Vegetarian Delights in May: Embracing the Mediterranean Lifestyle Diet

São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal

Fo
Figs on the Funcho
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34 reviews
May 24 - 28, 2024
Group size: 5 - 8
Vegetarian Delights in May: Embracing the Mediterranean Lifestyle Diet
São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal

Figs on the Funcho
  • Email address verified
34 reviews

May 24 - 28, 2024
Group size: 5 - 8

About this trip

Join us on a culinary journey that promises to delight your senses. Discover the many advantages of the Mediterranean lifestyle while savouring delectable vegetarian dishes inspired by the culinary artistry of Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage.


Our retreat not only offers a unique opportunity to participate in group food preparation and cooking but also provides insights into the health benefits of the revered Mediterranean lifestyle, known for its significance in 'Blue Zone' regions.


At Figs on the Funcho, we believe in hands-on experiences. Guests are encouraged to roll up their sleeves, participate in food preparation, and cook delicious meals together. And after all the hard work, we come together to relish a well-deserved feast, complemented by the finest Portuguese wines.


In your spare time, put on your walking shoes and stroll along peaceful riverside paths, where every step unveils wonderful vistas that that will leave you in awe.


Our retreat offers not just an opportunity to elevate your cooking skills but also a chance to forge new friendships along the way. 


Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your culinary skills and immerse yourself in the Mediterranean lifestyle. Reserve your spot now for a truly unforgettable experience.

The cooking experience

Your culinary holiday starts with the welcome dinner featuring a lavish Mediterranean Mezze Spread to a market visit that introduces you to the Mediterranean lifestyle, our mornings begin with refreshing orange juice and delightful breakfasts. 


Engage in hands-on cooking lessons, exploring the artistry of Ottolenghi-inspired recipes, followed by dinners paired with Portuguese wines. The adventure continues with a Falafel-Making Workshop, a countryside walk, and a spectacular Medley of Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage dishes. 


Day 4 promises a symphony of flavours with a Mediterranean brunch and a Moussaka cooking class. The day concludes with a heartfelt dinner celebrating the creations from the cooking class.


View all the details in the cooking itinerary section.

Check-in 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.

How to get there

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 Venue

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.

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. 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.

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

Two 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.

€1,970

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Day

Settle into The River House at Figs on the Funcho before enjoying welcome drinks and dinner featuring a Mediterranean Mezze Spread.



Your Organizer


Fo
Figs on the Funcho
34 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

I had a fantastic time at the "Portuguese Spice Route: A Brunch Cooking Workshop en-route to India" at Figs on the Funcho, recently. Graham and Cheryl were excellent hosts, and the workshop was well-organized, interactive, and a lot of fun. The hands-on experience was great, with everyone getting involved in the cooking process. Our hosts made sure we all had the chance to participate, whether it was chopping, mixing spices, or cooking, which really brought the group together and made it feel like a shared culinary adventure. We learned how to prepare a range of dishes that highlighted flavours from the spice route—each with the unique spices and flavours from the regions along the historic spice route, from Portugal to India. The recipe selection was a perfect way to showcase the spices and ingredients from each region, and the hosts made everything easy to follow. I loved how approachable the dishes were—easy for recreating at home but still packed with rich, authentic flavours. The setting was another highlight. Their home and property are absolutely beautiful, and dining outside in the warm autumn afternoon with a view of the valley made the meal even more enjoyable. Sharing the dishes we all helped prepare while taking in the scenery was the perfect end to the workshop. I highly recommend this experience. Whether you're an experienced cook or just looking to try something new, it's a fun and memorable way to spend the day!
By Carrie C for Portuguese Spice Route: A brunch cooking workshop en-route to India on Oct 16, 2024
The cooking class at Figs on the Funcho was wonderful. Graham and Cherly were so hospitable and friendly. The food was interesting and delicious and the company was fantastic. It was a fun day in a peaceful and beautiful location. Thank you
By Aliya J for Portuguese Spice Route: A brunch cooking workshop en-route to India on Oct 16, 2024
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
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