Ninimalism. Not a mistranslation but a deliberate play on words by the hosts of Vila Foz. A 16th century palace with phenomenal views of the Atlantic Ocean and a place where you get oysters and champagne for breakfast. But that aside. Ninimalism, then. They use that word for Portuguese designer Nini Andrade Silva's style that is palpable throughout. The ornate mansion was carefully restored while the interior became dazzlingly contemporary. A beautiful marriage between history and the present.
Caractère guests receive a welcome drink upon arrival.
The hotel is open all year round.
68 rooms.
Earliest check-in from 2 pm. Check-out can be until 12 pm.
Price from 383 euros.
Vila Foz has an internationally recognised sustainability certification.
All rooms are spacious and modern. The rooms have TV, WiFi, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, walk-in shower, safe, minibar, bottled water, bathrobes and slippers, toiletries by Maison Codage Paris.
Rooms in the main villa have a traditional Portuguese country house style, with wooden floors and special ceilings. The new rooms have wavy bed headboards and elements finished in onyx.
The hotel's spa has a beautiful indoor pool and loungers where you can relax.
Unwind in the hotel's spa, with sauna, steam room, hammam and gym. Opt for a beneficial massage or detoxifying treatment.
All ages are welcome. Children under 16 cannot use the spa. Children under 10 must dine in the Flor de Lis restaurant instead of the more formal Vila Foz restaurant. Babysitting service can be arranged at an extra charge.
If cooking is your thing, opt for the two kitchen seating areas where chef Arnaldo Azevedo talks you through each dish while you look into the open kitchen. He will tell you all the stories of the dishes and flavours you taste. If you don't mind getting up early, you can join him at the fish market to choose the fish he will prepare just for you later that day.
There are two restaurants within the palatial walls of the hotel. The Vila Foz restaurant, in the former ballroom, is dedicated to fine dining under the excellent eye of chef Arnaldo Azevedo. Its Michelin-starred dishes include sea bass with veal sweetbread or lobster with salsify. The Flor de Lis restaurant offers all-day dining in a slightly cosier and child-friendly setting. Specialties include grilled market fish of the day, octopus with olive oil, garlic and oregano and mussels bulhão pato. Bar Vila Foz is the place to go for a refreshing drink. The Porto Tónico might be the best in town - a dry white port with tonic, strawberries, lime and mint.
Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is just steps from the Atlantic Ocean and a 15-minute drive from downtown Porto.
Porto airport is at 15 km.
A transfer to and from the airport can be arranged through the hotel.
If you like to explore the area, you don't really need a car as you can rent bikes at the hotel or get a free transfer to Porto city centre. If you are by car, there is a private parking with 2 charging stations available for 25 euros a day.
The nearby beach is highly recommended. The waves are great for windsurfers and the beach bars are packed with locals. Once your feet are covered in sand and you've had your dose of vitamin D, there are plenty of other things to do in the area. You can rent bikes at the hotel, ideal for exploring the shady boulevards of Foz or bike to nearby Matosinhos, famous for its long white-sand beaches and streets full of seafood restaurants. Across the Douro is Afurada, a charming fishing village full of colorful houses where you can go by boat. The smell of fresh fish is always in the air there, and the picturesque restaurants serve it day and night. The hotel has a free transfer to downtown Porto, so you can easily visit the Wine Museum, Casa de Música, Porto Cathedral and Ribeira Square.
The best of both worlds? That is what you'll experience with Vila Foz. In just a few steps you are on the beach and enjoying the sunshine. Prefer to soak up some culture? The free transfer from the hotel will take you to the centre of Porto in 15 minutes.
