Aquapura Douro Valley

100   Recommended
November 6, 2014 by EXPERT

 Map | 1 Review | 100% Recommended
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Aquapura Douro Valley
 Map | 1 Review | 100% Recommended

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Liked:
Location
Service
Food
Amenities
Room
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Room

We had booked a panoramic suite for a daily rate of around 700 euros. A few days before we left for holidays, I discovered at the hotel’s internet site that the rates online had been significantly lowered, our room was being offered for less than 300 euros per night (including extras for our son) instead of the 700 that I had booked it for!!! Luckily I had a reservation that could be changed or cancelled up until two days before arrival, so we contacted the hotel and they offered to give us the new rate, luckily without any discussion. We really liked the room and the spectacular view of the Duoro (only panoramic suites have view, so make sure you book one of them if view is important to you). The room is very modern with an open plan and floor to ceiling windows (blinds make it completely darsk at night). One part has the comfortable large bed and a bath tub, one part has a writing desk, two lounging “sofa-chairs” to watch TV or relax and one part has the bathroom with glass walls (two separate vanities, separate (glass again) toilet and shower) and then there is a closed room (normal doors, not glass) for wardrobe and a 2nd toilet. We receieved a welcome letter and fruit, port wine plus juice for our son on the day of arrival. Only thing we missed was a balcony, would have been great to sit outside to enjoy the view, but the rest was perfect. I have been reading a lot of complaints about too dark rooms and, but we did not have any issues with this, it was rather the other parts of the hotel that was a bit on the dark side – but with the sun shining and us spending most of the time outside anyway for meals and drinks etc. it was no problem. No coffee making facilities in the room.

Pool, Spa, Gym

Pool is just beautiful, in the middle of the wine fields with comfortable double loungers. It could have been a real heaven, but was pretty crowded at times, and there were many families with kids meaning that it was not quiet. No issue for us since we travelled with our son, but for others it could be. Pretty OK service at the pool: Had to get the towels and make up beds ourselves, but drinks were served by someone coming around. I had two treatments in the spa, a salt and vanilla oil peeling and a massage. My theraphist Sandra was very good and I really enjoyed the treatment. It is a huge spa with a large common room with changing facilities, showers etc. and individual, tasteful treatment rooms. Very large and well equipped gym and also an indoor pool (did not try that one).

Food

Lunch at the pool was pretty basic (sandwiches and salats), but the restaurant offered fine dining in a relaxed setting, sitting outside in the evening was heavenly. Breakfast again very good.

Service

Very good, but not perfect at all times, maybe due to lack of personnel? One woman at the reception was fantastic, but she was there alone at many times and had to answer all request by herself meaning it could take some time. The boy at the pool was also alone some times and thus not always very quick. Housekeeping very good. Nice that they provided a little note every night with recommended activities for the next day, information about weather etc. Cold towels and a drink offered upon arrival. The car park was two minutes walk from the reception, but the bell boy would always get the car for us – and even wash in quickly if it was needed! Very nice.

Others

We had a boat trip on the Douro booked through a company recommended by the hotel (Pipadouro, departing from the village Pinhao). We booked a two hour non private cruise for just 35 euro per person – normally max 6 persons onboard the nice wooden boat, but we ended up being alone which would normally cost a lot more. Beautiful scenery enjoyed with a glass of port from one of the quintas that we passed. A great excursion. After the cruise, we went up in the mountains to visit the quinta Portal. We were served a wonderful lunch with a great view to the fields, tasting the local wine with the dishes. Again highly recommended.

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