Figs on the Funcho

Escape to an award-winning, experience-led riverside retreat in the Algarve, where time slows and space opens for meaningful connection. Set beside the Funcho Dam and surrounded by unspoilt countryside, this is a place for small groups to gather, create, and reconnect with nature. Our Private Retreats are designed for groups of minimum 6 guests, with exclusive use of the River House (up to 10 guests) and optional eco glamping. Expansive terraces, an infinity pool, and quiet corners overlooking the river create a setting that feels both spacious and deeply grounded in nature. At the heart of each stay is a carefully curated programme shaped around your group’s interests. Experiences blend ...Read more >

This vegetarian cooking vacation in the Algarve offers a thoughtful, hands-on way to explore Mediterranean food culture through seasonal ingredients, shared meals, and time spent in nature. Set at a peaceful riverside retreat in the Algarve countryside, the experience is shaped by the principles of the Mediterranean lifestyle — eating well, moving gently, and enjoying food as a social, cultural act. The cooking focuses on vibrant, flavour-rich vegetarian dishes inspired by Mediterranean traditions, with many recipes drawing on Ottolenghi-style cooking: generous use of vegetables, herbs, spices, legumes, olive oil, and layered flavours. The emphasis is on learning techniques and flavour ...Read more >

This seasonal vegetarian cooking vacation in the Algarve celebrates the rhythm of the year through food, bringing together Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter in a way that is thoughtful, creative, and grounded in place. Set at a peaceful riverside retreat in the Algarve countryside, the experience centers on cooking, sharing meals, and marking seasonal moments with intention. The cooking is inspired by the flavour-led, vegetable-forward style associated with Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, drawing on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences while adapting recipes to seasonal produce available in Portugal. Rather than replicating restaurant dishes, the focus is on learning techniques, ...Read more >

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of botanical artistry on our painting vacation in the Algarve. Over three unforgettable days, we'll embark on a journey deep into the art of botanical illustration, exploring everything from classical techniques to spontaneous watercolour expressions. Our adventure begins with a selection of native plant species, followed by the delicate sketching of their intricate details using graphite pencils. Then, we'll breathe life into our creations with vibrant watercolours. The exploration continues with a dedicated day for experimenting with the fusion of watercolours and fine-line pens, where we'll play with various line thicknesses and monochromatic ...Read more >

Immerse yourself in a 6-night/7-day painting retreat, where you'll embark on a journey of artistic discovery amidst the picturesque setting of a riverside sanctuary, offering breath-taking vistas of the countryside and river. Under the expert guidance of our experienced and qualified art tutor, our painting lessons cater to individuals of all skill levels, ranging from beginners eager to explore their creative potential to advanced artists seeking to hone their craft. With a focus on various mediums including watercolours, acrylics, charcoal, graphite, pastels, inks, and brusho, you'll have the opportunity to experiment and develop your artistic skills. You can be confident that all ...Read more >

This Portuguese Spice Route cooking vacation offers a thoughtful way to explore Portugal’s culinary heritage through hands-on cooking, local sourcing, and time spent in nature. Set at a peaceful riverside retreat in the Algarve countryside, the experience traces how Portugal’s historic spice routes connected Europe with Africa and Asia, shaping everyday food traditions that continue to influence Portuguese kitchens today. Rather than recreating dishes for spectacle, the focus is on understanding how spices, produce, and techniques travelled through Portugal and were adapted over time. The cooking is informed by the lived experience of hosts Cheryl and Graham, whose roots in South Africa, ...Read more >