Portugal's Spice Route & Beyond: April Gastronomic Adventure

São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal

Fo
Figs on the Funcho
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32 reviews
Apr 19 - 23, 2024
Group size: 5 - 8
Portugal's Spice Route & Beyond: April Gastronomic Adventure
São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal

Figs on the Funcho
  • Email address verified
32 reviews

Apr 19 - 23, 2024
Group size: 5 - 8

About this trip

Embark on an extraordinary culinary odyssey with Figs on the Funcho in our cooking holiday, 'Portugal's Spice Route and Beyond,' recognized by The Times newspaper as one of Joanna Booth’s "20 of the Best Spring Mini-Breaks in Portugal.


Immerse yourself in a fusion of history, culture, and gastronomy that shaped Portugal's remarkable legacy. Inspired by the Spice Route and Portuguese Discoveries, indulge in iconic dishes like Bacalhau and Cataplana. 


Delve into the melding of Indian and Portuguese flavours, explore Mozambique's culinary influences, and savour the tastes of Brazil and Macau. Join us for a celebration of Portugal's global influence on the world's palate.

Your cooking experience

A culinary adventure inspired by the historic Spice Route and the Portuguese Discoveries of the 15th and 16th centuries during our cooking holiday. Immerse yourself in mastering seafood vegetarian recipes while enjoying the finest Portuguese wines. 


Explore the fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavours, reflecting Portugal's deep connections with Goa. Indulge in Mozambique's diverse culinary influences, featuring rich curries and seafood delicacies. 


Conclude your journey with the tastes of Brazil and Macau, former Portuguese colonies, adding a global flair to your palate. 

The venue

Figs on the Funcho, crowned by LuxLife's Hospitality Award as "Algarve's Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023", offers breath-taking country views that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity 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.

Food reviews

"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


"Graham is the Mushroom Whisperer" - Sam, Barcelona


“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 Dawson


“So surprised at the vegetarian food. Every meal was delicious.” – Dave Russel


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


What to bring

  • Your appetite :-)
  • Your swimming costume to enjoy the pool and watersports on the dam. Please Note: Check water levels in advance for optimal water sport experiences during dry periods in the Algarve.
  • 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.

Check-in and Check-out

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.

Getting here

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.

Cancellation policy

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

What’s included

  • Offsite Day Transfers
    Transfers to the market are included.
  • Accommodation
    Spacious, comfortable accommodation. Single or double beds with shared spacious bathroom or en-suite bathrooms
  • Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner, wine with meals (not included: alcoholic drinks (honesty bar provided)
  • Welcome drinks
    Enjoy a refreshing welcome beverage upon arrival on the deck, shaded by the expansive carob trees.
  • Airport Transfers
    We’ll have one Faro airport pick-up at 3pm for the group. On departure date we have one transfer to airport after breakfast. We can arrange airport transfers for you at other times for your cost.
  • Towels
    Bath and swimming pool towels
  • Wifi
    Fibre Optic

What’s not included

  • Insurance
    Travel Insurance (recommended)
  • Drinks
    We provide wine at meals, any other Alcoholic drinks and cool drinks, we have an honesty bar
  • Airfares
    Airfares to Portugal

Available Packages

One Person Safari Tent With Shared Bath

ROOM RATE FOR ONE PERSON IN A GLAMPING SAFARI TENT WITH SHARED BATHROOM

Includes Transport on one Outing

One person in a Glamping Safari tent with shared bathroom. Check out details for more information on our glamping tents.

€985
Deposit:€246
One Person with Shared Bathroom

ROOM RATE FOR ONE PERSON IN A PRIVATE ROOM

Includes Transport on one Outing

An upstairs room offering scenic river views and a contemporary shared bathroom with dual basins. Delve into the details for more information on the Green Room and Zebra Room.   

€995
Deposit:€248
Two Persons with Shared Purple Bathroom

TOTAL ROOM RATE FOR TWO PERSONS SHARING A ROOM

€885 Per Person

Includes Transport on Two Outings

An upstairs room with dual skylights and a contemporary shared bathroom boasting double basins. Explore the details for additional information.


€1,770
Deposit:€442
One Person with En-Suite Bathroom

ROOM RATE FOR ONE PERSON IN A PRIVATE ROOM AND PRIVATE BATHROOM

Includes Transport on one Outings

Spacious ground-floor bedroom featuring an en-suite bathroom and double doors that open onto the garden room. Check out the details for more information.


€1,200
Deposit:€300
Two Persons with En-Suite Bathroom

TOTAL ROOM RATE FOR 2 PERSONS

€1,085 Per Person

Includes Transport on Two Outings

Spacious ground-floor bedroom featuring an en-suite bathroom and double doors that open onto the garden room. Check out the details for more information. 

€2,170
Deposit:€542
Two Person Safari Tent With Shared Bath

ROOM RATE FOR TWO PERSONs IN A GLAMPING SAFARI TENT WITH SHARED BATHROOM

Includes Transport on one Outing

One person in a Glamping Safari tent with shared bathroom. Check out details for more information on our glamping tents.

€1,400


Itinerary

Day 1
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, featuring a local Portuguese Seafood dish that showcases the bounty of the sea and the culinary prowess of Portugal. 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.


Your Organizer


Fo
Figs on the Funcho
32 reviews
🏆LuxLife Hospitality Award: Algarve's Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023 Cheryl & Graham, co-founders of Figs on the Funcho, share their love for the Algarve through culinary, walking & painting packages. With 20 years of experience, they explore the best beaches, restaurants, and villages for a memorable experience. Passionate about cooking, they draw inspiration from culinary experts like Ottolenghi, Ixta Belfrage, Sami Tamimi, and Jamie Oliver. Their retreats offer healthy and delicious vegetarian meals, delighting all taste buds.

Reviews

It was a wonderful experience, which I highly recommend. Great venue & accommodation, delicious food, fun group of people, lovely art & yoga teachers. Such a great place to relax and enjoy something different for a few days.
By Marcia L for Botanical Watercolour Painting & Yoga Holiday Retreat September on Oct 03, 2024
we had a really great time. perfect setting and really comfortable accommodation. Vegetarian meals excellent and lovely people. Highly recommend
By Fiona M for Botanical Watercolour Painting & Yoga Holiday Retreat September on Oct 03, 2024
As I live in the Algarve I was allowed to join this trip on a non-residential basis, so travelled back and forth each day. Cheryl and Graham were wonderful hosts, friendly and welcoming. Always with a fresh pot of tea or coffee and the most delicious lunches each day. The house is pretty isolated, so if you are looking for a very quiet get-away, this is certainly the place to be. Definitely room to relax, meditate and get away from it all. I met the most lovely people from various parts of the world and they all seemed to love staying there. They certainly loved the early morning yoga and afternoon massages! The art course was just as described; an opportunity to experiment with various different mediums and techniques. It was fun to experiment and discover the effects, and we certainly had some laughs along the way. All in all, a great experience!
By Jennifer J for 5-Day Mixed Art Workshops September on Sep 30, 2024
I had an amazing holiday with great hosts, Graham and Cheryl were welcoming and provided a perfect environment in which to nurture the soul. It is a beautiful location, the rooms were spotless and the whole vibe was so relaxing. Graham worked so hard providing a wide range of delicious dishes; we were chilled out eating wonderful vegetarian food outside but he never got to sit still for long! Cheryl provided refreshment throughout the day whilst I learned new painting skills and produced work I am proud to show-off courtesy of the amazing and talented teacher and artist, Ali. I would definitely recommend Figs on the Funcho in combination with AlisArt Painting for a holiday you won't forget and will want to return to again and again.
By Heather G for AlisArt Painting Holiday June 2024 on Jun 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed teaching a wonderful group of students at Figs on the Funcho last week. Everyone got on well from the start and none were afraid to try my art challenges! Cheryl and Graham were excellent hosts producing delicious food served in beautiful Portuguese poetry (which was one of the inspiratations for one of my lessons! The trip out to the coast was well thought out and the perfect place to sketch and paint En plein air at a fabulous restaurant looking overate amazing red cliffs and turquoise sea that is so well known in the Algarve. This was one of my top things to paint here! We also visited a beautiful town with a fish market lots of local artisans and a personal tour of an art gallery. The surroundings at Figs on the Funcho were also very inspirational. Fantastic! (Ali Hargreaves ~ Art tutor ~ Alisart)
By Ali H for AlisArt Painting Holiday June 2024 on Jun 24, 2024
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