Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa ★★★★

Upon arrival at the beautiful Douro Palace, the staff will welcome you to this large modern palace that boasts tall, wide windows that encourage the natural light and enhance the interior design. Rooms are dressed a neutral design with large beds, desks with all the necessary mod-cons like a television and coffee machine. What will most impress you however is the view from the ceiling to floor windows that frame the blue and green surroundings outside. Bathrooms are pristine and impeccable, kitted out with top-quality toiletries and even dressing gowns and slippers.

The hotel’s restaurant boasts the same beautiful views as your room but with even more splendid windows that frame the Douro in all its glory. The food also pays homage to the Douro and this unique Portuguese region. The ceiling is decorated with intermittent yellow lights as if they were stars in the night sky. You can have an aperitif before your meal at either Bar São João, which boasts a pool table or the sophisticated Bar Tertúlia with its glossy grand piano.

Though you might want save the jazzy tunes of the piano for after your meal when you can enjoy a sweet cocktail on a satisfied stomach, as many nights there are live piano concerts in this bar. And for relaxing by the pool there is also Bar da Eira should you need refreshments in the hot weather. The hotel’s pool sits within an area of soft grass, a beautiful green that contrasts with the view of the Douro down below.

The wonderful spa which comprises of treatment rooms, a warm hydrojet pool, sauna, hammam and Vichy shower promises ultimate relaxation. This is perfect after a day of sight-seeing so you can wind down before your evening meal and emerge feeling fully refreshed and revitalised. If you’re wondering about sight-seeing ideas and would like more of an insider’s approach, don’t forget to ask the hotel’s staff, which are your local link to this wonderful region!