Six Senses Douro Valley – Portugal

Sep 1, 2016 | Destinations

Located in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley, Six Senses Douro Valley is touched with the romance of 19th century architecture wedded to contemporary interiors reflecting the inimitable Six Senses style. With the River Douro winding its lazy way through the oldest wine-producing region in the world, this serene setting is 88 miles (142 kilometers) from Oporto International Airport. The resort’s estate covers 19 acres (8 hectares) with 57 guest accommodations, the Vale de Abraão restaurant with three different atmospheres: Open Kitchen, Terrace and Dining Room; a Wine Library featuring vintages from the valley and a stunning Six Senses Spa occupying 23,700 square feet (2,200 square meters).

Concept

Positioned as the ultimate Douro wine and spa experience, the resort assumes its own regional identity. The stunning historic manor house is both contemporary and sophisticated. It was originally converted to a hotel in 2007 and renovated to adopt technical and material innovations, then totally recreated, becoming Six Senses Douro Valley, together with faultless service based on thoughtful details and little surprises.

Accommodations

Six Senses Douro Valley offers 57 guest accommodations, which range from Quinta Superior, Quinta Deluxe and Quinta River rooms, to spacious suites, apartments and villas with one, two and three bedrooms. Completely renovated, the décor is a triumph of combining Six Senses natural style with traditional highlights from a past era.
Room and Suite features

  • King or twin beds
  • Air-conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Non-allergenic pillows
  • Personal safe
  • Tea/coffee making facilities
  • 48 inch flat panel TV with satellite channels
  • Minibar
  • IDD and WiFi

Bedrooms, 430 to 540 square feet (40 to 50 square meters), feature pure lines and a delicate lighting, all contributing to an atmosphere where serenity reigns. Views over the vineyards are sights to be enjoyed from the bedroom terraces or from the numerous panoramic windows. Spa treatments on demand are also available in a number of guest rooms.
Suites, 625 to 1,130 square feet (58 to 105 square meters) are framed by beautiful panoramic views embracing the vines and the river. All rooms are equipped with the latest technology.
Apartments and Villas
Consisting of one or two floors with one, two or three bedrooms with areas from 450 to 765 square feet (140 to 234 square meters), all villa interior designs are by Clodagh. She created an elegant décor, uniting classical style and the warmth of wood with the brilliance of chrome, whilst playing with geometric lines. Large sofas facing vast chimneys make you dream of evenings spent around a fireplace.
Vineyard Apartments ( 5 units inside the same building/compound) with one, two or three bedrooms sharing a pool and garden.
Vineyard Pool Villas (2 separate villas) – both with one bedroom, private heated pool and garden.

Dining

Dining options at Six Senses Douro Valley are a celebration of the region with much of the produce coming from the verdant valley and surrounding countryside. An organic garden of vegetables and herbs is located right on the estate. Fresh ingredients are harvested only as needed, assuring ultimate freshness and flavor.
The Vale de Abraão Restaurant

Open Kitchen and Terrace: Open throughout the day and featuring seasonal menus of local and regional dishes. A bountiful breakfast buffet is the perfect way to begin a day of discovery, relaxation and spa sessions. There’s an open cooking station complete with wood-fired oven for bread baking and traditional oven dishes. This is also a location for cooking classes, where guests can learn some of the finer points of preparing Portuguese cuisine.
The Dining Room: The beautiful classic décor of this traditional room creates a warmly intimate atmosphere with a myriad of detail. The menu’s market-inspired fare incorporates the best in regional cuisine, perfectly combining fresh ingredients and seasonings.

Every dish beautifully showcases the local ingredients and flavors in a very global manner.

To add some fun to the culinary experience, secret destination dining is a pop-up experience with dinner tables tucked into the woods by the river. The location and the menu are kept secret until the last minute as a delightful surprise.
Wine Library & Terrace

As the heart of the resort, the Wine Library & Terrace features an eclectic collection of local materials and furnishings to create an authentic Douro Valley experience. It is also a pre-dining rendez-vous with a tempting selection of local tapas items and self-service wine tasting ideal for learning, imbibing and celebrating. Browse gifts, art objects and gourmet items from the valley. Meet here with the wine concierge to plan excursions and spa treatments for the day. The room extends onto a covered stone terrace with comfortable armchairs arranged around a fire feature.

SIX SENSES SPA

A very generously proportioned Six Senses Spa occupying 23,700 square feet (2,200 square meters) comprises 10 treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool with water jets and refreshment bar, plus a gym with the latest exercise equipment and professional guidance. It presents the Six Senses specialty treatments and multi-day programs. There is a range of locally-inspired therapies, which also include some grape and citrus fruit based.

With a décor of ecologically-friendly materials, the feeling is soft and hip; a meeting between nature, Portuguese tradition and the elements of water, nature, space, stone and wood. Such a welcoming space invites guests to interact with other guests.

From the moment of arrival there is a feeling of total relaxation; perhaps a little bit quirky but a promise of things to come. Venture further into the spa to the reception hub, with comfortable low seating for couples and individuals. To one side is the Nail Bar which offers wine and cheese tastings during the treatment. Adjacent to this area is a consultation room and access to the 10 treatment rooms. The large well-equipped gym presents the feel of a private living room rather than an exercise area. Directly outside the changing rooms is the unique Alchemy Bar, where potions of herbs, salt, grapes and a range of exotic ingredients are individually blended for scrubs and masks. In this space there are also seven painting canvases hanging on the wall and marked for each day of the week. Guests can contribute to the day’s painting, which is set on an easel. The aim is to awake curiosity and creativity and be a part of a like-minded community who may never meet. Finished paintings are sold in the spa retail area with proceeds going to local charities.

An organic herb and plant garden provides key ingredients that are used in spa treatments. In addition to the external pool, a large outdoor yoga deck blends beautifully with nature and is ideal for individual sessions and group training.

Leisure activities

Golden by name – Douro – the sun-kissed valley is also golden by nature, with the River Douro flowing through amber-hued vine-filled terraces. The region, that comprises three world heritage sites, offers unforgettable experiences in this unique natural landscape.

The Experiences Team at Six Senses Douro can present a host of options. They can arrange a trip to the prehistoric rock art sites in Côa Valley and the Douro International and Alvão parks; visits to some of the oldest wineries in the world; excursions by foot or vehicle to picturesque villages, historic churches and castles plus cruises and water activities on the river.

Unique experiences

Partake in a variety of wine making activities including wine and dine river cruises, interactive oenology courses, visits to nearby wineries where you will meet the winemakers plus the opportunity to be a winemaker for the day.
Although it only comes once a year, stomp grapes during harvest time in September and October, barefoot in stone lagares (granite stone tanks).
Take a walking tour with a private guide around the Douro Valley, or speed the pace on an electric bicycle.
Bird watching is a favorite pastime in the area, but for those really wishing to soar, fly above the verdant valley in helicopter.

Facilities

Six Senses Gallery presents a range of signature items with which to carry beautiful memories home.
Medical clinic with doctor on call is available around the clock.
The Library offers access to the Internet along with a comprehensive reading list in multi languages.