Put the treat back in Retreat!

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

Many guests stay just for the peace and relaxation the Quinta offers, and there's a Yoga Shala,

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a heated Yurt

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and a Sauna on the property if you want to pamper yourself.

Sauna

There's no problem coming on your own or with a group of friends, all ages and proficiencies are welcomed, so just send us an email.

But if you'd like to enjoy one of our themed Retreats why not try one of these?

In May we'll be welcoming Erin and Kelsey who are running "A Haven for Your Mind and Body" for the 5 nights forward from the 25th May. Look forward to twice-a-day yoga as well as meditation, reflection, and community-building designed to help you unwind, recharge, and rediscover your authentic self.

Erin Stevens

Also included are a Full Day Birding Safari, the canoes and SUPs and of course breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as transport from and to the airport.

Spaces are limited so if you're interested please get in touch with Erin here.

Then there are some of our other themed Retreats, such as "Printmaking in Portugal" run by Lucy Gell and "Cyanotype by the Lake" run by Marie Therese King.

Marie Theres King Lucy Gell

Marie Thérèse King & Lucy Gell

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

We've welcomed printmaker and illustrator Lucy to the Quinta to run her hugely successful printmaking holidays since 2018 and it's always fun! In 2024 she's running 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. 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 from 2023

“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

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23.12.05 Lucy Gs Collage 2

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 - here's more information about her week here,

"A Perfect Retreat: Sun print art and drawing Holiday in Portugal"

Picture a week of artistic bliss at Quinta de Barranca, otherwise known as Paradise in Portugal. In May 2024, join wildlife artist Marie-Therese King for a truly unique and inspiring art retreat. This idyllic retreat allows you to explore the captivating world of cyanotype and drawing while being surrounded by the lush gardens of this eco boutique hotel.

Discover the Art of Cyanotype

Under the expert guidance of Marie-Therese King, renowned for her vibrant batik artworks, you'll uncover the captivating world of cyanotype. With wall-to-wall sunshine, create your own cyanotype prints, using the treasures of the gardens and the breath taking natural surroundings as your inspiration. The distinct flora and fauna of Portugal will serve as your botanical pallet – sending shadows to create designs across clothing, paper and lampshades.

Artistry and Relaxation

But it's not just about art; it's about a holistic retreat experience. Your week of artistic exploration is perfectly balanced with relaxation and cultural immersion. Take a refreshing dip in the freshwater lake, enjoy the tranquillity of a canoe ride, and be captivated by the natural beauty that surrounds you. In the evenings, sit down to savour a sumptuous three-course home-cooked meal, perfectly complemented by some of Portugal's finest wines. It's a feast for both your artistic and culinary senses.

The Symphony of Nature

During the May holiday, you'll be treated to a unique spectacle: swallows rearing their chicks all around the hotel, you will never get closer to these agile, charming birds. The Golden Orioles singing their flute like melody, the Nightingales filling the gardens with their song.

Your Host: Marie-Therese King

Marie-Therese King is a distinguished wildlife artist whose passion for the natural world shines through her vibrant and intricate artworks. Her expertise and love for wildlife make her the perfect guide for your artistic journey.

Join Us in May 2024

MTs cyanotype clothes

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.

MTs cyanotype

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