Melides Portugal, Hotel Vermelho, Christian Louboutin, luxury travel, Melides Portugal dining and dessert, Sericaia
The Paris House, Sunday Guides, Spring 2026
Christian Louboutin's Fashionable Boutique Hotel; Melides Portugal; The Algarve; Dining in Lagos; Praia da Costa da Gale Melides; The North Sea, Leith; Cafe Royal Edinburgh; John Singer Sargent; High Tea at The Balmoral Hotel; Spring Beauty and Scents; The Spring Interior Refresh; Yellow Manicures Inspired by The Jonquil; The Rose Garden; Books We Love
Contents
What Michele Loves
4 Editor’s Letter
8 Contributors
9 Map of Portugal
10 Melides, Portugal
55 Lagos
69 Porto Covo
78 The Hotel and The Destination
88 Out and About
128 The Cabinet of Culinary Curiosities
144 Paris House Book Club
152 “Your Fresh Start: Spring Fitness Made Simple” by Tina Baker
156 “The Spring Home Refresh” by Linda Harbrecht
Contents
168 “Fragrance Thoughts on Spring” by Lisa Gomez
174 Curated by Paris House
194 Planting a Garden
210 Paris House Florals & Designs
217 Edinburgh, Scotland
299 Fashion Editorial
304 Collaborations
318 Collecting: Antique Pink Cameos
326 “Glamorous Jewelry” by Todd Durm
331 Maine Cottage
334 Coming Soon: Grand Cayman
339 Sponsors/Advertisers
342 Sign Up for Our Newsletter
343 About
346 Testimonials
EDITOR’S LETTER
This Spring issue explores fashionable travel, seasonal flowers, and garden- fresh recipes. We highlight asparagus and Pizza Rustica. Our main themes are travel inspiration, culinary exploration, and authentic experiences that reflect our commitment to gentle, meaningful discoveries.
Travel is a big part of both our lives and our work. It inspires us again and again. Gentle inspiration is at the heart of what we do, helping us stay true to journalistic integrity and authenticity. We usually avoid traveling in large groups, which is why we started our “People we meet along the way” segment years ago. Traveling alone often leads to meeting interesting people along the way.
I recently enjoyed a solo trip to Melides, Portugal—a coastal hamlet with unspoiled beaches, soothing colors, and striking architecture. Our magazine educates and inspires, never influences. We value gentleness and authenticity—these define our brand. My mission is to immerse myself in cultures and share insights in depth. Melides draws artists for its solitude, ocean views, and remarkable landscape. Rice fields, delicious food, and welcoming locals nourish the soul. My camera gathers moments for Sunday Guides magazine.
As a solo traveler, I avoid group tours and overly organized trips.I immerse myself in local culture alone, or with family or close friends. We always benefit most from a knowledgeable local. Their direct insights are hard to come by in large groups. That’s when I learn most and adapt to new places. I also love solo exploring to find places I’ve longed to see and to encounter unexpected surprises. I’m excited to share more about this beautiful Portuguese region. We have a special fondness for boutique hotels. Vermelho, created by Christian Louboutin, is located in Melides, Portugal. You’ll find more details in this issue’s Melides section.
We’re also sharing our favorite places to visit in London, with high tea as a highlight. Our Out and About section features our collaboration in Edinburgh, Scotland. Our columnists offer their top Spring fragrances and fitness and health tips. The new Stone Cottage columnist answers your questions about refreshing your home for Spring. Plus, we have a book section, an opera book club, a stylish dinner party, gardens, and much more!
Wishing you a wonderful season filled with inspiration and discovery. Wherever your travels take you, may you create lasting memories, forge meaningful connections, and return home with fresh perspectives and a heart full of joy.
Michele Rosenthal, Editor in Chief
Contributors
Michele Rosenthal, Founder and Editor in Chief
Sonia Schnee, Executive Graphic Designer
Teddy Rosenthal, Proofreading
Tina Baker, Fit Pro, Health and Fitness Columnist
Lisa Gomez, CUSTOMPARFUMS, Beauty and Fragrance Columnist
Linda Harbrecht, @stonecottage2250, Home and Design Columnist
Todd Durm, Jewelry and Antiques Photographer and Columnist
Map of Portugal by Holly Francesca
Melides, Portugal
I TRAVELED TO MELIDES, PORTUGAL, a small town that felt like a village. Artists from everywhere are drawn to this quiet spot. While there I photographed and wrote for our magazine, I found it beautiful, inspiring, and peaceful— a perfect place to reflect and focus on words and images.
I started my days with breakfast on the balcony, overlooking the gardens and pool.
In November, when I traveled to Melides, the town was calm, with both crowds and heat gone.
An ocean breeze drifts in, and the garden flowers remain bright.
The peacefulness is surrounded by panoramic views and nearby rice fields.
Rice fields off in the distance
STAYING AT HOTEL VERMELHO, as elegant as you’d expect from Christian Louboutin, adds history, signature red accents, and lively energy to your stay.
Sumptuous Interiors with pops of Louboutin red
Chic in Chartreuse
The Incredibly Chic Vermelho Bar
Melides
Dine in the beautiful gardens at Vermelho
SIP & SAVOR, Melides, Portugal
Fadist Melides, Portugal
Melides Portugal creates fresh traditional recipes in an adorable location; the interiors feature the local landmark colors of white and blue, leaving you relaxed and happy.
The garlic shrimp, local beer, and fresh Portuguese bread were delicious! For dessert, it was a family and generational recipe; the dessert is called “Sericaia” and is traditional from Alentejo. Be sure to try their signature seafood platter and homemade pastries, which are highly recommended.
Dessert: Sericaia
