The Stunning Yeatman Hotel – Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
My family was lucky enough to visit the Yeatman Hotel while we were visiting the Porto area of Portugal. We made our way to the hotel after arriving by train at the historic São Bento Station in Porto.
The hotel, perched overlooking the Douro River, is located in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from the Praça da Ribeira in Porto.
Ribeira – Along the Douro River Bank
The Ribeira is a popular area of narrow cobbled streets lined with restaurants and shops that tower over the river in a smattering of colorful history and life. Take a moment to look up and you’ll most likely spot an old woman watching the world go by from her balcony as the freshly cleaned laundry blows beneath her.
Street performers are plentiful and we saw a myriad of different types. Musicians, acrobatic groups and our favorite, a man making huge bubbles. We stood, entranced as he sent gigantic bubbles into the air, where they floated in long tubes reflecting the colors of the sunset and drawing out the laughter of children.
Porto, or as they say in Portugal Oporto, is truly a delight to the senses and makes for a stunning view from your room at the Yeatman Hotel.
The Yeatman Hotel
I fell in love with Porto the moment we met and the Yeatman made for an excellent spot from which to explore.
The Yeatman Hotel is a five star wine spa boutique hotel that has won numerous prestigious accolades and is widely considered the best hotel in the Porto area. Their service includes a program of tastings, seminars and wine dinners. Their cellars are home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Portuguese wines. The hotel is named after the owners.
The Yeatman family started as merchants of a Port firm back in 1838. And the descendants are the current owners of three of the most famous Port companies.
Taylor’s Port Wine
Frank Yeatman was a partner with Taylor’s Port Wine, which is located next to the hotel and makes for a lovely outing. We did the self-guided tour and then tried a few of their ports in their bright and cheery tasting room.
The Spa
The spa at Yeatman Hotel is called Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa. They offer facial and body treatments using products sourced from the grape, which is not just a fun way of including the spa in the wine theme. Grapes are actually renowned for their powerful antioxidants.
We enjoyed the sauna and relaxation room, but for us the piece de resistance was the two panoramic infinity pools.
Both boast the same amazing view of Porto, but one is located indoors surrounded by floor to ceiling glass, while the other is outdoors.
Also, the do have a fully equipped gym. I have to admit with everything to see and do, I didn’t take the time to work out!
The Rooms at Yeatman Hotel
Continuing with the wine theme, the rooms are named after various wine regions and quintas. Ours was named after the Quinta de Sant’Ana Mafra, a historic family run wine estate.
It was bright and cheerful while maintaining a classic look and feel.
The bathroom had a sliding window along the side of the tub that could be opened to make it even more spacious.
But really, the room was a very nice size, especially by European standards!
The room opened up onto a very large patio overlooking Porto, and, from our particular room, the pool.
Dining at Yeatman
We had heard amazing things about The Yeatman’s Restaurant, the only Michelin star restaurant in Porto. Their chef is Ricardo Costa, and they offer contemporary Portugal cuisine.
Indulging in their breakfast buffet is a great way to start your day.
Also on offer is a daily tasting menu for dinner. We had reservations to have dinner. However, at the last minute were unable to go due to an emergency back home.
We were very disappointed to miss out, but plan on going on our next visit to Porto, so stay tuned!
Happy Travels!
Hollin
