Vila Foz Hotel & Spa

Rooms

Of the 66 rooms, a handful form part of the original Manor House, while the majority are in the more contemporary, cubical Onice extension, named after the onyx bathrooms. Opt for the former if you like opulent, 19th-meets-21st-century decor (polished wood floors, marbled walls and gilded stucco ceilings); the latter for a more modern, groovy feel (big sliding windows, patterned carpets and some swirling bedheads).

I stayed in an entry-level Onice Room, which was spacious enough for two and had a super-comfy bed, while my father landed a Sea View room; a worthy upgrade for spectacular Atlantic vistas from the balcony. The sunsets alone are worth it! If a bit of outdoor space is key, choose a Terrace or Ocean Front Terrace room, which have large private balconies and daybeds. Manor House Rooms and Suites have either sea or garden views, and are generously sized; there's one of each on the top floor for those seeking additional privacy.

For maximum splurge, stay in the Vila Foz Suite, also in the original Manor House, with a separate living area and superb balcony views of the ocean. All rooms can be set up with queensize double or twin beds, and finishing touches include a bottle of port and a complimentary sun hat each.

Travertine and onyx bathrooms, with power showers, fluffy towels, thick robes and Maison Codage amenities, are every bit as indulgent as the bedrooms. Despite a road running in front of the hotel, the rooms are perfectly quiet, and traffic noise is disguised on the balconies by subtle piped music.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Coffee / tea making
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Radio
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

Foodies, rejoice: there’s a lot to love about the dining scene at Vila Foz. The impressive breakfast buffet is served in the Flor de Lis restaurant from 8 - 9 am, and it's a step above the classic continental spread. On offer was every imaginable cheese and cold cut, fresh pastries including moreish pastel de natas, eggs as you like them, hot options, pancakes, even champagne and oysters. That's how to start the day right!

2- and 3-course set menus for lunch are also served here, based more on traditional Portuguese food. We enjoyed delicious veal patties with horseradish mayonnaise, followed by a lovely sea bass and shrimp rice dish. Our dessert of rabanada (Brazilian French toast) with baunilha cream was a crowd-pleaser. In summer months, book a coveted table on the terrace and watch the ocean sparkle.

But for the full regalia, Michelin-starred Restaurante Vila Foz offers 14-course tasting menus (vegetarian version available) in an elegant dining room with a focus on mouth-watering seafood. Perhaps lobster or squid with daikon and iodized broth; then suckling lamb with pistachio and super-fresh vegetables; and finally an abade de priscos caramel pudding with Azorean pineapple. It's open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner, and reservations are essential.

For something a little more informal but no less extravagant, head to the hotel bar where more oysters can be washed down with more champagne, and cocktails and posh afternoon tea are served. You can even order a cigar alongside, if you're so inclined.

Beyond the hotel, the possibilities are endless. Stay local and head to Treze % Restaurante along the seafront for highly rated Portuguese fare (we hear the octopus fillet with coriander soup is a must). For ultimate scoffing potential, try Mercado da Foz (20 min walk), a renowned covered market with high-end hot dogs, Trás-os-Montes cheeses and excellent Douro wines. The hotel has a sister restaurant, Bistro by Vila Foz, located a 10-minute drive north in Mercado de Matosinhos, where the fish is said to be world-class, Divine.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Book a luxury treatment in the hotel spa, enjoy a hammam or swim some lengths in the relaxing indoor pool
  
• Borrow bikes from the hotel and ride along the Douro from Foz’s leafy promenades to picturesque, cobbled Ribeira (guided cycling tours are available too)
  
• The sandy beach, mere steps from the hotel, is a glorious spot for tan-topping and sunsets. This is the Atlantic, so expect a refreshing (i.e. chilly) swim!
  
• Other sandy stunners, such as Praia de Matosinhos, are within easy reach, and surfing lessons are on offer
  
• Hop on a tram or grab a taxi to central Porto (15 mins). Marvel at the spectacular city views from the top of the 17th-century Clerigos Tower, peruse the modern art at Fundação de Serralves and be wowed by mighty Sé Cathedral
  
• Or take a private yacht up the Douro and enjoy an exclusive chef-cooked meal on board
  
• Quaff port in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia (we’re fans of the tours at Taylor’s and Graham’s)

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Shopping / markets
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Watersports
• Well being
• Wine tasting

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome however the hotel is better suited to grown ups. Be aware that the pool is only open to adults. That said, there are kids menus (adapted versions of the main menu, so may not suit picky eaters) and cots are available for every room type, although there are no extra beds.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

There’s an interconnecting version of every room type for families – ask for these when booking. Those with little ones are welcome to a cot in whichever room they choose. If you or your offspring are keen bathers, opt for a Manor House Room or suite, the only rooms with (seriously nice) tubs.

Distances:

• Airport: 15 minutes
• Hospital: 10 minutes
• Shops: 2 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is set in the bustling Foz do Douro district of Porto, 15 mins from the city’s historic centre.

By Air:
The nearest airport is Oporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (12km).

From the Airport
Hotel transfers are available, or hail a taxi from outside the airport.

By Train:
Long-distance trains get into Campanhã station (16km). Check out the brilliant https://www.seat61.com/ if you’re thinking of planning a rail adventure.

By Car:
Trams, buses and taxis are so easy to navigate in Porto. Should you require a car though, check out our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.