Debut hotel for shoe designer Louboutin

Operated by Marugal Hotel Management, the 13-room property is set in the village of Melides in Portugal’s Alentejo region, south of Comporta and Lisbon. 

Louboutin has spent time in Portugal designing his collections inspired by the ‘unique light and culture of the people’ and says he was drawn to Melides due to its flourishing arts and crafts community.

The name Vermelho, meaning red in Portuguese, pays homage to the signature colour of the soles of Louboutin shoes. 

The interior of the hotel has an eclectic and maximalist style. Louboutin personally sourced the furniture and collected the art and ceramics incorporating and celebrating Portuguese talent and traditions. 

The ‘home-away-from-home’ experience extends to the restaurant, Xtian and the relaxed Vermelho cocktail bar. Spa treatments and massages will also be available. 

Louboutin teamed up with Lusitanian architect Madalena Caiado, who had already worked on his Lisbon house, as well as long-time friend Carolina Irving, who advised on textile creations and overall decoration. 

The gardens were designed by French landscape architect, Louis Benech to sit comfortably within the wider landscape. 
 
Louboutin said: “I realised many people have the fantasy of designing or owning a hotel. I like to make my dreams a reality. That is why Vermelho is born. 

“This project allows me to empty my storage full of antiques and objects I have purchased over many years! Furthermore, it is an opportunity to show the excellence of many artists and artisans I admire.”