Michelin restaurant, Vinums. Also the whimsical Quinta de Covela, a charming winery in the Douro valley, producing organic wines and the most amazing tastings and settings. To give an extra sparkle of magic to your stay, book João Cardoso (Luxury Douro Tours) and the experience of Porto / Douro is heightened further in one of his stunning classic cars.
Overall, if you are looking for a luxurious getaway, look no further than Porto and Douro. With stunning views, top-notch accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and world-class wines, these regions have everything you need to indulge in the ultimate luxury experience.
Casa de Chá da Boa Nova
Located in Leça da Palmeira, the Boa Nova Tea House restaurant is a remarkable gastronomic spot in northern Portugal. Designed by the renowned architect Pritzker Siza Vieira, the property is a unique architectural insertion on the rocks overlooking the sea. This exceptional landscape creates a symbiotic vision that enhances the gastronomic experience of Chef Rui Paula’s cuisine, which has earned the restaurant two Michelin stars.
The impressive windows of the restaurant offer an immense horizon, allowing customers to take in the breathtaking view while enjoying the freshest fish and seafood dishes. The menu is characterised by the originality of the suggestions and the audacity of the Chef, who surprises customers with his innovative creations.
Boa Nova Tea House is not just a restaurant; it is an architectural landmark designated as a National Monument and integrated into the International Architecture Itinerary. Visitors can make prior appointments through the House of Architecture to visit the property, which is born from rocks and hand in hand with the sea.
Overall, Boa Nova Tea House offers a unique dining experience where all the senses are awakened, from the stunning view to the fresh seafood and the architectural audacity of the building. It is a must-visit spot for those looking for a remarkable gastronomic and architectural experience in Portugal.
www.casadechadaboanova.pt
Octant Douro
Here on the banks of Castelo de Paiva, the landscape subtly unfolds, recreating the terraces that have shaped the region for centuries. Here is where Octant Douro was born, which 61 rooms and suites encapsulates the nature’s beauty entering through the large windows. The inexhaustible offer of this hotel presents options for a outstanding stay – two outdoor swimming pools, Spa, panoramic restaurant Raiva (recommended by the Michelin Guide), 2 meeting rooms, library, among other spaces to live an unforgettable escape.
www.douro.octanthotels.com
Six Senses Douro Valley
The sun-kissed river valley is at the heart of the region that embraces three world heritage sites, offering unforgettable experiences in the natural landscape.
Six Senses Douro Valley nestles into its beautiful UNESCO World Heritage setting fronting onto the River Douro as it winds through the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Touched with the romance of 19th century architecture wedded to contemporary interiors reflecting the inimitable Six Senses style, the resort delivers the ultimate Douro wine and spa experience. The resort’s estate covers 19 acres (8 hectares) with 71 guest accommodations, ranging from rooms with valley and river views to spacious suites and Pool Villas. Their decor is a triumph of natural styling with traditional highlights from a past era.
Vale de Abrão restaurant pays tribute to the property’s heritage name and highlights regional produce together with herbs and vegetables from the resorts own garden. It combines the three ambiences of Open Kitchen, Terrace and Dining Room. The Wine Library integrates a cellar and wine shop featuring vintages from the valley. Six Senses Spa Douro Valley comprises 10 treatment rooms, outdoor and heated indoor pools and a gym with professional guidance. It presents Six Senses specialty treatments, multiday programs and a menu of locally inspired therapies with ingredients sourced from the resort’s organic garden. An outdoor yoga pavilion blends beautifully with nature and is ideal for individuals and groups.
www.sixsenses.com
Luxury Douro Tours
I’m from Vila Real, a city that is at the door of the world of wines and is, by excellence, a place of solid traditions related to our extraordinary gastronomy! So, being able to make the best of my region known becomes an enriching challenge that gives me immense pleasure in doing it.
With so many good characteristics of this region, our goal is to provide unique experiences tailored to the client, where we will take you to visit the wine estates to taste wines and the unique fortified wine of this land, to visit the viewpoints and the charms of this unforgettable landscape! Embark with us on a story about wine, gastronomy and Douro traditions.
João Cardoso – www.luxurydourotours.com
MOSS of the ISLES
MOSS of the ISLES was created by three international luxury spa and wellness experts who shared a passion for ethical, sustainable, and effective ingredients. Fiona, Maria, and Nigel’s combined stories led to the conception and shaping of their line of products, which embraces holistic wellness, healthful ageing, and connection while keeping a mindful eye on environmental impact.
MOSS of the ISLES is the result of the collaboration of three great friends who came together to create a robust line of products and to tell a story that they hope will enlighten their customers’ own stories.
www.mossoftheisles.com
Vila Foz Hotel & Spa
Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is a stunning property located just a 15-minute drive from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, in the upscale district of Foz in Porto. The hotel is housed in a 19th-century mansion and a newer building, both of which offer breathtaking sea views. The interiors, designed by Madeiran designer Nini Andrade de Silva, feature calming earth tones with onyx accents, creating a luxurious and unique atmosphere.
The hotel has two exceptional restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Vila Foz, which offers a high-flying gastronomic experience. Seafood is the highlight of the menu, with exciting dishes like lobster, Trás-os-Montes olives, turnip, and Mayer lemon, and squid, roasted garlic, daikon, and iodized broth. The hotel also boasts a tranquil spa with a hammam and a sauna, providing the perfect space for rest and relaxation.
One of the most striking features of the hotel is its indoor swimming pool, located in the basement of the mansion. The pool is surrounded by stone, steps, and succulents, creating a private sun-trap and giving the impression of being in a luxurious Bond villain’s lair. The hotel’s location is also a major attraction, with miles of sprawling coast offering the perfect spot for a quiet walk or a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
For those who prefer to explore the city, a short walk from the hotel lies the old tram route into Porto, providing an entertaining and jangly journey into the city. The route is a bit touristy, but it’s a fun way to experience the city’s sights and sounds.
Overall, Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is a magnificent property that offers a luxurious and tranquil retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The hotel’s breathtaking setting, exceptional restaurants, and unique interiors make it a must-visit destination in Porto.
Michelin Chef: Arnaldo Azevedo delighted us with an amazingly, creative menu and wine pairing. Particularly liked the theatre of the shrimp from our coast, bivalves, celery, green apple and the theatre element to the dish was a delight.
Casa Marmelo
Set in the lush, green land of the Douro Valley, Casa Marmelo is a beautiful luxury villa, with a private garden and heated pool, with stunning views of the Douro and its tributary, the Bestança.
The house boasts four en-suite bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen/diner, a spacious lounge, games room, pool, kitchen, a large balcony and terrace, all with panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside.
Outside, the garden terraces are typical of the Douro region. The 14-metre pool sits on a generous granite decking with tables, seating and sun loungers.
Casa Marmelo is an hour’s drive from Porto.
www.casamarmelo.com
The 1890 Lodge
W & J Graham’s is a family-owned business that has been producing some of the finest Port wines for almost two hundred years. The company has a rich history of innovation and was one of the first Port companies to invest in its own vineyards in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Today, the company is at the forefront of innovation in winemaking techniques, and five Symington cousins are responsible for every aspect of the company, personally making the Graham’s wines. The origins of Port can be traced back to a forgotten monk in the remote Douro Valley who added grape spirit to his wine to preserve its sweetness. This method of fortification was adopted by wine merchants and gave rise to the Port wine industry, which is still produced in the same way today in the protected Upper Douro region of Northern Portugal.
www.grahams-port.com
Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar
Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar is a unique culinary space born from the alliance of two families and their passions for wine and food. The Symington family, renowned Port and Douro wine producers, partnered with the Basque catering group, SAGARDI, to create a high-quality gastronomic proposal that merges the best traditions of Portuguese and Basque cuisine.
Located in the historic cellars of Graham’s Port wines, Vinum offers a unique atmosphere, featuring historic pine wood beams, iron pillars from the 1890s, and a breathtaking view of the approximately 3200 barrels of wine aging in the cellars. The main room of the restaurant exudes the world of wine, inviting guests to feel and live the glory of wine alongside the best food in the city.
Vinum’s menu offers traditional dishes from the Douro, Trás-os-Montes, Minho, and the Atlantic coast, including Alheira de Mirandela PGI, fish from the Matosinhos Market, and old beef from Trás-os-Montes. Alongside these classics, guests can also indulge in Basque parrilla and contemporary dishes of international reference, such as tartars, sea bass with mushrooms, foie gras dishes, and oxtail stewed in organic wine.
The Atrium, Vinum’s winter garden, provides a breathtaking view of the historic city of Porto, the Douro River, and the unique Dom Luís Bridge, making it one of the most beautiful spots in Europe. Vinum’s Wine Bar offers an extensive wine list, including a strong selection of wines by the glass, and a more informal menu of light meals and sharing dishes with a special focus on premium Portuguese preserves, oysters from the Ria Formosa, and traditional snacks.
In summary, Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar is a perfect marriage between wine and food, a union of two passions that creates a unique and inviting atmosphere where guests can feel and live the glory of wine alongside the best food the city has to offer.
www.vinumatgrahams.com
Quinta de Covela
Quinta de Covela is a certified organic farm located in the Vinho Verde region in Baião, Portugal. The farm is known for producing high-quality white and rosé wines using the iconic Avesso grape variety. With a holistic approach to farming, Quinta de Covela aims to defend biodiversity and interact with the ecosystem naturally.
At Quinta de Covela and Villa Covela, visitors can experience unique wine and gastronomic experiences through their wine tourism program. The farm’s natural beauty is appealing in all seasons, with autumn and winter bringing golden leaves and ethereal rigour. In contrast, spring brings the awakening of life, and summer brings colours, heat, and intoxicating aromas, including the joy of harvest season.
With a focus on sustainability and a passion for producing high-quality wines, Quinta de Covela is a unique destination that offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
www.covela.pt
