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A Vegetarian Retreat: Cook, Dine and Unwind in the Algarve

Highlights

  • Stunning accommodation with all meals and airport transfers included
  • Learn to make delicious vegetarian dishes inspired by Ottolenghi and Belfrage in daily cooking classes
  • Scenic riverside walks and a visit to a local winery
From £873 pp*
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4 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

Discover Mediterranean lifestyle cuisine, hands on cooking lessons, health insights and time for relaxing on riverside strolls are included on this unique 4 night cooking holiday set in a stunning riverside villa with outdoor pool, amazing views and cosy elegant rooms.

2026 Dates:
20th - 24th March
8th - 12th May
11th - 15th September
13th - 17th November

2027 Dates:
19th - 23rd March
14th - 18th May
17th - 21st September
12th - 16th November

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Discover Mediterranean lifestyle cuisine, hands on cooking lessons, health insights and time for relaxing on riverside strolls are included on this unique 4 night cooking holiday set in a stunning riverside villa with outdoor pool, amazing views and cosy elegant rooms.

2026 Dates:
20th - 24th March
8th - 12th May
11th - 15th September
13th - 17th November

2027 Dates:
19th - 23rd March
14th - 18th May
17th - 21st September
12th - 16th November

Join us at this luxury riverside retreat in the stunning Algarve, Winner of the LuxLife Hospitality Award: Best Culinary Boutique Retreat 2024 – Portugal

Embark on a journey to delight your senses! Embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle which has amazing health benefits but also opens up a world of delicious flavours. The cuisine we will share with you is inspired by vegetarian food heroes such as Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage. Our retreat goes beyond cooking; it’s an exploration of healthy plant based living and hands-on culinary experiences.

 You’ll dive into food prep and enjoy the fruits of your labour, paired with exquisite Portuguese wines. In your leisure time, amble along serene riverside paths revealing awe-inspiring vistas.

This retreat isn’t just about elevating  your culinary skills; it’s a platform to foster lasting connections. Seize the opportunity to refine your cooking skills and immerse yourself in Mediterranean living. Secure your spot for an unforgettable experience!

This host also offers Discover Portuguese World Cuisine – Riverside Cooking Holiday with different dates.

*From price based on two people sharing a Glamping tent with a shared bathroom

Arrival

Settle into the river house and your room before enjoying a group welcome dinner.

Accommodation

Nestled in a nature reserve in the hills of Messines, the river house is the perfect place for those looking to relax and enjoy their holiday. There are large decks and terraces for outdoor dining, an infinity pool, and spectacular views of the countryside and river dam.

The villa boasts spectacular sunsets, sunrises and walking trails all around, and the town of Messines is a 15 minute drive and Silves is a 30 minute drive away.

The villa features 5 spacious and fully air-conditioned double/twin bedrooms; 2 bedrooms downstairs with ensuite bathrooms and 3 bedrooms upstairs with a large communal bathroom. The comfortable rooms are stylishly decorated, maintaining many traditional features such as wooden beams. The upstairs rooms are flooded with natural light thanks to the skylights, and the downstairs rooms have double doors leading out onto the garden.

The villa also boasts light and airy social spaces; a high-ceiling lounge and kitchen with a center island and a cherry wood dining table. The lovely outdoor terrace is perfect for alfresco dining by the water.

Located on the property there are also 3 eco-friendly glamping tents each with twin or double beds, electricity, decking with chairs outside the entrance. For any guests staying within the tents there is a shared bathroom with power plus a large shower and a separate toilet.

Local Winery Visit with tastings

Begin your day with a delightful Mediterranean-inspired breakfast that will fuel your adventures ahead. Our journey starts as we head to the local winery where you will have the opportunity to try the award winning wines accompanied by local tapas.

Upon returning to the villa there will be immersive and engaging cooking lessons and demonstrations, where we’ll explore the art of crafting Ottolenghi-inspired recipes.

As the sun sets, we gather to enjoy the fruits of our labour—a sumptuous dinner thoughtfully paired with exquisite Portuguese wines, a fitting culmination to a day filled with culinary exploration and delightful flavours

 

Mediterranean street food and a relaxing afternoon

Get ready for a day that kick-starts with a burst of vitality! We’ll greet the morning with a refreshing breakfast, complete with freshly squeezed oranges—nature’s energy in a glass.

Lunchtime join us for a fun Falafel-Making Workshop where you’ll unlock the secrets to crafting those crispy, golden delights that define Mediterranean street food. Discover the artistry behind the perfect texture and flavour.

In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a leisurely countryside walk, where tranquillity meets inspiration, and your senses are set free. You have the freedom to explore the countryside at your own pace or simply unwind at our venue—a lazy afternoon, tailor-made for you.

Late afternoon brings a culinary spectacle. We’ll whip up a dazzling Medley of Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage dishes, each more extraordinary than the last. And when the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll come together for a memorable dinner paired with fine wines. It’s a grand finale you won’t want to miss!

A Celebration of Mediterranean Flavours

Prepare for a day that will electrify your senses and ignite your passion for Mediterranean cuisine! Get ready for a brunch that’s a true symphony of flavours—picture Shakshuka with Crusty Bread and Mediterranean Quiche with Feta and Spinach, ready to dazzle your taste buds.

But that’s just the beginning! In the afternoon, we’ll dive into the creation of Yotam Ottolenghi’s Spicy Mushroom Ragu masterpiece—a culinary gem that elevates countless dishes to perfection. Get ready to harness its aromatic magic! Next up, brace yourself for the creation of our special vegetarian Moussaka, adorned with all the delectable trimmings you can imagine. It’s a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Mediterranean cuisine.

Our evening dinner is a flavourful reunion with the dishes we’ve passionately crafted during our cooking class. This experience is a heartfelt celebration of Mediterranean flavours—an adventure you’ll cherish long after you return home. Get ready for a day that will tantalize, inspire, and warm your heart!

Departure Day

After our final wholesome Mediterranean breakfast, we will pack up and say our goodbyes before returning home, taking much more than memories with you.

You will continue enjoy the flavours, skills and recipes you have learned, with friends and family at home.

 

What's included

Included

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Airport transfers to and from Faro Airport (at a specified time)
  • Welcome drinks
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and wine with evening meals
  • Daily cooking tuition and all ingredients
  • Local winery visit with wine tasting and tapas
  • Local market visit
  • Swimming pool

Accommodation

Glamping Tent with Shared Bathroom Purple Room Shared Bathroom Zebra Room Shared Bathroom Green Room Shared Bathroom Teal Room Ensuite Main Room Ensuite
Glamping Tent with Shared Bathroom
Glamping Tent with Shared Bathroom
Glamping Tent with Shared Bathroom

Glamping Tent with Shared Bathroom

These Glamping tents can be set up as a double or twin beds, included within the tent is, electricity, duvet, linens, towels, anti-allergy fibre pillows, mosquito net doors.

There is shared outside (covered) bathroom with a walk-in large shower, mirror and hairdryer plus a separate toilet.

Each tent has an outside seating area.

Facilities

Shared bathroom Double or twin beds Balcony or terrace
Purple Room Shared Bathroom
Purple Room Shared Bathroom
Purple Room Shared Bathroom

Purple Room Shared Bathroom

This room is located on the first floor (upstairs).

Spacious and characterful room with double skylights, perfect to take in the intense skies and star show at night.

Situated on the first floor, it shares the large family bathroom, with walk-in power shower, double washbasin and complimentary toiletries.

Facilities

Shared bathroom Air conditioning and heating Double or twin beds
Zebra Room Shared Bathroom
Zebra Room Shared Bathroom
Zebra Room Shared Bathroom

Zebra Room Shared Bathroom

This room is located on the first floor (upstairs).

This bedroom with river views has a twin bed set-up, which can be made into a double on request.

Black out curtains allow for a longer lie-in.

A Juliet Balcony overlooks the Funcho Dam and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

It shares a large family bathroom, with a walk-in power shower and double washbasins.

Facilities

Shared bathroom River View Air conditioning and heating Double or twin beds
Green Room Shared Bathroom
Green Room Shared Bathroom
Green Room Shared Bathroom

Green Room Shared Bathroom

This room is located on the first floor (upstairs).

This twin/double bedroom is full of character with rustic, wooden beams and a Juliet Balcony that overlooks the Pool and Funcho Dam below.

The most beautiful sunsets can be seen from this level and you can sleep in longer with the black out curtain.

It shares a large family bathroom, which has a walk-in power shower and double wash basins.

Facilities

Shared bathroom Air conditioning and heating River View Double or twin beds
Teal Room Ensuite
Teal Room Ensuite
Teal Room Ensuite

Teal Room Ensuite

This room is located on the ground floor with a large en-suite bathroom.

Shades of blue and teal give the room a calming and luxurious feel.

Double doors open out onto the lawn area and infinity pool with wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The bathroom has a walk-in power shower fitted with grab handles.

Facilities

En suite bathroom Balcony or terrace Air conditioning and heating Hairdryer Double or twin beds
Main Room Ensuite
Main Room Ensuite
Main Room Ensuite

Main Room Ensuite

This room is located on the ground floor.

The largest bedroom in the house with its own beautiful en-suite bathroom.

This room has double doors leading onto the Sunset Terrace, lawn area and infinity pool beyond.

The bathroom has a walk-in power shower with grab handles and ‘his & hers’ washbasins.

Facilities

En suite bathroom Balcony or terrace Air conditioning and heating Hairdryer Double or twin beds
Your local host

Cheryl and Graham

Having always returned to the Algarve region in Portugal for many years, Cheryl and her husband Graham 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.

Their inspiring journey and adventures in the Algarve are chronicled in Alyson Sheldrake’s book, “A New Life in the Algarve Portugal.” 
Featured on ‘A New Life in the Sun’ and ‘Where Are They Now,’ this dynamic duo brings over 25 years of expertise in unveiling the Algarve’s top beaches, eateries, and villages f... Read All

Having always returned to the Algarve region in Portugal for many years, Cheryl and her husband Graham 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.

Their inspiring journey and adventures in the Algarve are chronicled in Alyson Sheldrake’s book, “A New Life in the Algarve Portugal.” 
Featured on ‘A New Life in the Sun’ and ‘Where Are They Now,’ this dynamic duo brings over 25 years of expertise in unveiling the Algarve’s top beaches, eateries, and villages for unforgettable experiences. Their story, intricately woven into the fabric of the Algarve, adds an extra layer of authenticity to your journey.

Enthusiastic about Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary cuisine, Cheryl and Graham derive inspiration not only from their favourite chefs like Ottolenghi, Belfrage, and Tamimi but also from the vibrant tapestry of the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle. Their cooking style reflects bold flavours, a variety of spices, the use of fresh herbs, and a dedication to highlighting the inherent qualities of ingredients.

Welcome to a journey of discovery and flavour!

 

 

Cheryl and Graham image

Location

Location:
Stay in an exceptional villa tucked into the bend of a river in Portugal’s Algarve countryside, just 15 minutes from the town of Messines and Silves a 30 minute drive away. Lovingly known as ‘The River House’, it will leave you feeling relaxed, inspired and very much at home. With terraces overlooking surrounding countryside, limitless walking trails and a starry night sky, there isn’t a more idyllic place to perfect your artistic skills.

Getting there

Nearest airport:
Faro – 35 minutes away by car

Pre-booked transfers:
There are complimentary transfers on the arrival and departure days from Faro Airport.

On the 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.

On the departure day the transfer to Faro Airport will be after breakfast around 10am. Please ensure your flight departure time is not before 1pm, if you wish to take this transfer.

If you choose flights which will not work with these times alternative airport transfers can be arranged, for an extra charge.

What our travellers are saying...

One of the most enjoyable holidays I’ve ever had. Great hospitality from Cheryl and Graham. A lovely place to visit. Wonderful communal cooking experiences and fabulous food as the result. A fun and relaxing break!

Liz J

"I spent a wonderful few days with Cheryl and Graham on a festive vegetarian cooking holiday. Each of the day's menus and recipes had been carefully planned out and tested in advance and, as a group, we prepared the dishes for multiple celebratory brunches and dinners with gentle guidance from our hosts. Sooo much yummy food! The accommodation was stylish and comfortable, with everything I needed."

Julie F

"We had a fantastic 3 days spent with Cheryl and Graham in their beautiful home. The cooking course was great fun and very informative with hands on cooking at all times. We learnt loads and the food that we all created was truly delicious. Cannot recommend this course enough!"

Rob T

What a very special place! In a beautiful riverside setting this was the perfect venue for a cooking course. Very comfortable rooms (mine had a view of the infinity pool), well equipped kitchen and charming company. Graham & Cheryl are the perfect hosts with nothing being too much trouble from arrival to departure. We worked our way through many Portuguese and Portuguese influenced dishes, my favourites being the Bacalhau com Natas and the Catapl

Johnathan Rowe

Just returned from a wonderful 4 day cooking retreat. It's an idyllic setting in the Algarve countryside complemented by fabulous hosts Cheryl and Graham who immediately create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere among the guests. I'm no chef but I got so much more out of the experience than expected. Great fun and conversation with the other 'cooks' and magnificent food was the output. An added bonus was to stay in one of the glamping tents which

Richard Parker

What a lovely group to share the Ottolenghi vegetarian brunch experience! The cooking result was terrific . Graham and Cheryl are such gracious hosts.

Mary Armstrong
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FAQs

Who is it suitable for?

- Suitable for all cooking abilities from beginners to advanced
- Minimum age 18 with no upper age limit

I'm travelling solo - can I join?

- Solo travellers are more than encouraged to join as you will meet others with similar interests in the group
- You can book your own private room

What time is check-in?

Check in is after 2pm and check out is after breakfast on day 7

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