Going to Portugal for a weekend retreat always sounds like a good idea, especially if you're staying over a design hotel by the sea. The hotel'ss setting it's exceptionally picturesque, a Portuguese colonial chateau overlooking the sea that has been restored and acquired 21st-century minimalist design touches. It's just mind-blowing. I landed in Porto towards the end of the afternoon and took an Uber to Vila Foz Hotel & Spa. About 25 minutes after I reached my destination where a friendly staff was waiting for me right on the hotel's grounds. I run upstairs to escape from the rain entering the reception to check-in. Two Portuguese ladies welcomed me, making sure my arrival was smooth. I was impressed by the classical building interiors, from traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles to bronze fixtures, everything is coordinated to look absolutely stunning. After checking in, I was taken on a tour of the hotel grounds, which led to my room. We took a glass lift to the lower ground then walked through this long minimalist corridor that felt like a sci-fi movie scene. When we finally reached the Spa, I was amused by the combination of travertine inspired tiles recreating the beach environment combined with warm dim lighting, all I could think of was jumping in the pool. We finished the tour taking another lift leading to the upper floor of the Spa's building, which is separated from the main house where the reception is located. We walk through a small entrance hall area, which is an alternative entrance in case you don't want to go through the main house, walking through a security door and reaching the room's corridor. We step into the room, a warm shades profusion of yellow and gold are imperative here, I was expecting to find a bath waiting for me, but the room came with a shower instead. Tactile materials such as wood and stone contrast beautifully with mirrors and glass. The room comes with a king-size bed fitted under a rolling tourmaline green sea designed by Nini Andrade Silva, and floor to ceiling double glazed window with a small balcony and two long chaise chairs overlooking the sea. I wasn't lucky on my first night there, couldn't sleep properly because it was unbearably hot and the air conditioning kept oscillating between on and off, but still over 27C. I didn't want to call the reception to fix it cause it was quite late, which I regretted. They tried to fix the air con on the next day but it was still weird. In the morning I ordered brekky via room service which was appreciated overlooking the beautiful beach right in front of the hotel. I kept the curtains and windows wide opened so I could enjoy the sea breeze, however, I didn't like the fact the room was positioned right in front of the hotel's main gate not giving me much privacy. If you're like me, likes extreme discretion, I recommend going to another room for sure. The biggest convenience was the Spa. I spent long hours listening to music by the pool, they also serve refreshments there and you can alternate between the sauna and the pool, all of this overlooking a minimalistic external garden, it's so relaxing and idyllic, my trip was worth it just to be there! I also had a lovely time at the cocktail bar located in the main house where they serve signature cocktails and coffee all of this again overlooking the seaside. I would highly recommend this hotel at any time, and I believe this would be the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding! Maybe mine? I am still on the lookout for the groom though... (laughs).…
Just left from the Vila Foz Hotel from a romantic getaway. The staff is super attentive, and they do outstand from the usual 5star Hotel properties at Porto. Location is great, just by the sea promenade, spacious bedrooms, spa ticks all boxes, rich breakfast and the decoration Is to die for. Highly recommend.
Stayed at this hotel for the second part of our stay in Porto. It is new and we really enjoyed our experience. Staff were great, very friendly and helpful. Room was well equipped - would recommend a sea view room - and comfortable. Enjoyed the spa and indoor pool which were very quiet and restful with an outside space for relaxing in. The spa and pool floor is made of marble which is great to look at but is too slippery. Hotel is on the Atlantic with great flat walks in both directions and also easy to commute to Porto. City park and Contemporary Art Museum are great to visit as are the seafood restaurants which are very popular with tourists and locals.
If you like plastic all over the room, the floor,walls, furniture etc. This is the place for you. The floor at the balcony became so hot that you are burning your feet, and when the floor in the room is wet it is extremely slippery.the chairs at the balcony is burning hot in sunny weather,so its impossible to use the balcony.the swimmingpool area is the same material and completely unfit for wet surrundings,its only a matter of short times before someone falls and brake limps.I wonder where the architect has had her mind, when planning this surrundings.I agre whit other visitors, that it is NOT optimal placing a restaurant at the sea whitout looking at the sea,especally when there is a wonderful sitting room looking out over the sea.
We have stayed in many hotels but this hotel has the friendliest staff of them all. It is clear they are proud to work in this lovely, stylish hotel. The design is stunning, both in the original building and the modern addition.Gorgeous spa and gardens. It is calm and relaxing throughout and a welcome break from the bustle of the city. You can see and feel a lot of thought and money has gone into making this a lovely hotel for guests.
"Go for rooms with a bath in it, my shower was leaking and I nearly fell on the floor, that was quite bad!"Read full review
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing