….a place to be YOU
I offer a different kind of experience in this beautiful corner of Northern Portugal for those who….
- are travelling alone, or with a couple of friends
- would like a much more personal, flexible and freer experience, and lots of fun, too, tailored exactly to your needs, interests and level.
- are interested in doing art or one of my art programmes (see here)
- OR would like to spend your time getting to know the wonderful country of Portugal, when I can take you on trips and guide you (see full details on Trips and Outings).
- may even want to combine art with exploring and discovering Portugal, especially in the Northern area around Porto, with personalised trips and tours and really get to know the ‘real’ Portugal.
- would like get to know my little town of Lousada, which is, like everywhere else, safe, warm and welcoming. It is far away from the tourist areas and is a great start to truly getting to know Portugal and the Portuguese people
- would like to book in for a shorter or longer time than most workshops with discounts for longer stays.
The Studio and Garden
When you stay here, you will get full use of the Pink Buddha Studio and its facilities and materials. There is a good sized garden, a lovely pool in summer and a really great view of farmland in a verdant valley from the studio. it is a comfortable and flexible space with areas for relaxing, chatting, working or simple chilling out.
If you are really interested…..
I usually like to have a video chat with anyone thinking of coming to the Pink Buddha, either to see where they would like to stay, and if they would like to concentrate on exploring and trips, any art they might wish to do or even a combination of these.
IF you are interested in doing some art…….
my Paint at the Pink Buddha Experience Portugal offers several different programmes or short courses so you can choose exactly the kind of retreat that you would like. Dates will depend on availability but if you let me know your preferred times, I will try and fit in with your plans, or give alternatives. Once you have booked, the studio is exclusively yours. Studio charges will be per day or half day. For details see here
If you would prefer to do some touring…………..
FASCINATING DAYS OR HALF DAYS DISCOVERING PORTUGAL
I see all our trips as not only a fascinating delve into local life, but as an adventure with many surprises and beautiful moments. Our video chat will help me understand what kind of beautiful moments you personally would like!
Here in the north of Portugal, we are not only just 30 minutes from the amazing city of Porto, but within reach of other historic and medieval towns, markets, fabulous scenery and the coast. Please take a look here to see some of the trips on offer, but I am happy to take you to other places within reasonable driving distance. The tours can always be organised on arrival, as long as you book in for the estimated number of days so that I am free, as they are dependant on the weather, individual interests and there is art you wish to do.
The studio is 30 – 40 minutes’ drive from lovely beaches and the maritime area of Porto, as well as wilder areas to the north and south. This beach is a favourite, as it is lined with superb fresh seafood restaurants, has a unique ‘fresh’ feel, and the sea is just alive!
A wonderful longer drive is to go ‘up the River Douro’ to the World Heritage site where the stony hills are covered with terracing for vines and there is always time to squeeze in a visit to a local port wine winery, as well as being a day for amazing scenery. An unforgettable day out.
Porto itself is unique, with a strong identity, a fusion of past and present, and an infinite number of ways to explore its beauty. Here are some recent photos of areas of the city:
Other optional add on experiences, such as an afternoon’s tile painting in Porto, is one of of several additional optional activities which you might like to do. Let me know if you are interested, I can supply detailed information, and make your reservation, as these often book up some time beforehand and transport will have to be worked out.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATION (not included)
If you are travelling alone, it may be possible, depending on the time of year, to offer very simple accommodation here at the studio. There are cooking facilities available and I will be nearby for help and company.
If not, or you are travelling with a friend or two, I recommend two local hotels. I will pick you up each day and take you back in the evening.
The first hotel is slightly nearer, called the Lousada Country Hotel. It is set in a beautiful vineyard with several very old buildings and lovely views. Many of my past visitors have stayed here. They have lovely rooms and serve a good breakfast and bar meals in the evening.
I also recommend the Penafiel Park Hotel and Spa, about 8 km from the studio. They serve evening meals here, or you can explore the historic town of Penafiel.
Food
If you are doing art, a simple lunch will be provided free at the studio with beverages, or we can eat a larger lunch if preferred at a nearby restaurant (not included in cost)
If you are mainly focusing on touring, then food is not included in the cost of the trips.
I can meet you at the airport (Porto airport) or station on arrival (see below), and take you back when you leave. I am happy to give the occasional lift to the supermarket etc, but I advise car rental if you plan to include some independent sightseeing or touring.
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Please click here to find out more about transport, here to find out more about the locality, here for more about the studio, here to look at possible trips and outings, and here for my workshop policy.
PRICES
Prices will very much depend, naturally, as to the type of experiences you opt for.
- AIRPORT PICK UP and DROP OFF (or a main railway or coach station in Porto)
$50 each way
(per trip not per person. This includes gas, motorway tolls and airport parking)
2. PINK BUDDHA PORTUGAL TRIPS and OUTINGS
If you opt for some trips, they are already priced here .
Payment usually via Paypal or Wise when prebooking, and by cash for local trips.Local visits can be arranged and agreed upon when you arrive.
3. Paint at the Pink Buddha Art Experience with Linda (not including accommodation), including materials. Prices are given in US dollars, but all currencies are accepted (in fact, euros are preferred), at the exchange rate on the day of booking.Booking and payment will be per day, with discounts for longer stays, so you are welcome to book into the studio for as many days or even weeks as you wish. You can see the charges at the foot of this page.
Studio Time
One person: $100 per day
Two people: $75 each per day
Three/Four people: $50 each per day
- Please note that PER DAY is usually from 9.30/10 am to 5.30 pm/6pm, or you may prefer half days.
- You may pay the full amount on booking, or pay 50% on booking and pay the remainder up to six weeks before arrival.
- Payment can be by Paypal or Wise transfer at the exchange rate on the day of booking. Any payments in dollars, pounds etc. will be converted on payment into euros.
I am very happy to chat via email, Messenger or video chat to hear what you would like, and see if we can arrange this…the whole idea is to make the retreat EXACTLY the kind of art retreat you are seeking. Just email me at linda.janet.chaves@gmail.com or message me via Facebook via Linda Chaves or we can organise a Zoom call.
THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF THE PINK BUDDHA EXPERIENCE!
YOU WILL TRULY EXPERIENCE THE REAL PORTUGAL YOUR WAY !
Please email me with any questions, or to make a booking, at linda.janet.chaves@gmail.com or via FB Messenger or we can arrange a video chat if you wish.