01 Apr 2014
THE POWER OF H20
**Natural Springs breathe new life into Northern Portugal**
We are delighted to introduce two new Portuguese hotels to the Bannister Blake Portfolio; Pedras Salgadas Spa and Nature Park and Vidago Palace, two very different properties but intrinsically linked by the natural thermal springs on which they stand.
Pedras Salgadas Spa and Nature Park, Portugal
Once the holiday destination of royalty during the 19th century, the quiet spa town of Pedras Salgadas, an hour north of Porto, is currently experiencing a revival due to the opening of Pedras Salgadas Spa and Nature Park. Set within 20 hectares of parkland, Pedras is perfect for families who love nature and the outdoors.
Accommodation is offered across 12 eco houses, two tree houses and one main house which all blend into the surrounding vegetation. Each of the eco houses, sleeping up to six people, boast cutting-edge technology, with their own private outdoor deck and vast floor-to-ceiling windows maximising the light and views across the park.
The Pedras Salgadas Park unfolds along eight kilometres of paths along which guests will stumble across the estate's naturally forming springs. There is also a boating lake, an outdoor pool, mountain bikes available to use, a playground and mini golf so children will never get bored.
The original Thermal Spa has been completely renovated by world-renowned modernist architect Alvaro Siza Vieira who introduced incredible light wells into the Spa and gave it a unique art nouveau edge. The park's natural water springs which are incredibly rich in minerals provide the essence of the Thermal Spa – the therapeutic power of Pedras Salgadas' naturally occurring sparkling water has long been recognized across Portugal for a wide range of health and well-being treatments. The spa includes a humid area designed for treatments with the mineral water – beneficial for digestive, respiratory and muscular conditions, and another dry area, for beauty and wellness treatments. Altogether, the spa offers 14 treatment rooms (including five for hydrotherapy and two double rooms). The facilities also include a heated indoor pool with a walking lane, sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, water jet massage, Vichy shower and two relaxation rooms.
Prices: from 200 euros per house per night
Vidago Palace
Set within 250-acres of pine and cedar woodland in northern Portugal, the 70-room and suite Palace opened in October 2010, a hundred years after its inception. This once tired Palace now embraces its belle époque heritage with an injection of modern luxury. The Palace sports a chic minimalist spa of a world-class standard, five restaurants, four bars and a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course within the grounds.
The Spa was created by the renowned Pritzker prize-winning Portuguese architect, Alvaro Siza Vieira. The angular design of the 20-treatment room Spa with its white marble slabs and fuss-free interiors provide a striking contrast to the decadent detailing of the restored palace. The spa menu has been inspired by the therapeutic properties of Vidago mineral water with Vichy, Jet Blitz and Hydromassage options. Spa manager Pedro Catarino (formerly of Aquapura spa) expertly combines the essential oils of Aromatherapy Associates with the European leader in face and body care, Clarins. For over 30 years, Aromatherapy Associates has researched and used the power of vegetable extracts and essential oils in its range of care and products in order to provide energy and well-being.
Redesigned by Cameron & Powell, the Vidago Palace golf course is a Mackenzie Ross classic on which nine out of the 18 holes date back to 1936. The golf course offers guests use of a Golf Academy complete with a practice course. The Club House was once an old stone building dating back to 1886 which has since been renovated by Vieira to include a restaurant, bar and shop.
Room rates start from 140 euros per night in a standard room rising to 930 euros for a suite.
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For further information please contact:
Caroline Blake
Tel: + 44 (0) 7721 859 847
Email: travmedia@bannisterblake.com
