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Vila Foz charms its way into hearts

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The beautiful façade of Vila Foz evokes its centuries-long presence

Standing tall and proud on one of the most expensive streets of Portugal, Vila Foz is a beautifully preserved Portuguese manor house turned luxury hotel. A deserving member of the Design Hotels, the ocean-facing property is elegant, classy and modern all at the same time. 

The pathways are green and sunny and guests are often spotted sun worshipping, just enjoying the healing power of nature. The garden is home to a century-old banyan tree, which holds its own ground providing cool, dark shade ideal for book reading. 

The boutique property consists of the main historic manor house (which houses some of the most beautifully turned out rooms and suites) and a modern building, which also houses some of the room inventory: airy and bright if you let the daylight in and timeless and moody at night-time.

With 68 keys, the hotel is cosy and the service above par.

The restaurants on site deserve a mention in their own right. Between Vila Foz Restaurant, a live kitchen experience and Flor de Lis, the food is one Michelin starred. The more formal Vila Foz Restaurant is housed in the former ballroom, while Flor de Lis offers a more chilled vibe with al fresco dining option when the sun is shining.

After a long day on the warm beach the spa’s indoor pool is a cool relief with floor-to-ceiling windows. The stylish haven of a spa has all the facilities of a modern luxury hotel: sauna, steam room, hammam and fitness room. Products used for treatments include Maison Codage Paris. 

For entertainment, the property’s concierge team can arrange some interesting outings into the city of Porto, not least of which is a private cruise down Douro River, beverage tasting experiences, segway tours of the neighbourhood and food journeys.

Foz is one of the most premium neighbourhoods in Porto, looking on to the vast and endless Atlantic Ocean. It is no stranger to royal visits over the ages, as nobles would often descend to their holiday houses to bask in the breezy, sunny and sea-facing vibes. It is but a short taxi ride away from the charming and historic city of Porto, a walking distance from Seaworld Porto and a stone’s throw from balmy beaches and stunning piers peering into the mighty Atlantic.

The neighbourhood is dotted with family eateries on the seaside and locals soaking in the sun at any time of day. A short ride away is Matosinhos and its many fish restaurants, clearly a favourite with locals as much as tourists. Vila Foz is without a doubt one of top five luxury stays in Porto.

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