Vidago Palace
Belle époque country manor
Portuguese spa town
Tucked away in a spa town near Portugal’s northern border, the salmon pink Vidago Palace hotel in Tràs-os-Montes – ‘beyond the mountains’ – has an English country manor sensibility and grande-dame style but undeniably Iberian views. In addition to the opulent main building (opened as a royal palace in 1910) with its glittering ballroom-turned-restaurant, the star attractions are lush 18-hole golf course and the sleek, white-marble spa, where you can take the local spring waters in style.
Facilities
Rooms
70, including 10 suites.
Checkout
Noon. Earliest check-in, 3pm.
More Details
Rates usually include buffet or à la carte breakfast.
Also
The star attraction at the gleaming spa is the water: book a three-, seven- or 14-day programme of water therapy if you’re interested in traditional treatments.
Fitness Center
Free Internet Access
Golf
Laundry
Pet Friendly
Room Service
Spa
At the Hotel
18-hole golf course; tennis courts; spa; gym; yoga; library of books and DVDs; free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen TV; DVD/CD player; radio.
Our Favourite Rooms
Room 109 – a Junior Suite – has exceptional views of the lake as well as the hotel’s entrance. The soothing mint-green walls make soaking in the roll-top bath a particularly relaxing experience.
Poolside
Outside, there's a square 25m pool surrounded by lawns and loungers. There's also a smaller (15m) pool indoors and a paddling pool for the kids.
Packing Tips
The town of Vidago is known for its natural springs, so leave room in your case to take home a few bottles of the local spring water, said to have healing properties (you’ll find some in your minibar.)
Also
The 18-hole, par-72 golf course in the grounds was originally built in 1936, but has more recently been transformed in line with USGA specs.
Children
Baby cots can be added to parents’ rooms for free. Extra beds are €40 a night for 3–12 year olds, €75 a night for kids aged 13 and over. There's a programme of activities for smaller Smiths, including nature walks, face painting and art classes.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
Grab a table near the piano to best hear the live music; or, head out on to the terrace.
Dress Code
Old-fashioned glamour is the way to go – imagine the grand guests waltzing through the ballroom when the palace first opened in 1910, and be inspired.
Hotel Restaurant
In the Salão Nobre Dining Room, the hotel’s vast and gilded one-time ballroom, Portuguese chef Josu Sedanu-Martin (who previously delighted London diners at Quaglino’s and the Ivy) serves up a gourmet take on local favourites, such as octopus carpaccio and quail eggs. Meals are also served in the Winter Garden, the hotel’s bright conservatory, and at the laid-back Poolside Bar.
Hotel Bar
Sip your tipple of choice in the dark, masculine Smoke Room – think dark wood and darker leather – or the bright Four Seasons Room, with its walls covered in pale silk. Try one of the signature cocktails: the Palace Velvet is a chocoholic’s fantasy, and the Ruby Vidago is a creative concoction involving rose port and crème de menthe.
Last Orders
Breakfast is served in the Winter Garden 7am–10am every weekday and 7am–11am on weekends.
Room Service
Order snacks and drinks to your room any time you like.
Planes
Touch down at Francisco de Sà Carneiro Airport – often just called Porto Airport (www.porto-airport.com) – about an hour and a half from Vidago Palace. Ryanair (http://www.ryanair.com) flies to Porto from London Stansted and Liverpool airport. TAP (http://www.flytap.com) flies from London Heathrow.
Automobiles
Vidago is about 90 minutes' drive from Porto along the A7, and five hours from Lisbon. A car will be handy for exploring the towns and villages along Portugal’s northern border. There’s free parking at the hotel.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Northern Portugal has plenty to explore. Once you’ve exhausted yourself on the tennis courts, conquered the golf course, tasted the spring waters and lounge in Vidago Palace’s meditation room, it’s time to head out and discover the natural beauty and fascinating culture of the region. Borrow a bike from reception and explore the rolling hills or ask the concierge to arrange some daytrips for you: wine tasting in the Douro Valley is a must. Pay a visit to the interactive Enoteca Douro Museum in Favaios. History buffs and landscape lovers, head to the Parque Arqueológico de Tresminas and explore the site of one of the Roman Empire's largest gold mines, as well as getting some impressive countryside views, or discover the Unesco-protected town and castle of Guimarães, considered the Cidade Berço – 'cradle city' – of the Portuguese nation.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
