Six Senses Douro Valley

We’re always looking for ways to make your experiences at Six Senses Douro Valley even more special. We decided that it’s time to spruce up our spa, add the latest fitness equipment and give the Open Kitchen a wholesome makeover that shares our love for dining and wining. Please come and see for yourself! A sense of history that’s still in the making.

A setting of vine-covered rolling hills and the majestic River Douro. Come and stay in the world’s oldest demarcated wine region at a beautifully renovated 19th-century manor house with glorious gardens, woodlands, and sweeping panoramas. The town of Porto and charming heritage villages and other Portugal destinations are close by.

ROOMS & SUITES
60 guest accommodations including bedrooms with panoramic Douro valley views, spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies and wooden bridges leading to secret gardens.

All are sensitively refurbished to blend traditional highlights with Six Senses natural style. In 2017, the Portugal resort was recognized by Virtuoso as the resort with the Best Achievement in Design.

VINEYARD GARDEN SUITE
One of our top suites offering 1,022 square feet (95 square meters) of pure elegance and privacy and a beautiful wooden terrace with hot tub and day bed. Located on the fifth floor of an exclusive wing of our Douro vineyard hotel, this suite is ideal if you want to hide away (although you may not resist the lure of our restaurant or spa for long).

It includes a separate bedroom, living and dining areas with a generously sized bathroom on the inside, and a terrace with a hot tub and day bed overlooking the surrounding vineyards on the outside. A wine fridge with a selection of Douro wines is the ultimate luxury for discerning wine lovers.

VINEYARD ROOFTOP SUITE
Postcard-perfect views from on top of the world, this complete retreat offers its own garden deck and hot tub, you may be tempted to lock the door and throw away the key (please don’t!).

Located on the top floor of the vineyard wing and overlooking the beautiful Vale Abraão valley, these two rooftop suites at Six Senses Douro Valley enjoy total privacy and a very comfortable and contemporary atmosphere.

One terrace adjoins the living/dining rooms, and a private wooden bridge connects it to a cozy garden deck with daybed and hot tub, perfect for moments of relaxation and meditation.

QUINTA PANORAMA SUITE
You’ll feel like you can dive right into the Douro River from floor-to-ceiling windows. Located on the 5th floor, these suites offer a separate living area, a spacious bedroom with a king bed and a beautiful bathroom.

You don’t have to look hard to see the hero feature of this Portugal suite; it offers one of the best views of the Douro River in our opinion! The comfortable living room has panoramic windows and there is also a spacious bathroom with double sink and separate bathtub and shower.

QUINTA SUITE
The Quinta Suites have a spacious separate living area with wooden floors, views out to the vineyard or to the river view. These suites offer different layouts to create different experiences.

No two are exactly the same: one offers a private balcony and another a panoramic river view from Six Senses Portugal accommodations. They all, however, enable you to spread out in comfortable and spacious living rooms and bedrooms with a size of up to 699 square feet (65 square meters).

QUINTA DELUXE
Located in the main building of our Douro resort, with contemporary décor wedded to the Six Senses natural style and a nod to a past era, complete with large windows overlooking the beautiful woodland or vineyard. These oversized units are located in the main building and include a comfortable reading and sitting area and a spacious bathroom.

Some of the rooms face the valley and others have a large floor-to-ceiling window with views over the wonderful woodland. They all have easy access to an elevator. Rooms with terraces have steps to the outside with a small seating area.

DINING
Dining options at Six Senses Douro Valley restaurants 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.

Occupying two generous spaces and a large terrace, the interior dining room boasts a traditional walk-in fireplace and 18th century azulejo tiles, cork ceilings and granite floors. Outside there is a sunny terrace with beautiful vineyard views and fountain.

Classic, yet contemporary décor creates an intimate atmosphere with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Come and enjoy seasonal market-inspired tasting menus and an Open Kitchen Experience with an a la carte menu that’s inspired by the wood fired ovens and Josper grill. Our Chefs chat to our guests in a fun and informal setting while they cook delicious meals using the best quality fresh ingredients of the region.

THE QUINTA BAR & LOUNGE
Offering a wide range of hand crafted cocktails made with ingredients from the farm and a menu of classic Portuguese petiscos (tapas), flatbreads and sandwiches, a perfect place to unwind at the end of the day on the terrace or by the fireplace.

The Quinta Bar and Lounge also offers afternoon teas during the winter months, and don’t forget ask for your slice of the complimentary cake of the day, and fermented beverage workshops.

GARDEN BARBECUE
Looking for the best grilled fish and meat in town? Our Garden Barbecue is set in a quiet corner of the formal gardens, overlooking the organic garden. Relax at communal tables nestled under the vines. A feast for food lovers, these nights tend to sell out, so book in advance and arrive hungry!

AUTHENTIC DOURO VALLEY AMBIENCE
Located in the heart of the hotel, the Wine Library restaurant is open for dinner, with a casual and fun menu comprised of sharing plates including ceviche, tartars and Portuguese home cooking classics paired with the best wines of the region.

DESTINATION DINING
Destination Dining is a key signature concept of all Six Senses resorts, and the culinary and service team place special emphasis on creating menus and experiences that can be enjoyed in unique locations.

Whether it be in a beautiful spot by the river, with a scenic waterfall at your back, or in a Georgian era grotto, or in a beautiful spot in our forest garden. Our aim is to help you discover some hidden spots around the hotel grounds while enjoying a truly memorable personal picnic or gastronomic experience.

SPA & WELLNESS
Portuguese tradition meets the elements of water, stone and wood in a great setting for rural relaxation. Take a dip in the indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling garden views, sink deeper into relaxation with underwater sound therapy and massage jets, or go for full restoration in the vitality pool.

New treatments at Six Senses spa in Portugal include color therapy and Cryotherapy, try your hand at alchemy or go back to your roots and venture outside for forest bathing. Find your way to fitness with a choice of on demand classes and expert personal trainers. This is unabashed wellness at its best.

TREATMENTS
​​​​Surrender to the healing hands of our skilled therapists through specialty treatments and individual journeys that ensure your senses are balanced and mind is blissful. We use natural and ethically-produced products together with traditional and locally-inspired practices to treat you from the inside out and outside in.

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
This massage begins with a personalized consultation with an in-house physiotherapist to determine your areas of concern. It is followed by a treatment using a variety of techniques tailored to your specific needs, including advice and tools to take home.

ACUPUNTURE & TUINA MASSAGE
Pain Relief Acupuncture with Tuina Massage. The result of the assessment will be completed by a lifestyle analysis, the study of your body constitution and behavioral patterns as well as specific observational diagnoses that have its origin in Chinese Medicine (tongue, pulse diagnose and abdominal palpation).

The treatment begins with some Tuina massage techniques (Chinese Manual Therapy), Acupuncture, Moxibustion and ends with Meditation/Qi gong or breathing exercises.

RETREATS
Escape the stresses of daily life and let the mind and body wind down. Our expert-led retreats are designed to provide much-needed space to reconnect with your inner peace and thrive when you’re back in the outer world.

From immunity, longevity and yoga to self-discovery, your day will immerse you into guided activities, therapies and workshops. Time will slow down until you begin to feel the joy bubbling up again from your toes.

WELLNWSS PROGRAMS
We use smart technology to measure your inner health, movement and sleep patterns to ensure that our wellness experts can then personalize the treatments, activities and nutritional advice based on your specific needs. Achieve a healthy, balanced body and mind while you’re with us and sustain it once you return home.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN VALLEY LIFE
The Douro Valley is not just for looking at: explore and get involved in it! From Douro Valley river cruises to stomping the port wine grapes, and prehistoric rock art sites to canyoning, mountain biking and helicopter tours of Douro Valley. When was the last time you climbed a tree?

HISTORICAL GARDENS SERIES
Our gardens and forest have been awarded a quality seal by the Portuguese Association of Historical Gardens (AJH) and we’re delighted to be on the Historic Douro Gardens Route, offering garden tours through our own parkland and helping to preserve the unique heritage of other stately homes within the association.

The listed park is a highly distinctive element of the Douro landscape, mostly dominated by vineyards. Tree species include lindens, oaks, strawberry trees, acers, cedars, exotic palms and firs. The forest is a rare example of the classic 19th-century forest gardens popular at the time.

While preserving the spirit and fundamentals of the forest, which included 10 follies, a waterfall and a pond, we have added secret rest and picnic spots for people to enjoy. The organic garden is a scented garden full of delicious herbs and colorful edible flowers, with we use to supply the kitchen, bar and spa. At the end of your tour, stop off at the Earth Lab to taste a delicious herbal tea brewed on the spot!

Casa de Mateus represents the epitome of baroque architecture and is an example of a centuries-old unbroken family legacy passed down from a bygone era.

As our guests, you are exclusively invited to visit the palace and classified historical gardens, with the option to enjoy a traditional lunch or dinner in the picturesque and authentic old family kitchen or spectacular dining hall. Santar Vila Jardim gardens are a unique project in Portugal.

Explore the gardens of different manor houses in the Santar village and end your tour with a wine tasting (of course!) followed by a picnic lunch specially prepared by our Six Senses team, held on the veranda of the Casa de Santar e Magalhães overlooking the gardens.

THE QUINTAS
After a brief orientation at our Wine Library, set off on a tour of the region’s most renowned winemakers, which includes 350-plus Quintas and Portuguese vintages. In order to spice up your experience, we can organize tailor-made visits via a boat ride along the river Douro to some of the Quintas, where you can relax over a fabulous lunch in an old kitchen atmosphere.

Visit the birthplaces of famous Portuguese writers, family homes which have been handed down through the generations, with their acclaimed wineries designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects.

TILE PAINTING
Often allegorical in nature, painted tiles tell stories from Portuguese history. You too can learn and practice this traditional art form and take home your masterpiece as a souvenir. There are a range of painting classes and creative workshops available; please ask your GEM for details.

HISTORICAL DOURO 
Once you have seen the sights, Maria Manuel Cyrne, the owner of Quinta Viscondes da Várzea, will welcome you for a tour through her 18th-century manor house. In the old kitchen, unchanged for centuries, you can relax and learn the arts of traditional cooking during a unique culinary workshop.

DOURO VALLEY WINE EXPERIENCES
Our Wine Team have prepared a carefully curated selection of on- and off-site wine tastings, sommelier tours and educational experiences to help you unlock the magical world of Douro Port and wines.

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
Visit the Marco de Canavezes area, located 45 kilometers west of the hotel. Visit the archaeological site of Freixo | Tongobriga (an old Roman city) and then stop for lunch at the Pena Restaurant in Vila Caiz-Amarante.

After lunch, the stone trail goes to 1737 Casa do Fidalgo. António de Vasconcelos de Carvalho e Menezes, a local nobleman, left this incomplete Baroque project upon his death.

TREE CLIMBING 
Channel your inner child among the soaring stalks of our enchanted forest, in the safe hands of our tree-climbing specialists! No special skills are required, only the willingness to try, making this activity optimal for everyone. And now that we’re all a little older, take a moment to enjoy our sublime views from the treetops too.

TRAIL WALKING
A few trails even pass by your doorstep, right here! Your guide can lead you on the best routes to suit your fitness level for a half-day or shorter morning exploration.

KAYAKING 
Kayaking is ideal for those who love being on the water but may not have boating experience. Our kayaks are light, easy to paddle and (trust us), difficult to tip! Double kayaks are available for use in the Douro River; however, due to local regulations all excursions must be taken with a guide.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Borrow a bike from the Activities Hut to explore our property or ride over to local wine estates and towns. If you feel more adventurous and full of energy, there are many guided tours available according to your skills and ambitions, sharing the hidden treasures of the local history along the way.

ORGANIC GARDEN TOUR 
Here, in the blissful seclusion of the Douro Valley, there is a long-standing tradition of home gardening. We will share these secrets with you and show you how we grow our own vegetables in a sustainable way. After your tour, we’ll invite you to concoct your own drink with fresh ingredients picked from the herb garden.

DOURO BOAT TRIPS
Sail aboard the Libertu and explore Douro Valley from another angle. From traditional Rabelo boats, formerly used for transporting Port wine to Oporto, to a restored vintage boat from the 1960s – we can arrange a full or half-day trip to cruise the waters where you’ll enjoy simply unsurpassed views of this region’s vast vineyards and picturesque quintas.

The Libertu originally sailed on the Atlantic shores of Portugal, the Entremargens that once belonged to the Ferreira Port wine company or the Julieta that crossed the Atlantic twice.

Enjoy the afternoon breeze along the river or treat yourself to a delicious picnic on board; this unique excursion takes place on a stretch of the Douro river reputed as one of most beautiful in Portugal, along shores of mountains covered with centuries old vineyards.

ALCHEMY BAR WORKSHOP
Head to the Alchemy Bar at Six Senses Spa to discover potions of herbs, salt, fruits and a range of exotic ingredients that you can blend up to make aromatic scrubs and masks. Take a 30-minute hands-on workshop to learn how to make your own cosmetics using fresh, seasonal and 100 percent organic ingredients from our garden.

BRUNCH
The show starts with a seasonal dip and some home-baked bread, extra virgin olive oil from Trás-os-Montes, an organic green leaf salad, fresh oysters from the Atlantic coast, and a selection of Portuguese cheeses and hams.

Sea bass tiradito, mushroom creamy rice and a selection of matured meats grilled in our special charcoal oven will follow along with a choice of sides. Every Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

PICNICS 
Gather your group and settle in at one of our secret spots to enjoy food prepared specifically for you by your chef, paired with the region’s best wines. Along the river, in the vineyards or woods – the hardest decision of the day will be which spot to choose. Portuguese food, Douro wines and Ports, and beautiful landscapes. What more can you ask for? If anything comes to mind, do let us know.

COOKING CLASSES
Journey through the different cooking regions of the country and learn the essentials of sustainable food preservation the old-fashioned way in our food workshop. Take a step back in time and learn the essentials of pickling, salting, dehydrating and smoking amongst others. Bon Appetit!

CHEF’S TABLE
The chef’s table is hosted by the chef for a maximum of just four guests, in a cosy little corner of the main kitchen. You’ll feel the adrenalin of a working kitchen in full preparation mode.

PICKLES, YOGURTS & SPROUTS
You will learn how simple it is to pickle organic produce from our gardens and how yogurts can be produced without using electricity. By discovering the properties of those ingredients and health benefits, explore how easy it is to create sustainable healthy food habits.

SHRUBS & TONICS
A shrub is a combination of fermented cider vinegar with fruit, all blended with honey. Its properties increase good cholesterol levels, help reduce allergies and satisfy hunger. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare fermented beverages at home so you can carry on enjoying long-term health benefits.

Rooms: 58

Price: from 669 EUR per night

Source: www.sixsenses.com