Indulge in a 6-night/7-day painting retreat, complete with accommodation, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking, uninterrupted countryside vistas. 

Our painting tuition caters to all levels, from beginners seeking to explore their creativity to advanced artists looking to refine their skills. The experience promises a perfect blend of relaxation, confidence-building, and artistic inspiration.

Painting partners are warmly welcomed to join the creative experience. 

ART HOLIDAY PROGRAMME

Please note that workshop content and timings may be adjusted slightly due to tutor availability, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

SUNDAY – WILDLIFE IN PASTELS (HALF DAY)

Tutor: Tracy-Jane Pooler

Begin your creative journey by exploring the art of wildlife portraiture in soft pastels. Inspired by the birds and animals that inhabit Portugal’s countryside, you will learn techniques for creating realistic fur, feathers, texture, and movement. Through guided exercises, discover how to build expressive animal studies while gaining insight into the rich biodiversity of the Algarve.

MONDAY – A CELEBRATION OF COLOUR (HALF DAY)

Tutor: Tracy-Jane Pooler

Experiment with colour, pattern, and texture in a lively mixed media workshop influenced by the Algarve’s distinctive landscapes and cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from traditional Portuguese ceramics, wildflowers, coastal scenery, and vibrant local colours, you will work with watercolour and brusho to create expressive and energetic compositions.

TUESDAY – DRAWING THE MEDITERRANEAN LANDSCAPE (HALF DAY)

Tutor: Ana Rita Afonso

Develop your observational drawing skills using charcoal and graphite while studying some of the Algarve’s most iconic trees. Carob, olive, almond, and cork oak provide the inspiration for exploring line, texture, tone, and contrast. This session offers a deeper appreciation of the Mediterranean mosaic landscape that characterises the region.

WEDNESDAY – BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND BOTANICAL DETAIL (HALF DAY)

Tutor: Ana Rita Afonso

Using ink, coloured pencils, and watercolour, create detailed studies inspired by the birds and butterflies that thrive in the Algarve’s rural landscapes. Explore colour, pattern, and fine detail while learning how conservation initiatives support local wildlife. The workshop draws inspiration from the natural surroundings of Figs on the Funcho and our ongoing collaboration with Vita Nativa, a regional conservation organisation dedicated to protecting native habitats.

THURSDAY – LANDSCAPES OF THE ALGARVE (FULL DAY)

Tutor: Samantha van der Westhuizen

Spend a full day immersed in acrylic painting inspired by the Algarve’s coast and countryside.

Morning Session – The Energy of the Ocean

Focus on capturing the movement, atmosphere, and power of a breaking wave. Working with a limited palette of primary colours, black, and white, you will explore colour mixing, contrast, and brushwork techniques to convey the ever-changing character of the sea.

Afternoon Session – Painting the Countryside

In the afternoon, attention turns inland to the landscapes surrounding Figs on the Funcho. Drawing on observations gathered throughout the week, you will paint rolling hills, river valleys, traditional agricultural scenery, and sweeping countryside views, translating the colours and textures of the Algarve into expressive acrylic paintings.

YOGA AND RELAXATION

Your art holiday also includes three gentle yoga sessions designed to complement the creative programme. Whenever possible, sessions take place outdoors, allowing you to connect with nature while encouraging relaxation, mobility, and mindfulness.

No previous yoga experience is required, and all sessions are suitable for both beginners and more experienced practitioners.

FREE TIME AND CULTURAL DISCOVERY

Alongside the workshops, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Take a swim, wander through the gardens, enjoy riverside walks, sketch in nature, or simply unwind with a book and a view.

The programme also offers opportunities to discover the culture, landscapes, and traditions of the Algarve, adding an extra layer of inspiration to your creative week.

Our fabulous art tutor is full of enthusiasm and will teach you new skills to maximise your art creativity in a range of different media.

During your stay, you will enjoy daily art lessons on the waterfront deck under the mature carob trees with accompanying bird song. The surrounding countryside and views of the river will make you feel as though you have discovered a secret oasis and you won’t be at a loss when choosing your landscape art scenes.

When you are not capturing the beautiful landscapes in paint or pencil enjoy riverside walks, lounging by the infinity pool, kayaking, SUP, admiring the sunsets and night skies, or visiting the nearby Moorish castle.

We offer three yoga sessions during the week, where in the midst of nature you 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. 

You will feel relaxed, confident and inspired to take on new artistic challenges. 

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.

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.

What others have to say

✨ ✨ "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

• Art apron is essential, especially on the day when experimenting with Brusho, a vivid and highly pigmented water-based paint medium.
• 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 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
• Plastic or cardboard postal tubes to take your rolled artwork home. Paper sizes provided will be no larger than an A3
• 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

“Tracy taught me so much about painting and really inspired me. I pay so much more attention to colours and shapes and lines in all the nature I see. ”  – Ramla

“Tracy, our art teacher, was extremely knowledgeable in a variety of techniques, gave you confidence and always made you feel at ease.” – Sally

“We were able to understand all the different painting techniques that were incorporated into this workshop.” – Jenny

“Tracy was relaxed, fun, informative and talented” – Liza

“Tracy is a very talented artist and a great teacher I hope to return again” – Jenny

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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