Vermelho Melides - Relais & Châteaux

👠🪣 👠 Bucket list 🪣 👠 🪣 Always a fan of red sole shoes, when I heard Christian Louboutin had bought and designed a hotel in Portugal, a visit there went straight on my bucket list. Fortunately, we had friends who live nearby, so a meet up was the perfect opportunity to tick off the bucket list item. The hotel is called Vermelho Melides, and it is just under 2 hours from either the Algarve or Lisbon. “Vermelho” is the Portuguese word for the colour red, and there is red everywhere you look, but not in an overpowering way. The hotel, which is adults only, is maximalist in style and a true feast for the eyes. Food is top class too, enjoyed dinner and breakfast was one of the best I’ve ever eaten at a hotel. The only question I have, is when can I go back? Check it out @hotelvermelho

The best thing about VM is the staff. service is very good in every area. they give great ideas for day trips, beaches and restaurants. some might view the experience as tranquil but it can also be viewed as "dead". bar was empty both friday and saturday and it is an incredible bar. biggest issue for me was the dining room. falls flat relative to the decor of the rest of the hotel and the food is merely decent. for the price, it needs to be amazing on all fronts. I wouldn't spend more than two nights here. one might even be enough. watch out for surge pricing. prices flux a lot. I wouldn't pay more than 800 euros per night

As soon as the gates open and you’re greeted with a warm “Welcome to paradise”, you truly feel like you’ve stepped into another world. A real paradise – serene, beautiful, and filled with magic from the very first moment. Words can hardly do justice to the beauty of this place. The attention to detail is simply extraordinary – from the architecture to the carefully curated art pieces that you could spend hours admiring. It’s the kind of beauty that evokes pure emotion – there are no words, just awe. The reception staff is beyond exceptional – incredibly attentive and genuinely caring. They go above and beyond to help with bookings, recommendations, or anything else you might need. You feel completely taken care of, and their advice on local gems made our experience even richer. A very special mention must go to the sommelier. Thanks to his brilliant recommendations, our already wonderful dinner became an unforgettable culinary journey. He opened our eyes to the world of Portuguese wine in a way we never expected – thoughtful, passionate, and truly knowledgeable. Bravo! And of course, the surroundings… our trips to the ocean were nothing short of magical. This region of Portugal is something else entirely – wild, breathtaking, and absolutely unforgettable. This place doesn’t just stay in your memory – it stays in your heart❤️ Can’t wait to return.

My stay at Vermelho Melides was truly memorable. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by a thoughtful and dedicated team, which contributed to a personalized and warm experience. The stay at Vermelho Melides exceeded expectations. The restaurant offers professional service and truly delicious dishes – the Cuttlefish and Razor Clam Rice and the Curry stood out for their quality and balanced flavors. I especially appreciated the team's care and attention: the receptionist discreetly intervened when a couple with children was making some noise at the pool, and shortly afterward, they even called us to apologize, even though we hadn’t made any complaint. Additionally, they took my electric car to be charged without me even asking – a gesture that shows a rare and far-above-average level of service. Without a doubt, a place where attention to detail makes all the difference.