“Explore, create, and rejuvenate”
7 Day Portugal Painting Holiday with Yoga: Explore, Paint, and Reconnect with Nature in Algarve
The River House, Monte Ribeira Sant’ Ana S.B. Messines, Algarve, Portugal
Painting and Yoga Holiday in Portugal
Join this painting holiday with gorgeous uninterrupted country views. It includes 18 hours of expert tuition. Daily art lessons take place on the tranquil waterfront deck, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature and picturesque river vistas, where your passionate and skilled art tutor will help you unlock your artistic potential across various mediums.
Meet the instructors
Tracy-Jane
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Highlights
- Receive expert guidance with 18 hours of professional painting instruction
- Suitable for painters of all levels, catering to beginners and experienced artists alike
- Embrace the opportunity to bring a painting partner along for the creative adventure
- Explore, paint, and reconnect with nature
- 6 nights accommodation surrounded by breathtaking countryside views
- Savor a delightful culinary journey throughout your stay
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
5 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: Afrikaans
Group size: 4-8 participants
Airport transfer included:
Faro Airport
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
15:00
Check-out Time:
10:00
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Air-conditioned public areas
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Meditation garden
- Terrace
- Yoga deck
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Ironing / ironing board
- Outdoor shower
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
Beyond the canvas, relish leisurely riverside walks, lounge by the infinity pool, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, witness breathtaking sunsets and starry night skies, or explore the nearby Moorish castle. Immerse yourself in three rejuvenating yoga sessions throughout the week.
At Figs on the Funcho, find the perfect haven to relax, enhance your well-being, and quiet your mind, surrounded by tranquil beauty.
Mixed-media painting holiday
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.
Itinerary
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
Settle into The River House at Figs on the Funcho before enjoying a group welcome dinner.
Day 2 Natural Inspiration workshop
Morning: Natural inspiration workshop
Relaxed introduction morning at Figs on the Funcho learning how to use different shapes, textures, and forms from nature. Using various drawing techniques and materials including graphite, charcoal, and pen you can ease into your art holiday learning new tips and tricks or a good refresher for the more experienced. Also, a great way to get to know each other and discuss your art interests.
Afternoon: Yoga, Mindfulness, and Serenity
End the day with an outdoor yoga session to unwind, boost your well-being, and calm your mind amidst the tranquil beauty of nature.
Day 3 When Color Runs Riot workshop
Morning: When Colour Runs Riot workshop
A day letting vibrant colors and bold imagery inspired by many different sources come together to create powerful abstract art. This will be a creative day exploring different colors and how they make you feel. Chance to try out different art materials like watercolor, acrylics, or chalk. All that is required is an open mind willing to explore.
Afternoon: Yoga, Mindfulness, and Serenity
End the day with an outdoor yoga session to unwind, boost your well-being, and calm your mind amidst the tranquil beauty of nature.
Day 4 En Plein Air Landscape Painting workshop
Full-Day Outdoor Landscapes Painting
En plein air painting is the French expression for “in the open air” and you will be outdoors using the stunning location of Figs on the Funcho as inspiration for creating some plein air landscape painting. The morning will be used to work together and discuss how to select your landscape, then compose a painting or drawing while on location.
After lunch, you will continue with the landscapes back at the base where you can tune the fine details with guidance to create some impressive works of art. The hardest part of this day will be which view to choose, so maybe bring a camera. Material choice is totally up to you, but maybe try something loose and see where the inspiration leads you.
Day 5 Ink and mixed media workshop
Morning: Ink and mixed media workshop
A session on the joys of using ink in various ways to create interesting artworks. A morning of play and experimentation where you will show you how versatile this medium can be, not to mention the possibilities when other mediums are used. From the application of ink from a pen for sketching, brushwork, and the introduction of bleach and other unusual things.
Afternoon: Historical town (optional)
An interesting historical town with narrow cobbled streets leading to one of the best-preserved Moorish castles in Portugal. Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, and the archaeological museum, and perhaps do some souvenir shopping before enjoying a leisurely evening meal below the castle walls under mature jacaranda trees and marveling at the beautifully lit historical buildings.
Afternoon: Yoga, Mindfulness, and Serenity
End the day with an outdoor yoga session to unwind, boost your well-being, and calm your mind amidst the tranquil beauty of nature.
Day 6: Pastel workshop
Morning: Suggestive animals workshop
Have you ever tried to draw an animal but felt it wasn’t quite right? Have you attempted to draw a furry coat but it ended up looking flat? Well, this tips and tricks session on all things animal will help you master simple shapes into various species followed by the techniques needed to make fur and feathers come alive. From the smallest mouse to the biggest elephant, anything goes in this session.
Afternoon: Lunch at the seaside
Day 7: Departure day
Transfer to the airport is available after breakfast.
Holiday for singles
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.
Things a non-painting partner can do all-day
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 River House is also great for relaxing and is stocked with a small collection of reading books, board games, and a DVD library.
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.
Included excursions
Trip to a coastal town
On Thursday, the group travels to a coastal town where you have lunch at a restaurant on the beach. After lunch, guests can swim or enjoy the small seaside town. Each guest is responsible for their transport costs and lunch costs.
Instructors
Tracy-Jane Pooler
Tracy-Jane, a BA Hons Fine Art graduate from Wolverhampton University, is a member of the Algarve Society of Artists and the S.A.A. Her dyslexia diagnosis inspired her to become an art tutor, specializing in helping adults overcome learning barriers. Based in Portugal's picturesque Algarve, she draws inspiration from its vibrant scenery. Tracy-Jane's teaching experience spans from family learning and prison education to instructing adult beginners and intermediates. She shares her passion and skills through tutorials, demonstrations, and her "Pick up a Paintbrush" series in the Algarve Artist.
Location
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
Delicious delights will dazzle you
Your hosts, Graham and Cheryl, will be lovingly preparing a variety of wholesome vegetarian dishes that may include a couple of fish options 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, that 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 have a passion for cooking and for 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
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Pescatarian
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.
Spa treatments
Aroma body massage is available for 60 EUR (1 hour).
What's included
- Daily art tuition from days 2-6. Four morning sessions and 1 full-day session – 18 hours in total.
- All art materials: graphite pencils, chalk pastels, charcoal, watercolor, ink, brusho, and acrylic paints. Maximum paper size A3. Larger sizes on request.
- 6 nights accommodation: Spacious, comfortable accommodation. Single or double beds with shared spacious bathroom
- Welcome drinks
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (except 1 dinner)
- One Faro Airport pick-up at 3 p.m. for the group
- One transfer to the airport after breakfast on departure day
- Mid-week room clean and towel change
- Bath and swimming pool towels
- WiFi
- Yoga, mindfulness, and serenity on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday
What's not included
- Optional activities such as messages
- Optional trip to the historical town on day 5. Please note: the trip is optional and the villa kitchen will be closed; however, if a guest prefers not to go, soup and sandwiches will be provided
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Alcoholic drinks and cool drinks (there is an honesty bar)
- Airfares to Portugal
- 1 evening meal is not included
How to get there
Recommended Airports
FAO
Faro Airport
42 km
Transfer included
LIS
Lisbon Portela Airport
181 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Faro Airport (FAO). Airport pick-up and drop-off are included in the price. One group pickup from Faro airport is scheduled at 3 p.m.
Custom transfer timing can be arranged at your expense, with cost-sharing opportunities if others have similar arrival times.
Those arriving by train can alight at S.B. Messines train station and then opt for a 5-minute taxi ride to reach the villa (please note that the taxi cost is only covered from Messines station).
On departure day, a group transfer to the airport is scheduled after breakfast.
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.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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