Postcard from the Douro Valley; wish you were here!

December 15th, 2025 |

In October 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting the Figgi Beauty team at two of our beautiful Douro villas. We were treated to glorious sunshine throughout their stay — and even a breathtaking super moon!

Figgi Beauty, an award-winning international skincare brand, has just launched in Portugal, and we’re thrilled to have been part of their journey. You can discover more about them here: (https://www.figgibeautyuk.com)

It was a wonderful collaboration, and I especially loved sharing my own purpose and passion — Figgi’s very own guiding words — with our followers on Instagram and Facebook

And truly, those same words could describe the experience of booking your next holiday with AB Villa Rentals!

Up to 8
guests

4
Bedrooms

Concierge / Personal Assistant

Chef / Cook Service

Breakfast / Welcome Hamper

A/C

Wifi

Swimming Pool and/or Jacuzzi

Games

Region Fun Fact: 

Pinhão train station combines historical charm with cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for travellers interested in the Douro Valley’s scenic beauty and wine traditions.

It is famous for its beautiful azulejo 24 tile panels created in 1937 by artist J. Oliveira, which vividly depict traditional Douro Valley activities such as vine cultivation, grape harvesting, and the transport of wine in Rabelo boats down the Douro River to cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. 

The Experience:

A stay at Santa Mafalda starts with a warm welcome (home-made cake and a glass of Port)! Breakfast is included daily and cook service is available on request. For other holiday extras, the villa provides a concierge service to make all your local arrangements and bookings. 

One-week (or longer) rentals also benefit from a complimentary “local gastronomy” meal, a visit and tasting at one of the Port-producing Quintas, and weather permitting a vineyard terraces picnic plus a two-hour Rabelo boat ride on the Douro.

What the Figgi Beauty team thought:

“Magnificent, sweeping views meet you from the moment you arrive at the villa. It's such a special experience to wakeup surrounded by vineyards and nature. The house is extremely expansive offering many spaces to relax and unwind that I found fantastic for a group. All modern amenities are provided and a great bonus, all rooms are en-suite. A cozy entertainment area by the pool, with a bar, makes for fun filled nights or quiet moments relaxing by the fire.” 

Jeanne-Marie Retief

Up to 10
guests

5
Bedrooms

Concierge / Personal Assistant

Chef / Cook Service

Breakfast / Welcome Hamper

A/C

Wifi

Swimming Pool and/or Jacuzzi

Private Gym

Games

Region Fun Fact: 

The N222 road nearby, runs along the left bank of the Douro River from Vila Nova de Gaia (near Porto) to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, close to the Spanish border. It was named as the "World's Best Driving Road" by car rental company Avis, recognizing its beauty and driving experience – along the way you will enjoy stunning views of the Douro Quintas and vineyards, particularly the 27-kilometer section between Peso da Régua and Pinhão with its many curves and dramatic landscapes.

The Experience:

A refreshing bottle of "vinho verde" from the villa's vineyard will await your arrival, and a buffet breakfast is served daily. Additional chef services, massages or yoga classes, as well as other holiday extras, can be arranged by the dedicated concierge service. One-week (or longer) rentals will further benefit from a complimentary welcome hamper of local produce and a bottle of port, plus a winery visit and tasting.

What the Figgi Beauty team thought:

“Our stay at the Douro Haven Villa was just perfect from start to finish. The views are incredible, and the whole place feels calm and luxurious from the moment you arrive. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into every detail. The interior design was a real highlight; modern, cleverly laid out, and clearly finished to a very high standard. Everything was spotless, the food was fantastic, and it’s definitely somewhere we’d love to come back to and stay for longer next time!”

Emma & Jordan Millar

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