Wondering if Six Senses Hotel Douro Valley is worth staying at? You’re in the right place!
Perched above Douro Valley’s famous vineyards, Six Senses Hotel Douro Valley is a hilltop 5-start accommodation with a boutique touch and a commitment to sustainability.
The hotel is a great call for families and couples who have a deep enough pocket and wanna be pampered in this striking terracotta-hued 19th-century manor.
Right here, well-being takes center stage. Each room boasts a scenic vista, ranging from river to valley. The hotel leans its back against lush vegetation where you can climb ancient trees in the grounds’ nature trails.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything behind the scenes at Six Senses Douro Valley for a heads-up – including the ease of transport, amenities, services, and more.
Read More: Portugal Douro Valley – A Travel Guide To UNESCO’s Recognized Vine-Land
Six Senses At A Glance
Six Senses is one of the top 5-star hotel chains in the world to promote wellness, community, sustainable design, and smiles.
As of 2023, Six Senses has 21 properties in 17 countries, focusing on elevating your “six senses” with a modern approach.
The Douro Valley-based accommodation is no exception. Each room incorporates local elements into the design that blend perfectly into the surrounding nature. Through a wide range of curated activities and services, you’ll have a deeper glimpse into the regional art, cuisine, and authentic immersive experiences.
Six Senses Douro Valley: The Earliest Days
In 1464, João Lourenço de Seara, a valet to King Afonso V, leased a Douro River vineyard to Abraão Farah, a jew from Judiaria da Lágea, Lamego.
The vineyard captivates with a gentle S shape and a proximity to the Douro River. By the late 19th century, João Lourenço de Seara’s descendant, Laura, and her husband made Quinta Vale de Abraão their permanent home.
From there, the former ground saw a massive renovation with a chapel, tower, gardens, lakes, and charming paths slowly taking over the large footprint.
Ever since, Laura’s famous home has become a prominent Quinta in the Douro Valley and an iconic part of Portuguese culture.
After a great fire that nearly took the life of a massive mansion, Laura’s home was acquired by Aquapura Hotel in 2007 before Six Senses took it over and rebranded in 2015.
Getting There
Six Senses Hotel Douro Valley sits in the picturesque namesake valley, and you can easily get there by train directly from São Bento Station in Porto.
The arrival destination is Régua after a 90-minute ride, nestled by the scenic bank of the Douro River. Make sure to have the hotel arrange a pick-up and fetch you back to the Six Senses which is only ten minutes from Régua.
Though short, the landscape will have you amazed at the stunning natural beauty. As you cross the viaduct after leaving the train station, the vineyard hill slowly appears before you, throwing a feast for the eyes with thriving vegetation.
Read More: 15 Things to Do in Portugal: Historical Buildings, Culture, Islands, Food, Port Wine, and More
The Lobby
Boasting a dramatic high-ceiling entrance, the lobby hooks you in with a spacious design, allowing plenty of sunlight to ventilate the space.
Iced towels, nuts, and tea are sent to your table right after you’re seated. The staff is smiley and attentive to keep the positive, pleasant vibe flowing around the space.
Located on the 8th floor of the building, the lobby features a sun-touched balcony with a view of the lush valley and the winding river at a distance.
The Public Facilities
From the lobby down, the 6th and 7th floors house offices, the 5th floor and below are guest rooms, while the 3rd and 2nd floors host public facilities like fitness centers, yoga rooms, spas, swimming pools, and massage services. After check-in, you will be guided to explore all public areas.
Double Room With River View
I booked a Double Room with Garden View. It’s spacious and fully equipped with a large floor-to-ceiling window that looks out to the river and the vineyards.
It features a plush Queen bed in the middle of the room connected with a long desktop-friendly workspace on one end. Each corner of the room is attentively designed, promoting sustainable materials and bringing out the traditional beauty of the Portuguese style.
However, this traditional approach doesn’t sacrifice the high-end touch. Attached to the wall is an iPad where you can control the lights, and temperature, and explore a range of food spots, on-site restaurants, and activities.
In the picture below, the large abstract painting gives the room a heritage feel, especially when it teams up with the smart layout and warm lighting to ensure you have a comfortable rest.
The use of warm wood on the furniture finishes added to the overall cozy feel, while the tender touch of organic wool quilt activates your senses with a luxury touch.
Behind the bed sits a small minibar chock full of local wine. There’s a fee to purchase them.
However, the environmentally friendly coffee capsules and tea bags are all complementary.
Six coffee pods come in three flavors. Each comes with an information tag to keep you posted on the intensity, flavor, and bean type.
The Bathroom
The bathroom features gray Portuguese limestone which is a local material rarely found elsewhere, giving it a unique style.
You’ll find a cabinet tucked in the corner to hang your clothes plus a multitude of recyclable slippers, baskets, and outdoor-friendly accessories for those who like hiking and swimming.
I really enjoy the lemongrass-scented soap as well.
Final Words:
Six Senses Douro Valley is among the first European hotels I’ve stayed at, and I can’t stress enough how the vineyard view takes the stay to another level.
The service is both professional and considerate, maintaining a touch of Portuguese style that I’ve come to appreciate. I admire the use of local materials to highlight the regional beauty that contributes to an overall design that reflects their careful attention.
If your budget allows, make sure to steal a stay at Six Senses Douro Valley. I’m sure you’ll never get enough of it.