Villa Foz Hotel & Spa, Porto, Portugal.

Going to Portugal for a weekend retreat always sounds like a good idea, especially if you're staying over a design hotel by the sea.

The hotel's setting it's exceptionally picturesque, a Portuguese colonial chateau overlooking the sea that has been restored and acquired 21st-century minimalist design touches. It's just mind-blowing.

I landed in Porto towards the end of the afternoon and took an Uber to Vila Foz Hotel & Spa. About 25 minutes after I reached my destination where a friendly staff was waiting for me right on the hotel's grounds.

I run upstairs to escape from the rain entering the reception to check-in. Two Portuguese ladies welcomed me, making sure my arrival was smooth. I was impressed by the classical building interiors, from traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles to bronze fixtures, everything is coordinated to look absolutely stunning.

After checking in, I was taken on a tour of the hotel grounds, which led to my room. We took a glass lift to the lower ground then walked through this long minimalist corridor that felt like a sci-fi movie scene.

When we finally reached the Spa, I was amused by the combination of travertine inspired tiles recreating the beach environment combined with warm dim lighting, all I could think of was jumping in the pool. We finished the tour taking another lift leading to the upper floor of the Spa's building, which is separated from the main house where the reception is located.

We walk through a small entrance hall area, which is an alternative entrance in case you don't want to go through the main house, walking through a security door and reaching the room's corridor.

We step into the room, a warm shades profusion of yellow and gold are imperative here, I was expecting to find a bath waiting for me, but the room came with a shower instead.

Tactile materials such as wood and stone contrast beautifully with mirrors and glass. The room comes with a king-size bed fitted under a rolling tourmaline green sea designed by Nini Andrade Silva, and floor to ceiling double glazed window with a small balcony and two long chaise chairs overlooking the sea.

I wasn't lucky on my first night there, couldn't sleep properly because it was unbearably hot and the air conditioning kept oscillating between on and off, but still over 27C. I didn't want to call the reception to fix it cause it was quite late, which I regretted. They tried to fix the air con on the next day but it was still weird.

In the morning I ordered brekky via room service which was appreciated overlooking the beautiful beach right in front of the hotel. I kept the curtains and windows wide opened so I could enjoy the sea breeze, however, I didn't like the fact the room was positioned right in front of the hotel's main gate not giving me much privacy. If you're like me, likes extreme discretion, I recommend going to another room for sure.

The biggest convenience was the Spa. I spent long hours listening to music by the pool, they also serve refreshments there and you can alternate between the sauna and the pool, all of this overlooking a minimalistic external garden, it's so relaxing and idyllic, my trip was worth it just to be there!

I also had a lovely time at the cocktail bar located in the main house where they serve signature cocktails and coffee all of this again overlooking the seaside. I would highly recommend this hotel at any time, and I believe this would be the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding! Maybe mine? I am still on the lookout for the groom though... (laughs).

See this rating on Tripadvisor.