There's much to admire in this modern villa, but you'll likely spend most of your time outdoors. In the centre of the patio, you’ll find a long private swimming pool, perfect for taking a refreshing dip, and plenty of sun loungers for topping up your tan. When you need a break from the rays, retreat to the outdoor four-poster bed to read or nap. The twin hammocks are also a lovely spot for a breather, where you can let the breeze rock you as you relax. If the heat gets too much then dive inside to chill out on the sofa – the whole house has air conditioning to help you cool off. When dinner time rolls around, prepare a fresh evening meal in the slick kitchen, or fire up the barbecue for a delicious grilled banquet. Sip Portuguese wine or try the local port as the sun goes down, before falling into crisp white linens for a wonderful night’s sleep.

Home truths:
*If you want to arrive outside of normal check-in times, you’ll need to pay a €30 fee
*It’s best to have a car to explore the surrounding Douro Valley
*The pool is on the same level as the patio and isn’t fenced off, so children will need to be supervised