Vidago Chaves, Portugal
Renovated
2010
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Wellness ResortOutside the door
Belle Époque thermal palace
The pink palace opened for royalty taking the thermal waters, and its grand lounges still keep that aristocratic rhythm.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 1910 Belle Époque palace commissioned for Portuguese royalty beside historic mineral springs.
Remarkable
Naturally carbonated mineral waters fill vitality pools inside a stark white marble bathhouse.
Remarkable
An eighteen-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, and walking trails across hundred-hectare parkland.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
the opulent interiors have been smartly adapted to suit modern tastes; the magnificent ballroom now houses the stylish Salão Nobre Dining Room…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Century-old magnolias and mineral spring kiosks fill the parkland, and the Roman thermal town of Chaves is just north.
The rooms
Rooms look out across the park with roll-top bathtubs and high ceilings. Suites add hand-painted botanical wallpaper.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor pool sits beneath the pink palace facade, and a heated thermal pool waits indoors.
The spa
Designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira in white marble, the spa uses naturally carbonated mineral water for hydrotherapy baths.
The gym
Cardio machines and free weights look out through tall glass onto the surrounding century-old parkland.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Jardim de Inverno
Breakfast is served beneath a stained-glass skylight and wrought-iron mezzanine, or outdoors on the park terrace.
Restaurant
Salão Nobre
Crystal chandeliers hang above white-clothed tables, where dinner draws on regional Trás-os-Montes and Douro ingredients.
How it began
King Carlos I commissioned the palace to harness local mineral waters, opening in October 1910 alongside the Portuguese Republic.
Good to know
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Vidago Palace Hotel
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.