Wander With WHIT To: Six Senses Douro Valley
Portugal is having a moment. And why wouldn’t it? Full of incredible food, warm locals, and some of the most diverse terrain around it has everything a dream trip should. We recently embarked on a whirlwind 8-day drive through this gorgeous country, and discovered our favorite spot was where we thought it would be, in wine country.
Six Senses Douro Valley is nestled on a hillside, and while this 19th-century manor estate is seemingly tucked away in a private corner of the valley, it still feels at the center of it all.
After a winding journey through the valley and down a private drive to Six Senses Douro Valley’s lobby level, you may receive a welcome sniff from the property’s friendly pooch, Aqua. Once inside, you’re greeted with a tray of local bites and a sampling of the star of the region, the house Port. Just what you needed to shake off any travel-induced stress. Check-in is a breeze, but in your relaxed state be sure not to miss the breathtaking view to your left, a perfectly framed balcony overlooking the hotel’s bright yellow trees and surrounding landscape.
You’ll then be whisked through the property’s light-filled Wine Library, the heart of the hotel before making your way to your suite. Six Senses Douro Valley was once a private manor house and was built in the 19th century. The property’s hillside structure allows for each room to have a different view depending on the floor level. Surrounded by lush gardens, woodlands, and hugged by the winding Douro Valley River, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
STAY
With just 71 suites and villas, Six Senses Douro Valley maintains its 19th-century, private estate charm. The world’s oldest demarcated wine region is celebrated in each of the property’s various accommodations. From sweeping vineyard views to the private wine fridge in each room, you can’t help but feel a strong sense of place. Here are a few of our favorite room types at Six Senses Douro Valley.
Vineyard Deluxe
Located in the exclusive vineyard wing of the hotel, these rooms offer some of the most privacy on property. With spacious outdoor terraces overlooking the vineyards, they’re our favorite for couples looking to escape.
Quinta Duplex Suite
Offering accommodation on two-levels, these suites provide space for guests who want to entertain or those who plan to stay a while. The first floor living space and second floor sleeping space both offer sweeping views of the vineyard plus a tub with a view you have to see to believe.
One Bedroom Pool Villa
These brand new private villas open this summer, and they are spectacular. Each villa boasts a private heated pool and sundeck, plus a full kitchen and dining area. The villas also offer their own private, independent entrance and secluded vineyard location.
SAVOR
We were fortunate enough to attend a private wine tasting during our stay, held in the Wine Library and it was lovely. Our sommelier was passionate and knowledgeable about not just the region’s wines but every varietal you could possibly think of. He also educated us on the whiskey making process when one guest inquired about some of the options available for purchase in the general store. Our tasting was accompanied by a plate of local meats, cheeses and chocolates, and was one of the highlights of our stay. We highly recommend booking this experience early, as seating is limited to four couples.
Feeling wined out? Not to worry, Six Senses Douro Valley’s dining options are vast, and something to snack on is available nearly all hours of the day. Here were a few of our favorites :
Quinta Bar & Lounge - Open daily from lunch to late evening, this is the perfect casual hangout for enjoying some Portuguese petiscos (tapas), sandwiches, afternoon tea and hand-crafted cocktails. All including a side of stunning vineyard views.
Wine Library - Located in the heart of the hotel, this cozy space offers wine tastings and small bites, plus a self-serve wine vending dispenser if you wish to create your own custom tasting.
Vale de Abraão - One of the best meals we had on our trip. The local, rotating menu focuses on seasonal farm-to-table options prepared in an open kitchen. Breakfast is also served here each morning which is incredible, and truly not to be missed - even if you’re not traditionally a breakfast fan!
Ready to wander to Six Senses Douro Valley with a customized itinerary? Get in touch with our team and we’ll get you ready to go!
SEE
Six Senses encourages guests to immerse themselves in the local culture during their stay. With Douro Valley as a backdrop, there are plenty of activities and experiences to explore on and off property.
Some of the offerings include :
Kayaking & Paddle Boarding
Mountain Biking Tours
Pickling and Yogurt Making Classes
Shrubs and Tonic Workshops
Local Specialty Cooking Classes
Tile Painting Workshops
Alchemy Bar Workshops
Custom Riverside Picnic Baskets
SPA
It wouldn’t be a Six Senses review without mentioning what they’re most known for! The Six Senses Douro Valley Spa is just as impressive as we had imagined. During our visit, reservations were still required for private access to the spa’s amenities including the indoor pool and heat experiences. We booked an early 60 minute slot for the Vitality Suite and had the underwater sound therapy, steam room, laconium, infrared sauna and ice room all to ourselves.
While we didn’t have time for a treatment, Six Senses Douro Valley specializes in a layered approach to wellness and offers personalized plans depending on your goals. We were most impressed by the Wellness Screening option, a non-invasive measurement of key biomarkers that help identify areas which may need attention, and recommends a multi-day process to get you there. Although the Abjyanga, a popular Ayurvedic treatment, also known as ‘four-handed’ massage, didn’t sound too bad either.
Preferred Partner Amenities
When you book a stay at Six Senses Douro Valley through WHIT Travel Co. you’ll have the following complimentary amenities automatically added to your reservation.
Suite upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
$100 spa services credit, to be utilized during stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary breakfast for two, daily
Ready to wander to Six Senses Douro Valley (or somewhere equally fabulous) on a trip of your own with a customized itinerary? Get in touch with our team or complete the form below and we’ll get you on your way!