Vermelho Melides
Bold maximalism meets slow Alentejo life. Art-driven, intensely personal, adults-only. Think fashion designer's private home crossed with a curated art installation — every corner has something worth photographing.
Book the Matinha Suite well in advance — at 84 sqm with its own Kakanias murals and fireplace lounge, it books out fast
Why It Matters
Christian Louboutin's debut hotel, opened in 2022, is a genuine one-off. No two rooms share the same design — each was individually assembled by a cast of Louboutin's personal creative friends, including Greek muralist Konstantin Kakanias, textiles maestro Carolina Irving, and Seville-based antiques expert Patricia Abascal. It holds two Michelin Keys and is a Relais & Châteaux member. Energy is geothermal, single-use plastics are banned, and all restaurant produce is sourced locally. The gardens were designed by celebrated French landscape architect Louis Benech.
Vermelho is Christian Louboutin's first hotel, and it very much shows. The French-Egyptian shoe designer poured his entire world into this 13-room Relais & Châteaux property in the tiny Alentejo village of Melides: Moroccan antiques, hand-painted Alentejo tiles, Greek artist murals, a bar top carved from Indian Giada marble and finished in hammered silver leaf, and Louboutin's signature red running through everything. It's maximalist and deeply personal, but never overwhelming. Just three floors, 13 rooms — the place feels more like a very stylish home than a hotel. The facade alone, hand-sculpted by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot and studded with baroque ceramic appliqués, stops people dead on the street.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Jardim Português Junior Suite
These ground-floor suites have private terraces that open directly onto Vermelho's colourful gardens — ideal for an unhurried morning coffee. Floors are dressed in local Alentejo hand-painted tiles. Each suite features a luxurious bathtub, wardrobes with Maison Gatti's French latticework, and exclusive artworks handpicked by Louboutin.
37 sqm
Matinha Suite
The hotel's crown jewel at 84 sqm. Walls are covered in hand-painted pastel murals by Greek artist and Louboutin confidant Konstantin Kakanias — one of which depicts an angel wearing knee-high Louboutins. The coffered ceiling was designed to echo the tombs of the Valley of the Kings. There's a private terrace, a traditional fireplace in the lounge area, and some connecting room options. This is the suite that guests talk about for years.
84 sqm
Vermelho Junior Suite
Ranging from 44 to 45.5 sqm, these spacious junior suites each have their own distinctive character. Expect Portuguese signature craftsmanship, a comfortable bed, spacious terrace overlooking the gardens, and furnishings that sometimes come from Louboutin's private collection. Each one is genuinely different from the next.
44.75 sqm
Vista Verde
Located on the first floor, south-facing rooms with garden views and natural light. Each Vista Verde room has its own unique character and colour palette, with individually selected furnishings, a spacious shower or bathtub, and hand-crafted details from the designer's personal collection. Sound-proof windows keep things serene.
Vista Verde with Balcony
The same south-facing garden views as the standard Vista Verde rooms, but with the addition of a private balcony or terrace. Same individually styled interior, artworks, and Louboutin-curated furnishings.
The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Cycling through cobbled Melides streets to the surrounding rice fields and countryside. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Guided birdwatching tours through the Melides rice paddies and the Santo André lagoon, both key habitats for dozens of species including migratory birds.
Private yacht departure from Tróia along the Alentejo coast and Serra da Arrábida. Good for secluded coves, swimming, and snorkelling. Sunset sails can be arranged.
The hotel has partnerships with two nearby courses — Dunas and Torre — along the Comporta coast. Suitable for all levels.
Guided walk through Melides village — whitewashed houses, cobbled lanes, Moorish heritage details, and the pace of a place that hasn't changed much in decades.
Coastal ride from golden dunes to the Atlantic. Open to all levels, including beginners. Arranged through the concierge.
Walks through rice paddies, the Melides Lagoon, and coastal landscapes. The Alentejo coast is extraordinary birdwatching and nature territory.
Complimentary group yoga class every Saturday at 8am led by instructor Ana Camilo. Private sessions also available on request at additional cost.
A curated picnic in the Melides landscape, prepared by the Xtian kitchen team. Arranged through the concierge.
Visits to family-run estates and larger wineries across the Alentejo, one of Portugal's most interesting wine regions. Includes guided tastings and regional food pairings.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
One room has been adapted for wheelchair users; ramps and lifts are available around the hotel.
Free WiFi throughout the property, including all guest rooms.
Breakfast included in most rates, served 8am–11am at Xtian restaurant. À la carte style with pastéis de nata, sourdough, homemade jams and more.
Year-round outdoor pool set between native plants in Louis Benech's gardens, surrounded by Giuseppe Ducrot sculptures.
Designed by celebrated French landscape architect Louis Benech. Colourful yet natural, blending perfectly with the Melides landscape.
Rooftop with sweeping views out to sea. Ideal for aperitifs.
Full concierge team handling tours, private transfers, restaurant reservations, and experience bookings.
Access to digital newspapers included in the rate.
Gift vouchers available to purchase directly from the hotel website.
The hotel sources its energy geothermally and has banned single-use plastics throughout.
On-site private car park, complimentary for guests. Essential given the hotel's village location.
BUILD YOUR VERMELHO MELIDES PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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