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MELIDES

A design-led haven for art lovers.

Tucked away in the wild beauty of Portugal’s Alentejo coast, Vermelho Hotel in Melides is a rare jewel of design, intimacy, and soul. Conceived by fashion icon Christian Louboutin, this 13-room boutique property is more than a place to stay. It is a living canvas of global artistry, Portuguese craftsmanship, and slow-living luxury.

Every inch of Vermelho reflects Louboutin’s singular eye: hand-painted tiles, Moorish arches, curated antiques, and vibrant textiles merge to create a space that feels at once theatrical and serene. No two rooms are alike, and yet each speaks the same language of elegance and expression.

Slow down, stroll the fragrant gardens, linger on shaded terraces, or discover the jewel-box wine cellar and the hotel’s refined restaurant, where Alentejo’s rich culinary tradition is honored with inventive flair.

Set in the quiet village of Melides, a rising star in Portugal’s cultural landscape, Vermelho is surrounded by unspoiled beaches, pine forests, and a growing community of international creatives.

The village itself offers a sense of timelessness, with whitewashed houses, local markets, and a rhythm that resists the fast pace of the outside world.

The Real Thing curates bespoke stays at Vermelho for discerning travelers drawn to artful living and the quiet luxury of a coastal retreat. From private studio visits and curated gallery strolls to exclusive wine tastings and elegant explorations along Alentejo’s untouched shores, each experience is designed to reflect your rhythm, style, and sense of discovery.

Where?
Melides, a serene village on Portugal’s southwest coast, just 90 minutes from Lisbon, yet worlds away.
When?
Best enjoyed from spring through autumn when Alentejo’s landscapes and light are at their most vibrant.
Why?
To experience Portugal through an aesthetic lens where luxury is felt in craft, calm, and character.
Photography credits
©Vermelho Hotel

Inspired yet? The journey continues…

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Stays

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Culture

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Food & Wine

Lifestyle

Lifestyle

ABOUT US

Hola! Welcome to THE REAL THING
The Really Top DMC in Spain & Portugal

We plan the trips that dreams are made of: trips tailored to your tastes and interests, with sophisticated proposals and all-around excellence. We help you discover the soul of vibrant cities and picturesque villages, the best coastal enclaves, the true countryside, and the natural beauty of rivers and mountains in their purest state.

You will enjoy food and wine like never before and soak up history and art at every turn; you will take part in our traditions and immerse yourself in our culture. Always in superb spaces, in great company, with an emphasis on quality, exclusivity and good taste.

We know how to have fun and how to make your trip truly enriching, connecting you with the local spirit: its people, its art, its cuisine, and its land.

What we do

We make sure you enjoy every moment of your trip, arranging one unforgettable experience after another.

We take care of absolutely everything so you don’t have to worry about absolutely anything. Our job is to ensure that your travels in Spain and Portugal are a pleasurable experience. We work for people with high standards (we have them, too), both on an individual and corporate level. We are flexible, but we like to have everything under control. And we aim to exceed expectations, including those of children: we love kids and know how important they are.

We put together packages based on what you want to experience. We are very well-versed in the cultural and dining scenes, and we have a long list of exceptional locations and contacts at our disposal. We open the doors of a convent full of precious art work just for you, we invite you to discover an enchanting Andalusian city guided by a viceroy, we take you to harvest oysters in the sea and cook with a chef, we send you sailing through Lisbon at dusk while listening to fados live… The accommodations, means of transport and restaurants, like everything else, will always be superb and fit with your style and preferences.

We highlight the local historic, artistic, natural and traditional heritage with a contemporary approach. We stand for a high-quality, inclusive, sustainable and respectful form of tourism. We want you to feel like a local, but not just any local: we provide you with the best of the best because there are so many wonders to see and no time to waste.

Monuments, museums, urban vibes, shopping, heritage, traditions, festivals, local cuisine, wine, crafts, relaxation, slow life, wellness, sports, adventure, nature, sea, music, fun, the good life…

During your travels will we be available to assist you 24/7 and help you with whatever you need.

Letting go is easy when everything feels so good. THE REAL THING always makes your wishes come true.

Who we are

We are your hip insiders, the guardian angels of your travels.

Gloria Pou and Marta Muñoz
Glòria Pou and Marta Muñoz Recarte

We are a small but strong team led by Marta Muñoz Recarte and Glòria Pou. Both of us had long-standing careers in the art world until 2013, when our passion for travel led us to create THE REAL THING.

We are based in Madrid and Barcelona, where we design and oversee your journeys. We have a close-knit network of choice collaborators that make us the really top DMC we are. They include hoteliers with class, tour guides with cachet and chauffeurs with an eye for detail and impeccable timing; people who hold the keys to historic and unique buildings, art curators, cultural ambassadors and personal shoppers; contacts at the trendiest restaurants and bars of our cities, musicians, DJs, flamenco dancers, chefs, sommeliers, bartenders… Farmers and winegrowers, ceramicists, cheesemakers, sports instructors, massage therapists, fishermen, percebeiras (goose barnacle hunters), sailboat captains, jugglers, magicians… Want to meet them?

We like to keep up with the latest developments and traverse villages and cities in search of the best locations, hotels, businesses and restaurants.

We’re passionate about fine dining, great wine, and—above all—art. Creative, communicative, and detail-driven, we deliver impeccable service at every step.

Postcards

Welcome to our Postcards, a curated collection of travel inspiration from across Spain and Portugal.

This section is your gateway to the destinations, experiences, stays, flavors, and cultural gems that shape The Real Thing’s bespoke itineraries. Each Postcard offers a glimpse into the essence of our journeys – exclusive, sophisticated, and deeply rooted in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.

Whether it’s a hidden boutique hotel, an unforgettable dining experience, a must-see art exhibition, or a private escape to a secluded beach, each Postcard reflects the detail, creativity, and luxury that define our approach to travel.

SPAIN

SPAIN
PORTUGAL

PORTUGAL