The Yeatman
The Yeatman is a luxury wine hotel and spa situated in the historic city of Porto, Portugal and yes, the combination of those magic words ‘luxury, wine and spa’ really do combine to create one of the best hotel stays a person can experience. The Yeatman, a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group of properties is undeniably Porto’s best luxury hotel and most definitely one of those ‘must visit’ locations that should be on every luxury loving traveller’s bucket list.
A truly special hotel
There are many things that collaborate to make The Yeatman one of our new all time favourite hotels. Whether it was the location, the views, the atmosphere, the service, the understated yet easily classy interiors, the sumptious spa or the entirely delicious vegan food; The Yeatman delivers on every level.
By day or by night, the views across The Douro River are captivating. Imagine the tiled rooftops of the cellars of the world’s best Port wine houses leading down to the river which for centuries has been the lifeblood of the city. Imagine a panoramic view of the UNESCO protected historic old town, the striking Dom Luis I suspension bridge and seagulls soaring through the air.
A perfect location
Located in the Vila Nova de Gaia district that stretches up from the Douro river, nestled amongst the cellars of the famous Port houses, The Yeatman is within walking distance to Porto and the whole quayside entertainment area. It’s close to both the metro and mainline railway stations (Lisbon by train takes approximately 2 1/2 hours) and just 20 minutes away by car from Porto international airport.
A room with a view
Wake up to the sounds of seagulls and church bells ringing out over the rooftops, watch the trams glide over the Dom Louis I bridge from your view filled balcony, sleep in a wonderfully comfortable bed and enjoy the classical design of your room.
With The Yeatman being a luxury wine hotel, it seems only fitting that each room and suite is partnered with a well known Portuguese wine producer. They are themed with artifacts and pictures offering an overview of their vineyard and their wines giving a unique and interesting character to each room.
The Vegan Food
Being a vegan at The Yeatman was blissfully easy, with attentive yet discrete staff on hand to answer questions about ingredients and vegan options.
Vegan breakfast at The Orangerie starts the day in true luxury style
There were plenty of vegan options at breakfast for us with the chef producing some extra dishes to compliment what we could select for ourselves from the buffet. There were fresh juices including a refreshing lemon, mint and apple mix, a warming ginger juice and a super healthy green juice as well as a more traditional freshly squeezed orange juice.
Fresh fruits and salads were abundant (the seasonal summer cherries were divine) and local olive oil drizzled over chunky sliced bread was the epitome of a simple pleasure. There was sweet, nutty granola (as well other cereals) with soy milk and of course, multiple cups of freshly brewed coffee (plus a selection of teas and even sparkling wine depending on your mood)
We loved the chef’s creation of sautéed seasonal vegetables which was full of carrot, courgette, asparagus, turnips and fresh herbs. A perfectly seasoned dish of a mixture of delicious vegetables disappears surprisingly quickly in front of two food loving vegans and this excellent brunch option was no exception.
Our other breakfast favourite comprised of a small mountain of mushrooms which had been pan fried with olive oil and garlic. Heaped onto wholegrain toast, laced with fresh herbs ad generously seasoned; this was another plant based breakfast option that hit the spot.
Vegan fine dining at the Gastronomic Restaurant
Vegans (or any one else for that matter) shouldn’t miss the opportunity to eat at The Restaurant. Awarded their first Michelin star in 2012 this impressive gastronomic destination was deservedly awarded 2 Michelin stars in the 2017 guide. Friendly and informative staff will guide you through a journey in food and flavour, paired with some of Portugal’s finest wines.
Vegans can expect creative and imaginative presentation and flavour combinations, dainty little morsels of food which seem to arrive in a never ending stream and a meal that will be full of wonderful tastes, surprises and moments of pleasure. Sit back and put yourself in the safe hands of the team at The Restaurant as they guide you though a culinary adventure to remember.
A full review of our vegan fine dining extravaganza can be found here.
Vegan Vintage Port at Taylor’s Port House
Ok, not strictly food but no write up of a luxury wine hotel like The Yeatman would be complete without a mention of Port, the alcoholic tipple that originated in Porto. The highly acclaimed and hugely popular Taylor’s Port neighbours The Yeatman and is owned by the same family that is behind the hotel. Step outside of the hotel and cross the road to the Taylor’s Port wine cellar for a historical tour that ends in sampling a range of delicious Port wine safe in the knowledge that a number of their products are vegan.
Amongst others, Taylors Late Bottled Vintage Ports and Taylor’s Single Quinta Ports are vegan which was confirmed to us during the tour; for further research and information regarding alcohol that is suitable for vegans check out the trust worthy Barnivore website.
The Vegan Essentials
In true luxury style, The Yeatman has a pillow menu with some great vegan pillow choices to rest your head at night. Classic, air or aqua gel pillow anyone?
Vegan friendly Caudalie amenities were available in our bathroom; not only are they a high quality, natural luxury spa product but nearly the whole range is vegan (there are 3 spa products that contain non-vegan ingredients listed on their website).
The award winning Vinothérapie® Spa by Caudalie at The Yeatman provides an “oasis of serenity and wellbeing” where guests can choose to relax whilst enjoying one of the signature treatment programmes, visit the Roman bath or hamman and take a dip in the stunning indoor infinity pool with mesmerising views across the river to Porto’s old town.
As with the in room amenities most of the products are suitable for vegans and detailed information is available on their website.
Planet loving vegan travellers will love the fact that The Yeatman takes the imapct they have on the enviroment seriously and ‘tread lightly’ wherever they can; the hotel boasts solar panels, rain harvesting, low energy consumption lighting, use of local products, creation of fertilizer for the gardens from biodegradable waste and purification of tap water as practices that are used to reduce its carbon footprint.
The Vegan Food Quest Verdict
Head to The Yeatman for a truly unique experience…
Expect vegan fine dining, beautifully appointed rooms with breathtaking views, a stunning spa that allows you to escape fro the world outisde, professional and precise service with a smile, expertly selected wines from the best producers in Portugal and the chance to enjoy (vegan) Port from one of the most famous Port houses in the world.
…what are you waiting for?
We were guests of The Yeatman but please rest assured that their generosity in hosting us didn’t influence our views
The Yeatman
Rua Do Choupelo
(Santa Marinha)
4400-088 Vila Nova De Gaia
Porto
Telephone: +351 220 133 100
Email: reservations@theyeatman.com
Cost From: £365 / $475 per night (August 2017)