Botanical Watercolour Painting & Yoga Holiday Retreat September 2025

A Sensory Escape

Picture yourself sketching delicate petals and vibrant foliage, guided by the soothing sound of rustling leaves and birdsong. Under the expert tutelage of Rita Afonso, a local Silves artist celebrated for her botanical and wildlife illustrations, you’ll bring nature to life on paper. Rita’s workshops are designed to nurture both novice and experienced artists, focusing on classical botanical illustration techniques, fine-line pen artistry, and spontaneous watercolour styles.

Daily yoga sessions complement your creative journey, held on a deck shaded by carob trees. The scent of wildflowers mingles with the fresh breeze, helping you connect deeply with the natural world while enhancing your mindfulness and well-being.

Your Artistic Journey

Day 1: Delve into graphite and watercolour techniques to create classical botanical illustrations.

Day 2: Experiment with fine-line pens and a monochromatic palette, mastering the balance between detail and bold simplicity.

Day 3: Embrace spontaneity by painting freehand with watercolours, capturing nature’s essence in its purest form.

Each day concludes with a rejuvenating yoga session under the carob trees, designed to relax your body and mind, leaving you refreshed and creatively inspired.

For further inspiration, explore the nearby Via Algarviana Walking Trail. From our riverside location, you can access Sector 9 – São Bartolomeu de Messines to Silves and Sector 8 – Alte to São Bartolomeu de Messines, two stunning sections of this long-distance path. These routes offer breathtaking views of rolling hills, historic villages, and the Algarve’s rich flora, perfect for gathering ideas to fuel your artistic journey.

A Typical Day

08h30 – 10h00 Outdoor breakfast with views of the rolling hills

10h00 – 13h00 Botanical watercolour painting class

13h00 – 14h00 Lunch

14h00 – 17h30 Free Time

17h30 – 18h30 Yoga, Mindfulness, and Serenity

18h30 – 19h30 Sunset drinks and an opportunity to enjoy our gorgeous sunsets

19h30 – 21h00 Al fresco dinner under the Algarve starry sky followed by cheese and port or dessert on the waterfront deck

About Ana Rita Afonso – Your art tutor

From an early age, Ana Rita Afonso has been captivated by the wonders of nature, the depiction of wildlife, and the enchantment of colours. Born and raised in Silves, Algarve, her artistic journey began with a degree in Arts & Multimedia at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja. Her love for drawing and the natural world led her to pursue a course in scientific illustration, which ultimately guided her toward her true calling: teaching.

Ana Rita’s artistic endeavours are deeply rooted in the representation of nature, showcasing an unwavering devotion to detail, a commitment to realism, and an endless curiosity about the diverse forms and beings that inhabit the natural world. Her work reflects a harmonious blend of creativity and precision, capturing the beauty and complexity of life in all its forms.

Over the years, Ana Rita has collaborated with wildlife and environmental organizations, art schools, and libraries to conduct illustration workshops and scientific illustration classes. Her teaching and artistic practices aim to inspire others to appreciate the intricacies of nature through the lens of art.

“Art will always be an ally of Nature. Through art, we can portray a living being in its full essence—its colour, form, and drawing the observer’s attention to its importance as a biodiverse and unique entity within Nature,” Ana Rita explains.

Explore Ana Rita’s portfolio and discover her work at anafonsoilustration.wixsite.com/portfolio or view her Instagram feed. 

Accommodation with a View

Choose between the comfort of our riverside villa or the unique experience of our safari glamping tents. Both options offer panoramic views of the river and ensure a peaceful stay. The tents, nestled in nature, come equipped with access to a shared garden bathroom featuring a rain shower and modern amenities.

A Taste of the Algarve

Let your palate be delighted with meals inspired by the bold, herbaceous flavors of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Crafted with locally sourced, fresh ingredients, each dish reflects the Algarve’s vibrant culinary heritage. Enjoy breakfast with views of the hills, al fresco dinners under starlit skies, and sunset drinks by the water.

Why Choose Figs on the Funcho?

Figs on the Funcho is more than a retreat—it’s an award-winning destination that seamlessly blends creativity, relaxation, and sustainability. Recognized for its excellence, we are proud to have received the following accolades:

LuxLife Hospitality Awards 2024: Best Culinary Boutique Retreats – Portugal

LuxLife Food and Drinks Awards 2024: Mediterranean Style Cooking Holiday of the Year – Portugal

Innovation & Excellence Awards 2024: Specialist Venue of the Year – Portugal

Finalist in the Algarve Business Awards 2024: Tourism and Hospitality

Semi-Finalist in the Algarve Business Awards 2024: Sustainability

These awards reflect our commitment to providing exceptional experiences that celebrate the Algarve’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and dedication to responsible travel. Whether you join us for a Botanical Watercolour Painting Holiday in the Algarve or one of our culinary or wellness retreats, you’ll find yourself in a place designed to inspire and rejuvenate.

Let the accolades guide your choice, and join us for an experience that will linger in your memories long after you leave.

Book Your Place Today

Unleash your creativity, soak in the natural beauty of the Algarve, and leave feeling inspired and rejuvenated. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now for this unforgettable Botanical Watercolour Painting Holiday in the Algarve.

To reserve your spot, simply select the button with your preferred date for the botanical painting holiday. We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional blend of art, nature, and mindfulness.

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.

Culinary delights with Cheryl and Graham

Figs on the Funcho founders, Cheryl and Graham, whose 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!

How to get 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.

Non-participating partners welcome

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, enjoy stand up paddle boarding or kayaking or simply chill out by the infinity pool and soak up some much needed vitamin D.

The clearly signed walking route is ideal for exploring the countryside on your own.

There is so much to discover and enjoy in the Algarve that is within easy reach if you have a car.

“I went along to Figs on the Funcho as a non-painter with my painting partner. My time there was incredibly relaxing with stunning views across the river and countryside, with interesting walks and sunsets to die for.” – Clive

Email me if your partner would like to join.

What to bring

• 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.
• 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.
• Clothing to keep you cosy while unwinding outside in the evening.
• Insect repellent.
• Plastic or cardboard postal tubes to take your rolled artwork home. Paper sizes provided will be no larger than an A3 size.
• Paints, brushes and paper if you plan to paint during your free-time.
• Apron.

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.

Weather in the Algarve

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 wholesome meal thoughtfully prepared by your hosts, Graham and Cheryl. 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.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation is permissible up to 30 days before your scheduled arrival, entitling you to a refund of the total amount paid, minus a cancellation charge equivalent to the deposit. However, if you cancel within the 30 days preceding your arrival or fail to show up, the full reservation cost will be charged. Please refer to the Retreat Terms and Conditions – Figs On The Funcho for a detailed explanation of the terms, including the cancellation policy. Once the deposit is paid, it signifies the guest’s acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

What you can expect to see and do

Unspoiled Serenity: Experience a tranquil and peaceful setting away from crowded tourist areas.

Infinity Pool Bliss: Enjoy a riverside location with an infinity swimming pool, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the countryside and river.

Bird Watching Delight: Spot a variety of local birds from the comfort of a shaded seating area at Figs on the Funcho.

Starry Nights and Breathtaking Sunsets: Marvel at the beauty of starlit skies and create lasting memories with unforgettable sunsets.

Year-Round Enjoyment: Embrace our location all year round, featuring pleasant sunshine and warm temperatures, even during the winter months.

Relaxing Massages on Demand: Indulge in ultimate relaxation with the option to order on-demand, soothing massages during your stay.