RockRose Melides: A Rammed Earth Retreat in Portugal's Alentejo
RockRose Melides, a rammed earth guesthouse in the hills above Melides, Portugal, was designed by architect Manuel Aires Mateus for owners Marta Alvim and Vasco Maya. The project took six years to complete, with 60-centimeter-thick walls built layer by layer by workers including Tania Teixeira from Atelier Cru. The five-suite property sits on 25 private acres of native vegetation, featuring a spa with infrared light therapy and a Roman-bath-inspired room. Rates start at €14,000 per week. The house emphasizes stillness and monastic simplicity, with materials like Santa Catarina terracotta tiles and European oak. Breakfast menus were developed with nutritionist Florence Rolando, and private chefs specializing in sustainable Atlantic fishing are available. The property also plans to offer ozone therapies and vitamin infusions through a partnership with a Lisbon-based Longevity Clinic.
Key facts
- RockRose Melides is a rammed earth guesthouse in Melides, Portugal.
- Designed by architect Manuel Aires Mateus.
- Owned by Marta Alvim (visual artist) and Vasco Maya (TAP Air pilot).
- Construction took six years.
- Walls are 60 centimeters thick, built layer by layer.
- Tania Teixeira from Atelier Cru assisted in construction.
- Five suites, all with sea views.
- Rates from €14,000 to €19,000 per week.
- Spa offers massages, infrared light therapy, and future ozone therapies.
- Breakfast menus by nutritionist Florence Rolando.
- Private chefs specializing in sustainable Atlantic fishing available.
- Partnership with Lisbon-based Longevity Clinic for future treatments.
- Materials include Santa Catarina terracotta tiles and European oak.
- Property spans 25 acres with native vegetation.
- Nearest town is Melides, with shops like Noemina and Vida Dura.
Entities
Artists
- Manuel Aires Mateus
- Marta Alvim
- Vasco Maya
- Tania Teixeira
- Florence Rolando
- Mary Lussiana
Institutions
- Atelier Cru
- TAP Air Portugal
- VeryChaga
- RockRose Melides
- Lisbon-based Longevity Clinic
- Wallpaper*
Locations
- Melides
- Portugal
- Alentejo
- Atlantic coast
- Lisbon