4 Night Botanical Painting and Yoga Holiday

What You'll Do

Your botanical water colour painting week-end holiday break offers an opportunity to improve your artistic skills and enjoy the positive healing effects of nature. Budding artists can enjoy painting workshops led by an experienced and qualified art tutor. The painting break is suitable for the beginner and advanced artist and there will be daily yoga classes to relax and unwind.

Available Dates:

2024:

7-11 June, 2024
27 September - 01 October, 2024

Stay in an exceptional villa tucked into the bend of a river in Portugal’s Algarve countryside, just 15 minutes from the town of Silves. With terraces overlooking surrounding countryside, limitless walking trails and a starry night sky, there isn’t a more idyllic place to explore on foot.

Your painting instructor will be on hand throughout the weekend with not only demonstrations but also to provide 1 to 1 guidance and tuition; all from the scenic riverside deck. The breath-taking views of the river, countryside, and hills, helps artists to take time out and feel more relaxed. Not only do our creative guests come away having improved their artistic skills, but they also enjoy being close to nature that is known to generate emotions such as calmness, creativity, and joy.

Your tutor will be Rita Afonso, who, from her early years, 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 and then a course in scientific illustration, 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 natural world. Over the years, she has cultivated many illustration workshops and scientific illustration classes in collaboration with wildlife and environmental organizations and art schools.

*The River House Retreat is the Winner of the LuxLife Hospitality Award: Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023 – Algarve.

Experience
Highlights

Expert painting tuition from accomplished artist Rita Alfonso

Enjoy 4 Nights in an amazing Algarve riverside property

Delight in delicious food cooked on property by your hosts

Daily yoga classes with experienced instructor

Experience Itinerary

Arrival

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:

The 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 trees, wildflowers, and pathways winding down to the water’s edge. Offering complete privacy, uninterrupted views and panoramic views, this location is not to be underestimated.

The Painting Adventure Begins

You daily schedule on Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be as follows:

9-10am: Enjoy a delicious outdoor breakfast with views of the rolling hills

10am-1pm: Begin your first botanical watercolour painting class

1:00-2:00pm: Have lunch on the sunny terrace, soaking up some sunshine before your second class of the day begins!

2:00- 4:30pm: Free time

4:30-5:30pm: Take the yoga and mindfulness class led by our experienced instructor or enjoy some free time at the property

7:30 – 8:00pm: Drinks and an opportunity to enjoy our gorgeous sunsets

7:30-8:30pm: Al fresco dinner under the Algarve starry sky

8:30-10:00pm: Cheese and port or dessert on the waterfront deck

Continue Perfecting your Painting Skills!

Today will follow the same itinerary as Sunday.

Breakfast will begin at 9am, and your botanical painting workshop will run 10am-1pm.

Yoga will be at 4:30 -5:30 for all those who want to join.

Drinks will begin at 7 pm, and dinner will be served at 7:30pm.

Continue to enjoy painting and yoga

Today will follow the same schedule as Sunday and Monday .

Breakfast will begin at 9am, and your botanical painting workshop will run from 10am to 1pm

Yoga will be at 4:30 -5:30 for all those who want to join.

During your free time you may like to take a walk, visit the local town, go paddle boarding on the river or relax by the pool.

Drinks will begin at 7 pm, and dinner will start at 7:30pm.

Departure day

On your last last day, Tuesday, you will depart for the airport or the train station, after your final breakfast.

Location Information

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.

Those arriving by train can alight at S.B. Messines train station and then opt for a 5-minute taxi ride to reach the villa (please note that the taxi cost from Messines station will be covered by yoru host.)

FAQs

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.
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 - if you plan to visit the historical town, 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
- Paper brushes and paint if you wish to paint during your free time.
- Insect repellent
- Appropriate yoga attire - mats are provided.

**Towels for showers and the pool are provided. Shower toiletries are also provided

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.