If you’re a wine aficionado with five-star taste, The Yeatman is your place. The hotel stretches across the hillside of Vila Nova de Gaia, directly across the Douro River from Porto, meaning the views from all 83 rooms, plus the pools and common areas, are spectacular.
The Yeatman serves as an ambassador for Portuguese wines and works in partnership with 78 wine producers. These partners were given free reign to decorate the hotel rooms with artwork, furniture, books and of course, wine, to give each room a personalised touch. The rooms all fit in with the hotel’s classic contemporary design, however, to create a classy yet understated look.
The wine theme carries strong throughout the hotel, with a two-level spa that offers Vinothérapie treatments and a cellar that houses the largest collection of Portuguese wines in the world.
These wines are paired with first-rate food in the Yeatman’s two Michelin star restaurant headed up by chef Ricardo Costa. Here you can work your way through a degustation menu while admiring the twinkling lights of Porto on the river, then make your way to Dick’s Bar for a nightcap. The classy bar is named after Dick Yeatman who was an important figure in Portugal’s port wine trade and serves a range of spirits, still wines, cocktails and port, including an 1863 tawny (try not to spill that one).
In comparison to Porto’s tightly packed buildings, The Yeatman provides the luxury of space and has many places to linger. This includes the aforementioned bar, an indoor and outdoor pool, and private terraces extending off each room. And everywhere you go there’s a view – don’t forget the view.
The Yeatman also serves as an events hub with regular wine dinners, wine-themed Christmas festivities and sunset parties in summer.