At the junction of the Atlantic Ocean and the Douro River, the Vila Foz Hotel & Spa stands majestically in the prestigious Foz do Douro neighborhood, offering a luxurious getaway on the outskirts of Porto. Discover a place where history and modernity meet to provide a unique retreat for its visitors, away from urban bustle. Immerse yourself in an environment where the city meets the serenity of nature, respecting its rich heritage while embracing bold modernity.
A Haven of Peace between City and Nature
Nestled in the prestigious neighborhood of Foz do Douro, the Vila Foz Hotel & Spa runs along the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Douro River. This exclusive location, just 20 minutes from downtown Porto, offers an ideal setting for those looking to escape the urban hustle while staying connected to city amenities. The charm of this area lies in its harmonious blend of nature and elegance: sandy beaches bordered by rocky outcrops are juxtaposed with beautiful period homes. The Vila Foz thus represents a perfect retreat for rejuvenation while enjoying an authentic immersion in local life before the era of mass tourism.
A Preserved Heritage, A Bold Modernity
The style of the Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is a captivating homage to the elegance and grandeur of the 19th-century haute bourgeoisie, skillfully blending tradition and modernity. The palatial architecture of the main building, with its original details carefully preserved—from Portuguese floor tiles to gold and ornately stuccoed ceilings—evokes an aristocratic past.
The modernization of the manor was orchestrated by the architecture firm of Miguel Cardoso, who managed to preserve the authenticity of the building while incorporating contemporary elements using a varied palette of materials such as stone, mirror, and glass, as well as mosaics and bronze.
Designer Nini Andrade Silva masterfully integrated innovative materials such as onyx to enrich the architectural heritage of Vila Foz. This distinctive element is boldly used in the bathrooms and also inspires the wallpaper patterns of the rooms. In the modern extension, onyx plays a central role: it decorates the area surrounding the pool and is reflected in the undulating patterns of the corridors and the vibrant green carpets, evoking the movements of the nearby ocean waves. These fluid lines weave a visual link between the main house, the modern rooms, and the spa, creating thematic and aesthetic continuity.
Relaxation and Elegance in our Onice Sea View Room
The 68 rooms and suites of the establishment are spread between two distinct structures: the elegant modern extension and the manor, the original building full of history. Each space offers a unique experience, with the manor rooms distinguished by their vast dimensions, stuccoed ceilings, and authentic parquet floors, while those in the modern extension feature soft carpets and wood-carved headboards evoking the nearby ocean waves. Facing the Atlantic, they have balconies that are perfect settings to savor an aperitif during spectacular sunsets.
We had the pleasure of staying in an elegant Onice Sea View room located in the modern building. Spacious and bathed in light, this 32 m² room offers a breathtaking view of the sea, creating a perfect setting for relaxation. The bathroom, clad in polished onyx, is equipped with a modern shower and offers high-end toiletries from Maison Codage, adding a touch of luxury and personalized care to our experience.
Michelin Star and Local Charm: The Restaurants of the Vila Foz Hotel & Spa
Tucked into the former ballroom, the Vila Foz restaurant offers an exceptional gastronomic experience under the direction of chef Arnaldo Azevedo. This elegant venue is a stage where textures and flavors meet in a surprising harmony, highlighting the freshness of seafood from the Portuguese coast, all rewarded with a Michelin star.
The Flor de Lis restaurant offers a cozy and warm setting with its exposed stone walls and floor composed of typical Portuguese parquet and tiles. This place offers a casual dining experience, perfect for meals at any time of the day where each dish celebrates the gastronomic riches of Portugal. We notably enjoyed our breakfasts here, featuring a rich buffet of local products and dishes prepared on the spot, ensuring a delicious start to the day.
The bar embodies vintage refinement in an elegantly sophisticated atmosphere akin to a luxurious lounge. The imposing and extravagant bar counter dominates this space where low tables, sofas, and armchairs invite long conversations and convivial sharing moments. As the evening sets in, the bar transforms, offering a specialized menu of signature cocktails, perfect for starting an elegant and relaxed evening.
At the Heart of Well-being: Personalized Care and Nature at the Spa
The Vila Foz Spa is a peaceful sanctuary where beauty, elegance, and modernity blend with the inspiration of nature, creating the ideal place to restore and rebalance the senses. Besides its specialized treatments, the spa offers access to complete facilities including a fitness room, an indoor pool bathed in natural light, a sauna, and a Turkish bath, for a holistic relaxation experience.
Each treatment is personalized, using products adapted to each skin type and specific needs. CODAGE Paris, at the forefront of pharmaceutical cosmetics, and Elemental Herbology, inspired by the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine, are partners of the spa. These collaborations enrich the care offer with therapeutic essential oils, luxurious texture serums, and aromatherapy treatments that awaken the senses.
We discovered the luxury couple's suite, specially designed to offer a unique and intimate atmosphere. During our one-hour massage session, we were enveloped by soothing music, enjoying high-quality products and care provided by expert therapists. This experience plunged us into a state of deep relaxation. To extend this moment of relaxation, we retired to the edge of the indoor pool, savoring a cup of hot tea in the calm elegance of this space.
My Review
Staying at the Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is rediscovering tranquility in a luxurious setting that blends history and modernity, just steps from downtown Porto. Every detail, from the carefully decorated rooms to the refined cuisine as well as the personalized spa treatments, reinforces the idea that this place is not just a hotel, but a complete experience. The Vila Foz is a beautiful escape that marries the charm of Porto with the calm of the ocean, offering an idyllic break from the daily hustle.
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Practical Information
A big thank you to Vila Foz Hotel & Spa for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my comments in this article!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.