British wine traders have been enjoying the fruits of their labour in Oporto for more than 300 years, yet this charming city on the banks of the river Douro has remained relatively unexplored (by UK tourists at least). Now the home of our favourite festive tipple has a brand new luxury hotel to encourage wine tourism in Oporto, and provide an independent five-star alternative to the mass-market chains.
The Yeatman (named after renowned Port producer and personality Dick Yeatman) occupies a monstrous slab of land in quiet Vila Nova de Gaia, a hop across the bridge from Porto proper. The positioning is sublime and the panoramic view of the river and city beyond is one of a kind. Naturally, the port wine industry is the chosen theme here, from the cute wine glasses embedded in the hotel's branding, to the dressing and décor of the suites.
Vast and comprehensive, the hotel has been built to tick all the boxes of a classic luxury hotel, and on a tour of the property I begin to understand the scale of this project — it's massive. Wine tourism is the next big thing apparently, and with this in mind, The Yeatman is ideally situated and right on trend.
Every room enjoys sensational views, and the suites are huge with delicious squishy beds and equally generous bathrooms. Shutters separate the bath from the bedroom, a groovy touch that mean you can open them up to check that view if separation anxiety gets proves too much. Oh, and mind the showers. They blast a very decent jet but poor design means they flood the bathroom in the process. It's a shame that the general look and feel of the place is so confused. The interior style scheme is ill conceived and generally it just doesn't feel, well, stylish.
Breakfast on your private balcony however, is a treat. Just the ticket for soaking up any memories of over indulgence, although a hot option might have been nice. Food is clearly high on the agenda here and with an award-winning young chef at the helm, and an inventive menu oozing with gastro polish, it's clear that The Yeatman means business in the kitchen. And very good it is too in its complicated way, but it would be nice to see some more rustic options available.
Teetotallers needn't feel left out of this boozy experience as The Yeatman is also set to open a Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa in 2011 that will offer treatments such as "barrel bath immersions" and plenty of other grapey delights, after all red wine is full of anti-oxidants. Cheers!
The Yeatman, Rua do Choupelo, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto - Portugal, (+351 22 013 3100; the-yeatman-hotel.com). Room rates from £153 per room, per night including breakfast and VAT.
