The textile designer Carolina Irving’s work is shaped by a nomadic upbringing. Raised in Paris by Venezuelan parents, she studied at the École du Louvre before moving to New York to work as an art dealer at Sotheby’s, later holding roles at Elle Decor and Oscar de la Renta Home. But she dreamed of opening her own atelier, and in 2006, she launched her eponymous textile brand.
Irving’s pursuit of exceptional craftsmanship has never slowed. Each travel-inspired textile evokes a sense of wanderlust. “I want a house everywhere I go,” she once told Architectural Digest. In 2018, she expanded her world further with Carolina Irving & Daughters, a lifestyle brand centered on tabletop design and rooted in the shared love of “treasure hunting” she has with her daughters, Olympia and Ariadne.
More than 16 years ago, when her close friend, the designer Christian Louboutin, invited her to the remote Portuguese town of Melides, Irving fell for its quiet charm and bought a house there. Today, while Olympia and Ariadne live in London and Carolina resides in Paris, the trio escapes to the Portuguese coast whenever relaxation calls. Here, they share their guide to the area.
Quinta amala
A new hotel that has just opened on the rice fields in Melides. (quintaamala.com)
VERMELHO MELIDES
Christian Louboutin’s hotel. Each room is different and absolutely beautiful. Definitely worth staying here, even if just for a night! (vermelhohotel.com)
A cerquinha
An organic farm in the hills above Melides. We try to buy most of our vegetables from here. They are all organic and have the most amazing selection. They even have Shiso leaves! (instagram.com)
ANGUILLA SURF CAFÉ
The main square in Melides is a great place to have breakfast and see the bustling village life. This café has lots of coffee options and pastries (gluten-free options included). (instagram.com)
SNACK BAR O FADISTA
The local restaurant in Melides. We have been coming here since the beginning. Make sure to reserve as they are always full! The garlic shrimp are incredible, as are the Lagartos.
TIA ROSA
A delicious local restaurant just outside Melides.
Tosca melides
Wonderful pizza and Italian food with fresh ingredients. A pizza is exactly what you need after overdoing it on the Amêijoas à Bulhão. (instagram.com)
JAMMD & PROJECT
A homeware shop in Grandola. (instagram.com)
NOEMINA MELIDES
A shop in Melides with a great selection of clothes. We especially love the Lisa Corti items and the Iacobella bags they sell. (instagram.com)
Vida dura
A shop in the town selling beautiful ceramics made in Portugal, as well as items collected around the world. (vidadura.pt)
ABERTA NOVA
Our favorite beach. It even has a delicious little restaurant with great Margaritas—order the clam chowder and the Pego Sandwich. It can get quite full in the summer, so arrive early!
Lagoa santo André
If you’re looking for a less crowded beach than the main one in Melides, six minutes away is Lagoa de Santo André. There’s a great little shack that serves delicious cocktails and snacks. Be sure to get the black tempura langoustines.
Praia da galé
Once you are on this beach, walk left for a bit, and you’ll find a delicious taco restaurant.
Passeios a Cavalo melides
A company through which to book beautiful horseback rides through local rice fields and on the beach. (passeiosacavalomelides.com)
Twopack kitchen
The most wonderful caterers and event planners. They also do picnics, barbecues, private dinners, and anything else you can imagine. If you are renting a house, it’s definitely worth getting them around! (instagram.com)
