An Insider's Trip to Portugal

After your arrival in Porto you’ll be whisked to the small spa village of Vidago in northern Portugal, renowned for its natural springs. During the 19th century, Vidago was the beloved retreat of the Portuguese nobility. The village itself is encircled by rolling hills and emerald woodland where outdoor adventures beckon. On a guided hike, forests open up to reveal sweeping views that stretch across the countryside.

During your stay in Vidago base yourself at the Vidago Palace Hotel. Commissioned in the early 20th century by King Carlos I of Portugal, the hotel is a tribute to the splendour of the Belle Époque era. Admire details like silk wallpapers, antique furnishings, marble staircases and elegant columns. Across the estate, you’ll also discover an 18-hole golf course, a spa inspired by the region’s healing waters as well as a grand dining room and lavish ballroom.

Next, head into the mountains of Serra da Estrela. Here steep slopes plunge into deep glacial valleys, meeting millennia-old granite boulders, hillside villages and fields strewn with bellflowers, junipers and rosemary. Golden eagles and peregrine falcons circle the skies while wolves, foxes and boars roam the forests below.

Tucked in the heart of the Guarda district, lies the mountain village of Manteigas. You’ll stay at the Casa das Penhas Douradas where views of the Serra da Estrela range unfold as far as the eye can see. At the hotel’s restaurant, dining reflects the seasons and ingredients fresh from the earth. Spa treatments also take their cues from nature. Feel renewed after a restorative massage where fragrant oils infused with herbs plucked from the mountains soothe every muscle.

Your next destination is the tiny village of Santar, offering a peaceful retreat between gentle hills, ancient walls and rows of vines. Among its traditional Portuguese facades you’ll uncover a treasure trove of gardens with manicured rose bushes, sculptures and bright green boxwood hedges. 

Set in the middle of vineyards, Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to call home while exploring Santar. When you’re not out discovering the countryside, take a moment to enjoy a dip in the pool, enjoy a treatment at the spa or go for a stroll through the village. At dinnertime, savour dishes that capture the essence of this land, combining traditional flavours and local ingredients with a contemporary approach.

To round out your extraordinary adventure through Portugal you’ll head to Castelo de Paiva, located in the Aveiro district on the banks of the Douro River.

Your final stay is Octant Douro, rising from the town’s hillside terraces. Every interior space centres on the uninterrupted view over the river to connect you with the landscape. At the hotel’s restaurants, you’ll enjoy regional specialities and one of the most comprehensive curated Douro wine lists in the country.