Octant Hotels Announces Completion of 20 New Luxury Villas at Douro Property
The Octant Douro hotel, located in Castelo de Paiva, has officially announced the completion of its highly anticipated expansion project, the 'House Collections,' which adds 20 new luxury villas to the property. This development, representing a multi-million euro investment, aims to capture the growing market for exclusive, private accommodations in one of Portugal's most iconic landscapes. The project was developed by Discovery Portugal Real Estate Fund, with architectural design led by the renowned Porto-based firm, Carvalho & Associates, known for its focus on integrating modern design with natural environments. The construction, which commenced in early 2024, was managed by leading Portuguese contractor Teixeira Duarte, ensuring the highest standards of quality and environmental sensitivity.
The project specifications detail 20 individual villas, with 12 one-bedroom units and 8 two-bedroom units, ranging from 90 to 150 square meters. Each villa is equipped with a private garden, a fully-fitted kitchen with high-end appliances, and spacious living areas. Ten of the two-bedroom villas also feature private plunge pools. The construction timeline was executed in two phases, with the structural work completed by late 2024, followed by a brief hotel closure in January and February 2025 for interior finishing, landscaping, and a significant renovation of the main hotel's reception and its À TERRA restaurant. The architectural design is characterized by the use of sustainable materials, including locally sourced schist stone and light woods, with large, floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the panoramic views of the Douro River.
Financing for the project was secured through a partnership between the Discovery Portugal fund and a syndicate of Portuguese banks, including Millennium BCP and Novo Banco, reflecting strong confidence in the region's luxury tourism market. The project received all necessary planning permissions from the Castelo de Paiva municipality and the Northern Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N), which praised the project for its low-impact design and contribution to local tourism. The development is expected to create approximately 30 new full-time jobs, from hospitality staff to maintenance and groundskeeping, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Pre-launch interest has been exceptionally strong, particularly from North American and Northern European markets, with bookings already filling up for the upcoming high season.
The villas are built with advanced sustainability features, including solar panels for water heating, high-efficiency thermal insulation, and a sophisticated water management system that utilizes recycled greywater for garden irrigation, meeting stringent EU environmental standards. The project required careful planning to address infrastructure needs, including upgraded electrical and water connections to service the new units without impacting the local grid. The hotel also invested in two new custom-built elevators—a panoramic vertical lift and a unique inclined elevator—to ensure seamless access for guests across the property's terraced layout. These additions were crucial for obtaining the final regulatory approvals and ensuring the project's accessibility and safety standards were met.
"This project is a testament to our vision for the future of luxury travel in Portugal," said Luís Rocha, CEO of Discovery Portugal, during the unveiling ceremony. "The Octant Douro's House Collections offer a unique blend of privacy, luxury, and authentic connection to the stunning natural beauty of the Douro. We believe this development not only enhances our portfolio but also sets a new benchmark for high-quality, sustainable tourism in the region." The Mayor of Castelo de Paiva, José Rocha, also commented, stating, "We are thrilled to see this level of investment in our municipality. The Octant Douro is a key partner in our strategy to promote high-value tourism that respects our cultural and natural heritage. This expansion will undoubtedly attract more visitors and create valuable employment opportunities for our residents."
Monitor new development opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.
