Portuguese wine hotels: From Alentejo to the Douro Valley

Bedrooms named after grapes, retractable ceilings, and of course wine tastings

Six Senses, Douro Valley

Six Senses, Douro Valley

This five-star resort opened in the Douro Valley upriver of Porto in July, with 20 acres of land, 57 bedrooms and a Wine Library bar. The accommodation ranges from generously sized double bedrooms to spacious villa suites that are dotted about the vineyards and come with separate living and dining areas, as well as access to a shared pool. Natural stone and wood is used throughout the hotel, adding to its rustic, yet contemporary, feel. A variety of wine-based activities are available to guests, including tastings and grape stomping. Yoga classes are also on offer.

Quinta Vale de Abraao, Samodaes, Lamego, Portugal (00 351 254 660 600; bit.ly/DouroValley). Doubles from €240, B&B.

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Casa das Pipas, Douro Valley

This small hotel, attached to a family run boutique winery, has only 12 bedrooms, each named after a different variety of grape, including Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. The decor at Casa das Pipas is traditional, with exposed stone walls and wooden floors. The hotel also has a large outdoor pool, a communal living room, a fitness room and wine library. Visitors can help the team pick the grapes during harvest season.

Celeiros do Douro, Sabrosa (00 351 259 937 000; quintadoportal.com). Doubles from €100, room only.

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Vila Gale Douro, Douro Valley

Another new hotel popped up in the Douro Valley this year. The Vila Gale Douro opened at the end of May, offering 38 rooms – all with river views. The building is set into the hillside, surrounded by vines. The interior is sleek and modern, with polished wooden floors, satin headboards and full-length windows. But if you still can't get enough of the view then you can soak up more from the spa's outdoor hot tub.

Lugar dos Varais, Cambres, Lamego (00 351 254 780 700; vilagale.com). Doubles from €90, B&B.

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L'And Vineyards Resort, Alentejo

Fancy sleeping under the stars without roughing it? Then check in to one of the 10 Sky-View Suites at this modern luxury resort. All have retractable ceilings as well as private gardens and plunge pools. The hotel is set beside a lake and the whole property encompasses 22 suites, plus a large outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a vine garden and a winery, which houses wine from the vineyard. Learn more during tastings and vineyard visits.

Montemor-o-Novo (00 351 266 242 400; l-andvineyards.com). A Sky-View Suite costs from €235, B&B.

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Herdade dos Grous, Alentejo

With its blue-and-white exterior, Herdade dos Grous stands out from the surrounding vines, olive groves and cork oak forests. And the colour scheme extends to the 24 bedrooms, with their traditional white shutters and white and blue tiled bathrooms. As well as wine tastings and walks, guests can ride horses that are bred on the farm or take a hot-air balloon ride over the estate. Later, hone your backhand on the tennis court or take a dip in the pool.

Herdade dos Grous, Albernoa (00 351 284 960 000; herdade-dos-grous.com). Doubles from €125, room only.

Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House, Douro Valley

Billed as the first wine hotel in Portugal, Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House is a renovated 19th-century manor house that has been turned into a retreat for wine tourists. It has 11 bedrooms – all with views of the Douro River – plus a pool, chapel, and pergola-covered terrace. Visitors can take part in a number of wine-themed activities including tours of the vineyards and winery, helping with the harvest, and tastings.

Quinta Nova, Covas do Douro (00 351 254 730 430; quintanova.com). Doubles from €109, B&B.

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