Art Retreat | Painting in Portugal
Large-Scale Abstract Folk Painting with Heather Chontos
Lisbon + Alentejo, Portugal | May 22 - May 29, 2026
Travel to Portugal with renowned artist, painter, and sculptor, Heather Chontos. Together, we’ll explore the vivid and thriving art scene in Lisbon, then retreat to the idyllic countryside of the Alentejo Coast where we’ll dive into the world of abstract folk painting.
While in Lisbon, we’ll spend a full day exploring Lisbon’s contemporary art scene. With the help of a local guide, we’ll visit off-the-beaten path galleries, studios, and artist residences. These experiences will show us how Lisbon has become instrumental to the contemporary art scene and help us gather inspiration for our multi-day hands-on painting workshop.
After enjoying the urban art scene in Lisbon, we’ll transition to a rural studio, where we’ll spend four days painting and mark making with Heather. Using intuition and internal impulse as our guide, Heather will show us how to build multi-layer paintings that combine color, line, shape, texture, and negative space that reflect your own unique style and perspective. We’ll experiment with acrylic paint, ink, and even scratching to reveal elements of the underling surface.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
May 22 - May 29, 2026
8 Days + 7 Nights
PRICING
Shared Room - $4,995 USD
Private Room - $5,795 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT
PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR
PRIORITY NOTIFICATIONS OF OPENINGS + SIMILAR TRIPS
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Four-day painting and mark-making workshop with Heather Chontos learning how to use your surroundings, your intuition, and your internal impulse to combine color, line, shape, and texture to create your own style of abstract painting
Full-day art tour of contemporary art scene in Lisbon to gather inspiration and learn about some of today’s emerging artist
Gentle, guided hike through the rural countryside and white sandy beaches of the Alentejo
Accommodations at artist-inspired boutique hotels
Chef-prepared meals
Transportation during included meals and activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Travel + Learn with Artist/Host
Heather is a creative force to be reckoned with, a dynamic and energetic personality with a passion for her creative talents. She exhibits a complex layering of color, texture, lightness, spontaneity, intensity and love in everything she does. There is a playfulness to her nature, somewhat childlike, but always achieving sophistication and grace in her final product.
Heather has a great passion for art, gastronomy, travel, fashion, and interiors. She holds a strong foundation in the understanding of the intricate balance between color, form and space. And, with her expertise she applies the same visual concept to perfect a sense of natural and effortless beauty in all of her work. Her “can do” spirit opens all doors for her to imagine and then execute whatever artistic elements are required to make the most beautiful and inspiring image. Whether it be her hand drawn line, her bold markings of painted color, an incredibly beautiful table of food, enhancing a location in the middle of nowhere, creating the perfect background design for a celebrity portrait or putting together the room of your dreams, Heather will bring it! It will be original and boldly unique. She simply will inspire.
Heather has lived in London, Berlin, and the Dordogne region of France. She currently lives and works on a multi-acre property in rural Portugal using the nature, land, and found objects to pull inspiration for her work. Learn more about Heather and her artwork at heatherchontos.com or follow her at @hchontos on Instagram.
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the desires of the group.
Day 1
Friday, May 22
Welcome to Lisbon! Make your way to our hotel in the Príncipe Real neighborhood of Lisbon. Please plan to arrive at the hotel no later that 4pm so you have time to get checked in and settled before dinner.
If you can, we encourage you to arrive early, as the neighborhood is filled with incredible boutiques and restaurants (before you arrive, we’ll share our #shopportunity guide!).
This evening we have a casual welcome dinner so you can meet everyone in the group.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Saturday, May 23
Today is a special treat—a full day, guided tour of the Lisbon contemporary art scene. Our local guide, who an active part of this thriving artist community, will take us to galleries, artist studios, and artist residences.
We’ll talk about what makes the artistic community in Lisbon so vibrant while visiting a variety emerging artists who specialize in different mediums from ceramics, to textiles, to painting.
We’ll have a group lunch at the infamous LX Factory, including time to wander the eclectic shops, and we’ll wrap our day at the Marvila 8 cultural center. Dinner tonight is on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Sunday, May 24
This morning we leave behind the bustle of Lisbon and transition to the peacefulness of the Alentejo countryside and coast, stopping along the way to enjoy the stunning scenery.
After lunch, we’ll check into our rural retreat—a boutique hotel surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery. This incredible property is bursting with color thanks to owner Alfredo Moreira da Silva’s abstract paintings and his impeccable eye for architecture and interior design. One you’re settled, we’ll meet artist, Heather Chontos, and enjoy dinner together as a group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Monday, May 25
This morning we will head to our on-site workshop space—the working studio of abstract painter Alfredo Moreira da Silva—where we’ll spend a full day learning from and painting with Heather.
Today’s hands-on workshop will focus on learning how Heather approaches her unique style of abstract folk painting. Heather will begin by giving a talk and live demonstration about her process and how she uses her intuition, internal impulse, and observation to create her paintings, including how she takes cues from the landscape around her to inspire her work.
From there, Heather show how to mix colors for different applications of tone to help create rich layers and she’ll demonstrate some of the unique techniques she’s developed to create marks, shapes, and textures, using a variety of non-traditional mark-making tools.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Tuesday, May 26
With a a variety of new techniques and inspiration in hand, today we’ll spend the day looking at different ways and techniques to incorporate color, shape, line, and texture into our abstract work in a bold and beautiful way.
We’ll experiment with layering, mark-making, brushstrokes, line and different depths of color on paper to discover new ways these elements can interact with one another in balance to make an abstract painting work.
Throughout the day, Heather will show the multi-step journey she uses to create her own works so you can draw inspiration from how she uniquely approaches composition, line, color, and shape in her work.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Wednesday, May 27
Today we’ll take what we learned a step further and work on larger-scale works. Heather will help us work through “fears” of working on a larger scale. She’ll teach about the firm foundation of structure in your paintings using shape, value, color, edges and how to create movement and a center of interest.
Throughout the day, Heather will work with you individually to look at a painting that feels “stuck” and through a call and response technique, help you see the possibilities in your work.
Later this afternoon we’ll take some time to enjoy our incredible surroundings. With a local guide, we’ll enjoy a gentle hike on cliffs and through the dunes to secluded beaches at the Atlantic coast.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Thursday, May 28
Today will be our final hands-on workshop with Heather where we’ll put finishing touches on the paintings we’ve worked on throughout the week.
Later this afternoon, we’ll have a mini gallery showcase to share and celebrate our work and achievements from the past few days together. You’ll have time to discuss your work with Heather and get her personal feedback and guidance.
Tonight we’ll gather as a group for a final group dinner to celebrate our week together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Friday, May 29
Departure Day
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we pack our bags and say our farewells.
Your transport will take all guests to the Lisbon airport. Please arrange your flights for late afternoon.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible and often unexpected journey to Lisbon and the Alentejo region of Portugal!
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
In Lisbon, we’ll be staying an urban boutique hotel in the Príncipe Real neighborhood, which is filled with incredible boutiques and yummy restaurants.
In the Alentejo, we’ll be staying at a rural boutique hotel, surrounded by stunning scenery and close to the spectacular Atlantic coastline. The hotel bursts with color, thanks the vivid paintings by owner and abstract painter Alfredo Moreira da Silva, combined with red, pink and orange doors, chairs, sofas, cushions, and handmade quilts.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one bed, please contact us for details about a shared room option.
Group Size: Minimum 9 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT
PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR
PRIORITY NOTIFICATIONS OF OPENINGS + SIMILAR TRIPS
SOLD OUT OPTION 1 - SHARED ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$4,995 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
2 nights in Lisbon boutique hotel in a shared room with en suite bathroom, shared with one other guest. Each guest has their own twin bed.
5 nights in Alentejo rural boutique hotel in a shared twin room with en suite bathroom, shared with one other guest. Each guest has their own twin bed.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due November 24, 2025: $2,500
SOLD OUT: OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$5,795 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
2 nights in Lisbon boutique hotel in a private room with a double bed and an en suite bathroom.
5 nights in Alentejo rural boutique hotel a private room with a double bed and an en suite bathroom.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due November 24, 2025: $3,300
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Portugal has a rich culinary culture. While we will try our best to manage allergies, we cannot guarantee to accommodate vegan, gluten-free, egg-free, or dairy-free options and some severe allergies.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Accessibility
Please note this trip includes walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as cobblestones, gravel, or unpaved roads. You may also be on your feet for a couple of hours at a time during workshops. You should be comfortable walking or standing for long periods.
Supplies
Essential supplies for your workshop will be provided. In addition to the supplies we provide, you’ll need to bring a few of your own things. Closer to your departure date, we’ll send more information about supplies you’ll want to bring with you. At the end of the workshop, you’ll need to take you paintings home with you. We’ll provide the information and packing materials you need to take your artwork home safely.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open-minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on during your workshop session and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Lisbon, Portugal. Drop off on the last day will be the Lisbon Airport. Humberto Delgado Airport, also known simply as Lisbon Airport, is an international airport located 7 km northeast from the city centre of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The airport is the main international gateway to Portugal with many direct flights from all over North America + Europe.
Weather
May is a nice time of year to visit Portugal, it’s spring and the flowers are in bloom. Days are usually warm with balmy evenings. Daytimes temperatures usually range from 65°F to 80°F, which means you should pack layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket + umbrella to prepare for the chance of showers.
Included in this Trip
Four-day hands-on painting workshop with Heather Chontos, supplies included
Two nights at urban boutique accommodations in Lisbon + five nights rural boutique accommodations in the Alentejo
Guided tour of the art scene in Lisbon, featuring artist studios, artist residences, and galleries
Guided hike through the countryside and coastal landscape of the Alentejo region
2 nights accommodation in Lisbon
5 nights accommodation in Alentejo
Transport during included meals and activities
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws, including any Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
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