Description
Farm-to-Table Cooking Retreat
Reconnect with the earth, the kitchen, and each other! Experience 4 unforgettable days of hands-on gardening, cooking, and relaxation on our beautiful regenerative farm in central Portugal and Villa Maneio, a restored old water mill turned holiday villa, submersed in nature by the river with private pool and tennis court.
Farm-to-Table Cooking Retreat Program
NEXT RETREAT: 11-15 April 2025
Day 1: Arrival & Connection
- 14:00 – Check-in at the hotel
Guests arrive and are welcomed by Sophie. Take some time to settle in and get comfortable. - 16:00 – Unwind & relax
After traveling, guests can enjoy their room, take a stroll, or grab a coffee. Settle in. Enjoy a bit of tennis or the swimming pool. - 19:00 Bonfire Dinner at the hotel
A tasting menu prepared by The Farming Chefs using fresh farm ingredients.- Introduction to the retreat schedule and philosophy.
- Short, engaging talk on regenerative farming and how it connects to the meals we will create.
- 21:30 – Conclusion of the day
rest and recharge for the next day.
Day 2: From Soil to Harvest
- 08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
A fresh, wholesome breakfast with seasonal ingredients. - 09:00 – Depart for the farm
A 25-minute drive to the farm, where Filipe will be waiting. - 09:30 – Early morning farm tour
- Learn about soil health, composting, and companion planting.
- Discuss how farming impacts flavor and ingredient quality.
- Engage in a short hands-on farm activity (either planting or creating a garden bed).
- 11:00 – Coffee break
Enjoy a relaxing farm-brewed coffee or herbal tea with a small snack. - 11:30 – Harvest Walk & Learning Session
- Learn how to identify the freshest produce for cooking.
- Understand optimal harvesting practices for better plant yields.
- Collect fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers for the evening meal.
- 12:30 – Lunch at the farm
- A simple but delicious farm-to-table lunch prepared by The Farming Chefs.
- Time to chat and ask questions about farming techniques and meal preparation.
- 14:00 – Transport back to the hotel
- Guests have free time to rest, explore, or swim.
- Suggestions: a walk in the surrounding area, a visit to a local café, or a short siesta.
- 17:00 –Start of Cooking evening class
- Hands-on cooking session: Transforming fresh produce, harvested that morning into vibrant dishes.
- Learn techniques for vegetable butchery, seasoning, and plating.
- 19:30 – Shared Meal Under the Stars
- Enjoy the dishes prepared together.
- Local wines, storytelling, and relaxed conversation by candlelight.
- 21:30 – Conclusion of the day
rest and recharge for the next day.
Day 3: Culinary Creativity & Sustainability
- 08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
- 09:00 – Transport to the farm
- 09:30 – Creative Garden-to-Plate Cooking Workshop
- Making homemade condiments: removing MSG from your flavour making pantry.
- Fermenting vegetables: Introduction to gut-friendly, probiotic-rich foods.
- 12:30 – Light Farm Lunch (Salad and Grilled meat)
- 14:00 – Free Time or Optional group Activities (based on preference of the group)
- Visit Monsanto, a stunning historic village (transport arranged).
- Rest & relax: Return to the hotel for a swim or unwind in nature.
- Tennis or Canoeing
- 17:00 – Flavour pairing lesson
Learn which spices and aromatics work well together and learn how to pair them with farm fresh ingredients. - 19:30 – Final Feast at the Hotel
- A long-table meal under the stars, featuring all the elements from the retreat.
- Wine pairing, live music, and storytelling.
- 21:30 – Conclusion of the day
rest and recharge for the next day.
Day 4: Reflection & Farewell
- 08:30-09:30 Pack up items for departure at the hotel for checkout after breakfast.
- 09:30 – Slow Breakfast at the Hotel
- Enjoy farm-made jams, fresh bread, herbal teas, and a warm morning atmosphere.
- 10:30 – Reflective Discussion
- Participants share key takeaways and experiences.
- Ideas for continuing farm-to-table cooking at home- Created recipe book of dishes enjoyed during the retreat to take home.
- Set up a community group to keep in touch.
- 12:30 – Farewell Lunch & Closing Circle
- A final, intimate meal together to celebrate the journey.
- 14:00 – Departure
