Meet your Instructor

Drawing on her 25 years of experience as an International Arts Educator, Crystal Beshara patiently meets everyone where they are on their creative journey, taking time to truly understand their unique approach and help them discover their own artistic vision. “Her compassionate teaching style fosters an encouraging atmosphere”. Through softly-paced lessons, participants will be inspired to explore travel journaling with pen, pencil, and watercolour, as well as plein air painting with watercolour. Each session begins gently with essential concepts, gradually moving towards drawing and painting projects that inspire observation, personal expression, and confidence. Whether you are a beginner, a “doodler” or a seasoned studio artist curious about plein air painting.

Join Crystal at a 5-star luxury boutique private villa in the Algarve! Minutes away from stunning beaches to the romance of Lagos' old town. With over 3000 hours of sun a year the Algarve has the perfect climate in which to relax and discover. The owners and team happily share their local experiences and tips and will book activities for you

Reserve your place — fully refundable until March 15th, 2026

What's Included:

✔️ 5 days of full instruction (typically 6-7hrs)

✔️ Meals: breakfast everyday + 7 dinners + 5 lunches (on instructional days)

✔️ Use of the glass-fronted art studio overlooking the Italian garden

✔️ Access to the villa’s pool, terraces, and magnificent grounds

✔️ Transportation to 1 offsite painting locations (painting in village of Lagos & painting at beach and winds sculpted cliffs of Praia do Canavial)

• + 2 free days (no instruction) to relax by the pool or visit the town of Lagos or paint on your own!

Our Private Boutique Villa

7 Bedrooms in the main villa can be configured as TWIN or KING

• Separate cottage for small group of people. (see ROOMS & rates)

• All rooms have been individually designed by the mother and daughter of the family each room has a carefully chosen combination of designer fabrics, artwork and personal touches.

• SOLO travellers: send me an email, I will add you to a list of other female travellers wishing to share a room!

• BOOK EARLY SAVE 10% when you register before April 21st 2026

Other Activities:

For an optional fee on your days off

• Why not take one of the bikes Quinta Bonita has available for guests to hire and explore the cobbled streets of Lagos or cycle down to one of the local beaches?

• Nearby Gliding, kayaking, sailing or horseback riding (can be arranged by our hosts)

• OPTIONAL group BOAT TOUR (exploring the Ponta da Piedade)

• FREE to just lounge by the pool of course!