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. This retreat is your chance to learn, connect, and nourish your soul.
Extra info & details
1. Location
The Farm is situated in the village of Aldeia de João Pires and Bode House is situated at a 25 min drive in Monsanto.
2. Accommodation
For your overnight stay and breakfast, you’ll be accommodated at Bode Country House, nestled in the picturesque setting of Monsanto, just a 25-minute drive from the farm. Our farm is located in the charming village of Aldeia de João Pires, where we’ll spend the daytime immersed in nature and activities.
3. Food
The food served on the farm will be omnivorous, organic, local and regeneratively grown.
In case you are allergic, please email us to inform us, so we can cater to your needs.
4. Transportation
Transportation from airport:Â Group transport to the farm and back to the airport can be arranged. Please email us for prices (these vary on group size)
Transport from farm to hotel: Included in the price and arranged by us.Address of Bode House
Address of The Farming Chefs’ Farm
5. Packing Recommendations
We recommend packing lightweight clothing for the warm daytime temperatures, along with additional layers to stay cozy during the cooler mornings and evenings. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry in case of unexpected showers. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential for farm activities, and since we’ll also be spending time in the kitchen, be sure to bring comfortable, practical clothing for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
6. Duration and Schedule
We are hosting 3 retreats for the following dates:
18-21 oktober 2025
7. Facilities
BODE house has a wonderful infinity pool, luxurious rooms and a delicious breakfast. Furthermore the hotel is situated at the feet of a wonderful historic site Monsanto with breathtaking views.
8. Technology and Connectivity
Wifi is available both at the farm as well as at the hotel.
9. Community and Social Setting
- Expected group size: max 8Â people
- Interaction level: We will be spending 4 days together, growing, cooking, eating and talking. There will be plenty of time to wind down in private each day after lunch for a couple of hours.
- Languages spoken by staff and other participants: English. Though we also speak Dutch and Portuguese, all classes/workshops will be in English.
10. Cancellation and Refund Policy
For bookings made online, a 14-day cooling-off period applies, during which you are entitled to a full refund, provided the retreat does not begin within this period, in accordance with Portuguese consumer protection laws.
Read the full terms here
Program
Day 1: Arrival & Connection
- 14:30 – 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 before heading to the farm. - 18:00 – Transport to the farm
A 25-minute drive will bring you to the farm for an intimate welcome evening. - 18:30 – Welcome Dinner & Introduction
- 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.
- 21:00 – Return to the hotel
Guests are transported back to the hotel to 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 – Return to the farm for a Cooking Class
- Hands-on cooking session: Transforming fresh produce 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 – Return to the hotel
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: Farm-made ketchup, pickles, and herb-infused oils.
- Fermenting vegetables: Introduction to gut-friendly, probiotic-rich foods.
- 12:30 – Light Farm Lunch
- 14:00 – Free Time or Optional group Activities (based on preference of the group)
- Foraging Walk: Discover edible wild plants and herbs.
- Visit Monsanto, a stunning historic village (transport arranged).
- Rest & relax: Return to the hotel for a swim or unwind in nature.
- 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 Farm Feast
- A long-table meal under the stars, featuring all the elements from the retreat.
- Wine pairing, live music, and storytelling.
- 21:30 – Return to the hotel
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 – Drive to the farm, Reflective Discussion
- Participants share key takeaways and experiences.
- Ideas for continuing farm-to-table cooking at 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
