Six Senses Douro Valley

The Resort collaborates with schools and organisations like Bagos D’Ouro, dedicated to supporting gifted children from disadvantaged families in the Douro Valley, ensuring educational opportunities from school to university. In 2021, Bagos D’Ouro assisted 103 families and 197 children and young adults. 

The resort supports The Afonsinhos Association, operating a local football team for social inclusion. Since 2011, this approach has proven highly successful, with 98 children benefiting from the program in 2022 

Furthermore, the resort donates to animal welfare associations like ASPA, GPAR, and SAVB, benefiting 119 stray animals and educating 180 people on responsible pet ownership in 2023.

At the core of the sustainability efforts lies the Earth Lab, serving as both the departmental headquarters and a vibrant center for spreading the ethos of sustainable living. Through engaging workshops on topics ranging from food waste reduction methods to composting, the resort equips its staff and guests with the practical tools and knowledge to integrate sustainability seamlessly into their daily lives. 

From ingenious food waste reduction techniques to the transformation of used cooking oil into handcrafted candles, the resort's resourcefulness underscores its commitment to sustainable living and environmental stewardship.

At the heart of the resort's sustainability ethos lies their Sustainability Fund, sustained by 0.5% of total revenue and half of water bottle sales, ensuring steady support for 14 diverse projects tackling pressing challenges. 

In 2023, in partnership with A2000, the resort introduced a multifunctional room and acquired sensory stimulation equipment known as Snoezelen, aimed at promoting sensory and cognitive stimulation for people with disabilities and the elderly, has already  benefitted 407 individuals.

The Organic Garden, inaugurated in 2016, provides over 3,000 kgs of organic produce annually, fulfilling 10% of the resort's needs while the rest is sourced locally, promoting sustainable agriculture and community integration.

Prioritizing staff wellness, initiatives like Mission Wellness offer activities and workshops, complemented by comprehensive medical insurance, inclusive of dental care, and a readily accessible gym.

Moreover, the resort extends its dedication to social sustainability, prioritizing initiatives uplifting vulnerable populations, from medical care for the elderly to ensuring underprivileged children access nutritious food, while supporting housing initiatives underscores their commitment to social justice and community well-being.

The resort's organic garden, operated without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, fulfills almost 100% of herbal spice and tea needs and 10% of fruit and vegetable needs, embodying circular economy principles by composting waste to nourish the garden and reduce environmental impact.

Partnerships with organisations like Refood address food insecurity, enabling assistance to 567 individuals in the local community through enhanced food collection efforts.

Water conservation techniques like humidity sensors and drip irrigation, coupled with mulching, retain soil moisture and reduce water evaporation, while also serving as a sanctuary for local wildlife, contributing to biodiversity preservation.

The resort's switch to glass water bottles prevents 60,000 plastic bottles annually, reducing plastic waste.

Innovative programs like "Eat with Six Senses" promote sustainability through workshops teaching guests food preservation techniques like pickling and yogurt making, sourced from local farmers to minimize emissions and support the circular economy.

Engagement with the local community through Earth Lab workshops empowers guests to adopt sustainable practices, extending the resort's commitment to sustainability beyond its walls. 

These efforts showcase the resort's dedication to responsible stewardship at Six Senses Douro Valley.