Duas Portas

After a few inspiring but also busy days in city center, I was in need of some me-time in a quiet place. Luckily, I had booked two nights at Duas Portas in Foz do Douro. The location is just amazing! You have the sea just in front of the door but at the same time you’re just 15 min away from city center by bus or elétrico (tram). The életrico number 1 stops just in front of the guesthouse and I specially recommend a drive when the sun is slowly going down – so beautiful!

After check-in, I took a long walk along the sea. It calmed me down and let all the city hectic vanish. You probably already know that the beach is my home, it’s where I find peace. On the other hand I also grew up in a city and love architecture and interior design. All this combined brought me to Duas Portas. I was fascinated by the simplicity on the pictures. So far, all the places I’ve stayed in Porto had a vintage touch (which I also love) or were a combination between contemporary architecture and vintage interior design.

Coming back from my walk, I met Luisa who runs Duas Portas with her Aunt, Francisca since July 2017. We sat down for a short chat before dinner. Well, we git into talking and suddenly 1.5 hours passed by. Once again, I came across an amazing strong Portuguese woman! Luisa has so many projects and you truly feel that she does them all with much passion. Luisa grew up in Foz and still lives there. She’s a self-employed architect, mother of two and teaches at the university. Her mother, Luisa Penha, is also an architect and restored the 19th century house.

Luisa and her family wanted to create a space of tranquility and outstanding architecture. And they achieved it. The house was not only restored but also complemented with a new subterranean part (kitchen and breakfast room) through which you will enter a lovely and quiet garden. If you’re noise sensitive, I recommend you to stay in a room with garden view. As I grew up with trams passing by my bedroom, I actually felt like at home with my sea view room.

The minimalist interior is something very special. There are just a few carefully selected vintage and art pieces. The intention of the family was to offer their guests what they truly need in very high quality. The bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in. Luisa and her family visited many factories in northern Portugal just to find the right bed sheets. The table ware is by Vista Alegre, one of the most renowned brands in Portugal. You’ll enjoy a classic Portuguese breakfast with bread, fruits, coffee, cheese, ham, jam, homemade cake and taste the best yogurt ever! If you like muesli and granola, go for it!

Over all, my stay at Duas Portas was just what I needed and even outwent my expectations. Obrigada Luisa for welcoming me like family and obrigada to everyone else for taking such good care of me.

See you soon!
Liliana

Recommendations for your visit in Foz:

O Travessa for brunch on Sunday

daTerra for a vegetarian lunch oder dinner (just next to Duas Portas)

Fundação Serralves Casa Aberta for dinner

Take a bicycle ride to the beach and go surfing (reserve your bike at Duas Portas)