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Hotel of the Week: Christian Louboutin Opens an Elegant Hideaway on the Coast of Portugal

The 13-room retreat, called Vermelho, was designed from the ground up by architect Madalena Caiado, with gardens by Louis Benech

By Geoffrey Montes
Interior hallway with ornate red and white walls, a yellow chair, a floral vase on a table, and sunlight through lattice windows.
Vermelho, a new boutique hotel from Christian Louboutin. Photo: Ambroise Tézenas

The visionary creator of the world’s most coveted stilettos, Christian Louboutin is used to turning fantasy into reality. About a decade ago, the Paris-born designer fell hard for the low-key Portuguese beach town of Melides, a hidden gem south of Lisbon, paved with cobblestone streets and surrounded by pine forests. His zeal for the romantic region has resulted in a new, 13-room hotel called Vermelho, designed from the ground up by architect Madalena Caiado, with gardens by Louis Benech. Louboutin also enlisted longtime friend Carolina Irving to advise on the sumptuous interiors, which blend his French and Egyptian heritage while paying homage to Portugal’s extraordinary artisanal history.

See below for a look inside the extraordinary property.

Eclectic room with blue painted walls, geometric ceiling, intricate floor pattern, and a wicker chair with a draped scarf.
A junior suite bedroom with a fresco by Greek artist Konstantin Kakanias. Photo: Ambroise Tézenas
Traditional courtyard with a tiled roof, decorative tile mural, and potted plants next to a wooden bench.
The glorious roof terrace. Photo: Ambroise Tézenas
Cozy living room with a yellow armchair, geometric-patterned rug, wooden ceiling, and decorative fireplace.
The salon of the Matinha master bedroom. Photo: Ambroise Tézenas
Colorful room with yellow velvet sofa, patterned stools, vibrant flowers, and a corner fireplace on red-tiled floor.
The bar area features a sculptural chimney. Photo: Ambroise Tézenas
Cozy room with yellow chairs, vintage decor, and open windows overlooking a balcony and lush greenery.
A golden-hued suite. Photo: Ambroise Tézenas
Bathroom with intricate red and white patterned tiles, a stone faucet, and neatly arranged toiletries and towel.
One of the guest baths sheathed in traditional Portuguese tiles. Photo: Ambroise Tézenas
Warmly lit spa room with two massage tables, ambient lighting, decorative items, and floral arrangement on a central shelf.
The on-site spa and wellness center. Photo: Ambroise Tézenas

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2023 Summer Issue under the headline “Viewing Room.” Subscribe to the magazine.