Zen calm and hip contemporary design flow among ancient vines. Aquapura's new resort weaves a fusion spa, 21 villas, 50 rooms and suites, and a nineteenth-century manor house into the traditional landscape of northern Portugal.

Swiss chocolate facials and grape seed therapy. Wi-fi and a 24-hour Technogym. World-class architecture and interiors. All set – with great sensitivity – against a backdrop honored by UNESCO for its outstanding beauty and 2,000-year-old winemaking culture.

CEO Diogo Vaz Guedes dreamt up this philosophy while traveling the world. "Water, intelligence, luxury and excellent service: these traits are prized in Asia, but often overlooked as we rush around the west. Aquapura inspires people to rest – and to revitalize – in a place with soul."

Star architect Luís Rebelo de Andrade laced the landscape and its spirit into the resort. Burgundy plunge pools overlook the sinuous River Douro. Harmonious open-plan lounges echo the broad vineyard terraces. And award-winning designers Nini Andrade Silva’s and Giano Gonçalves polished surfaces and translucent geometrical interiors glow with soft, natural light, respectively in the hotel & Villas.

The spa experience is equally transcendent. Here water smoothes over calming shapes and natural materials. Asian fragrances float among the minimalist décor. Treatments mesh local seasonal ingredients such as grape seed, olives and cherries, with Ytsara rituals and Karin Herzog's scientific skincare systems including their world-renown oxygen treatments. Often a grace note appears: Aquapura’s signature essential oil, a detoxifying mix decanted from orange & cedar.

The sweetness continues in the AlmaLusa Restaurant, where Chef Emmanuel Soares presents a tasting menu celebrating the senses. His innovative style – reminiscent of Thierry Marx and Pierre Merme – marries the landscape’s bounty and traditional flavors with innovative molecular cuisine.

"A scent … a moment of serenity … sunshine gilding the river – so many elements here move the spirit," Diogo Vaz Guedes explains. "Immersed in harmony, luxury and beauty, our guests find space for an interior journey, not just an exterior one."

Discover Aquapura Douro, where trend and tradition invite transformation.


About Aquapura
In summer 2007, Aquapura Douro Valley debuted in Portugal's World Heritage wine region. The first in a series of daring design resorts, it honors both the landscape and local culture.

Centered around a nineteenth-century manor house, the resort also has 50 rooms and suites, 21 villas, a 23,600-square-foot spa, three restaurants, wine tasting room, two bars, an outdoor heated swimming pool, library, shop, boutiques, a business centre and a wine cellar. Wi-Fi, airport transfers and 24-hour concierge service smooth the visitor's transition from the hectic world to this harmonious haven.

Aquapura sprang from the 2004 merger of Diogo Vaz Guedes entrepreneurship as well as the association with Banco Privado Portugues, António Mexia and Miguel Simões de Almeida. Inspired by his travels, this CEO crafted the Aquapura philosophy, blending water, intelligence, luxury and excellence. For more information, please ring +351 254 66 06 00 or visit www.aquapurahotels.com.


Travel tips
TAP Portugal offers direct flights from Newark International Airport to Porto International departing on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. In addition, TAP has daily direct flights from Newark to Lisbon with daily connecting flights to Porto. Continental Airlines also offers daily direct flights from Newark to Lisbon. Aquapura Douro Valley provides transfers from Porto International Airport ensuring a smooth trip from beginning to end.