Romaneira
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 Double rooms from $438.18 (€333), excluding tax at 5 per cent.
- More details Rates include breakfast.
- 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.
- Check-out Midday, although this is flexible subject to availability.
- Children Well-behaved little ones of all ages are welcome and catered for, although you may find this is a better place to enjoy some romance at. More...
- 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 and drink at Romaneira
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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.
Romaneira Douro Valley - Cotas, Douro Valley, 5070
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Smith extra at Romaneira
A Romaneira candle
Current offers at Romaneira
- All-inclusive offer - Valid from 28 March 2012 to 10 November 2012
- Half-board offer - Valid from 6 March 2011 to 7 November 2012
- Bed and breakfast offer - Valid from 5 July 2011 to 9 November 2012
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.
From the Guestbook…
We had a wonderful mini honeymoon stay at Romaneira. The location is tucked away in breath-taking surroundings. The remodelled buildings are decorated beautifully, the staff are in...
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