The Yeatman – A Luxurious Wine Hotel in Porto
Monica Tindall
Perched gracefully on a hillside overlooking the meandering Douro River and the historic city of Porto lies The Yeatman, a luxurious wine hotel that has won numerous awards for its wine list, restaurant, spa and accommodation. The hotel effortlessly blends Portuguese hospitality with British refinement, attracting discerning travellers seeking a unique and immersive experience of northern Portugal in the heart of Porto.
From the moment guests step into The Yeatman, they are greeted with sweeping panoramas stretching across the city and the river, providing an enchanting backdrop throughout their stay. Modelled after the wine terraces in the Douro, the hotel steps down the hillside and all lines lead to that magnificent view. Even the pool ingeniously incorporates circular ship-like holes in the sides, allowing patrons to gaze from underwater. The vantage point is a constant reminder of Porto’s rich history and deep-rooted connection to the wine culture.
The hotel’s wine list is one of the most extensive and award-winning in the world, with over 30 000 bottles in the cellar rotated three times a year! The restaurant, led by renowned Executive Chef Ricardo Costa, has been awarded two MICHELIN Stars several years running for its innovative cuisine that celebrates the flavours of Portugal. And the spa, which offers a variety of vinotherapy treatments, has been named the best spa in Portugal.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or simply looking for a luxurious and unforgettable experience, The Yeatman makes for a memorable stay.
Food & Beverage
The food and beverage experience at the hotel is nothing short of exceptional. Led by renowned Executive Chef Ricardo Costa, The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant, with two MICHELIN Stars, fuses traditional Portuguese flavours and contemporary culinary finesse. Chef Ricardo is responsible for the menus across the hotel, from breakfast to the casual The Orangerie to Dick’s Bar & Bistro and specially curated events.
The Yeatman offers a fabulous and varied breakfast with fresh local delicacies and international favourites. You can customise your breakfast to your preferences or intolerances. There are a variety of options to choose from, including bacon and eggs, omelettes, smoked salmon and caviar, grilled tofu, pancakes, cakes, pastries, cereals, fruit salads, yogurts, cheeses, cured meats and sausages, nuts, dried fruits, teas, coffees, hot chocolate, and freshly squeezed fruit juices. You can even toast the day with a drop of Portuguese bubbly.
One of the most coveted spots at The Yeatman is Dick’s Bar & Bistro, a sophisticated terrace that wraps around the ninth floor of the building. Here, guests are treated to a feast for the eyes as they indulge in the thoughtful wine and cocktail menu with lighter dishes such as sandwiches and salads. We toast the views with a flute of Bairrada’s 2020 Campolargo Brut Rosé Pinot Noir, with a fine mousse and distinctive hue.
We recommend the Yeatman Salad, Sweet Potato, and Suckling Pig Sandwich. The salad mixes romaine lettuce, walnuts, apple cubes, croutons, and Parmesan cheese with strips of crunchy chicken on the side. The sweet potato dish is a winner for a meat-free option, featuring sweet potato rounds, fresh mozzarella, cooked spinach, pine nuts, semi-dried tomato strips, and a subtle pesto dressing. Lastly, Chef Ricardo’s famous suckling pig sandwich on thin slices of ciabatta with orange and mixed greens is a highly recommended for a satisfying midday meal. The homemade crisps are a nice touch.
Things are kept exciting at The Yeatman with weekly wine-paired dinners where Chef Ricardo and the hotel’s Wine Director, Elisabete Fernandes, collaborate with a local winemaker to create a unique line-up celebrating regional specialities. Read more about those here. However, The Yeatman’s commitment to celebrating wine extends far beyond its restaurants. The hotel boasts an extensive collection of Portuguese and international wines, making it a revered destination for oenophiles.
The Yeatman’s impressive catalogue of Portuguese wines results from partnerships with the country’s finest producers, who actively engage in tastings, seminars, and wine dinners at the hotel. Each wine partner (over 100 of them) is attributed to one room of the hotel to add a subtle splash of decor and opportunities to showcase its range during events, including Sunset Wine Parties and the Christmas Wine Experience, where guests can try over 200 wines. The Yeatman Wine Cellar and Shop offer over 1300 labels, including collectors’ items, wine accessories, and various Portuguese products. Guests can seek expert guidance to explore Portugal’s diverse wine regions from a knowledgeable staff team. Dick’s Bar offers a unique wine flight tasting, and The Yeatman’s Wine Book (a beautiful coffee-table piece – the hotel’s complete wine list) presents an extensive anthology of Portuguese wines.
Wine Spa & Facilities
The wine theme extends to The Yeatman Wine Spa with exclusive products and therapies. It’s the ultimate haven for relaxation and rejuvenation with an indulgent menu inspired by the beneficial properties of grapes and vines. From vinotherapy treatments, such as grape seed scrubs and wine baths, to traditional as well as innovative massages and facials, the spa soothes the body and soul. I experienced an excellent massage here. The products are premium quality, and my therapist Tanya knew her stuff!
Furthermore, the well-being area complements the treatment spaces, featuring a Roman bath, a hammam, a sauna, and more. The relaxation room, with its incredible views over Porto and the river, provides a serene setting to unwind in the tranquil surroundings after a treatment. Whether you’re a hotel guest or not, you can indulge in the multiple Spa offerings, treatments and programmes through various options, including the Spa Day Use program for external guests. Use of the Well-being area of the Spa is included for all Hotel guests.
The Yeatman also houses indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a gymnasium to complement guest facilities. Both the panoramic infinity pools offer stunning views over Porto. The indoor pool is freshwater and kept at around 30ºC, making it accessible year-round. The fitness room is well-stocked with cardio, strength and stretch equipment, but you can also choose to work out in privacy by requesting a selection of weights, mats or a bike be sent to your room.
The Yeatman Rooms
As guests retire to their rooms, they are enveloped in a world of comfort and luxury. Each room at The Yeatman is thoughtfully designed to maximize the breathtaking views of the old city and the Douro River. There are no bad views in this hotel. All rooms from the Executive Room to the Presidential Suite, offer stunning vistas. Our room featured an incredible terrace accessed by floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors.
Each room is individually decorated with subtle touches that reference the work of a well-known Portuguese wine producer, giving a true sense of place and integrating the wine theme seamlessly into the design. All rooms have high-end amenities, including decent hairdryers, high-quality bath products (real conditioner – if you have long hair, you know what I mean), powerful hot water showers, espresso machines and dreamy hand-crafted beds with Egyptian cotton sheets. Impeccable amenities and plush furnishings create a cocoon of relaxation, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Commitment to Sustainability
The Yeatman’s commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices further enhances its appeal. The hotel’s sprawling gardens, spanning over three and a half acres, serve as a haven for migratory birds and a sanctuary for a diverse range of plants and trees. The Yeatman’s green initiatives demonstrate a harmonious coexistence with the environment by embracing renewable energy sources, rain harvesting, and waste reduction.
Beyond the Hotel
Beyond the confines of the hotel, The Yeatman encourages guests to explore Porto’s cultural treasures and support local communities. The hotel’s location in a historic area of Porto, provides easy access to landmarks like the Ribeira district and the famous Port wine cellars. Guests can partake in wine tours, boat trips, and cultural excursions, gaining a deeper understanding of Porto’s vibrant heritage. Then there’s WOW: The Cultural District, right on the hotel’s doorstep! Read more about this magnificent attraction here.
The Yeatman Review
The Yeatman is an exceptional wine hotel in Porto that seamlessly blends Portuguese traditions, British elegance, and a celebration of wine culture. From its spectacular views to its delectable gastronomy, luxurious accommodations, and commitment to sustainability, The Yeatman promises an unforgettable journey that captures the true essence of Porto’s charm and allure.
Reasons to stay at The Yeatman: incredible views; best hotel wine collection in the world; exceptional hospitality; two-Michelin-starred restaurant; wonderfully comfortable rooms; an excellent spa and facilities.
The Yeatman
Rua do Choupelo, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
+351 22 013 3100
www.the-yeatman-hotel.com
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