Douro Scala ★★★★★

“Another glass of Port old chap?” I feel like saying to my partner who is sitting back with his feet up in an old leather armchair by the open fireplace reading a Portuguese newspaper that he claims to understand. The fire is unlit as we are in full-blown Spring and the weather outside is beautifully hot, but I can imagine the cool confines of this antique living room lighting up in a cosy glow in the autumn or wintertime as that log fire crackles away. Perhaps we should come back and visit again then, when the vineyards outside our window have turned to rusty gold... But I am getting a little ahead of myself, we have barely arrived and I am already dreaming of future visits!

We have already spent our first day here, having yesterday afternoon reached this classic Portuguese country home set amid rolling hills of green vines and purple grapes that produce some of the most famous wines in Portugal. The first thing that struck us was the sheer peace of the place, set away from towns and daily hustle and bustle, it is an oasis of calm that offers all you could possibly need for a luxurious and rejuvenating stay without ever straying beyond its gardens. The second thing that struck us was the sleek, modern building set low against its rustic backdrop in bright white and succeeding beautifully in blending in harmoniously with its surroundings and the original manor that forms the other half of the hotel, which is where we are now.

That effortless fusion of past and future is carried into every aspect of the Douro Scala. Our bedroom's stylish contemporary design of clean lines and huge glass windows looking out onto the mountain contains all the details one could expect in a five star hotel – flat screen television, vast bed with fine bedding, safe and bathroom with slick shower and complimentary products, bathrobes and slippers. The Quinta do Paço restaurant offers exquisite gourmet cuisine and whilst the food is prepared with chic delicacy, the setting is charmingly old fashioned, particularly in its country kitchen that can seat up to twelve people for a cosy meal and wine tasting. As for the spa... it is good, old fashioned pampering set in the height of sophistication and it is where I head to now.

My cunning plan is to lure my man away from his incomprehensible newspaper into the sumptuous healing haven of hammam, sauna, state-of-the-art gym and sublime indoor heated pool. Once we are there, and are rosy and red-cheeked from the steamy heat we can go outside to plunge into the refreshing water of the outdoor pool and dry off in that glorious sunshine. Then finally, in a state of pure relaxation and well-being, we can adjourn to the hotel bar for that glass of nectar that has been the Englishman's favourite for centuries. In fact, it was a British merchant who first suggested that the grape spirit brandy, added to preserve Port during its long voyage to England, be added during its fermentation process rather than afterwards, creating that sweet smooth wine we know and so love today. What a glorious moment in history that was. Here's to that British merchant and here's to us and the wonderful Douro Scala! Chin chin!