Nestled among rolling grape vineyards and overlooking the scenic Douro River, Six Senses Douro Valley invites guests to escape into Portugal’s breathtaking wine region while experiencing wellness-focused luxury. Having chosen Portugal for a couples escape, we added Six Senses Douro Valley to our list in order to relax after a full 5 days of sightseeing and touring Lisbon and Porto. Here is our Six Senses Douro Valley Review.
Frequently touted as one of the best resorts in Portugal, the property is a picturesque 75-minute drive from Porto Airport, making it both accessible and serenely remote—perfect for unwinding. As you drive along the winding road leading up the resort, you will spot the 19th-century manor house that has been transformed into a high-end resort.
Upon check-in, we were greeted with an inviting tradition: ringing a bell that once signaled mealtime for vineyard workers. Today, this ritual is meant to symbolize setting your intentions for a restorative and fulfilling stay.
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Refined Rooms and Inspiring Resort Spaces
Most rooms overlook the river or the vineyard and some include a garden view. We chose to stay in the Vineyard Deluxe room with a super king bed, soaking tub, rain shower, large private terrace with vineyard view, and substantial welcome provisions that included fruits, chocolates, nuts and of course wine and Port.
The hotel is full of beautiful and unique spaces including the alchemy bar where you can make a personalized mixture of herbs, florals and spices to create balms or exfoliating scrubs, a “wine library” allowing your to sample fine Portuguese varietals using the ease of your room key card, stone community tables set for wine tasting, nooks to read in oversized leather chairs, an afternoon tea bar, an organic garden that provide fresh herbs and vegetables to the restaurant and winding walking trails along the hill and river to name a few.
One of our favorites was the bar that served outstanding cocktails and had different types of live music nightly. Tucked in the back is a pool table to use when either starting or ending your evening.
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Culinary Experiences
The main dining experience, Vale de Abraão Restaurant has a beautiful dining room with a walk-in fire place, 18th century blue tiles, cork ceilings and granite floors. They also have an open concept kitchen area with wood fired ovens. Here you can have a chef’s tasting menu or order a la carte – both listings created with the freshest ingredients and an inspiring seasonal menu. On warm nights, you can dine on the outdoor terrace with views of vineyards.
Our favorite dinner was in the Summer Garden Barbeque (open seasonally in good weather). We sat outside at community tables enjoying a daily chef’s tasting menu featuring the freshest grilled meats and fish while sitting under the stars. Additional dining options are in the Wine Library and Terrace, Quinta Bar and Lounge for tapas and drinks and food and drink by the outdoor pool.
If you book your hotel through Luxe Recess, you will receive complimentary VIP perks like resort credits, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast for two per bedroom, and you will be placed in the highest priority category for upgrades. Learn about these perks.
Outdoor Activities in the Douro Valley
The beautiful outdoor infinity pool is a great place to escape the summer heat with food, drink and special treats delivered poolside (freshly made nutella ice cream, anyone?) With a backdrop of stunning vineyards and the Douro River, every activity feels like an immersion into Portugal’s natural beauty.
For adventurers, Six Senses Douro Valley provides numerous ways to engage with the outdoors. Guests can paddleboard or kayak along the tranquil river, explore the region on mountain bikes, or simply take in the landscape on leisurely walks or hikes through the lush grounds.
We chose to attend a port wine tasting with charcuterie to learn about historic Douro Valley wines and ports. This included history and learning about the true art of the vintners, types of harvesting and aging and how those choices alter the final product. Most memorably, we chartered a vintage boat for two down the Douro river. You can prestock your boat with a picnic and beverage selections. This was so picturesque and serene, we extended our cruise by an hour to continue down the river. We heard you can also book this at sunset for what I am sure is a breathing experience.
Wellness and Relaxation: The ultimate spa experience
Lastly, no Six Sense experience would be complete without a visit to the spa to focus on wellness and rejuvenation. You can choose from a large variety of massages, facials, sound therapy, yoga and their signature packages that can include multi day treatments you can customize to your needs. All guests can access the spa amenities and the full gym. Children are allowed to use the pool with adult supervision during designated hours.
The indoor spa pool area located in a beautiful airy atrium includes a heated pool with hydrotherapy jets to relieve muscle tension in your legs, neck and back, underwater music to soothe you, and a cold plunge to reinvigorate. Additionally, there is an infrared and hot sauna, steam room, herbal room and himalayan salt room. I decided to get the Ayurvedic massage (one of their specialities) while my husband opted for a head and neck massage. We both left wishing we had visited a day earlier since the treatments were so good, we would have booked again!
This property is one of our preferred partner hotels with exclusive travel advisor rates (and we’re a Virtuoso agency in addition to publishing this magazine). Our clients get complimentary daily breakfasts, resort credits, and—based on availability—upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out. Don’t leave vacation money on the table!
If you would like to book this property with these VIP amenities at no cost to you, we invite you to become a Luxe Recess Insider and have access to our hotel booking tool.
final thoughts on a Six Senses Douro Valley Review
With its remarkable setting, immersive experiences, and dedication to wellness, Six Senses Douro Valley captures the essence of Portuguese hospitality and culture in one of the world’s oldest wine regions. Combining sustainable luxury with an authentic experience of Portugal’s wine region, Six Senses offers guests a blend of relaxation and adventure. It is truly a beautiful and unique experience. Combine this hotel with a stop in several of Portugal’s cities and a bucket list adult-only vacation is made!