Douro Royal Valley ★★★★★

I have long felt that Portugal has been overlooked as a holiday destination, but its landscape, beaches and towns are full of cultural riches that are overlooked in the process. All the better for me I decide, since when I travel there I can encounter complete peaceful relaxation and along the banks of the River Douro is just one fine example.

This fine example involves the Douro Royal Valley *****, this excellent establishment finds its home on the banks of the glittering River Douro. This chic and elegant hotel was the home for our week stay in the Porto district of Portugal, which lured us in with its delicious deep red wine and also with its spectacular landscape. The hotel boasts spacious rooms that face the river, with a furnished balcony that overlooks the water, lead to by large glass doors. The view is simply mesmerising! We had a large bed in the centre of the room, quilted with fine linens and around it plenty of space to walk around. There was a desk, small area to just sit and chat, right by that resplendent view. In the bathroom we could find fluffy robes and slippers just for us, and it was a little indication to make our way to the well facilitated hotel spa.

Another thing I have found throughout my experience of travelling is the tendency to add “spa” onto the hotel name when really the spa consists of very little, maybe just a jacuzzi or sauna and limited choice of treatments. The Douro Royal Valley is not like this however; their spa title is more than earned. The spa consists of a whirlpool, jacuzzi, sauna and hammam surrounded by various relaxing rooms, indoors and outdoors as well as a bar! There are also two innovative facilities; the Vichy and Scottish shower. In the Vichy shower you can enjoy lying down and showered by several jets whilst the Scottish shower involves a treatment using hot and cold water to revitalise the skin.   

All this work in the spa definitely builds up an appetite! And at the Douro Royal Valley ***** we had two restaurants to pick from, the full immersive Douro experience at the Palato D’Ouro, led by the nationally culinary star Chef Hélio Loureiro, or the laid-back Ruby Bar. The Palato D’Ouro serves up dishes from the region, always sourced from the local area, including a tasting menu where you can fully indulge in the tastes of this rich and fertile region. You can enjoy your meal with a wine picked from the hotel’s extensive wine list, only what you’d expect in this region of Portugal. It is a restaurant of traditional gastronomy and fresh and light décor. The Ruby Bar has a panoramic view over the Douro River, but not only are your eyes delighted but also your ears, with beautiful jazzy music from the glossy grand piano in the room. Here you can enjoy light snacks or drinks in complete comfort.

If you find yourself by the hotel’s splendid infinity pool, you might be more interested in the 7th floor Acqua Bar which boasts the same spectacular views as the pool. Spot verdant hills in the distance and slow river cruise boats whilst you soak up the sun and take intermittent dips in the cooling water that appears to cascade into the river below.