Aquapura Douro Valley is a new brand dedicated to creating properties that include hotel, private residences and world class spas in a highly exclusive location. Aquapura Douro Valley , is based on a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the west coast of Portugal, renown for its stunning views.

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Aquapura Douro Valley is the brand's first opening and is located on the banks of the Douro river in the winelands, just an hour and fifteen minutes from Porto. The hotel incorporates a striking 19th Century Manor House, combined with a more contemporary extension and makes for an idyllic weekend getaway.

The spa covers a massive 2,200 m² and uses treatments based on ancient Asiatic Ytsara techniques, blended with the benefits of modern research from renowned aesthetician Karin Herzog. Ytsara, which means “freedom” in Thai, is based on a holistic approach based on ancient Asiatic treatments with the therapy including exotic treatments such as a facial with orchid cream, herbal wrap or a mask of bamboo roots.

Karin Herzog, aesthetician, participates in the research of the effects of oxygen on the skin developed by her husband Dr Paul Herzog, an Honorary Doctor of the Nobel Institute. The research has resulted in an ability to stabilize oxygen, and to “bind” it in a cream. The oxygen remains in liquid form in the emulsion, freeing itself in a form a gas once in contact with the skin thus provoking a pressure that literally injects oxygen into the skin.

The treatments are amazing and with a double treatment room housed in the spa, makes for either a great girls weekend or a romantic break with a partner. Three of the rooms look out on to the Douro river – simply stunning, if you can keep your eyes open.

The spa also boasts a thermal spa area, with more than just your average sauna. The Laconium provides a gentle, dry heat to purify the body, with only 15 to 20% humidity, whereas the Panoramic Sauna, perfect for draining toxins, is embellished with a clever cocktail of salt and essential oils.

The herbal sauna is the purest form of aromatherapy, where a jet of hot water sprays the herbs to release an aroma as well as release therapeutic properties and the salt steam bath is a plus for breathing conditions as well as improving the circulation and body tone.

No luxurious stone is left unturned at this spa with an in room 'Butler Service' offering guests the opportunity to order a spa treatment in the privacy of their own room, including the Relaxing bath: Ytsara Serenity, a mixture of jasmine and lemon essential oil which is accompanied by a white wine tasting and chocolate truffles. Or why not try Vinotherapy, a bath containing olive oil and grape seeds, to be enjoyed while tasting a delicious red wine. A true indulgence.