A wine cellar in a former life, the soul of this beautiful property is still intrinsically tied to its heritage

Pop the cork

Making its mark as the first Autograph Collection hotel in Northern Portugal and thoroughly paying homage to local heritage, Forte de Gaia has the price point for premium luxe, but definitely feels a cut above. It has a soothing ambience as soon as you set foot inside, with cork-infused tones and plush furnishings. 

Housed in a former port wine cellar and named after the tipple’s fortification process, it was once the domain of Portugal’s oldest winemaker – Real Companhia Velha. Envisioned by acclaimed Portuguese interior designer Nini Andrade Silva, the hotel’s design draws inspiration from the vineyards and their terroir, with a palette of warm neutrals and shades of harvest season. Every decor accent connects back to wine – even the carpets, designed to look like a splosh of elegant wine stains. 

Luxe in the details

The 119-room hotel has a superb location, 11 minutes walk from Vila Nova de Gaia station and 15 minutes from the famous Dom Luís I Bridge – the convenient gateway into central Porto. The chic guestrooms sport sink-into beds and intuitive design, with little luxuries like L’Occitane sleep kits.   

Every area of the hotel feels thoughtfully devised for tranquillity and comfort. There’s a spacious pool area where you can kick back on the loungers with a native Porto Tónico aperitif, and an outdoor bar with the best views in the house. Kudos to the hotel staff, who are attentive in a relaxed, seamlessly professional way.

Stellar vistas

Drumroll… this is where Forte de Gaia excels itself in all areas. The river view rooms essentially offer a panorama of Porto – taking in the baroque Clérigos Tower, Porto Cathedral and colourful Ribeira district. It’s really soothing to watch the traditional, flat-bottomed rabelo boats gliding along the river. Renata, the hotel’s restaurant, offers up dishes with roots across worldwide Portuguese heritage – and if you’re looking for peak romance with a view, the venue’s outdoor terrace offers it in abundance. 

Rates at Forte de Gaia start from around £150 per night