Details, Details

Retreat Dates:  August 15 - August 22, 2026. Check in time on August 15, is 3:00pm and check out on August 22, is 11:00am.

Retreat Location: The retreat will take place at Quinta Carvalhas.
Rua José Ferreira Fazenda
2000-466 Casével STR
Portugal

Recommended Airports:  We recommend flying into the Lisbon airport (LIS). The airport is approximately 1 hour from the retreat center.

Transportation to/from: There are some options for your travels to/from Quinta Carvalhas:
Option 1 Shuttle: We will assist with the shuttle coordination if you request that option on the form.  The shuttles will only pick up and drop off at the Lisbon airport on the first and last day of the retreat (August 15 & August 22).  If you are traveling before the retreat, you will need to go back to the airport to catch the shuttle or make personal arrangements to get to Quinta Carvalhaus. 

There is a form below regarding your transportation needs. Information to/from the airport/retreat will be sent closer to the start of the retreat once we have received your arrival/departure information.

The cost of this shuttle will be between EUR 180-245 and the total will be split by how many are in each shuttle. The shuttles vary in size and can hold between 3-8 people. (Note: participants are responsible for the cost of this transportation and will be billed by ARTfuel at the end of the retreat.)

Option 2 Taxi: Taxis are available to and from the Lisbon Airport and you will need to arrange these yourself at the airport or through the hotel you are staying in if you arrive early. The taxis can typically fit 3-4 people (depending on luggage) and the costs can be split if shared. If you are interested in sharing a taxi, please use the travel information link above to find other to share with. Always remember to have cash (Euros), in case your taxi does not accept credit cards.

Option 3 Rental Car: Car rentals are available from either airport. We recommend a known rental car agency like Budget, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, etc

Payments & Due Dates: Your first payment (one half the balance) is due 30 days from date of purchase. The remaining balance due 60 days from date of purchase. All payments are billed in US Dollars. You will receive an invoice with a payment link via email.  All retreat fees must be paid in full 90 days prior to the start of the retreat. We accept all major credit cards. If you prefer an alternative payment method, please reach out to us at retreats@artfuelstudio.com.

Supplies

What supplies what do I need to bring?

This is the short list! We will send a complete list of required supplies 90 days prior to the retreat start date. Here are the basics…

• Acrylic Paint (this workshop is taught in acrylics only)

• Arches oil paper pad 12x16 (1)

• Nylon brushes 1 and 2” 

• Smaller nylon brushes flats and rounds

• Cafeteria trays (2) 12x16

• Tracing Paper 11x14

Note: The retreat venues cannot accommodate supplies shipped prior to the retreat.

Forms to fill out…

Form #1 - INFORMATION - Click HERE to share important stuff!

We ask that you fill out this form promptly. We would love to connect everyone so we are asking for your contact information and social accounts - and permission to share them! You can use this list to reach out to each other, find a roommate, share transportation, or organize travel pre/post retreat. We also need to know any dietary restrictions you may have (this information will not be shared). This retreat can accommodate vegetarian, gluten free, lactose-free and other common food sensitivities. Please note that other specific diets (e.g. FODMAP, keto, vegan) cannot be accommodated.

You can access everyone’s contact information HERE once they have filled out the above form and granted permission to share.
*Please use this password to access it: portugal26

Form #2 - TRAVEL - Click HERE to share your transportation details.

Once you have booked your flights, please complete Form #2 above. We will share this information with all attendees so that you can coordinate your pre/post travel and transportation to/from Cortijo San Jose with others via their shuttle service option - or you can arrange transportation on your own. We will also share this information with Quinta Carvalhas who will help us coordinate shuttles. (Note: If you are missing any information you can click on the same link and add that information when you have it. You can add just the missing information - you do not need to re-enter information that was previously submitted)

You can access everyone’s travel details HERE - but remember, this will be empty until submissions have been made - so get on it!!!
*Please use this password to access it: portugal26

Let’s connect!

Instagram - A few months before the retreat, we will create an Instagram group where everyone can connect. Please make sure to add your Instagram account to Form #1. Also, please click HERE to follow us on Instagram.

We will also host a Zoom Meet & Greet in the weeks leading up to the Retreat. This will give you a chance to see everyone attending and ask any questions you may have. We will email you with all the information to join that approximately 2 months before our Retreat.

Travel Logistics

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended. When you sign up for the retreat, you will need to agree to our terms & conditions and that you fully understand our cancellation and refund policy. Certain insurances protect your investment.

If you opt to insure your trip, please do your research to determine if you should purchase standard travel insurance or if CFAR travel insurance (cancel for any reason) is better for you.  No refunds will be issued until the retreat is sold out and a replacement is found for your spot. CFAR insurance protects your investment if you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.

About your luggage:

You will need to check your luggage due to the liquids, scissors etc., so please make sure you book a checked bag when making your reservation prior to getting to the airport. There is usually a better price when you do it in advance.  Also, be mindful of any baggage weight restrictions imposed by the airline. 

What’s covered / What’s not

What is covered by the retreat fee?

Accommodations for 7 nights, painting instruction with Susan and Terri (morning and afternoon sessions each day), meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) - and some fun and laughs!

What is not covered by the retreat fee?

Airfare, travel insurance (required), transportation to and from the venue, alcoholic beverages, tips for staff, art supplies, travel before or after the retreats and/or any personal purchases made.

Our Daily Schedule

The daily schedule will be sent as we get closer to the retreat date but here is how a typical day will be structured:

• 8:00am - 9:00am  ~  Breakfast 

• 9:00am - 12:00pm  ~  Morning Painting Session with Susan & Terri

• 12:30pm - 1:30pm  ~  Lunch

• 1:30pm - 3:00pm  ~  Free time: pool, massage, hike, read, siesta, continue painting on your own - lots of choices!!!

• 3:00pm - 6:00pm  ~  Afternoon Painting Session with Susan & Terri

• 7:30pm  ~  Dinner

Additional Info

CORTIJO SAN JOSE ACCEPTS CASH/EUROS PAYMENTS ONLY:

Quinta Carvalhas will run a tab for each attendee for incidentals. At the end of the week, your total incidentals (including your shuttle fee if you opted for that service) will be due. Payments can be made via credit card.

How much cash should I bring/convert?

Many places in Europe now prefer credit card payments over cash but it varies from place to place. It’s always good to have some cash on hand just in case. If a service is arranged for you from the airport, you might need to pay in cash - remember that is to and from the airport (they might accept credit cards but this is always an unknown). We do like to recommend giving the retreat staff a gratuity anywhere from US$ 5-10 per day. This is completely optional but it is always so appreciated. If you plan on shopping or doing additional traveling, please take that into consideration regarding the cash you will need. The easiest way to get cash is from an ATM machine so a bank debit card will come in handy.

What kind of clothes should I pack?

The most important thing to pack is your painting clothes!  Comfortable walking or hiking shoes would be helpful as you will be surrounded by nature. You can check the weather by searching Cabeco Gordo which is a town close to the venue. Most of the time will be spent painting, eating, connecting and relaxing at the venue. You might want to bring a change of clothes for dinner but it's completely optional - and casual.  Some will return after dinner to continue painting! Don’t forget your swimsuit so you can enjoy the beautiful swimming pool!

What kind of food can I expect and what if I have an allergy?
All meals are 100% vegetarian, they are happy to cater to the following diets:

• Vegan

• Gluten free

• Lactose free

• Nut free
  
  Here is a sample menu:

  
  

Cancellation

What if I have to cancel?

If you need to cancel, please send us an email (info@artfuelstudio.com). We’ll do our best to find a replacement for you; however, a replacement is not guaranteed. Please note – the replacement search for your spot will not begin until the retreat is sold out. Once the retreat is sold out, we will work to find a replacement. If we find a replacement, your total payments for the retreat will be refunded, less your $500 U.S. dollar deposit, once the person replacing you has paid in full. If your spot is not filled prior to the retreat, you will be responsible for the full payment. No refunds will be given if you cancel 30 days or less from the start of the retreat. We recommend doing research regarding travel insurance and consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) plan when you book your retreat. Some plans have requirements regarding the dates of purchase so please be aware of this when you book your travel/insurance. The retreat deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

For more details about our Terms & Conditions, click HERE. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at retreats@artfuelstudio.com