Christian Louboutin was driving through Portugal after getting treated at a local hospital following an accident when he spotted Melides. The small village, tucked between forests and a sprawling lagoon, caught his attention in a way that would change everything. He bought a fisherman’s house there shortly after and eventually moved his atelier to the area. By 2019, his connection to the Alentejo region had grown so strong that he decided to open his first hotel.
Vermelho opened in 2023, taking its name from the Portuguese word for red, a nod to both Louboutin’s famous shoe soles and his embrace of local culture. He worked with architect Madalena Caiado and interior designer Carolina Irving to create something that feels more like a private villa than a typical resort. The 13 rooms are arranged around courtyards and gardens, with shared spaces that naturally bring guests together. Each room sits behind custom Baroque doors made from hand-worked American ash with pewter and enamel handles.
Designer: Christian Louboutin, Madalena Caiado & Carolina Irving
Italian artist Giuseppe Ducrot created ceramic installations that wrap around the building’s exterior in baroque-inspired frescos and decorative figures. His work isn’t just stuck onto the walls; it’s woven into the architecture itself, making it feel like it’s always been there. Louis Benech designed the gardens to work as outdoor rooms, keeping everything feeling intimate rather than sprawling.
Inside, no two rooms look the same. Louboutin filled each space with antique pieces, patterned textiles, and handcrafted surfaces that pull from Iberian traditions while showing off his personal taste. The ceilings are works of art, and custom tiles cover the floors throughout. Local artisans from Fábrica de Azulejos de Azeitão made the custom tiles for bedrooms and that signature deep red flooring, using techniques that go back centuries. India’s Klove Studio designed blown-glass chandeliers for the reception hall; green and gold pieces that bring drama while honoring traditional craftsmanship.
This August, Louboutin added two new villas to the mix. La Salvada is a pink sanctuary inspired by kasbah architecture, while the second villa looks like a whitewashed boathouse. Both expand what Vermelho offers while staying true to his vision. He’s also invested in Experimental Group, the Paris-based hospitality company, showing he’s serious about staying in the hotel business long-term.
What started as an unexpected detour after a hospital visit has turned into something much bigger. Vermelho has become a destination for design lovers and luxury travelers, putting a quiet corner of Portugal on the international map. The project works because it mixes global influences with deep local roots, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and authentic. Louboutin’s Melides retreat now gives other people the chance to discover this beautiful stretch of Portuguese coast for themselves.
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