Octant Douro is one of those hotels that’s a destination in and of itself. The Portuguese property is close to everything that Porto and the Douro Valley have to offer, but it’s also situated on its own little slice of nature, infusing a stay here with a sense of privacy and tranquility. (…)

Octant Douro is one of the most architecturally stunning hotels I’ve ever seen. The property is built into a cliff alongside the Douro River, in a way that blends in with its natural surroundings. As you’re walking around the grounds, lush landscaping, clandestine stone passageways and a constant view of the river deliver a sense of calm and peace. Add in Octant’s impeccable service and you get the best kind of nature retreat (the luxurious kind that includes no roughing it, thank you very much).