(Media1=Loren Gibson) Six Senses, the upscale Bangkok-based brand focused on sustainability, is opening its first resort in Europe on July 1 in Portugal: The Six Senses Douro Valley, about four hours north of Lisbon, is in one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, which is a Unesco World Heritage site.
The 19th-century manor house the property is situated in is set among 19 acres of woodland and gardens and has 50 rooms overlooking the surrounding vineyards, three restaurants including a tapas bar, indoor and outdoor pools and a large outdoor yoga pavilion.
There is also an organic garden that will supply the herbs and vegetables used in the kitchen, and a 23,700-square-foot spa with wine-themed body scrubs and facials.
But the highlight of a stay might be sampling the red and port wines the region is known for: Guests can visit nearby wineries to meet with winemakers, make their own blend at an estate and take courses in the hotel’s wine library, where the staff educates them about local grape varieties and leads tastings.
Non-imbibing activities include visiting the prehistoric rock art sites in Côa Valley 90 minutes away, hiking to the surrounding medieval villages and bird watching (there are more than 100 different species living in the area).
Rates from 285 euros a night including breakfast.
