MORE BEAUTY
THAN
OUR
EYES
CAN BEAR
Experience, travel – these are an education in themselves.”— Euripides
“My wanderlust has taken me to lands unknown, pushing the boundaries of experience and travel. I question the footprintleft in my wake. I follow the perfectlyi mperfect foot trails in this magical valley Douro. The manifold shades of green blend together from the hilltops to the meandering river.
”In the picturesque landscape of northern Portugal’s Douro Valley lies the SixSenses, a historic 19th century Quinta, set faultlessly within the UNESCO World Heritage listed area where modern luxury and sustainability effortlessly coexist. For nature lovers, wellness seekers and oenophiles alike, Douro Valley, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, remains an untapped veritable gem. Where centuries-old Murtórios—hand sculpted terraces—grow award winning Porto dessert and table wine amongst fragrant olive, almond and fruit trees.
SUSTAINABILITY
Five-star amenities and 24-hour butlerservice draw the most discerning trav-eller, but it’s Six Senses commitment tosustainability and a symbiotic relationshipwith the local community and landscapethat defines it as a purpose driven experi-ence. Inspired by the regions centuries-oldtradition of self-reliance where Quintashad their own gardens, orchards and vinesand landowners lived efficiently and mind-fully off the land year round. With onsiteorganic gardens and adaptations of ancientfood preservation techniques, the hotel isnearing its goal to be as food self-sufficientas possible. Local, minimally processed,sustainable food is served in Portuguesepottery and ceramics. All the while sippingfrom the Wine Library’s impressive—andmostly local, 700 reference wine list.Born out of this unwavering commit-ment, Earth Lab is a venue dedicated to atransparent and educational program of itssustainability efforts to reduce consump-tion, produce locally, and support commu-nities and ecosystems. Empowering guestswith the knowledge to implement these“life-hacks” in to their everyday routine.
EXPERIENCE
The beauty surrounding this place ispalpable; one could easily lose themselvesin the four hectares of protected wood-land. Whether you choose to discover theauthentic Douro by car, boat or helicopter,experienced and local staff help in curat-ing a bespoke experience founded oncultural authenticity, sustainability andwellness. Think meandering boat ridesdown the Douro River while sampling thebest port wines in the world. Or get yourheartbeat racing with tree climbing, circuittraining, kayaking, cycling, hiking—the listis boundless.
WELLNESS
Even the spa is integrated in to its naturalsurroundings. Treatment rooms featureviews of a secret garden or valley and withits integrated approach to wellness, activities are focused on preventative principles of Eastern medicine and result-oriented Western influences.Think massages that are prefaced by sound baths and locally inspired specialty treatments using local herbs and fruits. At the signature Alchemy Bar, guests can enlist in a workshop to create potions of herbs. Salt, grapes and a range of local and exotic ingredients are individually blended for scrubs and masks. Unquestionably guests will leave revi-talized and contented but the most vital memento of this luxury experience is that guests leave empowered and inspired with the knowledge of the land, the culture, their health and their impact on the world.
