Portugal Edition
Redefined Luxury in Portugal’s Hidden Gem
Portugal is having a moment and we’re completely here for it.
Tucked into the quiet seaside village of Melides, Vermelho Hotel, Christian Louboutin’s 13-room passion project, became home for one of the very first full-property buyouts at this design jewel. (Vermelho means “red” in Portuguese, and yes, the spirit of it is as bold and romantic as the name suggests.) For our couple, Courtney and John, it was the perfect canvas: layered, artful, a little unexpected, and completely transportive.
Instead of centering everything around a single day, the couple leaned into the beauty of slowing down. Guests wandered Lisbon with private guides, rolled up their sleeves for cooking classes celebrating regional flavors, and spent sun-drenched afternoons in Comporta, think seaside lunches, dolphin watching, and horseback rides along the shore. Evenings unfolded effortlessly: vineyard dinners under the stars, golden-hour aperitifs, and finally, heartfelt vows exchanged in Vermelho’s iconic blue-and-white tiled courtyard.
The full story is on Over The Moon, complete with all the gorgeous imagery and thoughtful details that made this one so special. Go take a peek, it’s the kind of dream you’ll want to linger in.
Of Clay and Coastlines: Our Portuguese Edit
Between Lisbon’s undeniable charm and Comporta’s laid-back coastal magic, this corner of Europe completely stole our hearts as we traveled, explored, and gathered inspiration for our Portugal celebration.
And because we can’t help ourselves, we’re sharing the little black book version, the spots that made us fall hard.
In Lisbon, begin with sunset cocktails and sweeping city views at SEEN Lisboa, where the modern Mediterranean menu (with a Portuguese twist) rivals the skyline. From there, wander over to Clay Lisboa, a beautifully curated pottery studio celebrating local craftsmanship. Fair warning: you’ll want to ship half the store home.
In Comporta, check in at AlmaLusa, perfectly placed in town and within walking distance of everything you’ll want to do (and eat). Dinner at Cavalariça is non-negotiable—Michelin-starred, effortlessly cool, and endlessly memorable. Pop into Fashion Clinic for serious design inspiration; we quite literally melted in the homeware section and left with a head full of tabletop ideas for the couple’s welcome dinner. And for the ultimate toes-in-the-sand moment, settle in at JNcQUOI Beach Club for a long, languid seaside lunch.
We’re fully here for Portugal, the colors, the craftsmanship, the rhythm of life. Whether scouting venues or soaking up inspiration, we left endlessly inspired (and already plotting our return).
Meet Sara Whitfield
It feels only fitting to introduce our newest team member in this Portugal-themed issue. Sara’s roots trace back to the Azores, and she shares our love for the country’s intentional, artful way of life. Raised in a family that believed every occasion deserved a toast, Sara grew up surrounded by hospitality—her grandmother an effortless hostess, her mother a caterer who taught her that true celebration starts with care.
Based in the Bay Area, Sara brings over 20 years of experience crafting events that balance creativity, detail, and connection. Known for her thoughtful approach and client-first mindset, she believes every celebration is a collaboration. When she’s not planning, she’s likely on the tennis court, on the golf course with her husband, or dreaming up her next adventure with their two boys.
Welcome, Sara—let’s celebrate.