The mission To escape the dull days for the beauty of Portugal's famous wine-growing Douro Valley, and to revitalise myself with its ports, wines and treatments.

Ambience The first serious spa in the area, Aquapura is a stately terracotta-coloured 19th-century 50-room manor house on the banks of the “Golden River”.

At its beating heart is a 2,200 sq m spa housed in a glass extension. The Asian-themed interior mixes candles with natural light and wood finishes.

Quality of experience An impressive range of treatments and facilities including a technogym, vast indoor-heated pool, thermal spa with a thermal suite, herbal sauna, tropical rain shower with essential oils and water beds to relax on pre- or post-treatment. Five of the ten treatment rooms overlook the Douro (one just for couples).

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Background

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Monika, my therapist, gave me a superb Ytsara hot poultice full-body massage and then brought me slowly back to life with a reviving cup of angel grass tea.

Products Ytsara from Thailand, inspired by an Asian blend of healing and therapeutic remedies, and Karin Herzog, whose slogan is “The difference is oxygen”. Specially created for Aquapura is the Karin Herzog Dour02, which uses local grapes and blends antioxidants with oxygen for a real anti-ageing tonic.

Food Portuguese regional specialities reinvented by Aquapura's French maestro include oven-baked sea bass, sweet potato purée and Tahitian vanilla bean emulsion and cocoa grains. Earthier meat dishes draw on local olive oils and ports for their sauces.

In-crowd Spa junkies and wine buffs from Oporto and wealthy Lisbonites.

Wallet watch Double rooms from €240 (about £190). Spa treatments start from €45.

Need to know For details, visit www.aquapurahotels.com

Spa rating £££££

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