Douro Valley: where barefoot lxuruy meets a sustainable paradise
An oasis for wine and port enthusiasts and nature lovers
Enjoy Douro Valley
The Douro Valley, named after the 'golden river,' is an enchanting region where the River Douro flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Porto, Portugal. This picturesque valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, is renowned for its centuries-old vineyards, cultivated on slate mountain slopes, making it the world's oldest demarcated wine region.
The Douro River, once a vital trade route for port wines, winds through a hilly green landscape adorned with orchards, olive groves, and vineyards.
The region's commitment to sustainable viticulture and preservation of its natural beauty is evident in its eco-friendly vineyard practices and initiatives.
Explore this stunning landscape with wine tours, tastings, river cruises, visits to medieval villages, or indulge in Michelin-starred dining. Douro Valley invites you to discover a world of sustainable wine culture and scenic beauty. This region in Portugal has a lot to offer, the choice is yours!
Imagine…
Nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this resort offers a captivating blend of 19th-century charm and contemporary elegance, overlooking the meandering Douro River in the world's oldest demarcated wine region. The commitment to sustainability is evident in it’s preservation of a 10-acre forest and active participation in the protection of the region's diverse botanical species.
They’re dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint and inspiring positive change. Guests can explore the Earth Lab to witness sustainable practices firsthand and learn about supported projects from the sustainability fund.
The restaurant, inspired by the property's heritage, showcases regional produce and garden-fresh herbs and vegetables. Enjoy dining in the beautiful open kitchen, terrace, or dining room. The wine library and shop in the cellar feature wines from the valley.
It’s outdoor yoga pavilion harmonizes with nature, ideal for group or individual sessions. Ingredients from the organic garden are central to the spa treatments and cuisine.
The Douro Valley offers year-round charm, from festive celebrations to tranquil seasons. Experience the allure of wine tasting or savor a relaxing moment with a glass of Port.
Paradise is calling…
Travel to the most popular wine region in all of Portugal
Douro Valley is the destination for every wine lover. Visit various vineyards, here the oldest wineries in the world still practice the craft.
Discover Douro Valley…
Enjoy the natural beauty of the sun-drenched river valley, step back in time with a visit to one of the many prehistoric rock art sites or visit some of the oldest wineries in the world.
Check out the resort's organic garden, where almost all ingredients are grown rather than flown in. However, it does not stop there. Follow a special cooking workshop where traditional Portuguese dishes will be prepared.
Go kayaking on the Douro River accompanied by a local guide and experience the peace and quiet in this special landscape. Prefer something more adventurous? For the daredevils there is the possibility to go tree climbing. Do you dare?
Sustainability in Douro Valley
At this resort, sustainability is at the heart of every decision for you. From how the land is used to grow food, to managing energy and waste, to efforts to conserve water, to using local and seasonal ingredients for your menus, to employing residents of the valley, sustainability drives all actions.
There is also an Earth Lab at this resort. You are invited to visit the Earth Lab to reconnect with the natural world and learn some simple life hacks that can help you make a difference.
The resort also donates 0.5 percent of its operating income to the Sustainability Fund, which supports local foundations that share the same values of environmental and community responsibility. The resort tries to minimize its carbon and environmental footprint as much as possible, especially the carbon footprint associated with the resort's activities and spa.
Sustainability on the Douro Valley in practice:
Energy Efficiency: Daily monitoring of water consumption, gas, and electricity, along with biannual energy audits by specialists, ensures ongoing innovations and the optimization of water and electricity usage.
Sustainable Heating: The resort achieves self-sufficiency in firewood through responsible tree pruning and forest maintenance.
Support for Local Initiatives: The resort actively contributes to local causes, including:
Bagos D'Ouro: A charity dedicated to supporting talented children from underprivileged families in the Douro Valley, helping them access education from school through university.
AEPGA Donkey Sanctuary: Preserving the Miranda donkey, a native Portuguese breed on the brink of extinction.