Vila Foz Hotel & Spa

PORTO, PORTUGAL

Located in the Iberian nation’s gastronomic capital, Porto, this 19th‑century manor in the affluent Foz do Douro neighbourhood opened recently after a comprehensive restoration by architecture firm Miguel Cardoso Arquitecto and interior designer Nini Andrade Silva. The stately mansion, which previously belonged to one of Porto’s most important families, employs a varied and inspired material selection that includes locally‑sourced stone, hydraulic mosaic and bronze.

While the architects have retained the original architectural features of the 68‑room property, they have also infused it with of‑the‑moment details and finishes that meld beautifully with its rich heritage. The new‑build elements of the hotel are defined by a volume of simple lines that provide the perfect counterpart to the historic structure’s gold‑corniced elegance, all while maintaining its unique spatial flow.

Ranging from 28sqm to 48sqm, the guest rooms feature tactile materials such as natural wood, stone, and glass, all highlighted by carefully‑placed lighting that lends the rooms an air of splendour. Silva, known for her minimalist approach to design, has created bold, modern spaces using a grounded colour palette of tourmaline greens and earthy browns.

In keeping with Porto’s culinary traditions, the hotel also features a stately fine dining restaurant that serves seasonal, seafood‑focused dishes by executive chef Arnaldo Azevedo. The other restaurant Flor de Lis, in contrast, offers an informal yet refined experience anchored on a selection of regional dishes. If you’re able to peel yourself away from the gorgeous interiors, the outside also holds a treat. The Foz do Douro district is home to some of the finest gourmet establishments and eclectic boutiques that showcase Portugal’s highly regarded craftsmanship, as well as the 17th‑century Castelo do Queijo fortress, Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, and City Park, Portugal’s largest urban park.