In Portugal, meet the hotels changing the world for the better

Few destinations showcase Portugal’s beauty like the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Row upon row of vines rise up from the meandering Douro River, changing from vivid green as the leaves unfurl in spring to a sea of amber and gold come autumn.

Six Senses Douro Valley, a 19th-century manor, provides an unrivalled welcome into this world. The region’s bounty and heritage are celebrated with the same devotion here. Sit down for guided tasting with a sommelier, who’ll reveal the secrets behind each bottle, sharing the deep-rooted traditions that have shaped this land for generations. Or, stroll through the organic garden, stopping to smell the herbs that will later grace your plate.

Everywhere you turn, you’ll find a reverence for nature’s rhythms and a profound commitment to its preservation.

As a guest, you are invited to do more than just watch. Make your own beeswax wraps, perfect the art of pickling and craft a bespoke herb blend in Earth Lab. Stop by the Alchemy Bar to blend an organic scrub to take home after a day in the spa. Or wander the trails in the forest, spotting some of the 538 species that call these shady woods home.

From the Douro Valley, Portugal’s terraced sanctuary of river and vine, point the compass south. In Alentejo, a land of golden plains stretching endlessly to the horizon, you’ll find Portugal’s soul laid bare. Covering nearly a third of the country, this vast, sun-drenched region is steeped in deep-rooted traditions.

Here, time lingers in the warm breeze, carrying the scent of wild herbs and the melancholic harmonies of cante alentejano, a haunting UNESCO-listed tradition that drifts through cobbled streets.

Known as Portugal’s breadbasket, Alentejo produces some of the country’s finest wines, robust reds that mirror the land’s quiet intensity.

To truly sink into Alentejo’s rhythm, a stay at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova offers an immersion in both nature and tradition, wrapped in understated luxury. Experience the essence of the region through its gastronomy and viticulture – all without leaving the estate.

Days unfold at an unhurried pace: horseback rides through sun-drenched fields, wine tastings of elegant estate-produced vintages and farm-to-table dining that transforms local ingredients into culinary artistry. Take part in the grape or olive harvest, unwind in the spa with treatments inspired by the land, or try your hand at traditional crafts in creative workshops celebrating Alentejo’s artisanal heritage.

Every experience here reflects a deep commitment to preserving the region’s traditions while safeguarding its natural beauty. 

Sip on wines made from indigenous grape varieties like Alicante Bouschet and Antão Vaz, each glass telling the story of the sunbaked soils and ethical farming practices. Shape clay in a pottery workshop, just as local artisans have for centuries. And savor the bounty of a land where organic vegetables, free-range black pork, and golden-hued olive oil take center stage – an authentic taste of Alentejo’s timeless connection to the earth.