🇵🇹 SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY
Grab a glass of Port or two.
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🇵🇹 PLACE: SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY
Portugal’s finest vineyard estate.
By Christina Chao and Iona Paulet
A sense of history that's still in the making – Six Sense Douro Valley is an unforgettable estate situated against vine-covered rolling hills with the majestic River Douro as the backdrop. Dating back to the 19th century, when a Portuguese developer bought the property and transformed the wine estate into a 71-room hotel and spa, it became popular among Portuguese artists, poets, and writers. Fast forward to today, the property opened under the Six Senses brand in 2015, debuting in Europe and in one of the world’s most famous wine regions and UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Irish-American Clodagh, there is a minimalist vibe alongside the traditional architecture and designs of the region. Only 75-minutes from the Porto airport, however, if you want to take the longer more scenic route, you can also drive 4 hours from Lisbon. My friend and I recommend doing the Porto route so that you have enough energy to enjoy the wine and get settled in.
Positioned as the ultimate Douro wine and spa experience, the resort assumes its own regional identity. The stunning historic manor house is both contemporary and sophisticated, and has the ultimate charm of a wine country. It was originally converted to a hotel in 2007 and renovated to adopt technical and material innovations, then totally recreated, becoming Six Senses Douro Valley. What is really magical about the place is not just about the amazing food and wine, or the spa services, but the strong commitment to sustainability and wellness.
When my friend and I toured the resort, we were so impressed by the beauty of the resort, but mainly the sustainability efforts of the property such as:
The on-site Earth Lab (which is at every Six Senses property) and is where guests can learn how to use herbs and cook medicinal foods through specialized workshops (i.e. make your own pickles, yogurt, or bean sprouts)
The property’s sustainability fund is where 0.5% of the property’s revenue goes to support local charities and community projects, including a donkey sanctuary! Fun Fact: 50% of Six Senses Water sales at all the restaurants and the sale of the soft toy (the mascot, Dourival the Douro Donkey), as well as any additional guest donations all goes towards the fund.
All Six Senses food comes from the organic garden, majority of the herbs from the kitchen, and all left overs are composted. The property only uses suppliers within 300 km and they must be local and fresh food, wine, and resources. All items from the shop must also adhere to the sustainability guidelines, especially fashion.
An organic herb and plant garden provides key ingredients that are used in spa treatments. Fun Fact: There is a Forest Immunity Bar where you can sample fresh wellness shots (ie. kombucha, apple cider vinegar shots, spirulina, and more)
This property is certified by the global sustainable tourism council with a special certification for businesses, and was awarded as the FIRST hotel in Europe to be certified by the GSTC.
Opening in April 2025, the Greenhouse will be a new on-site restaurant which will be the 6th restaurant on site focused on garden produce.
Connect with your senses
What we love about this specific resort brand is the proximity to nature and the way it has been integrated into the guest journey. Nature is a huge part of the experience, and as we travel, our sense are heightened. Six Senses takes you and your sense to another level with the amount of experiences from food, activities, wellness, and more. Fun Fact: For the premium suites, there is a sauna built into the bathroom as well as a private pool(s) depending on your budget.
The onsite gardens are spread across different levels and are cleverly integrated into the valley at the foot of the terraced vineyard to offer uninterrupted views to the horizon. Several lounge areas provide shade and sun, stepping down to a beautiful swimming pool with views of the rolling vineyards. In the garden there is an oversized hot tub, a fire pit, and a fragrant organic garden. Two gazebos, located on each side of the pool, are the perfect location to lie in the shade during the hot summer days.
Unique experiences, combining luxury and local sensitivity
Of course, you’ll want to have a taste of the local gem… Portuguese port wine. Every evening there is a 6 PM wine tasting class which my friend and I experienced. You can take part in this to learn about the culture, meet fellow travelers (mostly from NY, LA, TX and Brazil), and partake in a variety of wine centric activities including wine and dine river cruises, interactive oenology courses, and visits to nearby wineries where you meet winemakers. Fun Fact: Guests can purchase glasses on tap with the on-site wine vending machine with a curated collection. Also, there are bottles for purchase with the property’s dog Aqua (the SSDV dog)’s face on it!
Wellness, the main pillar at Six Senses
The best part of our trip was obviously the visit to the beautiful Spa. The Six Senses Spa occupies 23,700 square feet (2,200 square meters) and comprises of 10 treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool with water jets and refreshment bar, plus a gym with the latest exercise equipment and professional guidance. Visiting practitioners from around the world also visit every month, and also multiple wellness retreats are hosted at the property. I was lucky enough to get a special (and much needed) neck, head, and shoulders massage from Suraj who was visiting from India – absolutely life changing.
There is a range of other locally-inspired therapies, which also include some grape and citrus fruit treatments. I loved the experience in the thermal pools where I did breathwork and hot and cold plunge therapies to soothe my muscles. While I was doing this, my friend did yoga outside on the large outdoor deck which blended beautifully with nature, and is also ideal for group training. From the moment of arrival, there is a feeling of total relaxation and calm, and Six Senses knows how to provide you with the most white-glove spa experience.
Something really unique near the spa was the Alchemy Bar. I recommend taking some time to try the Alchemy Bar, where portions of herbs, salt, grapes and a range of exotic ingredients are individually blended for scrubs and masks. It was like a real-life set for a Harry Potter scene – and just as magical. It was one of the most unique offerings I’ve ever seen, where I felt a creative spark, a sense of nostalgia, and a desire to commit to sustainable practices as a form of art. You can make your own herbal treatments, soaps, oils, and take it home with you. Something personal to keep with you as a part of your memory at Six Senses experience.
Book your next flight to Portugal’s wine country, and get a taste of this unique Six Senses experience. The resort has many upcoming wellness retreats planned, with different speakers and retreat leaders, so be sure to look out for that and embark on a transformational wellness journey in a magical setting. BOOK HERE.
🇵🇹 PERSON: ANDRE BULDINI
General Manager of Six Senses Douro Valley
Growing up, André was inspired by family recounting their experiences working in hospitality. For an imaginative and adventurous boy, the idea of being able to work at a hotel anywhere in the world was extremely enticing, with so many exotic locations and cultures to explore. With 25 years of hospitality experience amassed, André finds himself in his first GM role at Six Senses, but now, it’s only excitement he feels. As he describes it, the “terror” he felt as a young man going into a new career has turned into “this adrenaline which gives you the drive and the push to do it - and each time do it better.”
André was first drawn to Six Senses when a good friend suggested the brand would be a great fit for him, knowing his passion for sustainability, wellness, and for creating unique luxury experiences. From the very first conversation, he loved the active commitment to these pillars which the brand consistently showed; in his words, it’s “a company that walks the talk.” Furthermore, Six Senses Douro Valley backs up their sustainability promise with a fund which helps connect the business with the local community.
🇵🇹 PRODUCT: ALQVIMIA BODY OIL
Shape your body with this super sculpting oil.
This best selling body oil is by a popular skincare brand sold at Six Senses Douro Valley called Alqvimia. Its formulation is composed of natural raw materials such as vegetable oils of hazelnuts, almonds and wheat germ combined with an oily extract of holy thistle. This oil supposedly can “reduce up to 2.9 cm in the abdomen area and 2.4 cm in the thigh area.” This is a taking body treatment to the next level, promising to shape the body and sculpt the silhouette in a natural and effective way by activating microcirculation with a highly effective epidermal detoxifying action, while also toning the skin. BUY NOW.
🧘 WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
Your wellness fix in all dimensions.
💪 PHYSICAL: If you didn’t know already, one of our favorite brands Remedy Place is opening in Soho in Sept. Read more about it here.
💗 EMOTIONAL: For those who yearn to live in the present moment, who seek reflection through heartbreak, comfort during times of loneliness, or guidance while healing, this book provides you with comfort right now.
📚 MENTAL: Suzanne Adams has created the life she has always dreamed of, by simply utilizing quantum physics and the laws of energetics. She has taught over 5,000 professionals how to step into their power and achieve fulfillment, including making their dreams a true reality. WATCH HERE.
🙏 SPIRITUAL: Find harmony for your body + soul with our restorative meditation practices. It's the perfect blend to help you feel balanced + refreshed. BOOK HERE.
😎 SOCIAL: Workout in the Hamptons with your favorite brands before the end of summer. Email auraswellcollective@gmail.com to be added to the list.
🌎 ENVIRONMENTAL: Saving Gracie needs your help saving the lives of 50+ rescue animals. By donating, you provide them with healthy hay and grain, clean and fresh water, 'Gold Standard' medical care, and upkeep and maintenance of pastures and facilities on Gracie's Farm. DONATE HERE.
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