Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal

Aerial View

True to its heritage of creating exceptional guest experiences in places of incredible beauty, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas unveiled its first resort in Europe on July 15. Located in the beautiful Portuguese UNESCO World Heritage area of the Douro Valley, the property is touched with the romance of 19th century architecture wedded to contemporary interiors reflecting the inimitable Six Senses style. The resort covers 8 hectares and comprises 57 guest accommodations which range from Superior, Deluxe, River rooms to spacious suites and villas with one, two and three bedrooms . With a décor of light greys and sandy tones, New York based Clodagh Design has created glamorous rooms with eco-friendly materials blending nature with Portuguese traditional design. The use of natural stone, wood and water is emphasized throughout the property.

Chef Paulo Matos heads the culinary team at Six Senses Douro Valley. The Vale d’Abraão Open Kitchen and Dining Room offer a generous breakfast in the open kitchen, lunch and dinner in a casual environment with both terrace and enclosed spaces. There will also be a venue focusing on more elaborate dining experiences in the evening, whilst the Quinta Bar and Lounge will operate from late afternoon into evening evolving into an intimate and cozy environment as the day draws to a close. The menus will make extensive use of the open wood burning ovens and Josper Grill with the culinary team cooking and interacting with guests during service. Another great entertaining venue is The Wine Library which is located at the heart of the resort, featuring a menu of tapas, cheese and smoked hams and local sausage which, when combined with local materials and furnishings, creates an authentic Douro Valley experience.

An interactive and instructional programme presents leading vintages from the area where guests are guided in the varieties and styles by leading Portuguese winemakers from the surrounding valley and the resort’s wine directors. Top wine magazine and website, Wine Spectator, ranked three wines from Douro in its top five in 2014, and with over 80 grape varieties in Douro guests can participate in every stage of the wine making process from planting and stomping to eventually blending their own wine.

The expansive Six Senses comprises 10 treatments and heated in-door swimming pool with water jets, steam room, Sauna and Laconium. The spa menu includes locally-inspired, grape-based treatments freshly picked from the Douro vineyards and citrus fruits picked from the Douro orchards. Within the grounds of the resort there is an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views of the Douro Valley. Other facilities include an activities hut as well as a well-appointed gym housing the latest exercise equipment, aerial yoga and on-site personal trainers. For added relaxation, guests can enjoy meditation nests dotted about the forest or simply retire to the library and peruse a book whist enjoying a fine wine or cocktail.