Louboutin's Vermelho Hotel
La Vie en Rouge Louboutin
He may have flirted with the concept of hospitality, but designing a boutique hotel was something new even for accomplished French designer, Christian Louboutin. Renowned for his iconic scarlet soled shoes, his sense of aesthetic, love for art and antiques, he decided to play host in his own hotel.
On a recent visit to the Portugal coast, I could not resist the urge to drive further south from Comporta to Melides, just to experience Vermelho – Louboutin’s boutique hotel.
The whitewashed exterior walls compel visitors to venture inside, to what is a fascinating experience. Once through the large wooden door. I was immediately drawn to the eclectic juxtaposition of the interior and exterior of the property. A design approach involving the combining of elements from different styles and periods in unexpected ways.
This lends to creating a dynamic and visually appealing space, as well as showcasing the individuality of the designer.
To get it “just right”, Louboutin set out to engage artisans, architectural visionaries, and landscape architects, commissioning craftsmen to create a red tile floor with the right hue, intensity and glow, the color pigmentation as per his signature red. Essentially adding layer of refinement and luxury to the extensive episode that was his mission.
The interiors play tribute to Louboutin’s French heritage and his love for India. Having had a passion for India since he was a teen, he started collecting Bollywood posters since his first trip there. It was a “natural place” for him to place these in his first hotel. This obviously resonated with me, bringing fond memories of growing up watching Bollywood films.
The lobby is like no other. Delhi-based Klove Studio created an intricate and vibrant green, glass-blown mural chandelier that is mesmerizing and strategically placed where it shines brilliantly, welcoming guests as they enter the hotel’s reception area.
Shaped like a tantalizing heirloom necklace, resembling jewelry that might have been adorned on the curvature of the neck patronized by the Mughal Empire. Surely a nod to India’s rich cultural heritage.
The Vermelho Bar made me gasp, as I took in the majestic curation of this ecclesiastical striking silver “bar” itself. Made of green stone and hammered metal, this cozy hideaway, is a feast for the eyes as you sit back and sip on bespoke cocktails. The love for flamboyance is most evident in this room and hard to tear yourself away from this visually stunning space.
The Hotel Suites, thirteen to be exact, are each extravagant, impeccably, and tastefully fitted, baroque masterpieces. Stiletto guru, Louboutin has a penchant for eye-catching artifacts and furnishings and loves celebrating Portuguese tradition of smooth, cool, and flawless marble and tiles. All thirteen rooms showcase a piece of his heart to welcome his guests, where no two rooms are alike.
Without giving too much away, you will have to visit to view the pièce de resistance, on the upper floors.
The Indian Lounge an elegant room with a touch of virtuosity, available for afternoon tea, a rendezvous or simply a game of chess. His one-of-a-kind pieces here dictate an emotional response, whether it is a sense of calm and relaxation or a burst of energy and inspiration.
Growing up, his interest in other cultures, coupled with his travels around the world later, opened Louboutin’s mind to exotic places, culture, food, and style. He loved landscaping, nature, and flowers, which becomes evident in the Vermelho gardens…and in his signature restaurant.
Xtian Restaurant is an ode to Portuguese culinary tradition. Led by Portuguese Chef David Abreu, who boasts some of his grandmother’s recipes using seasonal produce. Offering aromas from the sea by way of cod stew, grouper with razor clam sauce, time-honored Pica-Pau gluten free vegetable ramalhete (cheese biscuit with basil pesto, lettuce, and seasonal vegetables). Alentejo’s cold tomato soup and other red salads.
The open dining room is stunning, with a vibrant red color scheme, another nod to his signature red-soled shoes. I enjoyed being served out of local handmade dishes,(Covetable plates and bowls from Vida Dura, a must visit homeware shop in the village). Artisanal tableware with dynamic colors surrounded by soft candlelight are the finishing touches to la vie en rouge.
We had the opportunity to meet with Sous Chef Emanuel Machado who was keeping watch as Chef Abreu was out of town. Bella, Chef de Sala, our sommelier was very welcoming and able to provide us with great stories behind the production of the establishment, the cuisine offered and of course the oils as well as a plethora of native varieties of wines on the menu. It is the rich tapestry of native grapes that makes Portuguese wines unique.
The picturesque village with verdant scenery, the ultimate weather, and a flourishing creative community, was instrumental in making this an ideal location to bring this boutique hotel to life.
A welcoming, ultra-modern, voguish development in this magnate’s foray in the hospitality industry shows his hard work and vision paid off. Louboutin has added a new jewel to his crown.
Set in the surreal ambience of the sand pine forest and magical glory of the sunlight on the rice lagoon, this palatial destination hotel is more than worth the excursion. Views of nostalgic gardens, forestry and rolling hills beyond. A picture that encapsulates Vermelho’s appeal.
Fans of the fashion magnate Louboutin look out for the 2024 launch of another hotel. Here’s hoping Louboutin continues to paint the hospitality world red!
Wow, what an eye opener! Would never have imagined that such a hotel existed! Thanks for sharing definitely worth visitng some day.
Thank you I felt like I was being transported to the hotel and could visualise all the beauty of it.