I just love the understatement von Six Senses yet with perfect service. We loved the place. Must also mention that for our taste, the check-in was "too" efficient and we were overrolled with questions as soon as we opened the door of the car. After a long drive, all you want is to sit down and enjoy a drink or a tee before going into the instructions and Do's and Dont's during your stay. They have done it a million times before (the check-in process) and this is how it was perceived. The food - amazing, the staff especially in the restaurants and SPA - amazing, the location wonderful - maybe more suitable for spring, summer, autumn as there is a wonderful park and pool which we could not use. The indoor pool is a bit too understatement we felt - could do with a little bit more atmosphere but this is moaning on high level.…
We spent a week there an enjoyed every moment. The hotel is located among vineyards . When Swimming in the outside pool you can see the Douro river. Plenty of activities are for free and really enjoyable. The spa is one of the best-if not the best- we experienced even in other Six Senses hotels. The food is both tasty an healthy. A special mention for the staff: they do their absolute best to please you. It is a place where luxury meets simplicity.. Wherever you sit you feel surrounded with perfection. Last but not least the bar is runner by a team of professionals and offers great drinks and precious advices on the regional production of wines and Ports. The perfect place to stay and leave behind the present .
Being a UAE resident for past 23 years I had “next door” access to a vast number of top luxury hotels with the most magnificent spas and facilities. I have also been privileged to travel quite extensively for work and leisure, and indeed very lucky to stay at amazing properties around the world. Relocating to Portugal, a country with stunning scenery and the most friendly people, however has still proven challenging given how unsuccessful I was in finding and matching the same level of quality and service. That was until I went to Six Senses Douro Valley. Being a self-admitted foodie and a SPA junkie, I have resisted the urge to sing praises after my initial trip to Six Sense in March 2020, thinking that this must be just a result of missing that part of my life so much that “after a trip in a desert even a rain puddle looks good to drink from” Well, I can happily confirm after three trips, during various seasons, March (just a two of us), July (bringing a couple of Portuguese friends with us) and finally October 2020 (bringing family from Monaco), - I am in love! It is truly remarkable! In addition to its being a stunning property located in one of the most beautiful parts of Portugal, it offers superb facilities, dining experiences and most importantly an outstanding customer service. I’m not going to talk about beautifully designed (with great functionality!) rooms overlooking the river and the vineyards – you can visit the website for pictures or follow them on Instagram but I do want to give few tips: - Location: do explore! From organic garden to river and vineyards walks, kayaking, hiking trails and hidden scenery spots. Stunning! - Dining: it is the best organic breakfast I’ve had EVER. I usually stick to internment fasting and do not eat till lunch time. Not here 😊 Try organic homemade kombuchas or water kefir with many other healthy options to follow, or treat yourself to organic avocado and egg toast with the crispiest bacon. In fact you can have it all, as the friendly staff keeps bringing food to your table while you enjoy the scenery. - Personal dining experience: do try Open Kitchen Fire Menu. If you get lucky, the Executive Chef Marc will personally take you through a culinary extravaganza. We had an absolute blast watching him and his team cook in front of us. We were initially worried that a six course menu would be too much and asked Marc to cut it to four courses. We ended up asking for more and had nine courses with Marc “throwing” us surprise treats that were irresistible – watermelon carpaccio, homemade miso soup, Iberian pork roast, flat crispy pizza (OMG!!) and so much more… it was also very educational as he explained every dish, ingredients used and the method of cooking. We also got a lesson on fermentation as they do their own, and I was given a present, - live Scoby to take home and make my own kombucha! Highly recommended! - Cocktails & Wine: needless to say they have a superb selection of wines but their mixologists are very skillful in cocktail creations. You can enjoy it while watching a sunset on a terrace, by the live fire, overlooking the river. - SPA: as I said, I am a self-admitted spa junkie so no trip goes without me taking advantage of the SPA facilities and its services. Panoramic Sauna is a must – it is overlooking Japanese stone pool and gardens, simply amazing. If you can’t stand the heat, than InfraRed Sauna is a way to go. Detoxing and relaxing. Best Deep Tissue massage – ask for John Sanchez. He is incredibly skilled (to name the few - holistic approach to wellness / Chinese medicine / Accupuncture / Tui Na Treatments). Best lymphdrainage massage & Lifting Facial and Hot Stone Massage - Emanuela Da Silva. After an hour I looked like I slept full 8 hours and had a good face lift 😊😊 - DOG FRIENDLY. It is extremely difficult to find pet-friendly places, restaurants or hotels, in Portugal. Some claim to be pet-friendly but in reality you have to lock your pet in the room and can’t take it anywhere. NOT HERE! They even have their own dog – Aqua, a very friendly companion to walk through the hills with. Our well-behaved little Malshi, Sleepy, loved it! A part from having her own bottle of water by the doggy bowl and a treat, we were able to take her everywhere with us. She was welcomed and showered with attention from the staff, most were showing us the pictures of their own dogs adding a very personal touch to the interaction and overall experience. - And last but not least, in fact – the most important – PEOPLE. Every single member of staff was accommodating beyond their job description, making sure out needs were met, if not exceeded, every time. No request was forgotten, unanswered or unfulfilled. Everything done with the smile and warmth, making a deep emotional impact. There is absolutely no question that we will be back!…
The most peaceful and luxurious hotel imaginable. Everything is magical, beaufiful, sustainable. The best time ever. We spent our days doing yoga classes, essential oils workshop, treeclimbing, walking with the hotel dogs in the vineyards, taking in the views of the Douro Valley, playing billard in the bar listening to live music, enjoying the most delicious breakfast.... Why did it have to end? Thanks to all the wonderful staff of the 6 Senses Hotel.
Excellent experience, from the checkin until checking out. Starting from the staff, young, no arrogance (usually found on this high-end type hotel), making us feeling comfortable and available to help. The building among the vines, the Douro river, the dog (Aqua), all the winy farm environment helped on the experience, being on this area of the country. The dinner, breakfast and wine tasting experience with great service and product quality. The room have a great area, very well equipped and lots of ammenities. We just missed some live music (jazz or bossa)
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