Casas do Côro – Modern Luxury in a Medieval Village

Casas do Côro is the project of area entrepreneurs Paulo and Carmen Romão. Imagine a medieval village transformed into a boutique hotel. Former village houses are left intact on the exterior, but renovated for 21st century guests on the inside. The feel is rustic, but the accommodations are modern, the amenities are luxurious and the service is exemplary.

As rooms go, don’t expect the ordinary at Casas do Côro. The hotel is made up of nine houses. Each house has a living room with fireplace and a small garden or patio. One, two or three bedrooms are in each house. Guests can rent rooms individually, or the entire house for their family or group. All of the rooms and houses are lavishly decorated and fitted with contemporary finishings.

If you are environmentally-conscious, you may want to consider the new eco-suite. This “room” sits quietly on top of its own hill, surrounded by trees, rocks and spectacular views of the valley. Everything inside, from materials to utilities, adheres to philosophies of sustainability. In the eco-suite, be kind to yourself…and the environment!

At mealtime, locally grown produce and regional specialties are prepared with great precision and care. For breakfast, fresh baked breads, natural juices and homemade yogurts are offered, as well as sliced meats and eggs made-to-order. On warm mornings, sit outside on the patio.

For dinner, expect a beautifully sensual experience! Candelabras light the tables and a large crackling fire provides warmth. Low pulses of lounge music fill the air. Opulent décor adds to the richness of the experience. But it is the cuisine that wins the night. Regional Portuguese dishes are prepared as haute cuisine. Iberian pork, baked cod, roast beef or veal with port reduction are all served with artisit presentation and flavorful finesse. Compliment the meal with a bottle Casas do Côro wine.

When you get tired of eating fine cuisine, sunbathing by the pool or relaxing in the Jaccuzi, there are many activities in the region to enjoy. The Côa Museum is nearby. Learn about palaeolithic rock engravings inside…then take one of the many excursions to visit the ancient artifacts in person. You can see more engravings on the grounds of Quinta da Ervamoira, which is also the vineyard for the famous Ramos Pinto port wine. Schedule a day on the Casa do Côro boat on the Douro River. Or, visit one of the four historical villages, rent a bike for the day or plan a picnic in the countryside.

Themed programs covering many interests such as gastronomy and wine, nature, Douro River boat trips and cooking classes are also available.