Book the Vermelho Melides with VIP Benefits

Vermelho Melides was a project that designer Christian Louboutin brought to life as a result of his passion. This retreat is in Melides village on Portugal's Alentejo coastline. It blends rustic charm with artistic flair.

You're welcomed by vivid colors, an eclectic style, and a playful spirit that sets the mood for your unique stay. This property is a small luxury hotel with a few rooms and lush gardens. It also has a strong connection to local craftsmanship.

Overview

This property is a far cry from other luxury hotels in Melides, Portugal. Its celebrity owner is the main reason. Christian Louboutin's shoes have become world famous, and soon, the Vermelho Melides will too. The rooms all have the same style. There's also a lovely small spa as the only leisure activity. However, the hotel's most notable feature is its restaurant, Xtian.

Location

The hotel is in a beach town that shares its name with the Alentejo region of southwest Portugal.

The Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon is only a short drive from the hotel. Faro Airport lies a further 2 hours away. Both airports can arrange private transfers for an extra charge. Moreover, Grândola Station is 20 minutes away from the hotel. It offers direct trains to Lisbon.

Moreover, Melides is a small, quiet town. There are only two shops where you can purchase souvenirs. After a day at the beach, you won't miss the chance to eat at O Melidense. It serves grilled sardines in a small rooftop restaurant. You can also try Tia Rosa for rice and duck.

Service

Service is casual and low-key. The hotel has almost 40 staff members in charge of 13 rooms. They are all Portuguese-speaking and have an excellent sense of hospitality. The Spanish hotel portfolio, Marugal, is responsible for managing the property. However, an experienced GM with a background in Iberian resorts ensures that the 5-star experience can be felt at all levels.

Guests can also enjoy excursions in nearby towns, such as Comporta and Porto Covo. The hotel also welcomes guests to lounge around the swimming pool and garden.

Backstory

Christian Louboutin injured himself many years ago at his Comporta retreat. While on the way to the hotel, he noticed Melides, which was only half an hour away. Its dense pine forest and marshy laguna flanked by beaches made him fall in love.

The old house of a fisherman was transformed into a peaceful retreat where he would host his friends and family. Vermelho, his bold flagship, is a new building in the town. An architect from Portugal helped bring it to life.

Rooms

The 13 guest rooms showcase Iberian art. They reflect the region's heritage. Simple blue window frames and carved wooden doors add to their charm. But there's also a splash of color, like the jewel-toned green tiled floor and Louboutin's signature red.

Although people credit Louboutin for his vision, his sense of partnership also brought the project to life. He teamed up with Carolina Irving, who provided fabrics for the furniture. He also worked with Patricia Medina Abascal, a Spanish designer.

The doors are from Los Tres Juanes in Granada, and the knobs and handles are from Orfebre Seco in Seville. The bathrooms are also made of marble and have amenities from Kama Ayurveda. Some of them feature baths that resemble traditional farmhouse sinks found in Spain and Portugal.

Moreover, there are antiques and Eric Helaine lighting fixtures. Konstantin Kakanias is a Greek painter and Louboutin's longtime collaborator. His hand-painted walls are one of the hotel's most striking features.

Dining

Portuguese chef David Abreu leads the restaurant Xtian. The chef has worked in hotels in Macau, Lisbon, and the United Kingdom. He offers a variety of local dishes.

Moreover, the wine list has a strong Portuguese influence. Pastries such as pastéis de nata, hams, cheeses from local producers, eggs, seasonal fruits, and omelets are also served. Vida Dura in Seville is the source of tableware you'll want to covet.

Finally, there is a petite bar with an elaborate design and great attention to detail.

Xtian

Xtian offers a unique gastronomic experience. It's a restaurant that serves real Portuguese food. You can enjoy local flavors and traditions here. Each dish is carefully selected to reflect the regional culinary heritage.

Moreover, the bar offers guests an intimate atmosphere in which to sample fine wines and cocktails. In addition, the Indian Lounge, a cozy and eclectic space, offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee or read a book in a relaxing atmosphere.

Spa & Wellness

There is also an intimate, small spa built from sacred stones taken from ancient churches in the region and designed as a replica of a temple. In the two treatment rooms, masseurs create their healing magic. They blend traditional Indian techniques to promote wellness.

The hotel also features a pool. Sculptures by Giuseppe Ducrot surround it, and it rests among the plants in the gardens.

Sustainability

Vermelho Meides is more than just a luxury hotel. It embraces sustainable practices and supports the local community. The hotel must utilize local ingredients, as this ensures its food offerings are both fresh and eco-friendly.

Moreover, the furnishings and décor are all handcrafted locally by skilled artisans. This preserves the traditional craft and reduces the environmental impact of mass-produced items.

The hotel also prioritizes water conservation. It implements various measures to reduce waste and maintain guest comfort. The gardens also include drought-resistant plants, which flourish in the Mediterranean climate. This reduces the need for excessive watering.

Takeaway

Vermelho Melides offers more than a simple place to sleep. It is an experience you will remember long after your departure. The entire place is filled with the creativity and charm of the founder. Every detail also has a personal touch. This property feels like home. Here, you can sip wine on the patio, admire the handcrafted décor, or soak up the lovely atmosphere. It is a wonderful escape for travelers looking for something artistic and intimate.