The Vibe: Wellness beyond a spa only.

The Area: Set on magical 7 hectares of vineyards and woodlands on steep terraces of the Douro River Valley, one and a half hour from Porto.

The DNA: This former farmhouse is now a luxurious spa retreat under the famous Asian Six Senses brand (its first in Europe) and offers spectacular views of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Douro river and valley. The Six Senses Douro Valley fuses 19th-century romantic architecture with contemporary interiors. Food-and-beverage outlets include The Vale d’Abrão Open Kitchen and Dining Room, the Quinta Bar and Lounge and The Wine Library, which extends onto a covered stone terrace with comfortable armchairs, a cozy fire pit and a giant screen to show classic films. Other facilities include an activities hut as well as a gym. Guests also can enjoy “meditation nests” dotted about the forest on the property. The resort’s extensive spa comprises 10 treatment rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool with water jets, a steam room, aromatic saunas, Arctic showers, a laconium and water beds.

Suite-Me-Up: Rooms come with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and aromatherapy toiletries. Guests can customize their mini bars with fine wines and produce from across the Douro region. Authentic materials have also been incorporated into the design concept including vineyard tools of yesteryear and wall art inspired by wooden wine cases. A recently opened 10-room wing has added a new level of luxury with its vineyard and rooftop suites opening out onto large private gardens or terraces complete with hot tubs and sleek bathrooms in local polished granite.

Seen: CLAD

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 60 rooms & suites (40-106m2) (431-1,141 sq ft) • hotel opened: July 2015 (formerly Aquapura Douro Valley) • architecture: Rebelo Andrade • interior design: Clodagh Design ✅ free on-site parking ✅ pets welcome, no charge • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible