Rinoterra Minho

Without any hesitation, I can say this is the loveliest place to stay in Northern Portugal. With views of Caminha, Spain and sea, you’ll find it difficult to leave the luscious old house, gardens and spa. Did I mention the spa? Brilliant treatments are available, plus indoor heated pool with enough mystery button water features to keep you enthralled all day. A wonderful host, Liliana, kindly ensures you have everything you require each day, with ample advice, knowledge about the area and perfect service. We were fortunate enough to meet the gracious owner, Ilya, who even expertly crafted our dinner one evening. His food is immaculate, in appearance and taste.

Everything was unique about Rinoterra. Starting with the Rinocerous figures found around the property and story that named the place. Staff was fantastic, we were treated so well that we felt we were the only guests at Rinoterra. Breakfast was superb. We only had dinner once and remember it well because it was excellent.

My husband Giles and I took a six day cycling holiday in Northern Portugal that we’d booked and arranged via Inntravel (they are a British company who specialise in walking and cycling holidays). We stayed at three different hotels (each one for two days) and Rinoterra was the last on our travels - and wow did they save the best for last! Rinoterra is set in a small quiet street away from all the hustle and bustle and is just a total oasis of peace, quiet, calm, relaxation and comfort. We’d cycled about 20 miles to reach Rinoterra - the final ascent had been quite steep - so it was a joy to be greeted by Liliana our hostess with such enthusiasm and warmth! She was super friendly and efficient and took the time to explain all the amenities to us (the new spa, indoor pool and relaxation rooms are spectacular!) and we had a wonderful big room with great views across the Rio Minho to the mountains of Northern Spain. Anna, the wonderful chef prepares and serves OUTSTANDING meals! If you’ve got a hearty appetite you will not be disappointed! She was so accommodating as well for me because I’m pescatarian and only eat tiny portions and she made sure that I was really well fed with little portions that were perfectly presented and utterly delicious! There’s a beautiful cosy atmosphere about all the parts of the old house and we were able to just relax and soak up the surroundings after a half day cycling followed by an hour or so in the pool and spa. The whole place is spotlessly clean and ALL the staff were super friendly and helpful. If I win the lottery I am moving in!

Probably the nicest little hotel in the Minho. AMAZING food - top quality cuisine from the incredible Anna. All the right facilities with a nice relaxed ambience. Loved the pool(s), and the terraced gardens. Great for loafing. Top recommendation.