Hotel Report: Vila Foz Hotel & Spa in Porto, Portugal

From the moment you arrive, the next-level hospitality that adds to Vila Foz’s five-star experience is apparent. Your bags are taken care of and after getting checked in, you are given a tour of the property highlighting the bar, spa and two on-site restaurants, one of which features a Michelin star. The hotel even has the option to use their on-site bikes to pedal down the boardwalk at your leisure. With a total of 68 rooms, you can anticipate a thoughtful and intentional experience.

Of all of the amenities, the spa is definitely a stand-out. Included with your stay, guests have access to the sauna, heated indoor pool and Turkish bath at no additional cost. The spa differs from other hotels in that there are both indoor and outdoor lounge areas, providing natural light and the option for fresh air, which seems hard to come by. Additional spa treatments — such as facials, massages and couples' treatments — are bookable from 9 am to 8 pm. The gym can also be found in this part of the hotel.

The hotel itself is split into two buildings: the Manor House and the Onice. The Manor House is a 19th-century mansion that was restored and preserved to showcase the historic characteristics of the building, but with a curated and stunning interior design that modernizes your stay. The Manor House holds only seven guest rooms, making for a special experience. You will also find 24/7 reception, the bar and Vila Foz Restaurant — which was awarded a Michelin star in 2022 — in the Manor House.

When walking from the Manor House to the Onice via the underground walkway, the smell of the spa will guide you to where you need (and want) to be. You will also pass the second restaurant on site, Flor de Lis Restaurant. Here is where you will enjoy your complementary daily breakfast that comes with your Fora booking. I had the opportunity to dine here myself, and all I’ll say is they had champagne out with breakfast — they know what they’re doing.

Once in the Onice building, it’s clear that the intentional design of Vila Foz effortlessly carries through. The remaining 61 rooms are found in this building, ranging from Terrace View to Garden View to Ocean View. We had the pleasure of staying in an Ocean View room, equipped with a queen bed, rainfall shower head and private balcony. Of course, the highlight for me was the robe waiting for me in the closet. I just really appreciate a cozy hotel robe.

Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is a Fora Reserve partner, which means guests booked through Fora will be pleased to find a bottle of port wine waiting for them in their room — one of the many perks that come with your stay. My husband and I ended our day by sitting on our balcony, watching the sunset over the ocean while sipping our port and nibbling on the chocolate that was given to us at turndown. A true treat!

If you are traveling to Porto and want to experience both the city center and the beach, Vila Foz’s location is the perfect blend. Not only are ride-share apps, such as Uber or Bolt, incredibly accessible and affordable in Porto, but public transportation is also nearby. Getting to the city center takes no time at all, so, yes, it is realistic and possible to wake up and enjoy coffee on the beach, then spend the afternoon at a port wine tasting or at Livraria Lello. You can indeed have your cake and eat it, too.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Porto page.