In the know
- Our favourite rooms
- All of the rooms are individually designed, and most have a spectacular river view – its worth asking to get one. Inspired by Portuguese trading houses around the world, Dona Clara is the more traditional villa, which was originally the grand family residence. Dark wooden floors and panelling, with soft tones that are a tribute to the wine tones of this region; the decoration is intended to reflect the tranquillity of the area without forgetting its Anglo-Saxon influence. We especially loved the old-fashioned but super-luxe bathrooms. Framed by a spectacular infinity pool and sun terrace, Quinta Velha is a little more contemporary in its style although dates back to 1854. Dedicated to Nature; the decoration in Velha consists of different herbariums, several insect and butterfly collections as well as some rare items from the Amazon, including eye-catching feathered headdresses.
- Packing tips
- Soft-soled shoes, or you’ll feel self-conscious thumping along wooden floors. Don’t bother with high heels – cobblestones will have you twisting an ankle. No robe needed; Moroccan djellabahs are provided, a nod to sister hotel, Dar Ahlam, Ouarzazate.
- Also
- We particularly recommend visiting late September, for the celebrated grape harvest.
Current offers
- Smith card offer
- A Romaneira candle
Romaneira
Douro Valley, Portugal [view map]
- Style
- Hidden high-concept quinta
- Setting
- Vine-studded Douro valley
The only way to describe this high-concept luxury hotel in Portugal’s Winelands is ‘extraordinary’. Set across two incredible villas hidden away in 400 hectares of sprawling private vineyards on the banks of the Douro River, a stay at super-stylish Quinta dos Sonhos – Romaneira's Portuguese name – is carefully stage-managed to ensure you experience the high life in the imaginative interior and the spectacular setting. Hand-picked character antiques, quirky objets d’art have all been hand-sourced around the globe by its inspired owner, Thierry Teyssier resulting in the ultimate Douro dreamland.
Need to know
- Rooms
- 13 rooms and six apartments set across two houses.
- Rates
- Starting at €1,000 per couple per night, all meals and drink included and a daily massage each.
- Check-out
- Midday, although this is flexible subject to availability.
- Facilities
- Heated indoor swimming pool and designer hammocks, hammam (massage room), outdoor infinity pool, library filled with design books (mostly French). In-room: bottle of port, WiFi, air-conditioning, luxury toiletries, Moroccan robes and slippers.
- Poolside
- Catch rays riverside in the sleek, 25m-long infinity pool in the converted wine cellar or on a chic canary-coloured lounger overlooking the unspoilt green hills. Escape scorching summer heat, or swim off-season in the indoor pool and relaxation area.
- Also
- Helipad. Chauffeur-driven buggies transport you around the grounds. No TVs or phones in rooms, as this is a place to switch off and unwind in natural surroundings. There is however a screening room, a portable DVD player, and iPod docks to borrow.
Food & drink
- Hotel restaurant
- Eating and drinking is a big part of the allure; each meal they seat you somewhere new – just go with the flow. Romaneira has just opened its own destination gastronomic restaurant, Redondo, on the estate, worth a trip just for the valley views.
- Dress code
- Effortless elegance; chic but not fussy.
- Top table
- They choose a different prime spot for you for every sitting.
- Last orders
- There are no rigid rules, but you’ll probably find yourself breezing down to supper around 8pm, which means you finish by around 10.30pm, leaving plenty of time for a digestif under the stars or in the lounge.
- Room service
- You won’t want to stay in your boudoir as you’ll be bracing yourself for the next surprise. But chances are if you’d like a snack or drinks in your room, they won’t bat an eyelid arranging it.
- Hotel bar
- House wines are on tap – a tasty dry white and a respectable red – and there is no shortage of filmic enclaves to enjoy a glass, indoors and out. Your every wish is usually possible, but it is more a ‘go with the flow’ than flashy cocktails.
Smith card offer
A Romaneira candle
If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).
Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member
Book this hotel
To book this hotel please click here, or contact our travel team on 0845 034 0700.
Romaneira
Cotas
Check availability