Home #WHERETONEXT Europe Octant Hotels Launches Latitude: An Immersive Journey Into Local Cultures

Octant Hotels Launches Latitude: An Immersive Journey Into Local Cultures

Latitude was born from the search for stories not found in guidebooks, inviting guests to uncover the soul of the regions. This October, all paths lead to Douro with the Latitude event, which will transform Octant Douro into a starting point to discover local authenticity.

Octant Hotels announces the launch of Latitude, an innovative platform inviting guests to explore the hidden treasures and authentic traditions surrounding each of its hotels. After months of exploration and research, Latitude curates more than 200 handpicked recommendations, providing a truly unique and immersive travel experience

Since its inception in 2022, Octant Hotels has demonstrated a strong commitment to local culture and traditions. The Latitude project is a true reflection of this commitment, a result of extensive exploration of the regions surrounding each hotel. The Octant team has visited museums, artisans, restaurants, traditional shops, and notable landmarks, engaging with  local communities and uncovering hidden gems often overlooked by typical tourist guides.

Latitude highlights local culture through various lenses. In the regions of Alentejo, Algarve, Douro, and the Azores, authenticity is explored through Local Heroes, Gastronomy, Arts & Crafts, and Fauna & Flora. Unique stories are revealed, such as the Azores tradition of “picar da carne” (meat-tenderizing) during the Holy Spirit festivals, Joaquim Boavida’s artistry in crafting traditional chairs in Alentejo and António Manuel Marques’ passion for studying birds in Algarve. These and many more captivating stories can be explored on the Latitude website.

“Latitude is more than just a travel guide,” said Filipe Bonina, Marketing Director at Discovery Hotel Management. “It’s a manifesto for purposeful travel and immersion into the essence of each place. We want our guests to experience the ‘small big worlds’ that make each Octant Hotel special, discovering authentic flavors, ancient traditions, and unique landscapes.”

From October 24-26, 2025, Latitude goes further with an exclusive festival at Octant Douro, celebrating the region’s authentic culture and vibrant community. A natural extension of the Octant experience, this event will bring together chefs, artists, and local producers for two days of informal luxury, inviting guests to explore, feel, and taste the authenticity of the region.

The weekend will feature a diverse program, including tasting dinners, concerts, intimate talks, riverside yoga sessions, and scenic meadow walks. Guests will also have the opportunity to personalize their experience with exclusive dinners or premium wine tastings.