Join us for an unforgettable botanical watercolor painting and yoga retreat, where you'll have the opportunity to enhance your artistic skills and experience the healing benefits of practicing yoga in a natural setting.

Under the guidance of our experienced and qualified art tutor, Rita, you'll unlock your inner artist during our painting workshops. Rita's artistic passion centers on capturing the beauty of the natural world with an eye for detail, a commitment to realism, and an insatiable curiosity about the various forms found in nature.

Furthermore, our daily yoga sessions in the midst of nature will deepen your connection with the environment, fostering inner peace and mindfulness. Amidst the tranquil beauty of Figs on the Funcho, you'll find the perfect space to relax, improve your well-being, and quiet your mind.

Apart from our villa, Figs on the Funcho also presents the choice of residing in our two glamping safari tents. These tents have access to the garden bathroom, complete with a rain shower and a basin equipped with a mirror and a hairdryer for your convenience. With both tents offering breath-taking river views, each can host up to 2 guests, delivering a distinct and immersive encounter with nature. Whether you opt for the villa or one of our safari tents, an unforgettable and rejuvenating escape is guaranteed.

At Figs on the Funcho, we're dedicated to embracing nature and responsible travel. We're proud recipients of the Lux Life Hospitality Award for "Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023 - Algarve," a testament to our commitment to excellence.  The painting holidays run at Algarve’s Figs on the Funcho are one of the creative activities as seen on the popular TV series “A New Life in the Sun” (seventh series). Additionally, we are proudly listed in Simon Heptinstall's "10 Best Art Escapes in 2019" for the Mail Online.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your artistic skills and enjoy the positive healing effects of nature. 

Book your spot now!

From Rita Afonso's early years, she has been deeply passionate about the wonders of nature, wildlife depiction, and the enchantment of colours. Born and raised in Silves, Algarve, she pursued a degree in Arts & Multimedia. 

To quench her thirst for knowledge in the realm of drawing, she embarked on a scientific illustration course, ultimately guiding her towards her true calling: teaching. Her artistic endeavors are firmly rooted in the representation of nature, an unwavering devotion to detail, a commitment to realism, and an unending curiosity about the myriad forms and beings in the natural world. 

Over the years, she has cultivated a rich history of conducting illustration workshops and scientific illustration classes in collaboration with wildlife and environmental organizations, as well as art schools and libraries.

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.

Rita's artistic approach, deeply rooted in nature, guides our three-day workshop. 

On the first day, we focus on classical plant illustrations using graphite pencils and watercolours. 

Day two explores the fusion of watercolours and fine-line pens, experimenting with line thickness and a monochromatic palette. 

Day three embraces spontaneity, relying solely on watercolours to capture botanical beauty. 

We end the day with a serene yoga session on the deck under the carob trees.

Refer to the itinerary section for detailed daily activities.

09h00 –  10h00 Outdoor breakfast with views of the rolling hills

10h00 – 13h00 Botanical watercolour painting class

13h00 – 14h00 Lunch 

14h00 – 16h30 Free Time / Optional Excursion

16h30 – 17h30 Yoga, Mindfulness, and Serenity

Evening 

19h30 – 20h00 Sunset drinks and an opportunity to enjoy our gorgeous sunsets

20h00 – 21h00 Al fresco dinner under the Algarve starry sky

21h00 – 22h00 Cheese and port or dessert on the waterfront deck

• 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.
• Insect repellent.
• Appropriate attire for yoga is recommended. Yoga practitioners are welcome to utilize the provided mats and yoga equipment during the classes.
• Paints, brushes and paper if you plan to paint during your free-time

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience during your stay on our botanical watercolour painting and yoga retreat.  Cheryl and Graham, are not only enthusiastic cooks but also ardent fans of culinary maestros like Ottolenghi, Ixta Belfrage, Sami Tamimi and Jamie Oliver. 

Their passion for cooking is infused into every meal they prepare for their retreats, and it's evident in the glowing reviews from their satisfied guests. You can expect a delectable array of healthy, vegetarian dishes that not only nourish the body but also tantalize the taste buds. Each meal is a journey of flavours. 

You'll have the opportunity to savour new and exciting culinary creations that are as pleasing to the palate as they are to the eye.

✨ ✨ "I really enjoyed my stay at Figs on the Funcho. The venue was very attractive with walking trails to explore when we weren’t painting. I can’t say enough about the hosts and cooks Cheryl and Graham. They were very welcoming and caring. I ate every morsel of the deliciously prepared food.” -  Debra

✨ ✨ "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

✨ ✨ “I have just got back from a botanical flower watercolour 4 night break. The surroundings were amazing even though the river had dried up. i can imagine that when its full it is spectacular. The hosts Graham and Cheryl were fantastic hosts. They cooked delicious vegetarian food, which was mostly produced from the vegetables and herbs grown in the garden. Breakfast lunch and dinner was actually the best part for me as nothing was too much trouble. It was so nice to have a glass of wine on the decking with cheese and biscuits, enjoying and talking about everyone's experiences and stories. I would definitely recommend this beautiful place. I am hopefully going to return next year with the family.”  - Caryl

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

✨ ✨ "So surprised at the vegetarian food. Every meal was delicious.” – Dave

✨ ✨ "A great evening with great vegetarian food cooked and prepared by Graham and Cheryl who were wonderful hosts.” – Rob

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.

Arrival Day - We'll pick you up from the agreed-upon location or, if you've opted for a different route, we'll warmly welcome you at the riverside villa. Take your time settling into your accommodation, surrounded by peace and tranquillity.

Join us for welcome drinks at 18h30 on the waterfront deck, offering a chance to meet your group and relish the sunset. Weather permitting, dinner will be served outdoors and after dinner, savour 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. 

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

During the initial day of the workshop, our focus will be on capturing the exquisite plant life found in Portugal through a more classical approach. To commence, we will select a particular plant species, using either photographs or live samples for reference. Next, we will create an initial freehand sketch aided by graphite pencils. Lastly, we will infuse vitality into our artwork using watercolours.

During the second day of the workshop, we will delve into the fusion of watercolours and fine-line pens while continuing our exploration of botanical illustrations. To enhance the appeal of our illustrations, we will experiment with varying line thickness, and we may opt for a more monochromatic approach with watercolours. For instance, we might use a limited palette like indigo, blue, or ultramarine and then overlay the fine-line pen outlines to create captivating effects.

As we move on to the third day, we'll embrace a more spontaneous approach, focusing on botanical watercolours. This time, there's no need for preliminary sketches. Instead, we'll rely solely on watercolours, allowing colours to blend, merge, and evolve based on each participant's creative vision. For added intrigue, we might even incorporate small creatures like birds, bees, or butterflies to enhance the allure of our creations.

After skilfully capturing the beauty of our botanical subjects, we end the day with a serene yoga session on the deck under the carob trees.

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to your new found friends before heading off to Faro airport or Messines train station.