MERAKI Hotels & Fine Dining
AQUA VILLAGE Nature Health Resort & Spa Visual Stories by Carla Branco | Story #19
AQUA VILLAGE 2
Nature Health Resort & Spa
There are some paradises in Portugal hidden between mountains and rivers and where nature is the mother word. Aqua Village Health Resort & Spa, located on the banks of the river Alva and very close to Serra da Estrela, presents itself as a unique and original project in which modernist architecture is combined with luxury details and service. Everything here provides us with an unforgettable experience taking advantage of the best that the region has to oer, with special emphasis on the gastronomy of the Roots Restaurant.
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MOTHER NATURE If I could summarize this space in two simple words, my choice would be Mother Nature. And this choice is the best compliment for a health resort because for me nothing is more healing, for body and mind, than the peace, tranquility and comfort that we can enjoy here. Before reaching Aqua Village, we crossed the River Alva bridge, and right there we felt the power that these moments have in us. The murmur of the waters, the birds singing, the rippling of the leaves on the trees and then... the silence. Only the sound of nature makes itself felt.
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The Resort is located in Oliveira do Hospital, more specifically Caldas de SĂŁo Paulo, about three hours from Lisbon. Its architecture allows a complete integration i n to t h e l a n d s c a p e , p a s s i n g a l m o s t unnoticed to those who pass. Much more than a hotel, it is the materialization of a unique space where the hand of Man merges in harmony with the environment. The hotel has 30 apartments - all designed to make our experience superb and with a good view. The types are varied: Deluxe Apar tment (with 1 or 2 bedrooms), Premium Apartment with Spa Bath and Presidential Suite.
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The apartments are fully equipped with the best services: a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, fridge and dishwasher, a large balcony with spectacular views of the nature around us, but also central heating, cable TV, seating area, cotton towels, bathrobe and slippers. For a brief moment, we forget everything and feel comfortable as if we were at home. And to complement the whole experience, there is nothing like relaxing on the balcony, listening to the River Alva and savoring some of the region's gastronomic delights: wine, cheese, ham and dried fruit‌ a perfect setting!
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SPA SENSATIONS The apartments inside are spacious and luxurious and the outdoor spaces are also tempting to stroll around by the river or simply relax by the pools. The SPA Sensations has three heated pools, which allows its use not only during the summer but also during the winter: an outdoor pool, a hydrodynamic thermal water pool and also a semi-covered pool with hydromassage.
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The SPA also includes a sauna, Turkish bath, contrast shower, gym and a wide range of massages, body and face treatments and thermal treatments for adults and children. In the drops suspended in the resort's choupal it is possible to enjoy massages in the treetops, with creams and oil based on honey from the region, next to the river bank. The thermal water assumes a predominant role, having a hole of this water in the property, the Spa Sensations uses it in several treatments such as Vichy Shower, Scottish Shower, Hydromel among others.
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ROOTS RESTAURANT The Roots Restaurant is an intimate space, soberly decorated in earth tones and awarded for the gastronomic flavors of Chef Hugo Gaspar. The organic view accompanies all the surrounding beauty of the space around us and we are received with sympathy and professionalism. Its signature cuisine has a special emphasis on endogenous products, thus combining tradition with the contemporaneity of unique flavors. Here we taste dishes as unique as Tuna Tart, Rabbit Pu with Mushrooms, Cod with Broa, BĂsaro Pork Tenderloin or a divine Trilogy of Chocolates with Tangerine Sorbet. They are comforting dishes with intense and genuine flavors.
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Also noteworthy is the Wine Pairing throughout the meal. The wine list includes the best national wine references, with special emphasis on Dão wines. With a fine-dining concept, it oers a La Carte service and tasting menus with wine pairing. And tasting ingredients in such a space is a unique oer and it is these small pleasures that make our experience so special.
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MERAKI Hotels & Fine Dining
CEO/Editorial Director CARLA BRANCO Text CARLA BRANCO Photos AQUA VILLAGE Story #19 January 2021 www.aquavillage.pt
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