Vermelho: Christian Louboutin's Portuguese hotel is an artistic gem
June 11, 2025
In the picturesque Portuguese village of Melides, in the Alentejo region, a hotel has been created that is more than just a place to stay - it is a true work of art. Vermelho Hotel Melides, the first hotel project by famous shoe designer Christian Louboutin, opened its doors in April 2023, immediately attracting the attention of luxury, design and art lovers from around the world. The five-star boutique property is a tribute to Portuguese craftsmanship and creativity, where every element has been carefully designed to create a harmonious whole celebrating local culture and traditions. Vermelho, which means 'red' in Portuguese - a color inextricably linked to the Louboutin brand - is a place where luxury meets authenticity and modern design meets centuries-old heritage.
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Artistic vision by Christian Louboutin
Vermelho Hotel Melides is not just another luxury hotel on the Portuguese map, but a true manifestation of Christian Louboutin's artistic vision. The famous designer, best known for the red soles of his shoes, decided to bring his aesthetics and love of detail to the world of hospitality, creating a place that is an extension of his creative personality.
The hotel's design is the fruit of a collaboration with local architect Madalena Caiado and textile consultant Carolina Irving. Fascinated by Portuguese culture and craftsmanship, Louboutin set out to create a property that celebrates local traditions and skills. The result is a hotel that can confidently be called a living museum of Portuguese craftsmanship.
The building's facade, hand-carved by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot, immediately catches the eye and foreshadows the unique experience that awaits guests inside. This is the first of many elements that make Vermelho a world-class destination. Hand-painted frescoes by Greek artist Konstantin Kakanias adorn the walls, creating an atmosphere full of color and life.
The hotel's interior is a true feast for the senses. Each of the 13 rooms is unique, designed with extreme attention to detail. Antique furniture sits side by side with modern elements, creating an eclectic but harmonious whole. The interior color scheme - saturated, rich, even bold in places - reflects Louboutin's maximalist approach to design. There is no room for minimalism or austere spaces - Vermelho is an explosion of colors, textures and forms.
Of particular note is the use of local materials and artisanal techniques. Hand-painted azulejos (traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles), hand-woven textiles, and handmade furniture all create an authentic atmosphere that is deeply rooted in Portuguese tradition, yet modern and fresh.
The Xtian Restaurant, an integral part of the hotel, continues this philosophy. The menu is based on local products and traditional recipes of the Alentejo region, but served in a modern, sophisticated way. Dishes are served on pottery made by local artisans, further emphasizing the connection to local culture. A special highlight is the silver bar, custom-made by silversmiths from Villareal, which is the centerpiece of the restaurant space.
The hotel's gardens, designed by Louis Benech, provide a tranquil oasis amid the property's vibrant atmosphere. Filled with local plants, they create the perfect place for relaxation and contemplation. It is here that guests can fully appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature of the Alentejo region.
Vermelho Hotel Melides is a place that was created out of a passion for art, design and local traditions. Christian Louboutin has created a space that is an extension of his creative vision, yet deeply rooted in Portuguese culture. It's not just a place to sleep, but a true artistic experience that leaves an indelible impression on anyone lucky enough to stay there.
A unique experience in the heart of Portugal's Alentejo
Vermelho Hotel Melides offers its guests much more than just luxury accommodations - it's a comprehensive experience that engages all the senses and immerses you in the cultural richness of the Alentejo region. Located in the picturesque village of Melides, the hotel is the ideal base from which to explore one of Portugal's most beautiful, yet still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, regions.
The Alentejo region, where Melides is located, is famous for its pristine beaches, dense pine forests and picturesque lagoon. The hotel's surroundings are a true paradise for lovers of nature and active recreation. Guests of Vermelho can enjoy the proximity of beautiful beaches of unparalleled charm, where golden sand meets the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic. These beaches, unlike the crowded resorts of the Algarve, offer peace and space, allowing for true relaxation surrounded by unspoiled nature.
Hotel Vermelho is not just a place to sleep - it is a cultural center that actively promotes local arts and crafts. It regularly hosts art events, workshops and exhibitions that allow guests to better understand the cultural wealth of the region. It is this combination of luxury with authenticity and commitment to the local community that makes this place unique.
One of the most unique aspects of a stay at Vermelho is the opportunity to experience Portuguese hospitality in its purest form. The hotel's staff, made up mostly of locals from the region, share their knowledge and passion, offering guests insights into local traditions, history and culture. This is not only professional service, but a true encounter with the Portuguese soul.
Culinarily, Vermelho does not disappoint either. The Xtian restaurant, named after its creator, is a true journey through the flavors of the Alentejo. The menu, which changes according to the season and the availability of local produce, offers modern interpretations of traditional Portuguese dishes. The chef places special emphasis on using products from local suppliers, supporting the local community and ensuring the highest quality and freshness of ingredients.
Note the exceptional wine collection available at the hotel. The Alentejo is one of Portugal's most important wine regions, and Vermelho's sommeliers have carefully selected the best local labels that pair perfectly with the food served. Guests have the opportunity to attend tastings where they can learn about the history and specifics of the region's wines.
For those seeking deeper relaxation, the hotel offers a variety of wellness treatments inspired by local traditions and using natural products. Massages using oils from local herbs, sea salt treatments or beauty rituals using olive oil all allow for complete relaxation and regeneration in a luxurious environment.
Vermelho Hotel Melides is also an ideal place for active vacationers. The hotel organizes a variety of excursions and activities to explore the region's charms, from hiking through scenic landscapes to biking trips to surfing lessons on nearby beaches. For golf enthusiasts, nearby world-renowned golf courses are available.
What sets the Vermelho apart from other luxury hotels is its genuine commitment to sustainability and ecology. The hotel was designed with minimal environmental impact in mind, using energy-efficient solutions and local, sustainable materials. These practices reflect Christian Louboutin's commitment to the environment and his respect for the natural beauty of the Alentejo region.
Vermelho as a manifestation of Portuguese cultural heritage
Vermelho Hotel Melides is much more than a luxury accommodation - it is a true manifestation of Portuguese cultural heritage, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern design. In creating his first hotel project, Christian Louboutin set out to celebrate the rich history of Portuguese handicrafts and skills that have shaped the country's identity for centuries.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the hotel is the way it combines the various cultural influences that have shaped Portugal over the centuries. The Moorish patterns found in the architectural details are a reminder of the centuries-old Moorish presence on the Iberian Peninsula. Azulejos, the traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles that adorn the walls of the hotel, are a direct reference to this legacy. Each of these hand-painted pieces is a small work of art that tells a piece of Portuguese history.
It's worth noting that in creating the hotel, Louboutin collaborated with more than 30 local artisans, from potters and weavers to carpenters and artists specializing in traditional painting techniques. This collaboration not only provided the hotel with a unique character, but also contributed to the preservation and promotion of traditional skills, which are threatened with extinction in the age of mass production.
Each room at Vermelho Hotel Melides tells a different story, showcasing different aspects of Portuguese culture and craftsmanship. In one, you can admire traditional embroidery from the Alentejo region, in another, furniture made according to centuries-old carpentry techniques, and in yet another, ceramics inspired by designs from different regions of Portugal. This diversity makes your stay a journey through the country's cultural richness.
Of particular interest to the hotel is the art collection that Louboutin has assembled. It includes works by contemporary Portuguese artists, as well as historical artifacts that the designer has collected over the years. The collection is no accident - each piece has been carefully selected to tell the story of Portugal and the Alentejo region, creating a kind of dialogue between past and present.
The Xtian Restaurant, which is the heart of the hotel, also celebrates Portugal's culinary heritage. The menu is based on traditional recipes of the Alentejo region, which the chef interprets in a modern way, without losing sight of their essence. Guests can try such specialties as 'Açorda Alentejana' (traditional bread soup), 'Migas' (a bread-based dish with pork) or 'Ensopado de Borrego' (lamb stew), all prepared with the highest quality local ingredients.
Also worth mentioning are the wines served at the hotel. The Alentejo region is one of Portugal's most important wine regions, and Vermelho offers a carefully selected collection of wines that reflect the richness and diversity of the local terroir. Guests have the opportunity to taste wines from small, family-owned wineries that are often not available outside of Portugal.
Vermelho Hotel Melides is also actively involved in promoting local traditions and cultural events. The hotel regularly organizes workshops where guests can learn traditional craft techniques, from pottery to weaving. It also organizes evenings of fado - traditional Portuguese music, a UNESCO intangible heritage site that tells the story of life, love and longing in a melancholy way.
The opening of Vermelho Hotel Melides in April 2023 was a significant event not only for the fashion and design world, but also for the local community. The hotel created new jobs for local residents and helped promote Melides as a tourist destination. In May 2024, the hotel celebrated its first year of operation, attracting guests from all over the world interested in its unique combination of luxury, design and authentic Portuguese culture.
Vermelho Hotel Melides is a place that uniquely combines the past with the present, tradition with innovation, local with global. It is a tribute to Portuguese cultural heritage that at the same time points the way to a future where traditional crafts and skills find new contemporary applications. It's not just a place to sleep, but a true cultural experience that leaves an indelible impression on anyone lucky enough to stay there.
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