A Quinta Da Auga Relais and Chateaux

Always 10

We had a great time celebrating my wife's birthday. Honestly, I would have expected some special touches in the room or on the day of the birthday dinner we booked at the Filigrana restaurant, as has happened on other occasions at other places. Otherwise, we had a wonderful time.

Our experience this morning at A Quinta da Auga was, unfortunately, very disappointing, and not because of the quality of the surroundings or the facilities, which we know well, but because of something much more basic: the manners and values. While we were waiting at reception for breakfast, we politely waited for the receptionist to finish attending to a French guest. As soon as the French guest said goodbye and we were about to speak, a woman accompanied by her husband brazenly cut in line. The husband apologized timidly, but she continued without the slightest hesitation and began discussing her matter with the receptionist, as if waiting in line were optional. My partner tried to intervene with an "excuse me..." to the receptionist, however, she abruptly pushed us aside and went to the woman who had just cut in line, barely saying a word or even looking at us. The guest's behavior was certainly rude, but what is most concerning is that the person at reception didn't know (or didn't want to) see the situation and act accordingly. We travel extensively and are familiar with diverse cultural styles—the lady also appeared to be French—but belittling someone waiting their turn isn't a cultural issue, it's a matter of courtesy, and having that behavior validated by the establishment itself is particularly unpleasant. We've visited A Quinta da Auga several times: the hotel, the spa, and, many times during the Christmas season, simply for breakfast, drawn by its carefully curated ambiance. That's precisely why this experience is so painful. A place that aspires to excellence cannot afford to fail in something as fundamental as respect between people. We won't be returning. Not because of the coffee, the breakfast, or the surroundings—which remain beautiful—but because there are values that, for us, must continue to prevail. And order, courtesy, and fair treatment shouldn't require a spa to relax: they should be standard practice. In short, a receptionist who may speak French very well but completely lacks the basics: courtesy and social skills. We hope that in 2026 he can learn the second lesson for the good of those of us who come to the place, although in our case this will be the last time.