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Portugal Wellness Retreat

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.

Meet the instructors

Kate
Read more

Highlights

  • 2 full and 1 half days of painting
  • Optional yoga, mindfulness, and serenity sessions
  • Enthusiastic art tutor
  • Art materials during workshops
  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Daily meals
  • Transfers to and from the airport

Skill level

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

3 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: Afrikaans
Group size: 3-10 participants
Airport transfer included: Faro Airport
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Accommodation

Check-in Time:
16:00
Check-out Time:
10:00

Facilities

  • Kitchen

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.

The River House

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.

Features

  • Winding garden paths leading to direct access to the river to enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, or wild swimming check water levels in advance for optimal water sports experiences during dry periods in the Algarve
  • Air-conditioned public areas - all areas are air-conditioned
  • Lounge with double-height ceilings and comfortable couches
  • Spacious deck area with terraces offering warm sun, a cool canopy, and natural shade, all with stunning views of the countryside and breath-taking sunsets
  • Meals are enjoyed with the group on the outdoor river-facing deck under the carob trees (weather permitting)
  • Reading books, board games and a large selection of DVDs are available for the enjoyment of the guests
  • Swimming pool towels provided
  • Free internet connection (cable)
  • Airport transfers (one on arrival day, one on departure day)
  • Art supplies: Watercolor, paper, tracing paper, and paintbrushes (please bring your paints, brushes, and paper if you plan to paint in your free time)

Program

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.

What to expect

  • Unspoiled serenity: Experience a tranquil and peaceful setting away from crowded tourist areas
  • Infinity pool bliss: Enjoy a riverside location with an infinity swimming pool, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the countryside and river
  • Bird watching delight: Spot a variety of local birds from the comfort of a shaded seating area at Figs on the Funcho
  • Starry nights and breathtaking sunsets: Marvel at the beauty of starlit skies and create lasting memories with unforgettable sunsets
  • Year-round enjoyment: Embrace their location all year round, featuring pleasant sunshine and warm temperatures, even during the winter months
  • Relaxing massages on demand: Indulge in ultimate relaxation with the option to order on-demand, soothing massages during your stay

Your painting experience

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.

Yoga

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.

Painting

  • Master watercolor basics and abstraction and gain confidence
  • Explore color theory, inspired by renowned artists, and experiment with green shades
  • Paint outdoors, adapt to changing conditions, and enjoy a vegetarian lunch
  • Study shadow hues, perspectives, and share artwork
  • Create a personal masterpiece, exhibit works, and receive a gift

Daily itinerary

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.

Day 1: Arrival day

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.

Day 2: Exploring watercolor beauty (full day)

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.

Day 3: Playing with colors (full day)

Explore the emotional impact of colours, inspired by Monet, Sargent, and van Gogh. Immerse yourself in nature, experimenting with various shades of green.

Day 4: From sketch to masterpiece on plein-air (half day)

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.

Day 5: Departure day

After your final wholesome breakfast, you will pack up and say goodbyes before returning home.

Instructors

Kate Olefir

Location

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.

Food

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).

The following meals are included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Drinks

The following drinks are included:

  • Water
  • Coffee
  • Tea

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

  • Vegetarian
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

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.

What's included

  • 2 full days and 1 half day of activities
  • Yoga sessions (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday)
  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Daily meals (except for 1 dinner)
  • Welcome drinks
  • Airport transfers
  • Art materials during workshops
  • Wi-Fi
  • Mid-week room cleaning and towel change
  • Bath and swimming pool towels

What's not included

  • Extra activities
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Cool and alcoholic drinks
  • Airfare
  • Art materials during your free time
  • 1 evening meal

How to get there

Recommended Airports

Arrival by car

Follow the Google map directions for those travelling by car.

Arrival by airplane

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.

Arrival by train

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.

Airport: Faro Airport Airport transfer included: Faro Airport No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

  • A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
  • The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
  • The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
5 days / 4 nights
from --
Minimum group size

This trip requires a minimum of 3 participants

Availability

Arrival: Friday October 31, 2025
Departure: Tuesday November 4, 2025

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