Attitude: August 2008

www.mrandmrssmith.com or call 0845 034 0700

DESTINATION: QUINTA DA ROMANEIRA, PORTUGAL

Massage, port tastings, river cruises – this concept hotel treats guests to the high life amid understated luxury and spectacular scenery in utter seclusion. The 19 rooms and apartments are set across two chic villas hidden in 990 acres of sprawling vineyards on the banks of the Douro. Quinta Dona Clara is a traditional former family home, and contemporary Quinta Velha is fashioned from centuries-past staff quarters, flanked by an infinity-edge pool that melts into the gorge. Each suite is stylish and unique with super-sexy bathrooms, embellished with antiques and objets d’ art sourced by its Parisian party-planner creator. And if you get bored of terra firma, Romaneira has its own boat. Thierry Teyssier spent years perfecting a wine estate fantasyland, and a stay in Quinta dos Sonhos is cleverly choreographed from the get-go. If you fancy a stroll through the grounds they’ll steer you to just the spot. Crave a robe and lemon-tinged mineral water by the heated indoor pool? Someone reads your thought bubble and places them to hand. Included in the price is the showstopper dining. Guests are ushered somewhere new for each meal – perhaps a river-vista herb garden for local red or white wines and tapas or a traditional tiled dining room for a more formal feast. Most beguiling is the Chocolaterie, their take on high tea. Drool over secret-recipe hot cocoa and home-cooked cakes from the celebrated pastry chef. Brand-new restaurant Redondo takes gastronomy to dizzy heights. –Juliet Kinsman

Suites from £1,000 a night, including meals and drinks for two and a daily massage each. Book at www.mrandmrssmith.com.