Unique stays are the bread and butter of travel nowadays. Renovated hideaways, niche-themed getaways, and private accommodations are trending since they provide distinct experiences for world explorers. Not many luxury accommodation options can boast also having a rich cultural history. Some places offer a mix of modern elegance and antique charm. One such accommodation can be found in an underrated region of Portugal. The Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa in Portugal is a rare royal residence that offers a unique and luxurious experience for visitors.
The Royal Residence Turned Luxury Accommodation
Although this property is now a boutique hotel, it was once a royal residence. The property was once called the Casa das Fidalgas. It was built in the 17th century by Domingos de Sampaio do Amaral as a gift to his daughter for her wedding. This family ruled Portugal from 1640 to 1910. Up until 2019, the property was used as a residence by the family. Since then, a Porto-based design firm has restored the building and integrated elements of 21st-century luxury. The estate sits on almost 10 acres of vineyards and has eight acres of post-renaissance gardens.
What Can Visitors Expect
The Valverde Santar Hotel and Spa is located in Santar, Portugal. Santar is a charming village that has a unique historical ambiance. This royal residence is surrounded by lush gardens and is close to attractions in the wine region. Santar is in the Dão Wine Demarcated Region which is popular for its palaces, gardens, and winemaking traditions.
Vineyard landscapes dominate this hidden gem located between Lisbon and Porto. Visitors to Santar enjoy the proximity to the Serra do Caramulo mountain range and the most famous mountains in the area, Serra da Estrela. A stay at this hotel and spa in Santar amplifies the appeal of the region since it offers a luxury experience to visitors.
Features Of The Accommodation
The Valverde Santar Hotel and Spa has plenty of captivating features. This hotel’s rooms are spacious. At the accommodation, visitors may be able to pick up on the subtle decor that emulates regality. Guests have many different options to choose from for their stay at the royal residence. The hotel has classic and deluxe rooms as well as many suites with premium offerings. These types of rooms include the Junior Suite, D. Isabel Suite, Duque of Bragança Suite, and Duque of Viseu Suite. All of the rooms include 24/7 room service, which is a convenient feature. The suites have bigger, king-sized beds. Many of the suites have separate living rooms and feature antique decor.
While visiting, explore the spa, located in the estate’s old winery. With nature settings in every direction, its location gives it a tranquil ambiance. The Valverde Santar Spa has different spaces where guests can relax. There are four different treatment rooms, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a large heated indoor pool, a sensory shower, an ice fountain, and even a designated relaxation room. The spa at this hotel promotes holistic healing so guests of the accommodation can look forward to whole-body treatments. Guests have access to a gym and there are clinical pilates and yoga classes. The spa is so highly rated that people who do not stay at the hotel book their treatments at the wellness space.
How To Get There
The Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa is only about 11 miles from the regional Viseu Airport (VSE), which is located in Viseu Dão Lafões, Portugal. This airport is not international, so travelers will need to book a connecting flight to the area. Travelers should first fly to Porto Airport (OPO), one of the main international airports of Portugal. From there, it’s pretty affordable to book a flight to the Viseu Airport to get to the royal residence.
