A link to reset your password has been sent to your email
Already have an account? Log in
Proceeding confirms you accept Tripaneer’s terms & privacy policy.
We have sent you an email to validate your email address. Once you have followed the link provided, you can access all Tripaneer websites.
Didn't receive an email? Resend
Check your email for the confirmation email. It will have a link to reset your password.
Didn't receive an email? Resend
Embrace the wisdom of a renowned poet: "Live in the sunshine, swim the ocean, drink the wild air." Join Figs On The Funcho for a five-day painting retreat featuring accommodation, delectable cuisine, and panoramic countryside views.
Figs on the Funcho, crowned by LuxLife's Hospitality Award as "Algarve's Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023", offers breathtaking country views that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings, let the stunning landscapes inspire you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Your home-from-home, The River House, is the perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking modern comfort, privacy, and peace. This renovated 100-year-old farmhouse riverside property boasts an infinity swimming pool, and five large bedrooms, and can accommodate up to 10 people with the option of single or double beds.
In addition to the villa, The River House also offers the option of staying in two luxurious safari tents in the garden with stunning river views. Each tent can accommodate up to two guests, providing a unique and immersive nature experience. So, whether you choose to stay in the villa or one of the safari tents, you are sure to have an unforgettable and restorative getaway.
They offer a slower pace of life for the artists who are nature enthusiasts and seek home-away-from-home modern comfort accommodation, privacy, and peace allowing guests to disconnect from their hectic lifestyle. The accommodation is a 100-year-old renovated farmhouse riverside property with an infinity swimming pool.
It has five large bedrooms: two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and two bedrooms sharing a large bathroom with double basins. They also offer two glamping safari tents. In total, they can accommodate 12 people altogether and beds can be made up as single or double beds.
This week, close to nature and your soul, offers new emotions and friendships. With a brush in hand, immerse yourself in the art world under the expert guidance of tutor Catarina Olefir. Suitable for beginner levels, the experience guarantees relaxation, confidence-building, and artistic inspiration. Painting partners are warmly invited to share in this creative journey.
Discover the spirited nature of watercolor with Kate. Master your brushstrokes akin to a conductor's baton, techniques to capture enchanting effects, and delve into tonal relationships.
You will explore the grisaille technique, portraying the world's beauty in a single color. If it feels like a lot, fret not. The theory will seamlessly equip you with skills, ensuring you approach your next painting with confidence in a relaxed manner.
Your painting instructor will be on hand throughout the week with not only demonstrations but also to provide one-on-one guidance and tuition; all from the scenic riverside deck. The breathtaking views of the river, countryside, and hills, help artists to take time out and feel more relaxed.
Not only do creative guests come away having improved their artistic skills, but they also enjoy being close to nature which is known to generate emotions such as calmness, creativity, and joy. The retreat has many creative solo travelers who have made friends easily on their creative holidays. Having common interests makes it easy to form friendships.
The after-dinner cheese and port gatherings under the carob trees are a firm favourite with guests as this is when you get to know each other a little more and form long-lasting friendships.
There are several quiet areas on the property to enjoy and take advantage of the peaceful, tranquil, scenic surroundings. Enjoy bird watching, book a relaxing aromatherapy massage, or a stand-up paddle boarding lesson, fishermen can find a spot to fish anywhere around the villa, or simply chill out by the infinity pool and soak up some much-needed vitamin D.
The signed walking route is ideal for exploring the countryside on your own and you are welcome to join the art group when they go out walking and exploring the countryside. All art materials are included during workshops. Please bring your own if you want to paint in your free time.
Set against the serene backdrop of the Algarve’s tranquil landscape, unwind and rejuvenate with soothing end-of-day yoga sessions designed to complement your painting workshops. Led by a skilled yoga instructor, these gentle practices help release tension, improve flexibility, and restore balance to both body and mind. A perfect way to relax, reflect, and recharge after a creative day.
Check-in is from 4:00 p.m. You are requested to arrive before 9:00 p.m. Otherwise, arrival should be scheduled for the following morning. Check-out will be after the 9:00 a.m. breakfast.
Please note the itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and experience.
Figs On The Funcho will pick you up from the agreed-upon location or, if you have opted for a different route, they will warmly welcome you at the riverside villa. Take your time settling into your accommodation, surrounded by peace and tranquillity. Join them for welcome drinks at 6:30 p.m. on the waterfront deck, offering a chance to meet your group and relish the sunset.
Weather permitting, dinner will be served outdoors, featuring a wholesome vegetarian meal thoughtfully prepared by your hosts, Graham and Cheryl. After dinner, savor a cheese platter with port beneath the carob trees.
Later, retreat to your beautiful rooms to unwind before the first full day of your Algarve experience holiday. Settle into The River House at Figs on the Funcho before enjoying a group welcome dinner and drinks with your fellow artists.
Dive into the expressive world of watercolour, mastering brushwork and exploring tonal relationships. Discover watercolour abstraction, exploring its flow influenced by technique and mood. Gain plenty of skills, setting you on your next painting with confidence.
Explore the emotional impact of colours, inspired by Monet, Sargent, and van Gogh. Immerse yourself in nature, experimenting with various shades of green.
Paint outdoors, drawing inspiration from Figs on the Funcho. Learn location selection, dealing with time constraints, changing sunlight, and unpredictable wind. Enjoy a wholesome vegetarian lunch under mature carob trees. Paint a heartfelt masterpiece, guided by acquired knowledge. Enjoy an exhibition of your works, leaving with unforgettable emotions.
After your final wholesome breakfast, you will pack up and say goodbyes before returning home.
Self-taught, Kate Olefir gleaned insights from renowned watercolour masters worldwide. From Joseph Zbukvic, she mastered capturing atmosphere and mood. Inspired by Alvaro Castagnet, she learned swift decision-making and simplification for maximum impact. Michael Solovyev's influence guided her in mixing magical colours and painting with a loose style. Now, generously, she shares these acquired knowledge and skills with you. Kate has instructed students hailing from Canada, Australia, the USA, and Europe. As of 2024, her painted works are set to be exhibited in exhibitions spanning Spain, It
The retreat will take place in Silves, Algarve, Portugal. There is so much to discover and enjoy in the Algarve that is within easy reach. Cheryl loves finding places to shop, dine, and explore that add a touch of authentic flavor and variety to your Algarve visit, and she is always excited to share them so that you can also experience these wonderful discoveries.
You will be served daily breakfast, lunch, and dinners, welcome drinks are included in the price. Alcoholic and cool drinks in the honesty bar are at your own expense.
Your hosts, Cheryl and Graham, will be lovingly preparing a variety of wholesome vegetarian dishes in their riverside farmhouse kitchen using fresh produce from the local village market. All meals are seasoned with the Algarve Portugal sea salt, Flor de Sal, known as the white gold of the Algarve, which is manually harvested from the clean Atlantic water.
They enjoy cooking and testing new recipes in their kitchen and guest reviews happily report their joy in discovering new healthy vegetarian meals. They are passionate about cooking and sourcing local ingredients to produce good, healthy, wholesome vegetarian foods. Graham is an avid follower of Ottolenghi, Jamie Oliver, Bosh Brothers, and the Happy Pear and many dishes stem from his chef heroes.
Meals are enjoyed with the group on the outdoor river-facing deck under the carob trees (weather permitting).
Figs on the Funcho is a riverside retreat with winding pathways in the garden that has easy waterside access for kayakers, paddle boarders, and wild water swimmers. Alternatively, if you would like to explore the Algarve region they are keen to share their Algarve experiences with you as they also love to explore the area, find new beaches, restaurants, and activities, and visit the traditional villages nearby. Wild swimming is available depending on the water levels in the dam. Aroma body massage is available for 60 EUR per hour.
Faro Airport
42 km
Transfer included
Lisbon Portela Airport
181 km
Transfer not provided
Follow the Google map directions for those travelling by car.
Please book your flight to arrive at Faro Airport (FAO). Transfer from and to the airport is included. Figs On The Funcho will pick you up from the airport at 3:00 p.m. Custom transfer timing can be arranged at your expense, with cost-sharing opportunities if others have similar arrival times. On departure day, a group transfer to the airport is scheduled after breakfast.
If you’re flying into Faro airport, you have two options: either take the train to Messines-Alte and select a 5-minute taxi ride to the villa or opt for a 45-minute airport taxi transfer directly to the villa.
For those arriving by train, disembark at Messines-Alte train station and choose a quick five-minute taxi ride to reach the villa. This is an excellent choice for those who prefer to avoid an internal flight and instead savor a scenic journey through the countryside.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
We respect your privacy. We will not publish or share your email address in any way.
Please go to your inbox and click the confirmation link we just emailed you.