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Atelier do Sul 40 years+ of Design

Vidago Palace History

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Nestled within the verdant Vidago Thermal Park, in the northern municipality of Chaves, the regal Vidago Palace Spa & Golf is a true national icon. Housed in a century-old palace surrounded by fragrant pine, cedar and maple woods, its allure is steeped in the pristine mineral waters that course through its veins and brought a majestic vision to life.

In the 19th and early-20th centuries, the spa village of Vidago was a magnet for Portugal’s elite, a coveted destination for thermal well-being and restoration. The exceptional quality of its waters garnered global prestige and inspired King D. Carlos I’s vision of creating the ultimate spa retreat.

Tragically, D. Carlos I was assassinated before his vision could materialise. His successor, D. Manuel II, also missed the grand inauguration as he fled into exile the day before the hotel opened, which coincided with Portugal being forcibly declared a Republic.

This masterpiece of thermal luxury was finally inaugurated on October 6th, 1910, and swiftly became one of the most prestigious spa retreats on the Iberian Peninsula, evolving into a social and cultural hub sought by European royalty, luminaries, and aristocrats.

Its legacy lives on in the Vidago Palace Spa & Golf. In the early 2010s a very extensive and masterful remodelling of the original palace-hotel took place under the guidance of renowned Portuguese architect Siza Vieira. Today, an Art Nouveau pavilion houses a modern spa that harnesses the healing essence of the local springs, complemented by a world-class 18-hole golf course and farm-to-table fine dining.

Vidago Palace Hotel is a world where history intertwines with modern luxury, embodying a legacy of sophistication and charm from bygone eras that captivates the hearts of today’s global travellers.

Vidago Palace Web Design


While Vidago Palace Spa & Golf stands as an enduring testament to a glamorous past, it is also looking to an exciting future. In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury hospitality, we are thrilled to unveil a brand new website for Vidago Palace Spa & Golf, crafted by Atelier do Sul.

Atelier do Sul’s journey with Vidago Palace Spa & Golf began in 2018, when founder Fred Phillips and his partner and son André were graciously invited to visit the hotel and explore the essence of the iconic retreat. Together, they set out to understand the hotel’s changing needs in communication design and how to effectively reflect today’s Vidago Palace.

Our main goal, says Fred, was to create a new website that truly reflects Vidago Palace’s heart and soul, conveying its past, present and future.

Regrettably, this path was crossed with unexpected sorrow. The venerable managing director of this emblematic establishment, a stalwart in the Portuguese tourism industry, Jorge Machado de Almeida, passed away within the palace walls after a day of tireless dedication. This project now, carries a dual dedication – to Vidago Palace itself, a treasured cultural and historical landmark in Portugal, and to Jorge, a true professional whose legacy and acquaintance we hold dear.

Jorge’s spirit, commitment, and unwavering vision remain an inspiration to us all.

Vidago Palace Images

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Explore the captivating beauty of Vidago Palace Spa & Golf through the lens of a visionary photographer. This stunning slideshow artfully captures the essence of the palace – from its architectural grandeur and beautiful natural surroundings to the sumptuous interior design and intricate details that define its timeless allure.