Retreats & Gatherings / Arts and Crafts Workshops / Threads & Tiles: A Cozy Crochet Retreat Inspired by Portuguese Azulejos
Threads & Tiles: A Cozy Crochet Retreat Inspired by Portuguese Azulejos
March 27 - April 2, 2027
Embark on a creative reset in one of the most beautiful corners of Portugal. Olena, the founder of Jolly Lizard, will guide you through a week of crocheting. Between art workshops, explore iconic towns, enjoy delicious meals, and connect with new friends.
Treat yourself to an all-inclusive, 5 day/6 night crochet retreat in Ericeira, Portugal. Prices start at €XXXX. Don’t miss our shared room deal - save up to €XXXX each when booking for two!
A brief look at the itinerary:
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• No need to stress about transportation - we have it covered. We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to O House, ensuring a stress-free transition.
• Settle in, unpack, and relax. Today is your day to transition into the slow-paced living of Portugal, whether it be a quiet afternoon poolside, or a tranquil stroll through Ericeira center.
• In the evening, we’ll have an opening circle where we will connect and get ready for the days ahead. Then, you’ll enjoy a delicious welcome dinner prepared by our private chef.
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• For your first workshop,
• Relax, chat, and enjoy a tasty lunch prepared in-house by our private chef.
• In the afternoon, head to the coast for a refreshing nature walk. Stroll along the cliffs above the Lizandro River, where wildlife and panoramic vistas abound. The trails winds gently along the bluffs, bringing you to the coast. Stroll southward along the Atlantic, letting the ocean air fill your lungs and calm your mind.
• Return to O House for dinner, conversation, and Portuguese wines.
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• In the first workshop of the day, Olena will
• Relax and enjoy an in-house lunch prepared by our private chef.
• In the afternoon,
• Gather up for dinner, wine, and friendly conversation.
• Wrap up the day with a relaxing sound bathing experience. Designed to help you relax and ease into sleep, this hour-long sound bath is your time to let go of your worries and simply enjoy the moment. Head to bed feeling rested and at ease.
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• Kick things off with another workshop
• After the morning’s workshop, head to Sintra for a day of exploration. Enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant, where you will taste traditional Portuguese flavors. Then, you’ll head to Quinta da Regaleira, a sprawling estate flush with gardens, ornate buildings, the iconic Initiation Well, and even secret tunnels that you can explore. Spend a few hours roaming the Quinta, then return to O House.
• Enjoy dinner at O House as you trade stories from the day.
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• Start the day with
• Share a tasty lunch at O House with the cohort.
• The rest of the day is yours. This unstructured free time is the perfect time to explore Ericeira at your own pace, hit the beach, or simply relax at the pool.
• Dinner tonight is also on your own; take this opportunity to explore Ericeira’s bustling gastronomic scene, watch the sunset over the Atlantic, and cap off the evening with gelato.
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• Jump into the final workshop: stitching the handles for your tote bag. Olena will present several options, allowing you to select the handle that speaks to you. She will provide in-depth instruction for the necessary techniques to create a smooth and functional handle. If you have time, attach your handles to the bag and admire the final product!
• Enjoy a satisfying lunch at O House prepared by our private chef.
• Celebrate the cumulation of the retreat with a wine tasting at a local vineyard, where you will treat yourself to delicious Portuguese wines while you enjoy your newfound community. Take photos of your finished tote bags, and soak up the feeling of a week well-spent.
• Gather back at O House for a celebratory dinner cooked by our private chef - a moment to share stories, memories, and gratitude.
• We’ll close the night under the stars with a cozy bonfire - the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey.
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• Enjoy a slow breakfast together, and take pride in your achievements over the course of the retreat. After several days of hard work, you will have expanded your crochet tool belt, adding new techniques that will serve you well in future projects.
• We will transfer you to the airport for your departure, ensuring a stress-free transition back into your day-to-day life.
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Do I need to have previous crochet experience?
This retreat is designed for advanced beginners — we recommend some knowledge of basic stitches, but do not require extensive experience.What can I expect to learn from these crochet workshops?
Olena’s workshops cover core crochet techniques that can be applied to countless projects, and also coach you through a specific pattern. You will become fluent in the language of crochet charts, explore color theory, practice a variety of stitches, learn about the structure of granny squares, and dive into techniques specific to crocheted bags.Do I need to bring my own crochet materials?
Nope! We will provide complete crochet kits with everything you need for Olena’s workshops. However, you are more than welcome to bring your current project to work on during your down time.
Do you offer airport transfer?
Yes! Airport transfers are included in the ticket price.What does a typical day look like?
Although each day looks different, there are some core themes and activities throughout each day of the retreat. Each day starts with a relaxed continental breakfast, followed by a crochet workshop or an additional activity. We will then have lunch cooked in-house by our private chef, followed by another activity block, which will either be another workshop, activity, or free time. Finally, we wrap up with dinner and reflection at 7:30 PM.Where can I find your Terms and Conditions?
For detailed information about our policies, including booking terms, cancellations, and liability, please refer to our full Terms and Conditions. You can access them by clicking here.
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🧶 Expert Crochet Instruction - Fine-tune your crochet skills with the help of Olena’s informative master classes and personalized feedback. Olena’s expertise, alongside group lessons, skills workshops, and 1:1 coaching, will elevate your crochet chops, giving you the skills you need to tackle new projects with confidence and ease. You will also walk away having made significant headway on (or perhaps completed) a new project - one of Olena’s original designs inspired by Portuguese azulejos.
🏰 Sintra Day Trip -
🏰 Mafra Palace -
🌊 Stunning Coastlines and Nature Walks - Embark on an rejuvenating creative reset on Portugal’s coastline, riverbanks, and walking trails. Having already immersed yourself in villages and castles, you now have the opportunity to see Portugal’s natural environment as you stroll on a picturesque bluff overlooking the Atlantic.
🍷 Local Gastronomy and Wine Tasting - Enjoy authentic Portuguese dishes, explore local wines at a beautiful vineyard, and savor the flavors of the region. Treat yourself - you deserve it.
👋 Community - Connect with a group of like-minded artists. Learn, explore, and relax together as you immerse yourself in a shared passion in a peaceful and picturesque location.
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🍽️ 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches & 5 Dinners— Savor delicious, locally sourced meals prepared by our private chef. From energizing breakfasts to satisfying lunches and exquisite dinners, every dish is crafted to fuel your body and delight your taste buds.
🛏️ All Rooms & Amenities— Included in your package is a stay in one of our exclusive suites at O House. Designed with elegance and comfort in mind, these suites feature modern amenities and stylish décor, providing the perfect sanctuary to relax, recharge, and appreciate the little things.
🚐 Seamless Local Transfers— No stress, no hassle! We take care of your transportation to hikes and activities, so you can focus on making the most of your time in paradise.
✈️ Effortless Airport Transfers—Arrive and depart with ease thanks to our round-trip airport transportation, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start and end.
👖 Laundry Service—Running out of clean clothes? No problem - we can wash, dry, and fold your laundry at O House.
🧶 Complete Crochet Kit - Everything you need will be waiting for you when you arrive. Each participant will receive a beautifully curated crochet set, specially prepared for this retreat.
Your kit will include:All yarn needed to make your crochet bag project (Hobbii yarn)
An ergonomic crochet hook
Small accessories such as a pair of scissors, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle
A magnetic clasp and metal rings for bag finishing
A printed copy of the crochet pattern used during the retreat
A few extra surprises to make your creative time even more enjoyable
Are you ready to take your crochet to the next level through expert guidance, all while exploring Portugal’s wonders, renewing your body and mind, and connecting with like-minded artists?
Prices start at €2,200. Don’t miss out on our shared room deal - save up to €960 each when booking for two! Come create, recharge, and connect in a setting designed to inspire.