Figs on the Funcho

Thank you to Graham and Cheryl for their superb hospitality, care and generosity in allowing me to stay at their place at Figs on the Funcho. I wanted a detox break from my busy work and lifestyle back in the UK and staying at their place was the perfect spot to unwind and reset myself.

I had chosen to stay in the luxury tents at Figs on the Funcho and this was important for me, as I was able to take in the beauty of the nature surrounding the property and the scenic views of the Algarve. The tents have everything you need, including a separate bathroom and toilet, a fridge, perfect lighting and seating areas (perfect for star gazing at night). I was able to fully immerse myself into the nature and feel grounded.

Graham and Cheryl were superbly helpful in discussing various walking trails and routes that I could go on during my time here, I was able to get myself out into the Algarve and fully explore, taking walks through the most beautiful pieces of land. Graham and Cheryl also recommended various local towns for me to visit, I visited Messines which is about a 45 minute walk from their property and also visited a beautiful town called Silves.

This place in the Algarve, is a 10/10 recommendation and I would come back in a heartbeat! If you wanted to take a detox whether that’s a digital or just a break from life, this is the perfect retreat for you!

Many thanks for my stay!

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.

What a lovely morning and group to share the Ottolenghi vegetarian brunch experience! The cooking result was terrific . Graham and Cheryl are such gracious hosts. I can’t wait for the next one!

We had an awesome stay at Figs on the Funcho! Family, friends, and kids, everyone enjoyed it. The house and facilities are great. We enjoyed the swimming pool and the grill everyday. There is a very cozy outdoors eating table and another one in the kitchen for the more chilling nights. The sky was bright blue during the day and pitch black at night, which allowed us to see quite a few shooting stars (the Perseids). We'd definitely love to come back in the future.

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.

Thank you so much Graham and Cheryl for an amazing holiday at Figs on the Funcho. River House is beautiful and comfortable, set in a stunning location with a lovely swimming pool overlooking the River and hills. Graham and Cheryl were brilliant hosts and we really enjoyed their guided walks to fully take in the scenery and local wildlife and to learn about the local towns. Returning back to the tranquil comfort of River House after our walks was perfect, especially to enjoy a glass of wine relaxing under the shade of the sail canopy and being offered plenty of delicious, freshly prepared cuisine. River House is also perfectly located- it is within easy access to various stunning Algarve beaches, plenty of very good Restaurants and even close to a Riding school so that the countryside can also be enjoyed on horseback. Thank you Graham and Cheryl for looking after us so well and for sharing your little bit of paradise with us - we will definitely be returning.

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.

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

I really enjoyed my stay at Figs on the Funcho! The house is lovely and in a great location, the food was incredible and Cheryl and Graham are amazing hosts! I would definitely recommend staying here and I’d love to come back again!

We were 2 families staying for a 10 night holiday. The villa was clean, comfortable and very well equipped. The outdoor space was beautiful and the stunning view and peace and quiet was exactly what we all needed. Thank you to the villa owners and Jess the very helpful villa contact, we had a wonderful time here.

What a glorious villa, Figs has the most stunning setting overlooking the Dam, with gorgeous sunsets over the water. The house is so comfortable, with a touch of luxury and a huge kitchen. The deck is also large and the perfect place for sundowners or just to relax during the day.
Highly recommend this beautiful space, and thanks to Cheryl and Graham, who are the most welcoming, friendly hosts.

Just finished another amazing painting week at Figs on the Funcho. As always the food, hosts, accommodation and group were fabulous. As well as the painting I love the wild swimming, beautiful setting and peace and quite. Now recharged and revived after a trying year. Can’t wait to visit again.

Just spent an amazing week here on an art retreat and had the most wonderful time. Great hosts, beautiful home and rooms and incredible food. The art retreat was a fabulous way to spend the days and still have time to relax in the beautiful setting. Can’t wait to return!

What and fabulous place. A lovely, quiet, peaceful setting overlooking the Funcho dam. It is very in tune with nature and bird life is very much encouraged. Highly recommended for any function.

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 pool initially looked quite small, but actually worked out very well and the view 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 and we ate dinner at Cafe Ingles, which was excellent!

A great evening with great vegetarian food cooked and prepared by Graham and Cheryl who were wonderful hosts. Our group of 14 all enjoyed the evening which included a very informative talk on the superfood carob.

I had a lovely time on my walking holiday at figs on the Funcho from the minute I arrived I was made to feel very welcome the walks were all different and very interesting and the food was amazing. Aileen

Painting retreat was brilliant. So surprised at the vegetarian food. Every meal was delicious.

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!!

A delightful venue with beautiful facilities, fabulous views and super friendly hosts. What's not to like?! Highly recommended.