Offering a luxurious, world-class experience, The Yeatman Hotel is located in the historic heart of Vila Nova de Gaia in Porto, Portugal.
Opened since 2010, the hotel has become Porto’s address of choice and is recognized as a hotel which defines the city. The luxury hotel is situated next to the ancient ‘lodges’ where Port houses have aged their wines for over three centuries. Many of the oldest Port firms were founded by British merchant families and are owned by their successors to this day. The Yeatmans, who entered the Port trade in 1838, were among the most distinguished and enterprising of the Port families. Their descendants maintain this tradition as owners of three of the world’s most famous Port companies.
In 2006 the opportunity arose for another high-profile project, a landmark hotel in a stunning location overlooking the historic centre of Porto. Named The Yeatman, in celebration of the family’s historic link with the city, it draws on its owners’ expertise in both fine wine production and luxury hotel management.
A haven for wine lovers
The cellars of The Yeatman house one of the most comprehensive collections of Portuguese wines in the world. The hotel has established over 100 hundred partnerships with many of Portugal’s finest wine producers who actively participate in The Yeatman’s program of tastings, seminars and wine dinners. These partner wineries also sponsor individual rooms and suites and intriguing pictures and objects provide insights into each winery’s unique history and environment and add a discreet individual accent to each guest room.
The Yeatman introduces the wealth and breadth of Portuguese wines by regions, styles and profile. The wine cellar houses the most comprehensive collection of Portuguese wine in the world, testimony to the diversity of styles and great winemaking tradition.
Weekly wine dinners co-hosted by a wine producer present their wines, together with their best food pairings, created by Chef Ricardo Costa, for a unique dinner experience. Activities include a variety of wine tastings and tailored Masterclasses and events such as the summer Sunset Wine Parties and the Christmas Wine Experience.
The Yeatman’s Wine Book, the Hotel’s Wine list, contains 1,600 references of wines whilst the Wine Cellar houses 37,000 bottles, 94% of which is composed of Portuguese wine. The wines feature in the Hotel’s food and beverage outlets, with over 100 wines by the glass.
At Dick’s Bar & Bistro, guests can enjoy an informal menu with wines by the glass, including cocktails and Ports; and The Orangerie Restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere and some of Chef’s favourite dishes.
Complementing The Yeatman’s own wine activities, guests can visit leading vineyards and estates in the Douro Valley, Minho, Dão and Bairrada wine regions.
Guests are able to discuss Portuguese wines with the hotel’s knowledgeable and friendly experts who are on hand to guide guests in their discovery of Portugal’s diverse and individual wine regions, with their unique traditions and wealth of different styles.
The gastronomic experience focuses on the essence of Portugal’s culinary culture and identity combined with innovative techniques, showcasing local ingredients, including a vast array of fish and seafood.
In the Gastronomic Restaurant, distinguished with 2 Michelin stars, the Wine Book takes centre stage creating exciting food and wine pairings to match the traditional flavours of Portugal, reinterpreted with contemporary flair by Chef Ricardo Costa. The gastronomic experience focuses on the essence of Portugal’s culinary culture and identity combined with innovative techniques, showcasing local ingredients, including a vast array of fish and seafood.
A natural habitat in the city
Prior to construction of The Yeatman, there was no demolition on site as the land was not in use and there were no pre-existing buildings. The Yeatman was designed and built to blend in with the environment, using local materials, such as granite, and an architectural style which has allowed it to merge unobtrusively with the historic area and hillside landscape of the Port wine lodges.
Three and a half acres (1.4 hectares) of gardens were created, providing a refuge for migratory birds as well as 6,500 types of herbaceous plants, 6,100 types of shrubs and 22 different types of trees. Chosen for their historic and sustainable value, the garden includes a 1,400-year-old olive tree, a symbol of millennial renovation. Several hundred plants were chosen for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. The gardens, which did not exist prior to building The Yeatman, except for a handful of trees, provide a much-needed green area and natural habitat in the city.
A Sustainable Stay
Respect for the environment has been one of the main pillars of the business since the beginning of The Yeatman project. Today, numerous features have been incorporated into the design and operation of The Yeatman to help reduce the hotel’s impact on the environment and its carbon footprint.
Energy – 80 thermal solar panels harness the sun’s solar power to provide hot water for hotel use, including the indoor pool heating system; amounting to a yearly average of 102.000Kwh. Energy saving lighting is used throughout the hotel including LED lights, where possible, and lighting areas are controlled by presence detectors.
Water Conservation – Rain harvesting and water wells on the land, supply water for sanitary use and garden irrigation, thus saving on local water supplies. This represents a saving or re-usage of 210,000m3 of water over the last 10 years.
Waste Reduction and Disposal – Waste reduction and separation is an important environmental initiative at The Yeatman. A strict separation of rubbish is carried out in all hotel departments, that includes glass, metal, plastic and paper and their subsequent collection. Office printing has been reduced to a minimum in all departments. Industrial equipment produces compost from recycled waste from the kitchen and grass mowed from the lawns, which is then used as fertilizer in the gardens. This cycle ensures The Yeatman’s self-sustainability with regard to the existing flora.
The Yeatman also implements the following additional environmental measures:
• Electric chargers in the car park to encourage the use of electric cars.
• Wooden coffee spoons in the staff vending machines (replacing plastic spoons) and no plastic straws.
• Daily water, electricity and gas consumption control to guarantee efficiency and prevent leaks.
• Natural light helps save electricity in artificial lighting, in both front and back areas of the Hotel.
• Bedroom windows have fixtures whereby when opened, the air conditioning cuts out immediately.
• Electricity meters are installed in the Kitchens and Laundry to track consumption.
• Water flow regulators are used in the kitchen and bathroom taps and showers to save water. Naturally purified and refillable, complimentary water is offered in bedrooms and at meetings.
• The kitchens use predominantly seasonal, fresh produce, the majority of which is sourced locally. There is a focus on sustainably sourced products and healthier cuisine – less meat, fat and salt for example as well as vegetarian options.
• The Yeatman Wine Spa treatments and products offer gentle skincare that is rich in anti-oxidants from the grape and vine and free of chemicals and parabens. The wine theme extends to the Spa with its exclusive skincare products and therapies using extracts from the vine.
Poolside
The Yeatman has two amazing swimming pools, one outdoor and one indoor. These two focal points of the hotel provide moments of relaxation and well-being for all guests.
Outdoor Pool – The outdoor pool, with its unusual decanter shape and infinity perspective, allows guests to comfortably enjoy and appreciate the panoramic views overlooking the city of Porto and the Douro River. Even underwater, guests have the same view! This area offers comfortable sun loungers and parasols, positioned around the pool for sunbathing and moments of pure relaxation. A friendly Pool Bar complements this welcoming space, serving drinks and light meals. Guests staying on the same floor may walk from their room terrace to the pool and also enjoy the lawn. The outdoor pool is available from April to October.
Indoor Pool – In the heated indoor pool, which also has an infinity effect, relaxation is the key word. Guests can gaze towards the winding river and the bustle of the old city on the other side. The contemplation of the view and the calm environment promote introspection and a connection with water, one of nature’s main elements, fundamental for the balance of body and mind. The Yeatman Spa, adjacent to the Indoor Pool, includes a gym, sauna, Turkish bath, Roman bath, heated stone beds, ice fountain, experiential shower and a relaxation room with panoramic views.
Experience Porto
#WOW World of Wine
A few metres from The Yeatman is a new cultural district of Porto: WOW (World of Wine). The venue is in the heart of the historic area of Vila Nova de Gaia and offers visitors a privileged view of Porto and the D. Luís I bridge. In addition to nine restaurants and shops, the main attractions are seven new museums in Porto:
• The Wine Experience: Learn all the secrets about wine.
• Planet Cork: Discover everything about the incredible world of cork.
• The Porto Region Across the Ages: The first and only museum on the history of the Porto region.
• The Chocolate Story: A sweet and fun journey through the world of cocoa.
• The Bridge Collection: One of the largest private collections of glasses dating back to early civilization.
• The Porto Fashion & Fabric Museum: Take in some textiles.
• The Pink Palace: A light, fun and instagrammable museum where visitors have the opportunity to taste five different styles of rosé wines.
Taylor’s Port Cellars, Porto
The Port wine Lodges or Cellars situated in Vila Nova de Gaia continue to be an important focus for visitors offering tastings of Port Wine and guided tours in a variety of languages. Visitors can learn how to distinguish a Tawny Port from a Ruby Port and if lucky, try a Vintage Port!
Douro River Cruise
One of the best things to do in Porto is to take a cruise along the Douro River and enjoy the spectacular views. There are a variety of cruises available from the five bridges in Vila Nova de Gaia and Oporto right up the Douro River eastwards to the Port wine vineyards over 100 kilometres inland.
Lello Bookshop, Porto
Cited by The Guardian as ‘one of the most beautiful book shops in the world’ the Lello bookshop is another must see. Opened in 1906, the shop still has its original carved ceilings, stained glass windows and pink painted curved central staircase! Lello offers a vast array of books, encyclopedias and travel guides. In case there is a very long queue, visitors can enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and savoury, as well as Taylor’s, Fonseca and Croft Port wines at Clérigos Tasting Room right across the street on Rua das Carmelitas.
Climb the Clérigos Tower
Visit the city’s ex-líbris, a demanding climb of 225 steps. Open every day between 09:00 and 19:00 (last entry at 18:30).
Majestic Café Porto
The Majestic café, founded over 90 years ago and situated in the heart of downtown Porto on Rua Santa Catarina, is a must on the list. It is considered the emblematic café of the city and its illustrious visitors include the likes of Jacques Chirac and Gago Coutinho, creator of the aeronautic ‘artificial horizon’. It is said that J K Rowling spent many hours at the Majestic Café writing her first Harry Potter book.
Francesinha: Porto’s local food
The ‘Francesinha’ is perhaps the most popular ‘bite’ in Porto and is renowned as the most popular Portuguese sandwich – if it can be called that! Praised by foodies worldwide, the dish appeals particularly to those with an appetite for spicy meats and is most commonly accompanied by a cold beer.
Galerias de Paris
The Galerias de Paris street is the centre of nightlife in the city with dozens of open-air bars. The ‘Galerias’, as it is known, is situated in the centre of downtown Porto.
Beachside esplanade
Porto’s excellent climate is conducive to sunbathing from April/May through to October. Visitors enjoy taking walks the whole year round and can be seen exploring the streets and the various blue-flagged beaches. There are a variety of esplanades in Foz, Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia areas which are perfect for enjoying the sunset, admiring the Atlantic Ocean and relaxing with a cool drink.
Casa da Música
The Casa da Música was conceived in 2001 to mark the year in which Porto was named European Capital of Culture. The project was designed by Rem Koolhaas and it is characterized by its modern lines and by the varied cultural programmes it offers throughout the year. Guided tours of the Casa da Música are also available.
Take the Tram
The Line 1, or Marginal Line, runs between the historic centre of Porto and Jardim do Passeio Alegre in a unique route along the banks of the Douro River.
The Serralves Museum
Serralves is culture, nature and art. Within its extensive gardens and green areas lies the Museum of Modern Art, a project by the architect Siza Vieira with exhibitions by Paula Rego, Andy Warhol amongst others. This space is a mixture of brilliant architecture, tranquillity and various green spaces.
Dragão Stadium
Home to the Porto Football Club the ‘Dragão’ football stadium was rebuilt and opened in 2003. Architect Manuel Salgado designed the stadium at a cost of over €90 million and it can seat 52,000 people. The name Dragão (dragon) was used as it is the symbol of the club. Guided tours of the stadium can be booked if visitors don’t have time to catch a game.
Museum Soares dos Reis
The National Museum Soares dos Reis, formerly the Portuense Museum, was founded in 1833 by King Pedro IV as Portugal’s first public art museum. The museum is situated in the Palace of Carrancas, dating back to the late eighteenth century.
The collections of Portuguese paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries and national and international objects of decorative arts, mostly from the 17th to the 19th century are exhibited on the second and third floors, where some of the rooms are richly decorated in the neoclassical style. From the mid-nineteenth century up to 1910, this building was the temporary residence of the Portuguese royal family when visiting the North.
The Yeatman
Rua do Choupelo, (Santa Marinha) Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto 4400-088, Portugal
Tel: +351 220 133 128
[email protected]
Guest Relations & Concierge
Tel: +351 220 133 103/00
Fax: +351 220 133 199
[email protected]
www.the-yeatman-hotel.com/en
