Immerse Yourself in an Artistic Getaway at the Fabulous Figs on the Funcho with Alisart!

Indulge in a truly enchanting experience at Figs on the Funcho, where art comes alive under the expert guidance of the ever-enthusiastic art tutor Ali Hargreaves (Alisart). Prepare to be captivated as Ali ignites your creativity and takes your artistic abilities to new heights.

Before we delve into the details, take a moment to explore Ali Hargreaves' impressive portfolio on her website, https://alisart.co.uk. Her expertise and passion for teaching are evident in every stroke of her brush.

Ali, a British artist, showcases her skills and leads workshops for various art collectives and societies. Serving as a personal assistant for the SAA, she conducts live workshops and contributes articles to "Paint" magazine. Additionally, she serves as the instructor for "Ready Steady Paint," an art subscription tailored for children aged 6 to 11.

Over six dynamic days, immerse yourself in a transformative art experience led by an expert instructor. 

Day 1 kicks off with a vibrant still-life setup, exploring bold colours and expressive brushstrokes. 

Day 2 offers personalised guidance for creating energetic artwork, whether in still life or other subjects. 

Day 3 ventures to a picturesque fishing village for plein air painting, culinary delights, and artistic exploration. 

Day 4 delves into the power of sketches to enhance painting skills. 

Day 5 features basket weaving, culinary crafting, sketching, and gallery visits for inspiration. 

Finally, Day 6 focuses on creating captivating textures using various techniques and materials. 

Refer to the detailed itinerary for full session descriptions and activities.

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.

Our 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, 5 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 our two luxurious safari tents in the garden with stunning river views. Each tent can accommodate up to 2 guests, providing a unique and immersive nature experience. So, whether you choose to stay in the villa or one of our safari tents, you're sure to have an unforgettable and restorative getaway

And of course, we can't forget about the culinary delights! Indulge in superb vegetarian cuisine prepared with love and care, offering a delightful blend of local flavours and international favourites. It's a treat for both the taste buds and the soul!

"The sunsets and sunrises were a joy, the vegetarian meals a delicious revelation. I've ordered my first-ever veggie cookbook to continue the benefits of 'Fig's' healthy delicious meals" - Judith

“Oh and did I mention the food and the 'to die for' homemade granola??!!! You’re in for an amazing treat” – Milu

- When you book here you are paying for the accommodation, food, and transfers for two excursions.

- The price for the course tuition is £250  paid separately to Ali at the time of deposit. 

• Plastic or cardboard postal tubes to take your rolled artwork home. Paper sizes provided will be no larger than an A3.
• Your swimming costume to enjoy the pool and watersports on the dam. The water levels may differ depending on the time of the year and drought conditions.
• Something warm to relax in at night.  
• Sun hat and suitable footwear (trainers) for walking to explore different paths and also if you plan to visit the historical town nearby, during free time, as the cobbled roads can be slippery.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Yoga enthusiasts can make use of available mats for their stretching needs.

“I went along to Figs on the Funcho as a non-painter with my painting partner. My time there was incredibly relaxing with stunning views across the river and countryside, with interesting walks and sunsets to die for.” – Clive

Email me if your partner would like to join.

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, enjoy stand up paddle boarding or kayaking or simply chill out by the infinity pool and soak up some much needed vitamin D.

The clearly 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.

You can also venture into the rural landscape on horseback since the horse riding farm is just a 10-minute stroll away from Figs on the Funcho, where they provide riding lessons and guided rides.

There is so much to discover and enjoy in the Algarve that is within easy reach if you have a car.

Expect warm and reliably dry sunny weather. Daytime temperatures reach an average of 23°C (73°F) and the occasional soaring of 30°C (86°F). Comfortable night temperatures can be about 17°C (62°F) during an average night.

We'll pick you up at Faro airport at 3pm; if you've opted for a different route, we'll warmly welcome you at the riverside villa from 3pm.

For those arriving by train, disembark at Messines-Alte train station and choose a quick 5-minute taxi ride to reach the villa. This is an excellent choice for those who prefer to avoid an internal flight and instead savour a scenic journey through the countryside.

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.

Follow the Google map directions for those travelling by car.

Check-in from 16h00. Guests are requested to arrive before 21h00; otherwise, arrival should be scheduled for the following morning.

Check-out will be after the 09h00 breakfast.

 The terms and conditions including the cancellation policy can be found here  Retreat Terms and Conditions - Figs On The Funcho

Once a guest has paid the deposit for the holiday or event then it is deemed that they have accepted these Terms and Conditions