Love wine? You can’t call yourself a true fan of the good stuff until you visit Porto, considered one of Europe’s great wine capitals. The city has been the home of British wine shippers for over three centuries – and it’s this combination of British and Portuguese heritage that inspires The Yeatman, billed as the ‘first luxury wine hotel in Portugal’ and the perfect stay for vinophiles and luxury lovers alike.
The location
Based on the south side of the Douro river in Vila Nova de Gaia, the hotel is just a few steps from the cellars of the city’s most famous port houses, where you can learn about the making of the famous fortified wine that took the city’s name (and of course, have a tasting or two).
The new cultural neighbourhood World of Wine or (WoW) is also right on your doorstep, and is packed with restaurants, shops and museums housing immersive exhibitions about wine.
The hotel experience
Google ‘hotels in Porto’ and it’s highly likely an image of The Yeatman’s decanter-shaped pool and terrace will appear. This star attraction has spectacular views across the river to Porto’s winding streets and rooftops and is primed for an Instagram snap.
Being an independent, family run hotel, the decor is decidedly distinctive, with Portuguese tiles, a stunning staircase in the lobby area, artwork inspired by wine makers and other pop-up art exhibitions to be explored.
The wine theme even extends to the Vinothérapie® Spa by Caudalie, the first Caudalie spa in Portugal, where guests can take their pick from barrel bath immersions and massages, scrubs, wraps or facials with antioxidant-packed ingredients from vineyards.
Kick back in the relaxation room with indoor pool and panoramic views of the city, and spend some time moving between the Roman bath, hammam, shower experience and sauna.
The rooms
The hotel is pretty vast, with 109 rooms and suites, cleverley spread out over six storeys, so no matter what room you choose, you’re guaranteed a balcony or terrace with incredible views of the city and the Douro River.
Guests can expect king size or twin beds with luxury linen, a private bar, free Wifi, understated decor and artwork and books on Portugal and the wine-making process to look at in their downtime. The marble bathrooms are large and airy with louvre shutters for extra privacy.
Eating and drinking
For the ultimate gastronomic experience, a night spent at The Yeatman’s two-Michelin star Gastronomic Restaurant is a must.
Headed up by award-winning chef Ricardo Costa, the menu is inspired by Portuguese ingredients and culture, and plays host to special wine dinners, tastings and events throughout the year.
Fun and imaginative food is the hallmark of the restaurant’s tasting menu – think dishes like blue lobster carpaccio with razor clam and grapefruit and cocoa souffle with rhubarb and dried fruits, which take you on a journey through Portugal’s diverse and varied wine regions. Pair yours with a lovely glass of the distinguished port house Churchill’s Crusted Port, for the perfect finishing touch.
For a more casual dinner or wine flight tasting, head to Dick’s Bar & Bistro, where there’s often live music played in the evenings. Tours of the hotel’s very own wine cellar are available between 4pm and 6pm, where you can sample drinks from the most comprehensive collection of Portuguese wines in the world.
The verdict
Immersing you in the history of Portugal and its wine culture in a unique way, The Yeatman is hard to beat for a hotel with both style and substance, and world-class facilities to boot.
Rooms start from £228 per night. Find out more about The Yeatman.
Hannah Hopkins is a commissioning editor and freelance writer, covering hotels, destinations and restaurants for AGLAIA.
