Culinary Art Retreat By Charlotte Hamilton & The Farming Chefs

An immersive journey where food inspires art, and art deepens your experience of food.

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food at retreat

portugal farm to table retreat with the farming chefs

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With Charlotte Hamilton from BlueshineArt & Sophie de Jong from The Farming Chefs

22-29 September 2027

with Charlotte Hamilton from BlueshineArt & Sophie de Jong from The Farming Chefs

22-29 September 2026

What will the Retreat be like?

Imagine spending a full week in rural Portugal, moving between the kitchen, the garden, and your sketchbook—cooking with freshly harvested ingredients, learning practical techniques, and creating alongside others in a relaxed, inspiring setting.

This is not a passive retreat. It’s hands-on, interactive, and built around doing.

You’ll start your mornings with generous breakfasts at the villa before heading out to the farm, where you’ll harvest, cook, and experiment with real food—learning everything from flavour pairing and fermentation to sourdough baking, dairy making, and cooking over fire.

Alongside the cooking, you’ll explore art as a way of observing and expressing what you experience. Through guided sessions, you’ll sketch landscapes, ingredients, and meals—translating taste, texture, and memory into something visual and personal.

Expect long, relaxed lunches built from what you’ve just prepared, evenings around the table with simple, honest food, and moments of genuine connection with the group.

There’s also space to reset. Swim in the river, sit in the sun, walk through quiet villages, or do absolutely nothing.

Throughout the week, you’ll visit places like Monsanto, meet the land more closely, and experience a slower rhythm—without ever feeling bored.

You’ll leave with real skills, a notebook full of ideas, and a different way of looking at food and creativity.

Join us for a week that’s active, grounded, and genuinely enjoyable—from start to finish.

What's included in the Price?

• All tuition fees, including daily hands-on cooking workshops and art lessons focussing on food from seed to plate.

• 7 nights’ accommodation in a beautifully restored Portuguese Mill by the Basagda River featuring:
– Beautifully renovated rooms

– Wonderful Breakfast spread

– Wifi Free Rooms to unwind

– A Swimming Pool

– A Private Tennis court

– A Wood Fired Sauna

• All meals, including:
  – Daily breakfast (catered or enjoyed with your own creations)
  – Delicious lunches or meals created during the cooking workshops
  – Gourmet evening dinners prepared by Filipe da Cunha from The Farming Chefs or cooked together during guided sessions

• A celebratory “family-style feast” Cooking workshop on the final evening, showcasing all the skills learned throughout the week

• Restaurant experiences, including lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant.

• Local wine served with selected lunches and dinners

• Private group transfers to and from Castelo Branco Bus station on arrival and departure days

• Transport for all scheduled excursions and from the Farm to the Villa daily.

• Free day to explore local UNESCO village Monsanto.

• Staff on-site to support with service, setup, assistance during workshops, and a smooth, seamless retreat experience

About Charlotte Hamilton from Blueshineart and Sophie de Jong from the The Farming Chefs

Charlotte Hamilton is the creative force behind Blueshine Art, known for her intuitive, expressive approach to painting that invites both freedom and reflection. Her work blends natural textures, organic movement, and a deep sensitivity to place—making her a perfect guide for a culinary retreat rooted in connection to land and craft.

With years of experience leading workshops, Charlotte creates a warm, encouraging space where beginners and experienced artists alike can explore their creativity without pressure. Her sessions are less about perfection and more about presence—mirroring the philosophy of slow, seasonal cooking.

At this retreat, Charlotte will guide you in translating the colors, rhythms, and stories of the farm into visual expression, complementing the journey from garden to plate in a truly immersive way.

Sophie de Jong is a chef, regenerative farmer, educator, and founder of The Farming Chefs, a culinary project dedicated to reconnecting people with real, sustainably grown food. After years working in professional kitchens, Sophie moved her practice onto the land, where she grows vegetables, herbs, and fruit regeneratively and teaches students online how to transform seasonal produce into deeply flavourful, nourishing meals.

Her work blends technical culinary expertise with an intuitive, soil-centered philosophy. Through workshops, courses, and international retreats, Sophie guides participants to cook with confidence, reduce waste, master from-scratch techniques, and rediscover the joy of simple, honest ingredients.

Sophie’s teaching style is clear, warm, and empowering—perfect for both beginners and passionate home cooks seeking to elevate their craft.

The price for this immersive Culinary Art retreat

The price for this immersive culinary art retreat is €4,337 per person, based on a private en suite bedroom.

For those joining with a friend or partner, rooms can also be shared, offering a beautiful opportunity to experience the retreat together. Bed configurations are flexible, with options for either single or double beds to suit your preference.

Securing Your Spot
To secure your place on the Culinary Art Retreat (22–29 September 2027), please click the Retreat Booking button below, complete the form, and pay the deposit. Once the retreat is confirmed you will receive a payment request to pay the the full 50%. The final balance will be due 8 weeks prior tot eh start of the retreat.

Travel / Transfers
Group transfers are provided on arrival and departure days to ensure a smooth and relaxed journey.

Arrival Pickup
The group pickup will take place at:
13:30 from Castelo Branco Bus station
GPS LOCATION: https://maps.app.goo.gl/urLqThf7onrir1r8A

Departure Day
We will depart after breakfast at 10:30, returning you to Castelo Branco.

Arriving Earlier?
If you wish to arrive one or two days before the retreat, we recommend staying a few nights in Porto or Lisbon exploring the city before retreating into tranquility.

Book your Holiday Now

RETREAT BOOKING FORM

Portugal Culinary Art Retreat Retreat 22-29 Sept 2027 with Charlotte Hamilton

Portugal Culinary Art Retreat Retreat 22-29 Sept 2027 with Charlotte Hamilton

Price range: 4337,00 € through 8674,00 €

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Terms & Conditions for foreign retreats organised by The Farming Chefs Deposits & Cancellations Deposits – all bookings require a non-refundable deposit of €350 per person Retreat Guaranteed – 50% is due once the retreat is guaranteed. You will be notified immediately this happens and will be sent an email with a link to pay the amount within 48 hours. If you book an already guaranteed retreat this will be sent to you immediately after the booking has been made. Final Balance – the remaining balance is due eight weeks before the date of arrival. If booking within the eight week period the full balance is due at the time of booking. Insurance – You are required to take out appropriate travel insurance which includes cancellation protection and any circumstances which may cause you to change your arrangements. It is the responsibility of each guest to arrange this. All payments are strictly non-refundable. Except the down payment (minus administrative costs) if the retreat does not materialise due to not reaching the minimum amount of participants and we cancel. Cancellation by You All bookings are non-refundable or transferrable, whatever the reason, once the payments have been made. We will willingly provide you the any documentation you need to support you claim with your travel insurance. Cancellation by Us The Farming Chefs reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any retreat / holiday if the minimum number of participants for the event has not been met within 60 days of the date of arrival. We will endeavour not to cancel a holiday unless absolutely necessary or events occur beyond our control but we do reserve the right to do so. If a tutor is unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances including, but not limited to, illness or accident we reserve the right to use another suitable tutor. We strongly advise guests to buy refundable flight tickets. In the (highly unlikely) event that we cancel a retreat / holiday, please note that no refunds will be made on your flights or any related fees in case of cancellation by us or by you. Changes Made by Us Occasionally, we have to make changes to some of the retreat / holiday details and we reserve the right to do so. The terms at the time of booking apply. Need help? Contact us at [email protected] for questions related to refunds and returns. Amendments made [Added 19. 01 2026]: “unless we cancel due to not reaching the minimum number of participants, in which case the deposit (minus admin costs of 3%) is refunded” [Added 19. 01 2026]: If you are unable to attend, you may request to transfer your booking to another suitable guest, subject to prior written approval from The Farming Chefs. Transfers are permitted up to 14 days before the retreat start date and are subject to a €75 administrative transfer fee. We will willingly provide you the any documentation you need to support you claim with your travel insurance.

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Description
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Description

Imagine spending a full week immersed in the tastes, scents, and quiet magic of rural Portugal — cooking, sketching, and painting on a beautiful regenerative farm, surrounded by fresh ingredients harvested straight from the land.

Learn timeless culinary techniques, explore your creativity through art, and share long, laughter-filled meals under open skies, with rolling hills, orchards, and deep tranquillity as your backdrop.

This retreat is more than a holiday. It’s a rare invitation into slow living — a chance to reconnect with the land, your creativity, and the simple, profound joy of preparing and sharing food together.

Additional information

Retreat Bedrooms	Private Ensuite Room, Shared Double Ensuite Room (with partner/friend)

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* We’ll do our best to accommodate your preferred room – booking early really helps. If your first choice isn’t available, we’ll automatically assign you the closest available room type. If you would like one specific room only, please don’t pay your deposit until you’ve confirmed availability with us. You can email us at [email protected] to check before booking. You can explore all available room types below.

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How did you hear about us?

thec CREATIVE holiday of a lifetime

Join a group of food and art enthousiasts, explore a Regenerative Farm, Cook amazing meals and make beautiful Art.

7 DAY CULINARY GET-AWAY

price p.p.

€4337

Here is what Previous retreatees have to say:

From 23 to 27 September, I attended a course called “Regenerative Preservation Techniques and Flavor Enhancers” with The Farming Chefs in Portugal.
It was a thorough and inspiring course.

Each day focused on one preservation technique, which we also applied in practice — everything was done on site:

Bread baking; preserving grain
Cheesemaking; preserving milk
Preserving vegetables and fruit
Final day: the responsible creation of flavor enhancers

Each course day, we followed the entire process from beginning to end.

The instructor (Sophie de Jong) is a true professional who clearly knows her craft. She is not only an excellent cook herself, but also highly skilled in conveying the teaching material.
Every evening we enjoyed a delicious meal, prepared and served by Filipe, Sophie’s partner and the other half of The Farming Chefs.

The course went far beyond simply providing a collection of recipes; it delved deeply into the background and principles of regenerative farming and cooking.
Sophie helped me understand the dilemma of today’s food industry (both production and the food supply chain).

The Western world currently succeeds in producing enough food for everyone. However, in order to make that food sufficiently shelf-stable for supermarkets, the industry is forced to process it in such a way that all “vital, restorative factors” are removed.
As a result, we may have an abundance of food — but essentially dead food.

The Farming Chefs do not pretend that they can overturn the entire system overnight, but they clearly demonstrate where each individual can make small changes.
In this way, everyone can — at least for themselves — produce and preserve healthy food and begin a new way of relating to and experiencing food.

Rated 5 out of 5

Frits Verheijden

Thank you Sophie and Filipe for one of the best vacation experiences of my life! I was part of the April 2026 cooking/farm retreat and loved every minute of it.

Sophie and Filipe were very welcoming, opened their home to us and shared their vast knowledge; not to mention the delicious meals they prepared for us. Super Yummy! I learned so much and had an active part in all cooking, planting & harvesting.

Our retreat group was diverse, friendly, sharing and fun. Their farming operation was well explained, opened to roaming, in a beautiful setting, and interesting. The whole experience left me motivated towards better eating, to expand my herb garden and to start a small veggie garden again. I felt refreshed and renewed with a huge smile on my face.

The accommodations at the villa were relaxing, warmly welcoming, served delicious breakfast, beautiful river/woods setting with modern conveniences. I loved everything about the retreat. I would recommend it to anyone interested in food or farming, regardless experience or where you live as you are going to learn a lot! Thank you Sophie, Filipe and family for your hospitality, for an unforgettable experience and for your YouTube channel which introduced me to you all.

Rated 5 out of 5

Roxanne Roth

We had an amazing five-day retreat! Sophie and Filipe radiate positive energy and are incredibly professional and passionate, both on the farm and in the kitchen. Their unique combination of skills made the retreat fun and enriching on every level.

The program was wonderfully varied, with a perfect balance between workshops, enjoying their delicious farm-to-table creations, inspiring information, outings, connection, and free time. We learned so much, especially about regenerative farming practices and soil health; real eye-openers that made us appreciate food and farming even more.

They are flexible and intuitive, easily adapting the program to the needs and energy of the group, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The accommodation was fantastic too. We alternated between the farm and our nature-filled base, but the distance was easy and the change of scenery added to the experience. The place itself is stunning, surrounded by nature with plenty to enjoy during free hours: a swimming pool, sauna, river, tennis court, hiking trails right out the door, and more.

A truly unforgettable experience for anyone who loves real food, nature, and learning about the beauty and importance of regenerative farming.

Rated 5 out of 5

Sabine Koopmans

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Where is the retreat located?
Our culinary and creative retreat takes place at The Farming Chefs Regenerative Farm and Hotel Maneio.

This retreat is co-hosted by Sophie de Jong and Charlotte Hamilton, combining regenerative cooking with artistic exploration.

What is the address of the hotel and farm?
Hotel Maneio/ Villa Maneio

https://maps.app.goo.gl/w1Jb1L2B3xDPpcFSA
The Farming Chefs Regenerative Farm

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PnciYYqspYQzyk6P7

What is the weather like?
The region typically offers warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. We recommend bringing layered clothing, sun protection, and comfortable outdoor shoes. Don’t forget your swimwear and tennis shoes if you feel like making use of the pool or tennis court.

Will there be outdoor spaces available?
Yes. The hotel is surrounded by natural landscapes, with outdoor areas for cooking, workshops, shared meals, and quiet moments.

Are toiletries, a hairdryer, and linens provided?
Yes, rooms include bedding, towels, and basic toiletries. Hairdryers are available.

Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available on-site.

Is laundry available during the retreat?
Not available in this hotel.

What electrical voltage is used?
Portugal uses 230V with standard European two-pin plugs (Type C/F).

What is NOT included in the price?
Travel to Portugal, personal insurance, and drinks outside of included meals.
There is group transportation on the day of arrival and departure from Castelo Branco Bus Station to the accommodation. And every day to and from the farm.

Do I need to bring my own art supplies?
yes, some but most basic art materials will be provided as part of the retreat, thoughtfully selected by Charlotte Hamilton.

You will be given a list of needed utensils up front and can have them delivered to the accommodation in advance via amazon.

That said, you are very welcome to bring your own favorite tools or materials if you have specific preferences or a personal practice you’d like to continue during the retreat.

Is the art suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. No prior experience is needed. The creative sessions are designed to be open, exploratory, and non-judgmental — whether you’ve never picked up a brush or already have an established practice.

Will I be able to take my artwork home?
Yes. Everything you create during the retreat is yours to keep. We recommend bringing a folder or protective sleeve to transport your work safely.

What kind of art materials will be available?
Materials may include a curated selection of sketching tools, paints, brushes, paper, and mixed media elements. The focus is on accessible, expressive materials that invite experimentation rather than perfection.

Booking & Payment

How do I make a booking?
Bookings are made via the official booking form here above. After submission and payment of the deposit, your place is booked. Once we reach the minimum amount of participants, the retreat is guaranteed, upon which time you will need to pay the full 50%. The final balance is due 8 weeks prior to the event.

Is a deposit required?
Yes, a 30% deposit is required to secure your place.

50% of the total will be charged once the retreat is confirmed
The remaining balance is due 8 weeks before the retreat

Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering travel, health, and cancellations.

full terms and conditions here

Travel & Getting There

How do I get to Hotel Maneio?
You can travel via Lisbon or Porto airports, then continue by rental car or arranged group transfer. A group pickup at Castelo Branco Airport is included in the price for arrival and pickup day.
pickup: 13.30 Castelo Branco Bus & Train station
drop off: 10.30 Castelo bRANCO Bus & Train station

Is there a group pickup?
Yes, a group pickup at Castelo Branco Airport is included in the price for arrival and pickup day.
pickup: 13.30 Castelo Branco Bus & Train station
drop off: 10.30 Castelo bRANCO Bus & Train station

Check-in & check-out times

Check-in: 14:15 on arrival day
Check-out: 10:00 on departure day

Can I arrive early or stay longer?
We’re happy to see if there is availability for that. Please contact us via email: [email protected] or directly by phone +351 964920946

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Are meals included?
Yes. All meals are included and centered around seasonal, regeneratively sourced ingredients. Cooking is done together, guided by Sophie, alongside shared meals and selected experiences.

What if I have dietary requirements?
We can accommodate most dietary needs, except fully vegan diets.
Please inform us in advance of any allergies or restrictions.

Additional Information

What makes this retreat unique?
This is not just a cooking retreat. It’s a fusion of food and creativity — where regenerative cooking meets artistic expression, guided by Sophie and Charlotte.

What should I bring?
A detailed packing list will be sent before arrival. Expect comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and layers.

Can I purchase The Farming Chefs products?
Yes, aprons and recipe books may be available. Pre-ordering is recommended.

Do I need a visa?
EU citizens do not need a visa. Non-EU guests should check Portuguese entry requirements.

What currency is used?
The Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, though some cash is useful.

🌿 The Farming Chefs x Charlotte Hamilton

Culinary & Art Retreat

General Information

Where is the retreat located?
Our culinary and creative retreat takes place at The Farming Chefs Regenerative Farm and Hotel Maneio.

This retreat is co-hosted by Sophie de Jong and Charlotte Hamilton, combining regenerative cooking with artistic exploration.

What is the address of the hotel and farm?
Hotel Maneio/ Villa Maneio

https://maps.app.goo.gl/w1Jb1L2B3xDPpcFSA
The Farming Chefs Regenerative Farm

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PnciYYqspYQzyk6P7

What is the weather like?
The region typically offers warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. We recommend bringing layered clothing, sun protection, and comfortable outdoor shoes. Don’t forget your swimwear and tennis shoes if you feel like making use of the pool or tennis court.

Will there be outdoor spaces available?
Yes. The hotel is surrounded by natural landscapes, with outdoor areas for cooking, workshops, shared meals, and quiet moments.

Are toiletries, a hairdryer, and linens provided?
Yes, rooms include bedding, towels, and basic toiletries. Hairdryers are available.

Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available on-site.

Is laundry available during the retreat?
Not available in this hotel.

What electrical voltage is used?
Portugal uses 230V with standard European two-pin plugs (Type C/F).

What is NOT included in the price?
Travel to Portugal, personal insurance, and drinks outside of included meals.
There is group transportation on the day of arrival and departure from Castelo Branco Bus Station to the accommodation. And every day to and from the farm.

Do I need to bring my own art supplies?
yes, some but most basic art materials will be provided as part of the retreat, thoughtfully selected by Charlotte Hamilton.

You will be given a list of needed utensils up front and can have them delivered to the accommodation in advance via amazon.

That said, you are very welcome to bring your own favorite tools or materials if you have specific preferences or a personal practice you’d like to continue during the retreat.

Is the art suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. No prior experience is needed. The creative sessions are designed to be open, exploratory, and non-judgmental — whether you’ve never picked up a brush or already have an established practice.

Will I be able to take my artwork home?
Yes. Everything you create during the retreat is yours to keep. We recommend bringing a folder or protective sleeve to transport your work safely.

What kind of art materials will be available?
Materials may include a curated selection of sketching tools, paints, brushes, paper, and mixed media elements. The focus is on accessible, expressive materials that invite experimentation rather than perfection.

Booking & Payment

How do I make a booking?
Bookings are made via the official booking form here above. After submission and payment of the deposit, your place is booked. Once we reach the minimum amount of participants, the retreat is guaranteed, upon which time you will need to pay the full 50%. The final balance is due 8 weeks prior to the event.

Is a deposit required?
Yes, a 30% deposit is required to secure your place.

50% of the total will be charged once the retreat is confirmed
The remaining balance is due 8 weeks before the retreat

Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering travel, health, and cancellations.

full terms and conditions here

Travel & Getting There

How do I get to Hotel Maneio?
You can travel via Lisbon or Porto airports, then continue by rental car or arranged group transfer. A group pickup at Castelo Branco Airport is included in the price for arrival and pickup day.
pickup: 13.30 Castelo Branco Bus & Train station
drop off: 10.30 Castelo bRANCO Bus & Train station

Is there a group pickup?
Yes, a group pickup at Castelo Branco Airport is included in the price for arrival and pickup day.
pickup: 13.30 Castelo Branco Bus & Train station
drop off: 10.30 Castelo bRANCO Bus & Train station

Check-in & check-out times

Check-in: 14:15 on arrival day
Check-out: 10:00 on departure day

Can I arrive early or stay longer?
We’re happy to see if there is availability for that. Please contact us via email: [email protected] or directly by phone +351 964920946

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Are meals included?
Yes. All meals are included and centered around seasonal, regeneratively sourced ingredients. Cooking is done together, guided by Sophie, alongside shared meals and selected experiences.

What if I have dietary requirements?
We can accommodate most dietary needs, except fully vegan diets.
Please inform us in advance of any allergies or restrictions.

Additional Information

What makes this retreat unique?
This is not just a cooking retreat. It’s a fusion of food and creativity — where regenerative cooking meets artistic expression, guided by Sophie and Charlotte.

What should I bring?
A detailed packing list will be sent before arrival. Expect comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and layers.

Can I purchase The Farming Chefs products?
Yes, aprons and recipe books may be available. Pre-ordering is recommended.

Do I need a visa?
EU citizens do not need a visa. Non-EU guests should check Portuguese entry requirements.

What currency is used?
The Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, though some cash is useful.