Where Luxury Meets Vertical Adventure
If you thought climbing and luxury couldn’t go hand in hand, think again. The Dolinas Climbing Hotel is redefining what it means to merge adventure with high-end hospitality. Open for just a few months, this place is already making waves in the climbing community. But is it a hotel with a climbing theme, or is it a world-class climbing gym that just happens to have a luxury hotel attached? Well, let’s dive in and find out.
The Hotel: Five-Star Comfort with a Climbing Soul
From the moment you step into Dolinas, you feel like you’ve entered the pages of a high-end travel magazine. The bedrooms are nothing short of spectacular—think modern aesthetics, and large windows that make you feel connected to the landscape. This isn’t just a place to crash after a climbing session; it’s an experience in itself.
And then there’s the food. What can I say? Imagine a Michelin-starred restaurant, but without the formal stiffness. The flavors, the presentation, and the dedication to fresh ingredients make every meal unforgettable. Whether you’re refueling after a hard session on the wall or simply indulging, Dolinas delivers on every plate.
The Climbing Gym: The Showstopper
Now, let’s talk about what truly rocked my boots—the climbing gym.
Dolinas didn’t cut corners here. This is not just another gym with a few walls; this is a statement. It has an impressive bouldering area, but what makes it unique is the lead climbing wall. At first, it might seem like a standard high-end lead wall, until you realize the twist—
Every time a hotel guest heads up to their room, they can watch climbers take on a 27-meter challenge through massive glass walls that span multiple floors. Imagine having breakfast, heading to your room, or relaxing in a lounge, all while witnessing climbers pushing their limits. The integration of climbing into the very structure of the hotel is nothing short of architectural brilliance.
A Sneak Peek Before the Grand Opening
Before Dolinas even opened its doors to the public, I had the privilege of visiting it thanks to an exclusive event organized by FPME. Alongside the Portuguese national climbing team, we spent a full day testing out those magnificent walls, pushing our limits, and getting a first taste of what Dolinas had to offer. From the first few climbs, it was clear—this was no ordinary climbing gym.
Watching some of the best climbers in the country tackle the lead routes and boulders only reinforced what Dolinas had achieved: a world-class facility designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate climbing in Portugal. It was a rare opportunity to experience a place built with so much passion and dedication before the rest of the world got to see it.
Attention to Detail: The True Climbing Experience
What sets Dolinas apart isn’t just its climbing gym or luxurious stay—it’s the attention to detail. Every aspect of this place has been designed by people who truly understand climbing. From the angles of the walls to the atmosphere in the common areas, it’s a space that welcomes beginners, hardcore climbers, and those just looking to be part of the scene.
I had the privilege of spending a weekend here again with my family and a great friend of mine, André Neres. If you want to hear his thoughts, check out his post in the Instagram feeds below.
A Concept Worth Supporting
Combining a four-star hotel with a world-class climbing facility isn’t an easy task. But Dolinas Climbing Hotel has done it with passion, precision, and an eye for what makes climbing more than just a sport—it’s a lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, a training retreat, or simply unique place to stay, Dolinas should be at the top of your list. This is more than a hotel. It’s a home for climbers
