Quinta da Salada, Peso da Régua (Douro Valley)

• You'll stay on a small, family-run wine estate, with an elevated setting that affords panoramic views over the Douro Valley's vineyards.
• The renovated caretaker's house now houses six contemporary guest rooms, all with glass doors that open out onto a cobblestone terrace and pool area.
• A home-cooked breakfast is included in the rate and served in the 18th-century main house's traditional Douro-style kitchen.
• Guests can arrange for tastings, tours, or picnics on the surrounding wine estate.

• The open-plan bathrooms lack privacy and may be an issue for some travelers.
• You'll stay in a rural, secluded setting, and will need a car to taxi to reach nearby towns and restaurants.
• The reception area isn't open around the clock, so you'll need to plan ahead if you're arriving after hours.

Authenticity

Quinta da Salada has been in the same family for generations, but it's the most recent owners who decided to convert the wine estate's historic caretaker's cottage into a guesthouse-style stay. The classic tile-roofed building now houses six contemporary guest rooms, beautifully designed to maximize the sun-soaked hillside setting and Douro Valley views. Next door, the owners still reside in the 18th-century main house, and a tiny chapel serves as a picture-perfect example of Joanine-style architecture. More history is preserved on the nearby patio, where guests can sip house wines under a 200-year-old cypress.

Location

The 20-acre (8 ha) wine estate sits near the center of the UNESCO-listed Douro Demarcated Region, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and citrus groves. Historic Lamego is a 15-minute drive south, while the riverside town of Peso da Régua lies 10 minutes to the north. The nearest international airport is Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro, a 1.5-hour drive west. It's a rural area, surrounded by family-run wineries and rolling vineyards, so you'll want a car (or will need to arrange taxis) to explore comfortably.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The converted caretaker's house is split into six air-conditioned rooms, all decorated in an airy, contemporary style with blonde woods, pendant lamps, woven baskets, and hand-carved furniture (the cork accent pieces and potted olive trees add a nice regional touch). Each room features glass doors that open out onto the cobbled courtyard and pool area, and all are situated to maximize the Douro Valley views. Standard units are quite compact; it's worth upgrading to a Superior for a little more space to spread out. Bathrooms are sleek and stylish, but the open-plan design offers little privacy, with half-wall partitions separating the glass-walled, rain-style showers. 

Amenities

Guests have a small outdoor pool to themselves, surrounded by loungers, umbrellas, and panoramic valley vistas. The included breakfast is served in the main houses' rustic Douro kitchen, complete with a wood-fired oven, stone walls, and a large family-style dining table. Expect an appealing buffet of continental options like local breads, meats, and fresh fruit, plus cooked-to-order eggs and omelettes. Nearby, you'll find an inviting lounge with an honesty fridge for chilled house wines, a cozy wine bar with a fireplace, the estate's barrel cellar, and several idyllic outdoor spaces to sit and enjoy a glass of wine. 

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome here, though the lack of family rooms and secluded setting means it's more frequented by couples and single travelers. The largest Superior units can add an extra bed for children under 17 for an additional cost, but there are no options for adjoining rooms.