Put the treat back in Retreat!

For those wanting to find a Themed Retreat, we have plenty to choose from ...

There's no problem coming on your own or with a group of friends, all ages and proficiencies are welcomed, and we have Retreats throughout the year.

As regards other Retreats, following our successful "Batik'n'Birding" Weeks and "Printing with Birding" Weeks over the last few years we're running a few more again in 2024.

Lucy Gell is running "Printing in Paradise" from 18th May for seven nights, and again from 12th October.

We've welcomed printmaker and illustrator Lucy Gell to the Quinta to run her hugely successful printmaking holidays since 2018 and it's always fun! As you can see she organises and runs a week of printmaking at the Quinta both in the spring and autumn, and the week involves 5 days of exploring the wonderful world of print in our outdoor workshop area. A local bird walk is included in the holiday along with an optional trip to a local pottery near Odemira. The gardens and location of the Quinta are perfect for a relaxed creative week away from it all. Please visit Lucy’s website at lucygell.com/printmaking-holiday-portugal/ to find out more about this fabulous creative holiday in our beautiful home.  

Just one comment from Lucy’s holiday feedback 

“I was really looking forward to my ‘Printmaking in Portugal’ holiday and it didn’t disappoint. As I was travelling alone, I was a little apprehensive, but having participated in a workshop with Lucy some years ago, I was impressed by her warm and friendly manner and professionalism and I felt I would be in safe hands. I had very little experience of printmaking prior to the holiday and enjoyed learning a variety of techniques throughout the week, taking inspiration from the surrounding gardens. Lucy was always calm, encouraging, and sensitive to our individual needs. She handled each of our prints with care and respect as if they were masterpieces which made the process even more pleasurable. I’m now keen to put these newly acquired skills into further practice. It felt a real privilege to spend the week with Lucy and the other lovely members of the group. They were a brimming pool of knowledge and inspiration and I’m sure we’ll keep in touch via the WhatsApp group now we’re back home. 

Frank and Daniela were great hosts and Daniela’s home cooked meals were delicious. I needn’t have worried about feeling hungry between meals! The view from the dining area was glorious. The Quinta is in a beautiful setting and in between our printing sessions, I thoroughly enjoyed dabbling on the lovely lake with the kayaks and paddleboards and taking daily (intentional!) dips to keep refreshed in the Portuguese sunshine. 

As well as a novice printer, I was also new to birdwatching and found my first ‘birding’ experience very enjoyable. Frank is a font of knowledge, and it was a bonus when he took a detour to allow us to see the flamingos near the airport prior to our departure, especially when they took flight. 

Although it was only a week, I have a treasure chest of memories to last a lifetime – it was a really special experience and one which I’d highly recommend”. 

Jane Parker – October 2023

Another returning Retreat will see Marie Therese King who will be here for seven nights from 4th to 11th May. She's been running her successful Retreats here since 2016 and in 2024 you'll be able to learn all about Cyanotype - an old photographic process. Using the UV rays of the sun, and water from the lake she'll teach you how to create lasting designs on papers, fabric for lampshades and clothing.

She'll also lead fun and fast drawing sessions in the lush gardens at the Quinta, an idyllic location with inspiration everywhere you look. The two mediums work brilliantly together.

If you're interested in joining any of the above please book direct with Marie Therese or Lucy through their websites.

Marie Thérèse King & Lucy Gell