Wellness enthusiasts typically seek out special destinations where moments of retreat, the surroundings, therapies, and service collectively offer a revitalizing refuge that goes beyond mere physical relaxation, providing comprehensive holistic benefits. Six Senses Douro Valley, where each moment is unique and where each minute is worth an hour, is one of those places. A place to revisit!
The European debut of the Six Senses group in 2015 in the northern region of the country marked the beginning of a new era for luxury hospitality in Portugal. Its unique approach to wellness, rooted in Asian tradition and framed within a world-class wine region, coupled with being housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century manor amidst vineyards stretching to the banks of the majestic Douro River, makes Six Senses Douro Valley and Spa an essential destination for nature, wine, and gastronomy lovers, as well as those seeking moments dedicated to well-being.
Inside, the contemporary atmosphere harmonizes with the natural environment. There are several accommodation options, some offering panoramic views of the river, spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and wooden bridges leading to secret gardens, and one or two-bedroom villas, each with a private pool. The same applies to the spaces where you can enjoy a moment of reading, savor a glass of wine, swim in the pool surrounded by gardens and orchards, or immerse yourself in a holistic experience at the spa, one of Portugal’s most renowned.
Recognized worldwide, often mentioned in the international press, Six Senses Douro Valley draws many influences from its location, the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “The cultural landscape of the Upper Douro combines the monumental nature of the Douro River valley, with its steep and poor soils, with the ancient and continuous action of humans, adapting the space to the region’s Mediterranean agricultural needs. This intimate relationship between human activity and nature has created a uniquely valuable ecosystem, where the terrain’s characteristics are superbly utilized, with landscape modeling into terraces, preserving it from erosion and allowing vine cultivation,” as stated on the website of the National Commission of that organization.
Among its many strengths, Six Senses Douro Valley and Spa stands out for its luxury spa, a haven of indulgence and relaxation, an escape from the bustle of daily life. This temple of well-being, designed to provide a comprehensive holistic experience, combining opulent environments with a variety of rejuvenating treatments aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being, is our choice for this edition. To visit or return to Six Senses Douro Valley and disconnect from the outside world, immerse yourself in its atmosphere of absolute serenity, enjoy the care put into its design, the natural elements — water, stone, and wood — the soft colors, and the entire environment designed for those seeking to invest in their well-being at the spa and promote a lasting sense of vitality and balance, is always an irresistible proposition.
The lush surrounding scenery and the privilege of being surrounded by the country’s most beautiful nature invite many experiences: from a dip in the indoor pool with panoramic views of the forest to the relaxation provided by underwater sound therapy, to name a few of its strengths.
Six Senses Douro Valley’s spa includes, in addition to reception and shop spaces, a nail bar and an alchemy bar, ten treatment rooms, along with consultation rooms, the Vitality Suite — featuring a traditional sauna, infrared sauna, steam bath, laconium, and herbal sauna — a fitness center, and a yoga studio. The indoor pool, equipped with underwater music therapy, chromotherapy, and massage jets, the vitality pool, and cryotherapy are among its offerings. The treatment menu is extensive, highly recommended, and is considered one of the most comprehensive and alternative options today.
New treatments, including chromotherapy and cryotherapy, are complemented by restorative experiences such as forest walks or physical activities, including classes available upon request, led by the personal training team.
A walk in the Douro forest encompasses all of this if you ever visit this special retreat. If you do, give yourself a small but significant gift and immerse yourself body and soul in the wonderful spa at Six Senses Douro Valley.
Vineyard Garden Suite on the list of the 100 best
The Vineyard Garden Suite at Six Senses Douro Valley was highlighted as one of the top 100 suites of 2024 by the prestigious Elite Traveler magazine. This recognition makes the Vineyard Garden Suite the only representative of Portugal on this exclusive list, highlighting Six Senses Douro Valley’s commitment to luxury, privacy, sustainability, and exceptional gastronomic experiences.
Elite Traveler’s World’s Finest Suites is a discerning selection featuring over 1500 elite accommodations worldwide, and being included in this list, which is a benchmark in the luxury universe, is a source of great pride for Six Senses Douro Valley.
World’s Finest Suites offers travelers a unique tool to find their next stay, based on over sixty different criteria, including location, price per night, and number of rooms. Each suite profile is presented with exclusive images, personalized descriptions, and luxury ratings, providing travelers with a detailed insight before their stay.
This year, Elite Traveler ranked suites according to the type of vacation — from beach getaways to wellness weekends. The inclusion of older suites, recognizing those that have been in Elite Traveler’s Top 100 Suites for five years or more, is not only good news but also a consistently motivating addition.
Representing Portugal on this list is a testament to Six Senses Douro Valley’s ongoing commitment to offering unique experiences. The Vineyard Garden Suite continues to delight guests, providing a unique experience in the heart of the stunning Douro Valley.
