Located above the new Cultural District created from the ancient Port wine lodges, and on the south side of the River Douro, the luxurious 5-star Yeatman descends the hill in terraces.

Each of its bedrooms offers unmatched views of the river and of the UNESCO World Heritage city. It’s the perfect place to explore the area and all its modern museums including the remarkable WOW (World of Wine).

Who for?

Those who look for spacious rooms and a hotel with its own high end restaurants, including a 2 Star Michelin, along with a romantic bar, superb sauna facilities, a wine shop and an outdoor pool with fabulous views of Porto and the elegant 19th century Dom Luís I Bridge. It’s called a ‘luxury wine hotel’ because for wine and food lovers it’s a vineous paradise with a unique Wine Spa, as well as a wine cellar containing one of the largest collections of Portuguese wines anywhere. It also has, of course, a remarkable range of Ports to slowly sample whilst enjoying the view late into the evening.

Accommodation

There are 109 wine-themed rooms in all and a variety of suites, ranging from the merely fabulous to those fit for a King, or indeed a President. We had one of the Superior Deluxe Panoramic Rooms which all have a large furnished private terrace to sunbathe on. White louvre shutters let us enjoy the view from the marbled bathroom with its deep tub and Natura Bissé toiletries.

The king-size, or twin beds, all have satin effect 100% cotton sheets. All rooms are individually and uniquely styled and have plenty of interesting wine memorabilia, as well as the usual WiFi, tea, Nespresso coffee and large TV.

Facilities

The Yeatman Wine Spa has great views out over Porto with treatments centred around wine therapy, health and well-being. There’s also a fully equipped gym for those feeling understandably guilty after a night of classy food, fine wine and probably a few Ports. There is a heated indoor pool plus an outdoor pool shaped like a wine decanter that looks out over the river.

Food and Drink

The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant

The Yeatman’s gastronomic tasting menu restaurant has two Michelin stars, but we ate in the rather lovely Orangerie restaurant, which is slightly more relaxed in style (children welcome) and with a large terrace.

Butter came cleverly shrouded in gel so that it resembled black olives, and then King Prawns in brandy gave way to a local fish dish, followed by a superb bowl of rice with pheasant, wild mushrooms and hint of truffle,  with dinner ending with very colourful creme brulee. Portuguese wines were delicious and yes, we had port, of course. Dick’s Bar & Bistro, named after port producer Dick Yeatman, is like a private club with its vintage Ports by the bottle or glass, and it also serves snacks and light dishes. Breakfast is a vast choice, with the made to order omelettes being particularly good.

What’s nearby

WOW, World Of Wine is literally on the hotel doorstep. Recently created from the redundant Port warehouses, the vast space that cost €105 million to build, is home to modern museums, twelve different restaurants and bars, shops, a wine school and a gallery for temporary exhibitions.

Wine lovers will obviously find plenty to enjoy, and we also enjoyed The Chocolate Experience by 20|20 with its live factory, tutored tastings and where the history of cocoa, its origins and its cultural significance were all engagingly explained. Cross over the Dom Luís I Bridge and head into Porto proper; it’s a city that’s unspoiled by tourism and full of charm. Or take a day trip to the beautiful Douro valley to see the vines in action. The hotel can arrange everything for you.

Verdict: You don’t have to be a wine lover to enjoy the wow factor at The Yeatman but it certainly helps. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, the views incredible and it’s perfect for exploring WOW and Porto before heading out to the Douro valley.

How much:

The The Yeatman Hotel lead-in price for an Executive Room would be €335, £290.50

Rua do Choupelo, (Santa Marinha) 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto

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Also read:

• A whirlwind guide to Porto
• Discover the cool beach town of Cascais, Portugal

The post The Yeatman Hotel, Porto, Portugal appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

Set on a mountain ridge in the south of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Dominica, Coulibri Ridge is a stunning, intimate, off-grid eco-resort surrounded by sulphur springs on one side and the ocean on the other. 

The brainchild of Canadian Daniel Langlois, it is groundbreaking in design and operates using only solar and wind power, utilising the island’s natural assets while retaining luxury and elegance.  And with are 200 acres of lush wilderness, mature tropical gardens and fields, an orchard, a farm and 18th century estate ruins to explore, it is one of the region’s most attractive and eco-conscious resorts.

The resort generates all of its electrical needs through solar and other sustainable energy technologies on-site.

Interiors are neutral, and materials used for floors, ceilings, doors, and furniture are from renewable sources or are fully recyclable.  The breath-taking resort has 14 suites consisting of 1000 square foot sky penthouses with rainwater plunge pools, 950 square foot Morne Fou lofts and 650 square foot sea view studios. There are two swimming pools which use copper ion technology for purification and two excellent restaurants. 

Who For

Offering fabulous accommodation and first-class dining, Coulibri Ridge is ideal for those eco-conscious travellers in search of luxury that does not impact the environment. Coulibri Ridge is close to all the natural wonders Dominica has to offer and is well-suited for adventure seekers, birdwatchers, hikers and scuba divers. Children are welcome, with adjoining rooms available. Steep steps throughout the resort mean it is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

With privacy and intimate romantic spots, honeymooners and couples will love the atmosphere and seclusion at Coulibri.

Accommodation

Coulibri Ridge 14 spacious air-conditioned studios and duplex suites, ranging in size from 930 square feet (86 m2) to 1,550 square feet (144 m2).

All units have large terraces with exceptional sea views of Martinique to the south and are equipped with custom kitchens and furnishings.  Seven duplex suites also have an additional north-facing terrace offering views of the Sulphur Spring Valley, and of those, four suites have an outdoor shower garden, and three have a private pool.

I stayed in a breathtaking duplex Sky Penthouse with 1,000 sqft of interior living space and two terraces: one terrace overlooking the sea, Martinique and Morne Fou and one overlooking the Sulphur Spring valley.

It was located on the upper floors of the villa buildings. The pool, floating above the ridge, offers stunning views of the Sulphur Springs valley as I stepped through the terrace door.

 The lower floor of the duplex has a full kitchen with an island and sitting stools, a dining table with four chairs, a powder room, as well as a high-ceilinged living room area with a sofa and ottoman. The television (equipped with an Amazon Firestick) can be angled so it can be seen throughout the living areas.

There is also a south sea view terrace with a sofa and table. On the top floor with its endless sea views, is the bedroom with a comfortable California King bed, a bathroom with a shower and two sinks, as well as the work area overlooking the valley. There is air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, minibar offerings, a laptop-sized safe, organic toiletries and bathrobes.

Food and Drink

Breakfast and lunch are served in the bright, informal Mesa restaurant with lots of fresh tropical fruits and the option to try local Caribbean specialities. Later, you can enjoy a cocktail and gourmet dining beneath the stars at  rooftop Riva overlooking an infinity pool.  Chef Damien Mason creates original dishes using produce grown on-site or from local suppliers and farms.

Coulibri Ridge grows a wide variety of organic produce on-site, including bananas, mangoes, avocados and cacao and a variety of vegetables with an emphasis on farm-to-table dining to highlight Dominica’s variety and support the resort’s sustainable, off-grid operations.  Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for.

Facilities

An outdoor yoga pavilion and spa provide airy tropical spaces where guests can engage with nature in a serene setting. Treatments at the spa include massages, scrubs, and facials, and feature locally made products using island ingredients.  There is also a fully equipped gym.

The resort offers serenity and rejuvenation packages which include 3 or 5 days of yoga, meditation out outdoor activities and tailored spa treatments. A lush revival package also includes a culinary experience with a cookery class.

Fitness packages include exercise classes, kayaking and hiking to the breathtaking Middleham Falls and massages for muscle relaxation and recovery.

Walking around the property is an adventure in itself. Steep stone steps, which were hand-carved by local workmen using traditional methods, connect the six main buildings.  Rainwater, collected through the unique roof design, undergoes a purification process and is used throughout the resort.

How much

Seaview Studio – US $755.00

Morne Fou Loft – US $950.00

Sky Penthouse with Exterior Shower – US $1,100.00

Sky Penthouse with Private Pool – US $1,200.00

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What’s nearby

Go whale watching at Scott’s Head – Dominica is the only country in the world where sperm whales live all year round. Hire e-bikes from the resort to explore the local rainforest. Plunge into thermal waters at Wooton Waven hot springs. Hikers can access trails in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, waterfalls (like Middleham Falls), and the Waitukubuli Trail, the longest hiking route in the Caribbean. With 14 segments, it gives an up-close experience of Dominica’s incredible biodiversity.

Water sports, including kayaking, diving, and fishing, are on offer in Soufriere Bay, where you can also visit lovely Champagne Beach. Explore the village of Soufriere and nearby Roseau for culture and a glimpse of local life. Try canyoning, abseiling or waterfall rappelling in the beautiful waterfalls, rivers and lakes

Verdict: If you are an eco-conscious traveller looking for sustainable luxury in a beautiful Caribbean setting, Coulibri Ridge should be on your list. It is stunning, contemporary and stylish while offering a completely off-grid experience. Staff are welcoming and helpful, and several exciting adventures and outings can be arranged. Alternatively, the resort is so peaceful and calming that you may just want to sit and enjoy the natural beauty of the island, known as the Caribbean’s nature island.

The post Coulibri Ridge Hotel review, Soufriere, Dominica appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

The Hex Hotel in South Yorkshire, close to Doncaster is one of three accommodation options at the  Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Glamping and camping are the other two. It has opened up the catchment area for the park to visitors from all over the UK and abroad due to its proximity to the Doncaster Sheffield airport with Doncaster Railway station just a bus ride away. The rooms that overlook the park, especially those with balconies have views across the diverse landscape of the wildlife park which stretches as far as the eye can see. Imagine waking up in the morning to the sound of sea lions impatient for their first meal of the day.

Sea Lion at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Who for

The Hex Hotel is perfect for families looking for that special trip. It is also ideal for small group celebrations, lovers of wild animals, wildlife photographers and conservationists (an important aspect of the wildlife park).  Both the hotel and the park are fully accessible for guests with reduced mobility.

Accommodation

The 104 rooms here vary from twin or King standard rooms to luxurious suites. There are specially adapted rooms for those with reduced mobility. Families with small will enjoy the family rooms with a luxurious king bed for the parents and bunk beds for their offspring. The interconnecting rooms work well for families with teenage children or small groups of friends. Some of the family rooms have balconies overlooking the park. The luxurious suites include both a shower and a bath as well as a lounge area and the option of a balcony. There are so many possible combinations all needs can be catered for from the single visitor to a bevy of wedding guests. 

Family Room at the Hex Hotel in South Yorkshire

Food & Drink

Hex Hotel itself does not have any venues for food and drink but there are communal kitchens available to prepare food. Food and craft beverages can be purchased from the Badger Pantry a short distance from the hotel. The Wilds Bistro is immediately next door to the hotel and it is open throughout the day offering a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Traditional afternoon teas are served here but must be booked in advance. Wilds Bistro also operates as a bar. A short distance from the hotel in the Yorkshire Hive retail park the Cornerstone Coffee is a speciality coffee shop open for breakfast and light lunches. It serves freshly made artisan sandwiches, seasonal salads and home-made cakes and pastries. Cornerstone Gelato and Coffee Bar is an ice cream parlour and dessert bar – perfect for a special treat. Children will love the Uproar Bites available in the Uproar Play Area and the whole family will relish the unique immersive, themed dining experience in the Evolution Experience Restaurant. There are also several cafés and snack bars inside the Yorkshire Wildlife Park including the popular Masai Coffee Shop.

Wilds Bistro in the Yorkshire Hive, South Yorkshire

Facilities

Free on-site parking is available for hotel guests. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. And kitchens are available for self-catering. The Yorkshire Hive Retail Park, next door, offers a wide range of shops including the Safari Store offering a wide variety of animal-themed merchandise from beautiful paintings to cuddly toys. The Apothecary 87 Concept Store & Hair Studio is a men’s grooming and barbers. Other stores include a bridal shop, baby and toddler wear, a craft and creative shop, a vintage shop, home interiors and giftware. There is even a Wool Den . Looking for something unusual? You will find it here. Adults can enjoy some retail therapy while the children have a romp in the Uproar Play Barn.

Safari Shop in the Yorkshire Hive, South Yorkshire

How much

Standard double or twin rooms with a courtyard view are available from £73 for one night. A number of packages are available, bed & breakfast, bed, breakfast and park entry tickets are just two of them

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What’s nearby

The entrance to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a very short walk from the hotel. Day tickets, annual memberships and animal experiences can be purchased on-line or from Guest Services near the entrance.  A visit to the park is an opportunity to see endangered species in their natural habitats. It is an opportunity to learn about the park’s considerable involvement in the conservation of these species. This award-winning park incorporates Project Polar the largest polar bear centre outside Canada. Wooden walkways and view-points mean the park is accessible to all.  Memorable animal experiences can be bought whereby visitors can enter the enclosures to learn more about their favourite animal. Pangea, the discovery of dinosaurs is included in the entrance fee – an immersive, pre-historic dinosaur it is a great favourite with visitors here.

Polar Bear at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park

The historic town of Doncaster is a short bus journey from the park  and definitely worth a visit. Its old Corn Exchange, Wool Market and open-air Market Square have been redeveloped featuring independent shops, a food hall, market stalls and international street food. The modern Damon Gallery encloses the façade of the old Girls Grammar School established in 1910. In front of this façade is Café 1910 and behind it is the Museum that tells the story of Doncaster. The gallery is also home to the public library, the Railway Heritage Centre, the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Regimental Museum and an Art Gallery. The magnificent, historic Doncaster Minster is not just a place to worship but also a venue for special events.

Doncaster Minster

VERDICT: The Hex Hotel offers comfy, versatile accommodation in close proximity to the acclaimed Yorkshire Wildlife Park – a great base for a very special short break.

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