Inside and outside, it’s all contemporary splash at Vale do Rio Hotel Rural in northern Portugal, but this luxurious lodge still ranks as the country’s first eco-property. Thanks to its proximity to the Caima River, the hotel is equipped with its own mini-hydro power station, and operates with a strong sustainability program designed for low impact on the surrounding nature via wind, solar and biomass energies. Built in 2011 with 30 guestrooms in the village of Oliveira de Azeméis, the hotel offers gourmet regional cuisine at Hidrica do Caima Restaurant, with a menu by chef Artur Martins that comes with a side of great river views. At the intimate Four Elements Spa, guests can enjoy a variety of treatments that include hot stone and bamboo massages plus Turkish steam baths. Space for meetings and special events is also available, able to accommodate up to 300 guests.