If you like a bit of pampering on your vacation, then Porto e Norte is the perfect destination for you. Great food, great wines and luxurious but affordable accommodation characterise holidaying in Northern Portugal.
Feel like a wine connoisseur by tasting the Port in the Gaia wine cellars and learning about the stages involved in its production. Or head into Porto to eat with the beautiful people at crowd sophisticated and exclusive restaurant Cafeína. Set in a charming villa from the early 20th century, this is one of the top eateries in the city.
If you really want to live in the lap of luxury book a few nights at Romaneira, Quinta dos Sonhos – an exclusive hotel and country estate that stretches over 400 hectares, on the banks of the river Douro. Quinta dos Sonhos means ‘house of dreams’ in Portuguese and this place really is a haven from the hustle and bustle of real life. There are no phones or TVs just the landscape to look at, and there’s no menu either, as the chef surprises you every night. Decorated in colonial style, the rooms and pay tribute to the pioneer spirit with Portuguese, Brazilian and English flourishes. Go in late September, for a privileged view of the grape harvest and make sure you book a river-view suite – you won’t be disappointed.
Pousada de Gerês, Caniçada - São Bento, photo by Pousadas
Another quiet but very luxury stay can be lived in the Pousada de Gerês (Caniçada/ S. Bento). It is a nature hotel with a unique location, right in the heart of Peneda/Gerês National Park. The Pousada de Gerês Caniçada has a breathaking view over the river Cávado and the peaceful Caniçada dam. These are landscapes to remember, while appreciating a delicious appetizer on the Pousada's terrace, looking down at the beautiful sunset reflected on the water.
Finally to round off your lavish holiday, go shopping at the elegant and designer led shopping districts around Centro Comercial Peninsular, Praça do Bom Sucesso, and the particularly chic Comercial Via Catarina.
ATOP members: Castaways Unicorn Holidays, Destination Portugal, Pousadas de Portugal, Sunvil Discovery, Villas Worldwide
