• For your first workshop, you will develop a foundational skill: learning to read crochet charts. Untangle the complex symbols and directions until you have mastered the language of crochet. This informative workshop will open countless doors in the crochet world, and will set you up for success as you work on your tote bag.

• Relax, chat, and enjoy a tasty lunch prepared in-house by our private chef.

• In the afternoon, we will embark on a transformative trip to Sintra, one of Portugal’s most iconic sites. We will drive to Pena Palace, the inspiring Romantic castle that overlooks sprawling forests and charming towns from its mountaintop perch. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is covered with azulejos, and is a stunning piece of Portugal’s history, art, and culture.

• After wandering the ornate halls and losing yourself in the magic of Pena Palace, we will head to Sintra’s historic town for a group dinner before returning to O House in the evening.

• In the first workshop of the day, Olena will introduce you to her bag design (created specifically for this retreat!). You will consider various color schemes, adding a unique touch to your project. With Olena’s guidance, as well as the skills you developed in the first workshop, you will begin stitching granny squares and familiarize yourself with the pattern.

• Relax and enjoy an in-house lunch prepared by our private chef.

• In the afternoon, enjoy unstructured free time. You may choose to head into Ericeira and explore the cobblestone streets and shops, or head to the beach for sun bathing and an ocean swim. Feeling adventurous? We can get you set up with a surf lesson, or recommend stunning nature hikes. If you’re looking to rest and relax, the hotel and all of its amenities are also at your disposal.

• For dinner, take your pick of restaurants - this is your chance to explore and savor the delicious gastronomy in Ericeira proper.

• Over the course of two workshops, you will take a deep dive into the project. With tips and tricks from Olena, you will stitch the granny squares, aiming to complete enough motifs by the end of the day to assemble the bag. As you work, you will have the opportunity to ask Olena your burning crochet questions and hone your skills.

• Eat a hearty and restorative lunch cooked in-house by our private chef.

• After lunch, pick up your hook once more and jump back into your work, continuing to stitch granny squares. As you work, take pride in the progress and learning you have made so far.

• To start the day, the cohort will venture to the coast for a refreshing nature walk along the coastline. Stretch your legs, connect with the gentle ebb and flow of nature, and drink in postcard perfect views of the sea.

• Return to O House for an in-house lunch, and then return to your project. In this workshop, Olena will walk you through her seamless steps to assembling your granny squares into a bag. Watch your hard work take shape, each stitch a labor of love and learning.

• End the day with a hearty dinner at O House, and fuel up for your final full day.

• 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.

• 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.

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.​