Quinta da Vacaria Torel Douro Valley

In the heart of the wine region, in the heart of the Douro Valley, the Torel Quinta da Vacaria Douro Valley and, with it, a new destination of luxury and sophistication with panoramic views of the Douro River and vineyards. Part of Quinta da Vacaria, one of the oldest wine estates in the region, Torel Quinta da Vacaria is sophisticated and surprising, with Interior Architecture, Interior Design, Decoration and Art Curation by Studio Astolfi.

Torel Quinta da Vacaria is a 5-star boutique hotel with 33 rooms and suites, two restaurants — 16 Legoas (gastrobar restaurant) and Schistó (fine dining restaurant), spa, reception and lobby, lounge bar and outdoor area with swimming pool and pool bar. The style is sophisticated and contemporary, set in a highly prestigious wine-growing region, with an extensive hotel and winery area.

This is a project to rebuild and requalify a secular building (1616) that is an integral part of a winery, as well as a construction on site, with architectural design by Luís Miguel Oliveira, maintaining the original design of some elements (for example, the chapel) in harmony with a contemporary and sophisticated line.

The concept of Torel Quinta da Vacaria is inspired by the “Way of Silence”, which is characterized by sober and natural materials, such as wood, stone, terracotta, tile, fabric and other organic textures that reflect the simplicity and honesty of the Douro region. Considering silence as a true luxury, Studio Astolfi wanted to respect the truth of the materials, always giving them a playful side with a touch of sophistication. The basic philosophy expands both in the 33 rooms and suites divided into 12 types — each with a characteristic name of a state of mind or the countless attributes of the region in which the hotel is located — and in the common areas, with a color palette and finishing details that personify this journey to the heart of the Douro.

BARBUS BAR_ Fireplace in terracotta and lacquered sheet metal. Arched recesses with wall-mounted lighting. Sofas and armchairs for resting. On the opposite side, shelves with integrated objects and windows overlooking the Douro. The counter is made of alpine stone and the structure is painted in a deep burgundy.

RESTAURANT 16 LEGOAS_ Integrated benches with upholstery. Several wooden niches. Tables with stone tops and solid wood legs. Integrated technical lighting, ceiling and table lamps. Back wall in coffered concrete, contrasting with the other more sober elements.

SCHISTÓ RESTAURANT_ Very intimate space with 14 seats. The kitchen is the central stage, visible to customers. The predominant color is green. Rhombus stereotomy flooring with Guatemala stone. The velvet curtain gives the space a very theatrical feel, combined with the integrated spotlights. Tables with stone tops and solid wood legs.

SPA_ At the entrance, a foyer/reception and hairdressing area. The spa itself includes an indoor pool, sauna, hammam and whirlpool. Then, changing room area and gym. There are also massage rooms (individual and double), consultation rooms, a lounge for relaxation, a wine therapy room and a laboratory. This space is presented in neutral tones, cream, natural materials. The color comes essentially from the stone and terrazzo coverings. There are some details in which green tones appear, which convey calm and tranquility. The indoor pool has paneling made with a metric by Studio Astolfi in Verde Viana with a honed finish. The floor is made of the same stone, but with a bush-hammered finish, meaning that when guests get out of the pool and wet the floor, the stone is visible in all its fullness. It's a visual trick in which the stone transforms as it is inhabited.