The Venue

CASA PACO D’ILHAS, ERICEIRA

A magical hideaway and the perfect location. Combining an eclectic mix with our natural setting, heritage buildings, bohemian design, stunning locally sourced organic food, the fresh ocean air, a passionate team and lashings of bon vivant charm - both the farmhouse and lush garden create an atmospheric delight. As soon as you walk through the gate, you will understand the unique and intimate setting, so different from any other retreat venue.

We are food fanatics! We work with locally sourced and organic products wherever we can to create imaginative, hearty and delicious menus for the retreat. A varied lunch spread of quiches, salads, grilled veggies and local breads; or delicious dinners with flavours from all around the world. Our cuisine is notorious and we take great pride in exceeding the expectations of our guests over and over again!

The clay studio is situated in the beautiful pool house. While working on the wheel you will be able to enjoy the amazing view over the pool and lush garden of Casa Paço D'ilhas.

The Team 

HOST & CO-TEACHER

My name is Gaëlle Van Branteghem, I moved to Ericeira 6 years ago and was ‘forced’ to rediscover myself and what I want to do in life besides being a devoted mom. I went to a ceramics workshop and knew immediately that I wanted to discover more within the world of ceramics. By coincidence I started talking to a local ceramist in Mafra, Sr. Paulo, and asked him if he wanted to teach me the techniques of wheel thrown pottery. I fell in love with the wheel the moment I started. I knew I wanted to continue with this craftmanship and grow in my passion. I continued my learning process with Sr. Paulo and invested in my own wheel. Step by step I improved and founded Gaëlle Ceramica.

HEAD CERAMIST

Silvi De Jaeger was born in Ghent, studied ceramics at St Lucas and left Belgium in 1996 to start working as a professional thrower in production potteries in Wales and Ireland, after that she had her own studio and shop in Wales. Together with her husband she opened a B&B with a ceramics studio in Bulgaria and now lives since 2019 in Portugal where she is continuing her inspiring path in ceramics. Silvi is a hands-on teacher who inspires and helps students at the retreat learn about ceramics and improve their skills whether they are beginners or experienced.

Daily Program 

All packages include 6 nights stay at Casa Paço D’Ilhas Guesthouse with daily breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner. In addition, the entire property is reserved for the retreat guests with two swimming pools, huge garden, restaurant/bar and chill out areas.

Program

DAY 1 Check-in at 16h

DAY 2 09.30h - 13h THE BASICS OF THROWING

DAY 3 09.30h - 13h THE POTTER's WHEEL , 16h A VISIT LOCAL 'OLARIA'

DAY 4 09.30h - 13h THE POTTER'S WHEEL

DAY 5 09.30h - 13h THE POTTER'S WHEEL

DAY 6 09.30h - 13h THE POTTER'S WHEEL Sunset RAKU FIRING

DAY 7 BREAKFAST AND CHECK OUT at 11 h.

*Drinks, flight and transport to the retreat is not included, please contact if you need help with arriving.

Afternoon

In the afternoons there is free time to practice in the studio, unwind at the pool or enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Ericeira with its world renowned beaches.

There is also the possibility to book extra activities outside the retreat program such as: surfing, on site massages, on site yoga, mountain biking, hiking and winetasting.

Non-Clay guests cannot participate in the workshops, but we can help organize activities for an additional cost.

CLAY RETREATS 2023

30.04.23 to 6.05.2023 : No spots available

23.10.23 to 29.10.2023: 4 spots available

CLAY RETREATS 2024

12.05.24 to 18.05.2024

14.10.24 to 20.10.2024

20.10.2024 to 26.10.2024

How to get to Ericeira from Lisbon