The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
THE REVIEW
The imaginatively designed Six Senses Douro Valley boasts a superb setting and a fabulous spa
Six Senses has chosen the unspoilt, natural landscape of the Douro Valley for its European debut, bringing Portugal to the attention of the high-end, discerning, international traveller on a level not seen for a decade or more.
Location 8/10
Near the historic town of Lamego and 90 minutes from Porto, the hotel lies in a dip in the valley looking onto neatly terraced vineyards and the Douro River.
Style/character 9/10
New York-based Clodagh Design has breathed light and soul into this 19th-century building, creating a sense of place through the use of blue and white azulejo tiles, granite floors, ceilings of cork and gold leaf on the walls. Modern artwork adds a contemporary touch.
Service/facilities 8/10
Staff are local, charming, and knowledgeable about the area – from wines to the best drives. Douro is one of the world’s oldest wine regions and the hotel library includes books and interactive guides to its history. The library also makes an inviting space for the complimentary nightly wine tastings. Guests will also find a bar, games room, outdoor pool and kayaking on offer.
Spa 10/10
The 10 treatment rooms overlook the gardens. Signature treatments include a hot stone and almond oil massage, or an orange and lemon wrap with fruit from the gardens. There’s also a gym, nail bar and a pavilion for yoga and Pilates (head into the woods to be suspended from the trees by ribbons for aerial yoga).
Rooms 8/10
Rooms feature Portuguese oak floors, earthy tones and textured walls in muted gold. Floor-to-ceiling windows create a light and bright feel. Room service is ordered via an in-room smartphone, which also operates the lighting, blinds and television. Suites include bath tubs with views of the Douro, while standard rooms are fitted with showers. The supremely comfy beds are dressed in soft cotton sheets topped off with local wool throws. Locally made lemongrass soaps add a citrus scent throughout.
Food & Drink 9/10
Produce from the organic garden features in everything from the Gardener’s Choice signature cocktails to the chilled peach gazpacho with sweet basil ice-cream. The Vale d’Abraão Dining Room, the hotel’s main restaurant, specialises in traditional Portuguese dishes; opt for the Atlantic sea bass paired with Guru white wine. Dine at the chef ’s table for a prime view of the Josper grill in action from which emerge dishes of chargrilled leeks, garden figs and goats’ cheese, smoky peaches and presunto ham. The wine list features the best of the Douro. There’s a pool-side snack bar offering light bites. Breakfast combines garden fruits with local pasteis de nata tarts.
Value for money 8/10
Doubles from €460 (£320) in high season; dropping to €240 (£167) in low. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Access for guests with disabilities?
Yes.
The details
Quinta de Vale Abraão, Samodães, 5100-758 Lamego (00351 254 660600; sixsenses.com).