Vidago Palace Hotel *****

A PALATIAL LIFE AT THE VIDAGO

Jérôme, father of Achille, 5 years old, from Brussels

Last summer, I was lucky enough to stay at the Vidago Palace, a legendary hotel. Here is my testimony.

A KIDS-FRIENDLY PALACE

Vidago Palace Hotel is located in northern Portugal, a few dozen kilometres from the Spanish border. It took us 1h20 from Porto airport to reach the hotel. It offers airport transfers at a price of 180€ per trip, but we preferred the « rental car » option, a more economical solution allowing us to visit the region independently.

The road between Porto and Vidago is really beautiful. It winds though the famous Douro Valley, a valley dotted with green hills where century-old vines and olive trees are cultivated.

Stepping into the majestic Vidago Palace is like reliving another era: the palace has survived the years without losing any of its splendour. The hotel is a real museum with its works of art, tapestries, monumental central staircase, antique furniture and sophisticated decoration.

The atmosphere is chic and hushed. Many families with children roam the various corners of the hotel, which gives the place a family character much appreciated by the young father that I am. Here, in spite of the splendour of the place, the children do not disturb. It’s quite the opposite, they are more than welcome!

RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES IN THE HEART OF NATURE

The gigantic private park in which the hotel is nestled is a great playground for our little ones.

The kids-club is located at the heart of this park. Very well integrated into the landscape, it has been designed as a contemporary hut that in the middle of the treetops. At the kids-club, children can enjoy their own swimming pool whose shallow depth has been specially designed for them. They can also have fun on the outdoor playground. The activities are varied: treasure hunt in the park, karaoke, painting, walks, games and much more!

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the tennis and paddle courts.

The outdoor swimming pool has several levels of depth, making it very suitable for children, who can also enjoy the indoor pool located next to the Clarins spa.

During my stay I tested this spa by opting for a 50-minute Indian Head Massage (80€). I highly recommend this relaxing treatment which focuses on the skull, neck and shoulders. A real moment of plenitude.

The Vidago is very famous for its golf course. Golfers come from all over the world to play on this legendary green. Of course, there also are courses for children!

The Vidago Palace has the very atmosphere of a spa resort, between refinement and relaxation. The nature that surrounds you helps to soothe you. It is the ideal place to recharge your batteries with your family. I advise you to combine your stay with a visit to Porto, a city that is full of activities for the entire family.

Have a nice holiday,

Jérôme

For children

In this palace, which may appear to us as being taken from a fairy tale wherein birds speak and mice dance, children are the kings!

Toddlers are cuddled by the offered babysitting service which takes care of babies up to 24 months old. Hugs, sleep, kisses, sleep... what a lovely program on offer. To complete the stay of your little princes and princesses, it should be noted that an assortment of ultra-complete equipment is made available for them. This includes the rental of baby strollers, baby baths, games and books, or bottle warmers.

Toddlers from 3 to 11 years old can indulge themselves in fun and playful activities in the Jeronimo’s Kids Club dedicated to them; between painting and creation workshops, sports sessions and film screenings. Being opened every day from 10 am to 7 pm, the club is managed by qualified and playful facilitators to whom your little ones will undoubtedly become attached.

Young teens aged 12 to 16 years old are not left out and can enjoy the Teens-club that has entirely been designed for their age. The perfect place for meeting lots of new friends, improvising a game of football or taking part in organized activities and workshops.

Since golf is an institution at Vidago, young people have the chance to practice their swings! They can access a program designed for them at the Golf School. Did you know that this sport contributes to the good development of children, by increasing their ability to concentrate and reason, as well as their motor skills?

Another excellent news for families seeking after well-being and relaxation is that the spa offers a menu that is completely adapted and suitable to the children’s young and fragile skin.

Family experiences

Within the hotel premises, families will be able to take full advantage of the superb heated outdoor swimming pool which promises a refreshing break thanks to the Pool Bar, which opens daily. However, the main attraction remains the hotel’s park, a life-size playground for children who will walk the aisles playing "One, Two, Three, Sun" or run in search of butterflies of a thousand colours. Their imagination knows no bounds.

As a family, explore the various short, medium and long-distance trails designed to make your stay as peaceful and relaxing as it could get. Also, the little guests’ families will be able to benefit from the bicycles that are made available for them!

After a visit to the organic farm and its vegetable garden, get to meet the donkey, Mirandês Figueiro, a faithful mascot who will proudly show you its beautiful smile.

The province of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro is a gold mine for family excursions.

Nature lovers can embark on a day’s trip to the Alvão Natural Park (51’), inhabited by many endangered animal species such as the Iberian wolf and the peregrine falcon. This is where one can find the Fisgas do Ermelo Falls, which are among the biggest in Europe.

Culture lovers will be spoilt for choice in this region, which is dotted with Roman references and remains, such as the Archaeological Park of Tresminas (14′) whose ancient Roman gold mines will amaze both the young and old.

Vidago Palace Hotel will also warmly recommend the Douro Valley (1h25) where sumptuous hikes await you, as well as the Pena Aventura (27’), a theme park which is adored by thrill-seekers.

For parents

Proud of its tradition and experience in this area, the Vidago Palace Golf Course is run by an expert team dedicated to teaching you the most beautiful moves. At the end of your stay, you will simply be unbeatable, and your friends will envy you... or accompany you during your next holiday to this fantastic place!

Located less than 200 metres away, the 18-hole course will put your level to the test. Beginners will be able to take up the challenge, thanks especially to the greens reserved for chipping and putting.

However, as you may already know, it is the incredible spa resort that has made the hotel internationally renowned. While the special waters of Vidago rebalance your senses, the ancestral treatments and massages will revive your youth for a reinvigorated energy. Thanks to their therapeutic properties, honey and olive oil are the basis of the treatments provided in one of the 10 treatment rooms. In addition, there are 5 thermal treatment rooms, 2 experience showers, 2 relaxation rooms, 1 beauty salon and 1 juice bar.

The spa's common areas are accessible to everyone, free of charge. This includes the heated outdoor pool with jets, the indoor swimming pool, the sauna, the steam room, the ice fountain and the fitness room, for the most determined persons.

Do you feel like savouring a moment as a couple? Your concierge will take care of organizing a romantic picnic in the hotel’s park.