“A theatrical boutique hotel in the quaint village of Melides that blends local aesthetics, bold decorative flair and unique art pieces. Dine at the exclusive Xtian, where local flavours blend with a global twist, or unwind by the pool with a cocktail in hand. Perfect for the design conscious.”

Hotel review

There is nothing quite like Vermelho Melides in the luxury hotel market. Conceived by Christian Louboutin as an intensely personal hospitality project, the property feels less like a hotel and more like an eccentric private residence filled with antiques and eccentricities from Louboutin’s own collection, and garnished with artworks from his network of friends (including murals by Greek artist Jonstantin Kakanjas, ceramic scrollwork by Italian artist Giuseppe Ducrot). Set within the quiet village of Melides, only a short drive from the region’s popular beaches, the entire structure is brazenly decorative, blending hand-painted azulejos, carved woodwork, and rich fabrics, with splashes of deep red (hence the name; Vermelho = red), all (somehow) without becoming kitsch.

Each bedroom is individually designed, with furnishings and handcrafted details. Bathrooms, drawing on the Alentejo’s Moorish heritage, are large and mosaic-covered, while the terraces lead onto an Italianate grand courtyard with a large fountain, a pool, and a vegetable patch. The spa is correspondingly intimate: one room, one bed, one short list of treatments. Disparately, the restaurant, Xitan, quirkily festooned with Bollywood film posters, serves lovely seafood dishes designed for two.

Vermelho will delight design-conscious travellers seeking privacy and a more expressive alternative to the beige minimalism that increasingly dominates luxury hospitality.

Recommended for

  • Learning

    • Join a bespoke tour organised by Vermelho Melides and discover the rich culture and history of the enchanting Melides region
  • Romantic Break

    • Savour a glass of Alentejo wine at the ornate silverwork bar, perfect for couples seeking romance
  • Close to nightlife

    • After dusk, mingle at the ornate silver bar, where Sevillian craftsmanship meets local wines
  • Local exploring

    • Explore the nearby ruins of Miróbriga, where ancient Celtic and Roman histories intertwine
  • Restaurant

    • Atmospheric restaurant Xtian serves a Portuguese fine dining evening menu for guests
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • The Double Vista Verde Room and the Suites have terraces
  • Restrictions on children

    • Children over 14 are welcome
  • Luxury

  • Good wine list

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Designer

  • Views

  • Romantic

  • Air conditioning

  • Charming

  • 5* Luxury

  • Antiques

  • Chic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    13 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    Atmospheric restaurant Xtian serves a Portuguese fine dining evening menu for guests
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    The Double Vista Verde Room and the Suites have terraces
  • Parking

    Free on-site parking is available
  • Swimming Pool

    There is a seasonal outdoor pool
  • Restrictions on children

    Children over 14 are welcome
  • Good wine list

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • No pets

  • Wifi

  • Bar

  • Air conditioning

  • Suites

  • Room service

  • Garden

Activities

  • Learning

    • Join a bespoke tour organised by Vermelho Melides and discover the rich culture and history of the enchanting Melides region
  • Close to nightlife

    • After dusk, mingle at the ornate silver bar, where Sevillian craftsmanship meets local wines

Map & Location

Other reviews

Vermelho Melides

This Secret Beach Town Near the 'Hamptons of Portugal' Has a New Hotel — With Every Detail Handpicked by Christian Louboutin

Originally published by Travel and Leisure

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