Hotel Review: Six Senses, Portugal

Six SensesDouro Valley, Portugal££

GLAMOUR's Lindsay Frankel took time out at the Six Senses spa resort in Portugal's Douro Valley - where there's as much focus on the local wine as there is on the in-house pampering. She may have just discovered the perfect escape...

1. To a little slice of tranquil heaven tucked away down a winding road and perched on the banks of the Douro River, that's where. A 90-minute drive from Porto airport and in the heart of Portugal's famous Douro Valley wine region, is where you'll fine the Six Senses spa resort.

2. You could kayak on the river or take up an early-morning outdoor yoga session. If you'd rather chill out, you can lounge by the picturesque pool, take a cruise along the river (wine-tasting as you go) or get the hotel to cater you a picnic in the surrounding woods.

3. The spa is the jewel in the Six Senses crown. Using Organic Pharmacy products, the signature Rose Renewal body treatment leaves you buffed, smoothed and rose-scented (not mention super-relaxed - OK, yes, I did fall asleep).

4. The stylish rooms are sleek and minimalist, with enough space to relax in (nothing quite like a cramped room to make you feel twitchy) meaning you can kick back on the sofa with a glass of port before retiring to your ludicrously comfy bed. The bathrooms are all stocked with gorgeous Organic Pharmacy products, too, if you want to hang on to your spa-induced Zen.

5. Oh, so much delicious food, you'll never want to stop eating. The menu is all about celebrating local produce, and veg doesn't come get much fresher - the bulk of it comes from the organic kitchen garden in the grounds of the hotel (drag yourself away from the pool to explore it, and breathe in the scent of the herbs). Breakfast on the terrace with a view is a must, too - if ever there was an excuse for repeat trips to the buffet, this is it.

6. They take their wine very seriously around there. Vineyards cover the hillsides (making for delightful, lush green views every where you look) and most of the offerings in the bar and restaurant come from local wine makers. Wine tasting sessions are available for €35 per person (times are flexible, but you need to book in advance).