Six Senses Douro Valley

Surrounded by a stunning 17-acre estate of umbrella pines, cork trees, wild sand dunes, wildflowers, rice fields and a stretch of pristine, white-sand beach, Sublime Comporta is a fabulous contemporary retreat a little over an hour from Lisbon. There are 14 white, minimalist, rustic bedrooms spread between the main building and a nearby annex, as well as a selection of beautiful 2, 3 and 5 bedroom ‘cabana’ villas. The chic restaurant, Sem Porta, celebrates seasonal local produce and producers in a relaxed, modern setting. Think fresh oysters and sea bass with herbs and vegetables from the organic twinned with wonderful regional wine. There’s also a cocktail bar as well as another drinks venue by the swimming pool. Activities in the surrounding areas include horse-back riding on the dunes, fields and deserted beaches of Comporta, picnics on private lakes, excursions out with a local fisherman, wine tasting and excursions to discover Portugal’s only resident dolphin community, though sitting back and relaxing is the order of the day here. Sublime Comporta’s spa offers a wide variety of treatments in indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a sauna, steam bath and a heated indoor pool with all organic products.

This hotel was the family home of the Yeatmans, the British owners of a large port business. A hillside position on the banks of the River Douro in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia and next to ancient port houses puts the hotel in a prime position for epic views and interesting activities. The decor is classic and elegant, in keeping with the family’s heritage. The 109 rooms and suites feature antique artefacts and pictures from different Portuguese wine producers, opening out onto private balconies overlooking the river and the city’s historic centre. Be immersed in the city’s culture in the ADF Suite, where the bed head is an original barrel top and the domed oak ceiling mimics the enormous oak barrels used in wine production. A highlight of a stay at The Yeatman is dining at the two gourmet restaurants. Enjoy imaginative cuisine where the traditional flavours are reinterpreted and presented immaculately. The restaurant is bright and airy and offers spectacular views over the river. There’s a comprehensive list of Portuguese wines and food and wine pairing menus take you on a journey through Portugal’s diverse and varied wine regions. Relax and unwind at the hotel spa which offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, using natural ingredients from the surrounding vineyards. There is also an indoor and outdoor rooftop pool – take a dip in the evening and admire the twinkling lights of the city laid out before you.

Perched above the blue Atlantic and surrounded by evergreen gardens and fronted by a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, Vila Joya is striking family-run boutique resort. There are just 22 rooms and expansive suites, each unique and with direct sea views, and casual, luxurious interiors of light, warm tones, natural materials and fine examples of Portuguese craftsmanship. Each room also includes a terrace or balcony, some with direct access to the garden. At lunchtime and dinnertime, the terrace becomes a dining space under Dieter Koschina, patron at Vila Joya for over 25 years, winning two Michelin stars and becoming one of Portugal’s most highly decorated chefs. Fine dining is central to the Vila Joya experience and indeed the reason many people stay here again and again. There are also lighter bites at the Pool Restaurant. Indulgence continues at the fabulous spa which focuses on water, air and light.

In the heart of the Algarve and looking out over the Praia da Rocha beach is Hotel Bela Vista, a beautiful historic property with plenty of Portuguese charm. The building dates from 1918 but the interiors are thoroughly contemporary, creating an exciting blend of old and new. There are just 38 rooms and suites, each designed by one of Portugal’s leading interior designers. Expect bright colours, bold geometric patterns and beautiful ceramic and tile detailing. Rooms come with views of either the ocean, garden or the main street of Praia da Rocha, and some have their own private balconies. Experience the flavours of Portugal at the Vista Restaurant, where guests can dine inside or on the terrace overlooking the Atlantic. There is also a L’Occitane spa with a sauna, hammam and treatments rooms, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. The beautiful Praia da Rocha beach is on your doorstep and there is direct, private access from the hotel.