Design Hotel Opens In Portugal's Douro Valley
New resort is set in the traditional landscape of northern Portugal which is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.
Aquapura's new resort opened last month combining Zen calm and hip contemporary design all among the ancient vines of Portugal's famous wine-making region. The resort weaves a fusion spa, 21 villas, 50 rooms and suites, and a 19th-century manor house, into the traditional landscape of northern Portugal.
Swiss chocolate facials and grape seed therapy are among the treatments on offer, and facilities such as wi-fi and a 24-hour Technogym are available. The Aquapura Douro Valley combines world-class architecture and interiors against a backdrop honoured by UNESCO for its outstanding beauty and 2,000-year-old winemaking culture.
Chief executive officer Diogo Vaz Guedes dreamt up this philosophy while traveling the world.
"Water, intelligence, luxury and excellent service: these traits are prized in Asia, but often overlooked as we rush around the west," he says. "Aquapura inspires people to rest – and to revitalise – in a place with soul."
Star architect Luís Rebelo de Andrade laced the landscape and its spirit into the resort. Burgundy plunge pools overlook the sinuous River Douro. Harmonious open-plan lounges echo the broad vineyard terraces, and award-winning designers Nini Andrade Silva's and Giano Gonçalves' polished surfaces and translucent geometrical interiors glow with soft, natural light, respectively in the hotel and villas.
In the spa water smoothes over calming shapes and natural materials. Asian fragrances float among the minimalist décor. Treatments use local seasonal ingredients such as grape seed, olives and cherries and in the AlmaLusa Restaurant Chef Emmanuel Soares presents a tasting menu celebrating the senses.
The resort has three restaurants in total, a wine tasting room, two bars, an outdoor heated swimming pool, library, shop, boutiques, a business centre and a wine cellar. Wi-Fi, airport transfers and 24-hour concierge service smooth the visitor's transition from the hectic world to this harmonious haven.
For more information, please ring +351 254 66 06 00 or visit http://www.aquapurahotels.com
