
Being a Travel Advisor has its perks – the chance to explore diverse destinations and stay in world-class hotels. Yet, my focus often shifts to my clients. I delight in matching them to the perfect location or hotel, understanding the uniqueness of individual travel preferences. During my Portugal trip, my thoughts were centered on one specific client. Portugal caters to various preferences, from families seeking cultural exploration, couples indulging in culinary delights, to friends exploring art. However, this journey was dedicated to wellness, rejuvenation, and connections – an opportunity to slow down, absorb the rich landscapes, and appreciate Portugal's diverse offerings. There's an inherent romance and love in this experience that I'd recommend to everyone.

Arrive in Porto and check into the intimate retreat Torel Palace Porto. This elegant boutique hotel was once a private stunning mansion and from the minute you enter this hotel, you know you’ll be taken care of. The decor is sophisticated and romantic; the details of this palace with its domed skylight in the center grand staircase of the mansion; carefully restored with modern touches, to each unique rooms with high ceiling featuring a grand crystal chandelier and bathrooms with a garden view. The greenery lined courtyard houses the pool and cocktail bar where you’ll find your fellow travelers sipping on wine, quietly nestled into this quaint urban oasis reading their favorite book as this hotel celebrates literary heritage of Portugal. Perhaps the best way to start your arrival day is with time spent in the Calla Wellness Suite where your therapists are dedicated to your wellness journey of self-discovery.
Even though this hotel seems tucked away allowing you the feel of a retreat, it is located right in the heart of the busting port city of Porto. The next morning, all you need to do is turn the corner and you’ve joined your walking tour through this UNESCCO World Heritage Site with its wealth of monuments and art. Your private guide will show you why Porto is a not to miss destination with its wealth of art, monuments, and famous Port Wine. You’ll visit the city center, Avenida dos Alidos, Sao Bento Station, and the Majestic Café. As the guide takes you across the Ponte Luis I bridge where you’ll see the beautiful Douro River with Porto and Villa de Gaia on each bank. Your port wine tasting can now begin with some of the best and oldest wine houses in the world. Take this day at your own pace with your private guide.

Dinner at Yakuza in the Maison Albar Hotel Le Monumental Palace for the best sashimi you’ll ever encounter. This gastronomic delight is not to be missed.

Book Torel Palace Porto with me for these exclusive VIP Perks:
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Complimentary welcome drink per guest, per stay
Complimentary bottle of wine in room on arrival
Welcome fruit plate in room on arrival
The following day, you’ll begin with a scenic drive from Porto to the Douro Riverbank with a private ride on a vintage boat along the lazy river surrounded by incredible terraced wineries on each side. On board, you’ll be served champagne, port cocktail, and regional white wines while tasting delectable Portuguese treats. There is no better indulgent way to see the valley and to arrive in style at the Six Senses Douro Valley Hotel.

I've carefully chosen the sublime Six Senses Douro Valley for your solo wellness retreat, where you'll indulge in two nights of unparalleled tranquility. This hotel and spa, perched on a hill in Portugal's Douro Valley, offers panoramic views of the river and vine-covered terraces across its 20 acres of blissful grounds. The meticulously restored 19th-century manor, surrounded by flourishing kitchen gardens and vineyards, echoes the region's rich heritage and Six Senses' design values. Relish the romance of the bygone era, savoring seasonal cuisine and exquisite wines from the valley. The stunning Six Senses Spa ensures a truly immersive experience. This secluded haven promises uncrowded spaces, a private pool, and an organic garden, providing the perfect setting for nature-infused well-being. Your three-night stay here is not just an escape but a journey into blissful rejuvenation. Do not miss out on the Alchemy Bar Workshop to discover the power of healing plants.


Book Six Senses Douro Valley with me for these exclusive VIP Perks:
Daily breakfast for two at hotel restaurant
$100 USD value-added amenity (hotel credit)
Upgrade to next room category (subject to availability)
Guaranteed 2:00 pm late check-out
Bottled water and fresh fruit / snacks in room upon arrival
VIP level added to guest profile
Handwritten and personalized welcome card
Non Last Room Availability (NRLA)
Turn down service
Leaving Douro Valley may be hard, but it’s time for a little cityscape. You’ll head to Lisbon today. Your private driver and guide will make the long trip enjoyable with a visit in this preserved medieval town of Coimbra on the banks of Mondego river. You’ll have an exclusive visit to the University of Coimbra, built on the grounds of a former palace which houses the world’s oldest and largest collection of literary masterpieces.
Arrive at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon in the afternoon, where opulent accommodations seamlessly blend Art Deco accents with an updated Louis XVI style. The rooftop provides sweeping views of the city's hills and gleaming tile facades, offering a breathtaking perspective of Lisbon's architectural beauty. What truly sets this stay apart for you, my wellness-focused client, is the rooftop Pilates studio. Retreat to this elevated fitness sanctuary for a rejuvenating Pilates session with captivating panoramic views. The perfect blend of historical elegance, cultural immersion, and a rooftop Pilates haven makes the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon an ideal one-night retreat for your holistic well-being. And, of course, there's the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in awaiting you.

Head to Sublime Lisboa (a designer’s heaven of a boutique hotel) and have a late dinner at Davvero. Lively, cozy, charming Italian with a sophisticated and contemporary flair.
*(For a longer stay in Lisbon, check out my 10-Day Glorious Autumn Itinerary in Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, Sintra)
**(For a stress-free and incredibly fun way to see Lisbon all in one glorious day, take a Private Sidecar Tour!)

Book Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon with me for these exclusive VIP Perks:
Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom, served in a hotel restaurant or through In-Room Dining
Hotel/Resort Credit (based on room category booked) enriching your stay with your choice of experience – from spa and dining to recreation: Guest Rooms: USD 100 credit per stay Suites and Specialty Suites: USD 200 credit per stay Private Retreats: USD 200 credit per bedroom per stay
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in
Welcome note at check-in
On the final leg of your trip, escape the Lisbon bustle for the serene beaches of Comporta. Just a short distance away, Sublime Comporta Beach Club awaits—a coastal retreat on one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines. With a vision to be a chic-chill meeting place amidst breathtaking nature, it perfectly aligns Sublime Comporta's refinement with the laid-back Comporta "attitude." After a day in the sun and sand, retreat to Sublime Comporta Hotel and Spa, surrounded by umbrella pines, cork trees, wild sand dunes, and stunning rice fields with cabana-style villas.

Wake up surrounded by nature, disconnect from the outside world, and indulge in world-class spa treatments and daily wellness programs on the property. Borrow a hotel bike to explore untapped natural beauty and enjoy a curated picnic. The resort's architecture draws inspiration from the area's old barns, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance in harmony with the essence of Comporta. This is the perfect place to reflect on your wellness journey.

Book Sublime Comporta Hotel & Spa with me for these exclusive VIP Perks:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
$100USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit utilized once during stay, applicable towards Spa services or food & beverage outlets (excludes alcohol and retail, not applicable towards the Beachclub or Food Circle. Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Your journey through Portugal has woven a tapestry of cultural exploration, luxury, and wellness. From the historic streets of Porto, the tranquility of The Douro Valley, to the bohemian ambiance of Lisbon, and the peaceful beaches of Comporta, each destination enriches all the senses. Portugal's diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and warm hospitality have combined to create lasting memories.
OTHER HOTELS IN PORTO I LOVE AND WHY:
The Rebello: The Modern Elegant Home away from Home
Nothing quite surpasses the view of the Douro River when you’re visiting Porto. Is it not best to be able to arrive at your hotel and first be introduced to Porto with lunch at the rooftop restaurant of your hotel? Rebello Hotel on the banks of the Douro River in Villa de Gaia with a panoramic view of the ancient city of Porto and its lively waterfront. Being on this side of the river allows you to have access to Gaia’s vintage wine houses while only being minutes’ walk from the Ponte Luis I Bridge which takes you right into Porto. Being at the top of the bridge is a view of the river you will not want to miss. The Rebello indoor pool and spa is a welcoming retreat to recover from your flight. While in your spacious high ceiling room, flooded with sunlight and your picture window reading nook or private balcony offers you the same panoramic view as from the rooftop. Enjoy your complimentary wine and bespoke music from your vintage radio in the room to start your vacation. The scent and lighting of this suite-rooms hotel is immediately relaxing. This hotel is great for families and groups traveling together, but there is an indulgence to the spaciousness and private gourmet kitchen stocked with complimentary organic snacks, wines, freshly squeezed juice, along with designer appliances you rarely get in European hotels even for that solo adventurer.
Book with me for these exclusive VIP Perks:
A credit worth $50-$100 (USD) per room, per stay to be spent only on extras such as F&B or Spa, only on property and during the stay
Daily Continental breakfast for two people
Room upgrade to next room category, subject to availability at the time of check-in
Early check-in, subject to availability at the time of check-in
Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary WIFI
Maison Albar Hotel Le Monumental Palace : Grandeur in History.
Embark on a sensory voyage at Maison Albar Hotels – Le Monumental Palace, an exquisite haven situated on Avenida dos Aliados in the heart of historic Porto, perfectly blending Art Nouveau and Art Déco aesthetics. Behind its neo-Gothic façade, discover supreme elegance in rooms adorned with custom-designed furniture and soaring ceilings. For you, the discerning traveler seeking wellness and culinary delights on your inaugural trip to Porto, this haven is a sanctuary. Le Monumental Palace beckons with a spa, indoor pool, and an inviting lounge and library, ensuring a serene escape. Michelin-starred Chef Julien Montbabut crafts a culinary symphony, marrying Portuguese flavors with French finesse, offering an exceptional gastronomic journey. This meticulously curated experience, seamlessly blending wellness and culinary excellence, makes Maison Albar Hotels – Le Monumental Palace an unequivocal recommendation for a traveler of refined taste.
Book with me for these exclusive VIP Perks:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
$100USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
OTHER DOURO VALLEY RESORT & SPA I LOVE AND WHY:
Octant Douro Hotel & Spa: Nature told in Modernity.
Nestled at the edge of the Douro River, Octant Douro Hotel & Spa offers an extraordinary retreat where architectural brilliance meets natural splendor. Anchored on the terraced banks, the hotel seamlessly integrates shale stone and glass into its design, forming a connection with the cliff system that almost reaches the river. Here, modernity takes center stage, distinguishing itself from the typical 19th-century farms of the region. With two infinite outdoor pools and expansive glass walls throughout, the hotel invites you to become one with the picturesque landscapes, whether mountains or river. Every corner resonates with the feeling of being immersed in nature, creating a sophisticated yet minimalist space that harmoniously dialogues with the river and the valley. Octant Douro Hotel & Spa promises not just a stay but an artistic immersion into the unique beauty of the Douro region.
OTHER HOTELS IN LISBON I LOVE AND WHY:
Hotel Sublime Lisbon: A Boutique Designer's Haven.
This hotel unfolds the tale of a 20th-century townhouse transformed into Sublime Lisboa, a luxurious retreat in Lisbon's Amoreiras district. With 15 uniquely styled rooms and suites, each embodying the essence of a Portuguese residence, the hotel seamlessly blends sophistication with a relaxed atmosphere. The early 20th-century façade, complete with a wrought iron balcony, adds to its timeless charm. Formerly Casa Fortunato, Sublime Lisboa has retained key design elements, such as Jupiter 10 geometric wallpapers and Farrow and Ball painted walls. Carefully chosen furniture by Rita Adringa's Adringa Atelier, artisan-crafted straw lampshades from Comporta, and modern photographs adorn the warm and welcoming space. It's not just a hotel; it's an immersive journey into the captivating world of design and Portuguese heritage.
Bairro Alto Hotel: Noble and Bohemian.
Step into Lisbon's free-spirited and sophisticated ambiance at Bairro Alto Hotel, a boutique pioneer in Portugal's luxury accommodations. Nestled between the alternative shops of free-spirited Bairro Alto and the cosmopolitan charm of Chiado, the hotel embraces the spirit of these two emblematic neighborhoods. Bairro Alto Hotel, coexisting with these vibrant locales, elevates your stay with exquisite pottery in each room, crafted by my favorite Portuguese ceramic designer, Anna Westerlund (Together Anna Westerlund). This artistic touch transforms the accommodation into a gallery of contemporary Portuguese design. Immerse yourself in the rich blend of tradition and irreverence that defines Lisbon, complemented by the unique touch of Anna Westerlund's pottery, making Bairro Alto Hotel a recommended retreat for an authentic and artistic experience in the heart of this inspiring city.
Book with me for these exclusive VIP Perks:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
This Portugal Travel Guide is crafted with the solo wellness-focused traveler in mind, yet Portugal's diversity offers a tapestry of experiences for everyone, from history buffs and art enthusiasts to families, groups, and couples. Feel free to reach out and let's personalize your own Portugal story together!
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