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We have one Faro airport pick-up at 3pm for the group.
Airport transfers at other times will need to be arranged at your own cost. If you would like to arrive earlier please contact us when booking.
Accommodation:
River House, Algarve.
This idyllic location is in the beautiful countryside of Portugal’s Algarve region, with direct views over Barragem do Funcho and the river. Nestled here is the River House, set back in the hills and surrounded by fig and carob tre...Read All
Having always returned to the Algarve region in Portugal for many years, Cheryl and her husband decided that this was where they wanted to set up home. With over 300 sunny days per year, fabulous beaches, good food and award-winning wine, combined with the friendly approach and relaxed style of the Portuguese, it’s not hard to imagine why.
Cheryl is the organiser and cook for their painting and walking holidays. She is passionate about the Algarve; exploring, experiencing new creative hobbies, good food, joyful living, well-being and mindful connection, especially with regard to a healthy work-life balance. Cheryl is a huge fan of cooking natural vegetarian foods using locally sourced produce and is the resident chef for her ho... Read All
Having always returned to the Algarve region in Portugal for many years, Cheryl and her husband decided that this was where they wanted to set up home. With over 300 sunny days per year, fabulous beaches, good food and award-winning wine, combined with the friendly approach and relaxed style of the Portuguese, it’s not hard to imagine why.
Cheryl is the organiser and cook for their painting and walking holidays. She is passionate about the Algarve; exploring, experiencing new creative hobbies, good food, joyful living, well-being and mindful connection, especially with regard to a healthy work-life balance. Cheryl is a huge fan of cooking natural vegetarian foods using locally sourced produce and is the resident chef for her holidays. She loves to share her love of healthy, delicious, simple cooking with friends, and enjoys exploring raw, vegan and vegetarian recipes. Her knowledge of the locally grown produce enables her to source the best and prepare deliciously creative fresh food for you daily.
For her painting holidays, Cheryl will be looking after you on your holiday and is joined by guest artist, Tracy-Jane.
For her walking holidays, Cheryl will also be leading afternoon walks, as she has been exploring the area for years and loves sharing her local favourite spots and knowledge. Be sure to keep an eye out for owls, foxes, herons, Algarve tigers and stags with amazing antlers, all of which can be spotted in the area.
Cheryl is working towards being recognised as a responsible travel destination. She has partnered with Vita Nativa, an association whose aim is to develop conservation and environmental sustainability projects, one project being the Local Accommodation for Birds, that aims to encourage nesting sites for birds in the Algarve region, and to promote the important role birds have in the biological control of the pests the farmers have to endure, without having to resort to the use of poisonous products.
Getting there:
Please note that prices for the holidays do not include flights. We recommend using www.skyscanner.net to check flights. Nearest airport: Faro – 35 minutes away by car
There is a complimentary transfer service from and to Faro airport offered by your hosts. On arrival day the airport pick-up will be at 3pm for the group, if you wish to take this transfer please choose flights with this pick up time in mind.
Departure to Faro airport on your last day will be after breakfast at 9:30 am. Please ensure your flight departure time is not before 12:30 if you wish to take this transfer.
If you choose flights which will not work with these times we can arrange alternative airport transfers for an extra charge.
Just back from a wonderful few days at the Botanical Painting Holiday with Toni Dade. Toni was great and made everything seem so easy and interesting - she was also very patient !!! My second visit to Figs on the Funcho and it really is an amazing place. Cheryl and Graham are excellent hosts and the vegetarian food is delicious. Lots of things to do in the area or just relax by the pool !!! Highly recommended !!
Had the most brilliant painting holiday. The painting classes were so well organised and really great fun, with a super teacher (Tony) who made every step enjoyable. Graham and Cheryl are fantastic hosts, generously investing their time and energy to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, nothing was too much trouble for them. The food was 10/10 - every breakfast, lunch and dinner was a treat and all done with such grace and style. The surround
I really enjoyed my stay. I was there for the watercolor class with Toni. She was a great teacher and always encouraging. 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.
I recently attended a 2 day botanical painting works shop. The tutor was Toni Dade. It was held on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June 2022. Toni was very patient and informative and her teaching style was wonderful and inspiring I achieved so much more than I thought I would. The location was perfect, outside in the Algarvian sun overlooking the Funcho lake. Cheryl and Graham looked after us very well, were served beautiful lunches and were able
Your hosts will be lovingly preparing a variety of wholesome vegetarian dishes, that may include a couple of fish options, in their riverside farmhouse kitchen using fresh produce from the local village market. All meals are seasoned with the Algarve Portugal sea salt, Flor de Sal, known as the white gold of the Algarve that is manually harvested from clean Atlantic water.
Your hosts enjoy cooking and testing new recipes in our kitchen and guest reviews happily report their joy in discovery new healthy vegetarian meals. They have a passion for cooking and for sourcing local ingredients to produce good, healthy, wholesome vegetarian foods. Graham (one of your hosts) is an avid follower of Ottolenghi, Jamie Oliver, Bosh Brothers and the Happy Pear and many dishes stem from his chef heroes.
- Your swimming costume to enjoy the pool
- Water swimming shoes if you planning on wild water swimming
- Something warm to relax in at night
- Sun hat and suitable footwear for outdoor walking 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
Yes! 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, a stand up paddle boarding lesson, fishermen can find a spot to fish anywhere around the villa or simply chill out by the infinity pool and soak up some much needed vitamin D.
The River House is also great for relaxing and is stocked with a small collection of reading books, board games and a DVD library.
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. I (Cheryl) love finding places to shop, dine and explore that add a touch of authentic flavour and variety to your Algarve visit, and I am always excited to share them so that you can also experience these wonderful discoveries.
Get off the beaten track and support local communities that you visit.
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