Over a period of twenty years- Christian Louboutin- founder of the eponymous couture brand- has developed a passion for the south of Portugal- particularly the tranquility of the small village of Melides in Alentejo- ten minutes from the Atlantic coast. The designer has opened Hotel Vermelho- a traditional property whose sky-blue facade is decorated with ceramics by sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot. They give a hint of an interior that is both baroque and joyful- with decor designed by Madalena Caiado. Here in this property- the owner invites guests to taste la vie en rouge- having called on the best artisans and some of his artist friends to contribute to its aesthetic- creating plaster sconces- magnificent wall frescoes and fascinating optical illusions. Typically Portuguese- but inspired by Louboutin s favorite color- the red tiles lining the floor of the bar come from the famed Azulejos de Azeitao ceramic factory. The hotel is also decorated throughout with furniture- antiques and objects taken from the owner s private collection. The hotel s rooms and suites- most with their own terrace that open onto the garden and swimming pool- each boast their own original style. Xtian restaurant serves tasty- bistro-inspired Portuguese cuisine using local artisanal ingredients.