Figs On The Funcho

Reviews

We welcome many of our guests back year after year, and would love you to discover Figs on the Funcho too. Here are just some of our visitor reviews. See more testimonials on Trip Advisor, Sawdays, BabyFriendlyBoltholes, HomeAway and Totstotravel.

Review your stay at Figs on the Funcho

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Great Wedding

★★★★★
We hired the Figs for 5 nights to have it as our picturesque wedding venue. Our close friends stayed there with us, making use of all the rooms plus the 2 safari/glamping tents. That was accommodation for 14 of us in total. I've heard nothing but compliments from our wedding guests, commenting on how beautiful the venue was. We got some amazing pictures with a stunning backdrop (even though the river was dried up due to the lack of rain in Portugal). We planned the wedding ourselves, which included decorating the place with our own items we purchased, but we also made use of some vital items that Cheryl and Graham already had, such as white chairs to seat the guests and tables for dining. We also used their list of contacts to help hire people such as Sue Sutherland, the caterer, who was just absolutely amazing. We are delighted with how well everything went - in our eyes it was perfect - and Figs on the Funcho has given us fond memories we will hold onto forever. The memories aren't limited to the wedding itself either. Just being able to share a holiday with our closest friends, in a beautiful location with great weather, chilling by the pool or just generally having a bit of craic together, and the lovely family style dinners and bbq we had - our time there was amazing and memorable and we were sad to leave. If we had a choice to do it all over again, we would 100% keep the wedding at Figs on the Funcho.
- Eoghan Bradley

wonderful experience

★★★★★
I have just got back from a botanical flower watercolour 4 night break. The surroundings were amazing even though the river had dried up. i can imagine that when its full it is spectacular. The hosts Graham and Cheryl were fantastic hosts. They cooked delicious vegetarian food, which was mostly produced from the vegetables and herbs grown in the garden. Breakfast lunch and dinner was actually the best part for me as nothing was too much trouble. It was so nice to have a glass of wine on the decking with cheese and biscuits, enjoying and talking about everyone's experiences and stories. I would definitely recommend this beautiful place. I am hopefully going to return next year with the family.
- caryl

Walking Holiday

★★★★★
I had a lovely holiday walks were great food was amazing Graham and Cheryl were great hosts and I felt I got to experience the true Portugal
- Aileen M

Botanical Painting

★★★★★
Had the most brilliant painting holiday at Figs on the Funcho. 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 surroundings are beautiful - some fabulous walks, fun to be had on the river and a lovely pool area to enjoy or just relax in with a good book.Travelling on your own, as a couple or part of a group - this is a wonderful place to be, I thoroughly recommend it.
- Patricia Brookwick

Mixed Media Art Holiday

★★★★★
I had a wonderful time at Figs on the Funcho! Our art teacher was a very good teacher, our hosts were friendly, informative, fun and their food was just amazing! As well as the art it was like a retreat! Thank you Cheryl, Graham and all my new friends!! X
- Dorothy Brown

Botanical

★★★★★
I really enjoyed my stay at Figs on the Funcho. 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.
- Debra Laxton

Walking Holiday

★★★★★
I spent a wonderful week with Cheryl and Graham on a walking holiday in October. Each of the walks had been carefully planned and scoped out in advance, with logistics and transfers/meals thought through. Some days we took a packed lunch, others we were met with a picnic and on one occasion, we ate at a local restaurant in a delightful village. The scenery was varied and we had several different guides so each day was new and interesting. The food was excellent, again carefully planned in advance, and beautifully prepared and presented. The accommodation was stylish and comfortable, with everything I needed and the hosts are very friendly and helpful. Although they have an infinity pool in the garden, I loved being able to just walk out of the property and swim in the river.
- Julie Fox

Wonderful Painting Workshop

★★★★★
Hi I recently attended a 2 day botanical painting works shop at Figs on the Funcho . The tutor was Toni Dade . It was held on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June 2022. Toni is located near by. Her web address is https://www.toni-maria-design.com/ and the location web address is https://figsonthefuncho.com/ 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 of Figs on the Funcho 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 to take a dip in the pool to cool off.
- Sarah Chivers

Botanical Painting Holiday

★★★★★
Just back from a wonderful few days at the Botanical Painting Holiday at Figs on the Funcho 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 !!
- Jesmond Murray

Tile Painting

★★★★★
We had a wonderful morning at Figs on the Funcho painting Portuguese tiles. Cheryl greeted us with refreshments before showing us how to transfer our chosen designs onto the tiles and how to use the cobalt tint to paint the traditional blue colour, half way through we were treated to delicious chocolate cake and a drink. Once painted Cheryl arrange to have the tiles glazed and fired and then arranged collection, we are so pleased with the result. A wonderful way to spend a morning and raising money for Ukraine at the same time.
- Sarah Chivers

Watercolour Painting

★★★★★
I have been Toni’s student for over two years now and she has certainly inspired me to learn more about drawing and painting in watercolours. Toni is a wonderful, patient teacher and her lessons always have a great atmosphere. Algarvian flowers, birds,fruit and vegetables a limitless subject matter.
- Carol Guedes do Amaral

Fantastic teacher

★★★★★
I have enjoyed Tony’s botanical painting classes for good while! Learning loads and having great fun while at it. She is most skilled in her profession, kind and patient. Can only recommend!
- Adele A

Art and Nature

★★★★★
Thanks Toni for being an inspiration to would be water colourists ...superb teacher! To attend a workshop in a beautiful setting overlooking water and the peace and beauty of the Algarve countryside ..what more could you want!
- Sarah Morris

Wonderful Retreat

★★★★★
Maravilhoso lugar para retiros, calmo, rodeado de natureza. Fizemos aqui o retiro "Coração de Maria" e voltaríamos a fazer. Foi uma experiência maravilhosa. Conforto, paz, harmonia, natureza, silêncio
- Ângela Cristalina

Veg meal and talk

★★★★★
An excellent evening was had by our group of 14. Lovely food and very friendly and welcoming hosts.
- Rob Thorne

Wonderful!

★★★★★
Just spent a wonderful week at Figs on their art retreat. A truly remarkable venue with great food and top hosts. Rooms beautiful as was the setting and the art workshops were a great way to spend the day. Thoroughly recommend and look forward to my next stay
- Jo Ryder

Fantastic Figs

★★★★★
I've been home from FotF for five days and am counting the months before my next visit!! I didn't know what to expect from my week's plein air painting holiday in the Algarve, but I wasn't disappointed. From the moment I arrived I was hooked. The venue is so beautifully situated; the reservoir & river lap at the property's boundaries. I loved the late afternoon swimming in the warm turquoise water as well as my bracing solo early morning dips in the infinity pool overlooking the river. 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), Tracy's painting and 'creative' lessons were fun; I was surprised to learn new techniques, appreciating and enjoying her skilful teaching. Cheryl and Graham couldn't have been more welcoming and charming. This was not the week I expected but it proved to be one of my best ever painting holidays and I can't wait to return next June, renewing friendships and immersing myself once more in the beautiful environment, painting and swimming to my heart's content. Oh, & the full body massage (by Maria) under the Carob tree was the tops! Figs on the Funcho; a lovely, happy, gentle, friendly, relaxing, restorative, fun and memorable place to spend a week. I didn't want to leave!!
- Judith Dawson

Figs painting holiday

★★★★★
As a returning guest that almost says it all but I would also like to add with the spectacular location, comfortable accommodation, warm welcome, wonderful food and expert tuition /what a fabulous way to spend a week, hopefully will be returning again next year and can thoroughly recommend.
- Ann Peake

Carob and Tapas Evening

★★★★★
What a spectacular setting overlooking the Funcho. Such a relaxed evening of aperitifs followed by Cheryl's enlightening facts about Carob with a demo on making the most delicious carob smoothie ever. All happening while being served innovative healthy tapas that Graham her other half kept bringing and bringing. GREAT evening, we're coming back!
- Lucille and Eric

Carob and tapas evening

★★★★★
What a relaxed and informative evening at this delightfully picturesque venue. I learnt some interesting things about the carob and thoroughly enjoyed the tasty tapas
- Lesley Anne

Tapas and Carob

★★★★★
Great evening, stunning location Fabulous food
- Rob

Palette Painting

★★★★★
Thoroughly enjoyed yet another great event at Figs on the Funcho! My first attempt at acrylic painting with palette knives as well. Samantha our art tutor was really patient, friendly, informative, on hand to help us all quite a lot with questions, plus she has a wonderful sense of humour which made the day fun! I find Figs on the Funcho such a relaxing environment to be in, you meet lovely people on the varied courses, you very soon feel like part of the family….
- Rochelle Mourgue

There's an artist in us all

★★★★★
I had a wonderful time at Figs on the Funcho today learning how to do palette painting with Samantha. The huge terrace overlooking the Funcho is the perfect setting to bring out the creative in everyone, even me. Cheryl and Graham are wonderful hosts and the food was absolutely wonderful. This was my second visit to Figs on the Funcho and I'm already planning the next. Highly recommended. PS With Samantha's encouragement and help, I even managed to produce a painting worthy of a place in my hall.
- Tracy Burton

Above my expectations.

★★★★★
I had been looking forward to visiting Figsonthefuncho ever since reading about a painting class on Facebook. Finally an opportunity arose for a friend and I to go for 3 days, and two nights to explore the area and experience what the website described. I had corresponded with the host many times, adjusting dates, food choices, which room to choose...... Being in marketing and sales in the travel industry since 1965,i had an idea of what I thought my stay would be like. It was way beyond my expectations. I can not even list what was more enjoyable.? The host and their fascinating journey to how they created this paradise? The food? The calm and peaceful sounds of the birds? My feet in the infinity pool overlooking the river, watching a fisherman? The full moon at dusk? My plan was to drive in the area, and after one short trip to Silves, I returned never to get into the car again until sadly it was time to depart. I have booked a painting class stay in October, however, I definitely will be back before then just to rest, relax, unwind, and maybe read the book I started and got to page 9.
- Milchen Mey de Vasconcelos

Paradise

★★★★★
I and a friend just had the pleasure of spending 2 nights at Figos on the Funcho. What an amazing experience. From the surroundings to the food and to the hosts it was definitely amazing. Definitely recommend this wonderful place! Peaceful surroundings, birds chirping , magnificent views of the river and nature it’s an oasis for a soul looking to center itself. Cheryl and Graham make you feel right at home and that you are more of a friend than a mere guest. Loved it and can hardly wait to go back! Oh and did I mention the food and the die for homemade granola??!!! You’re in for an amazing treat
- Milu Williams

A home away from home!

★★★★★
Cheryl's & Graham's riverside home is a hidden gem in the Algarve. I had the pleasure of staying there two nights together with a team of wedding suppliers during the production of a wedding editorial at Figs on the Funcho in April 2021. Cheryl is a wonderful host, very warm and caring (and a great cook!). For me it felt like a home away from home. It's also a beautiful wedding venue and very suitable if you're looking for a private, understated chique boho vibe for your day. Thank you for your great care Cheryl! I highly recommend Figs on the Funcho to all brides to be & to everyone looking for a quiet holiday location in nature!
- Célie | Oydin + Mei Wedding Photography

Yoga Retreat

★★★★★
Perfect for a retreat surrounded by silence and nature Perfeito para um retiro rodeado de silêncio e envolto em natureza Excelente localização, vistas desafogadas para a natureza, muito boas condições interiores, espaço muito bonito e confortável com total privacidade, percursos pedestres na natureza próximos. Tudo foi maravilhoso. Proprietários muito simpáticos e acessíveis, sempre disponíveis para qualquer questão. A regressar! As fotos conferem com o local.
- Angela

Weddings

★★★★★
As a destination wedding planner in Portugal, I get to see many different venues. When I viewed Figs on the Funcho for the very first time, I got totally impressed by it's lovely location with all the nature around. The modern River House, the outside area with swimming pool and the great hospitality from Cheryl and Graham make you feel very welcome. Thank you! https://www.hochzeitsplaner-miguelkel.de
- Miguel Kel, Wedding Planner

Amazing villa

★★★★★
We love this place! You can make beautiful walks and They have a Amazing swimmingpool with view on the river!
- Jennifer

Art course at Figs on the Funcho

★★★★★
Just spent an amazing week at the River House on their residential course. Very well organised and run with a great art teacher who was patient and encouraging . Excellent accommodation and wonderful food provided by Cheryl and her husband Graham. Great company and beautiful location. Can’t praise the week highly enough and hope to return again next year.
- Ann Peake

Fun Art Group

★★★★★
Wonderful art tutor and fun group in a beautiful setting. Everything you need including great food. I will definitely be going back.
- Brenda

A beautiful villa on a stunning lake

★★★★★
Figs on the Funcho is an absolute delight. I'm a British wedding celebrant based on the Algarve and was trying to find a villa where weddings could be held in a stunning location but away from the tourist traps of the coast. Figs on the Funcho is just that spot. Slightly inland, the house is beautifully decorated and perfectly laid out; the kitchen one of those fabulous places to enjoy time with family and friends during your stay. But it's the views outside that are the absolute gem here; a stunning lake/dam right on your doorstep (but safely behind gates for those with young children) and decking where you can eat or dance the evening away. The owner Cheyl is easy to communicate with (handy when you're trying to make plans) and the house is easy to find. Whenever couples ask for advice on somewhere really special to stay and have their big day, Figs on the Funcho is right up there at the top of my list. Half an hour from the coast, it has it all - close enough for an easy drive to the beach but then away from it all for those who want to unwind. Perfect. http://www.portugalweddingcelebrant.com
- Lucy Fox, Portugal Wedding Celebrant

Feeling Inspired from Painting Holiday

★★★★★
I returned home and I’ve been able to put a lot of energy into creative pursuits. I just finished a 30 day sketch challenge, doing a bird a day in any medium, to keep me practicing regularly. I came back from the holiday very inspired. I’m even writing again and participating in National Novel Writing Month.
- AR

Painting Holiday A Lasting Impact

★★★★★
I had such a lovely time on the painting holiday and it has definitely had a lasting impact. I see colours in trees and clouds which I never saw before. I pay so much more attention to colours and shapes and lines in all the nature I see. Also, I have been using your recipes and my family and friends are huge fans! Especially the lentils with cherry tomatoes and sweet potatoes. We seem to be working our way through huge amounts of it.
- RA

Algarve Marquees

★★★★★
We have supplied many weddings at this venue and just love the stunning views, breath taking location and tranquil atmosphere. Truly a prefect wedding venue. Tom Longhurst http://www.algarvemarquees.com
- Tom Longhurst

Grandad’s 70th birthday

★★★★★
We have been home for a few weeks now, but our small grandchildren are still talking about our “holiday home” and “can we go back” This is a sentiment we all share as we had a memorable time at the River House to celebrate Grandad’s 70th birthday
- Marieanne

Painting and Drawing workshops

★★★★★
We spent a wonderful 5 days being creative in the stunning surroundings of Figs on The Funcho The peace and timelessness of the surrounding countryside gave us a fantastic backdrop We were able to understand all the different painting techniques that were incorporated into this workshop Tracy is a very talented artist and a great teacher I hope to return again
- Jenny Leeder

Non-Painting Partner

★★★★★
I went along to Figs on the Funcho as a non-painter with my painting partner, and I had an absolutely fantastic week. Superb setting, wonderful food, ideal location and fabulous company. What's not to love? The location and aspect of the property is idyllic and my time there was incredibly relaxing with stunning views across the river and countryside, with interesting walks and sunsets to die for. Given that it was the end of September, I think Cheryl may even have organised the fantastic weather we had. Cheryl is an excellent host and her culinary skills have literally changed our view of food; vegetarian food in particular, with flavours, textures and combinations that were an assault on the senses. Feedback I heard on the painting course from my partner and the other guests was extremely positive and a fantastic, enjoyable learning experience. The whole break is one I will not forget and have already highly recommended to others.
- Clive

Art Holiday Figs on the Funcho

★★★★★
This was a very different holiday for me and I loved it. A great relaxing location with fantastic views. Cheryl made us welcome and cooked some amazing vegetarian food from local fresh produce. Tracy our art teacher was extremely knowledgeable in a variety of techniques, gave you confidence and always made you feel at ease. A lovely break from normal life.
- Sally Pye

Art at Figs on the Funcho

★★★★★
I had a truly wonderful stay at Figs on the Funcho. The villa and grounds are beautiful and the surrounding countryside is breathtaking. At night I saw the sky filled with stars. The owner Cheryl was very welcoming and cooked amazing meals. Our art teacher Tracy taught me so much about painting and really inspired me. There was the opportunity to relax in the pool, run through the hills, visit local medieval towns and to eat local produce and pasteis de nata. A lovely week!
- Ramla

Inspiration in the Algarve

★★★★★
River views, fresh meals, local culture, and art lessons from a friendly skilled professional made for the perfect holiday retreat. The River House is a gem in the Algarve countryside. I spent a week relaxing to the peaceful sound of birds and goat bells, enjoying walks through the surrounding landscape, and lounging poolside after lively morning art sessions. Our host, Cheryl, and teacher, Tracy, were very knowledgeable and lovely to work with. I hope to make it back again someday.
- Amy Rose

Painting and drawing workshops

★★★★★
It was a lovely 5 days of painting and drawing with a fantastic teacher and a beautiful environment. The River House is a special hidden place in the Algarve! I was glad I was able to join the retreat as an Alagarve resident. I definitely recommend the Figs on the Funcho!
- Matty Gieling

Fabulous art retreat

★★★★★
I attended the plein air day at the Figs on the Funcho and had a wonderfully magical day. The house and scenery are stunning, the teacher Tracy was relaxed, fun, informative and talented, the hospitality couldnt have been more attentive by the owner, Cheryl, and the lunch was superb. It couldn't have been a better day and I came away with some new friends and my own painting. Worth every minute.
- Liza

Family Holiday

★★★★★
We booked this villa though a child friendly villa agent and were pleasantly surprised. It is remote and you will need a car, but there are so many great places to visit! Our group were 7 adults, a 14 month baby, 2.5 year old and 4 year old. The villa is extremely well equipped, especially the kitchen, which is huge. Safety and toys provided for children, which is key for us. The gardens are very well groomed and there is a lot of space. The views are beautiful! The pool initially looked quite small, but actually worked out very well as it has different levels. The view from the pool is outstanding. Local town supermarche is stocked with everything you would need, even vegan items which was an amazing surprise! We really enjoyed a day trip to Praia 3 Iramaos beach and also Fortaleza de Armação de Pêra. Albuferia wasn't as nice and deffo would not go there again. Our visit to Silves was lovely. We did a walk around the town and the castle and we ate dinner at Cafe Ingles, which was excellent!
- Hema Mehta

The Perfect Wedding Venue

★★★★★
As a Wedding and Events supplier I get to visit some really amazing venues and locations, I had the pleasure of suppling a sound system and lighting for a Wedding at Figs on the Funcho, if you are looking for a truly unique rural Wedding venue you wont get much better than The River House, I can't recommend this place highly enough....you wont be disappointed with its location and beautiful views overlooking the river. Charlie. www.kaleidosonix.com
- Charlie

Wonderful stay

★★★★★
We had a wonderful stay at the River house. We had bikes delivered to the villa for our stay & did some beautiful rides & lots of walking whilst enjoying the local villages. Excellent accommodation that worked really well for us as a large family. I must say I have never slept so well when I have been away the beds were so comfy !!
- Lucy Cock

Perfect for group getaways

★★★★★
"The River House is a beautiful villa and we very much enjoyed our stay. The info pack was really helpful and we visited several of the places mentioned. We also booked the wine tasting who came to the villa which was lovely - we would all definitely recommend it!”
- Rachel

Perfect holiday

★★★★★
We had a great stay. In fact, we enjoyed being at The River House so much that we didn't really explore the area. We had a nice meal at Academico and went on a trip to Sagres. Very peaceful and very quiet. Just what we needed.
- Matt Bradley

 

“Fabulous time! We lived and breathed the area. Went for runs, swam, ate and drank! No activities apart from two dinners. Will definitely come back. Perfect for kids!” Sherena W.

“A romantic getaway, an energetic countryside break, a welcome detox from modern life… the choice is yours.” Martin P.

“This is a place to find peace, relax and spend quality time with friends or family.” Studio-DY

“The accommodation is extremely well appointed and quite luxurious and the surrounding area is just lovely with gorgeous views over the river.” Kate L.

“A fabulous villa in an idyllic location. Perfect for a family visit. The views are spectacular from this secluded spot which allowed us to really unwind and spend some quality time together.” Victor A.

“One of the most amazing things about the house is its location. From every angle, you’re hard pressed to find a neighbour or house. It’s so remote! Truly relaxing!” Jackie Y.

“Fabulous house in a beautiful tranquil location – great for all kinds of groups.” Rachel430

“A stunning Villa in a simply beautiful location… and perfect for kids!” Nick F.

“The beds were the most comfortable beds we have ever slept in!” KeldaB

“A wonderful stay at a very peaceful location but close enough to all activities to enjoy them.” Davelurki

“The River House provides really good quality accommodation in a remote, peaceful setting. This house has plenty of space.” Anne L.

“If your idea of a perfect holiday in Algarve is for a beautiful and tranquil retreat then look no further than The River House.” Martin P.