7 independent reviews for Cyprus painting holiday
Reviews for Cyprus painting holiday
Emily Hays review 28 Nov 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I highly recommend this off-the-grid adventure! Every day offered opportunity to practice acrylic painting and charcoal sketching in unique locations, from the rural village where I stayed to a small marina and beach and even a roadside olive grove with 800 year old trees. My favorite part was meeting locals and expats who had retired to Cyprus all while working on art projects. Each day I painted with Francis while Tim shared stories and history lessons as he drove us between different locations. I was also able to join a spoon carving workshop - definitely add that on to your trip if possible!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is a very customizable and home-style trip. I am an experienced artist and each day Francis painted alongside me and helped frame composition, suggest techniques for color and layering, and answered questions while still letting me follow my own painting style. I was travelling on my own (28 female). Each day Tim or Chloe made our meals and I ate with the art instructor Francis, sometimes joined by Tim. The food was delicious - I'm vegetarian and Tim confirmed in advance my dietary preferences and made sure I had plenty of good food to eat. Francis supplied all of the art materials, and I stayed in a beautiful and well furnished apartment near their home. I mentioned my interest in environmental work and conservation, and Tim added on some extra drives through the mountains to see different farming techniques and wildfire management, as well as a stop at an olive processing co-op.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This holiday definitely benefited local people and reduced environmental impacts where possible - I stayed in the village and ate locally grown produce at the main restaurant in the village each day. The water heater in my apartment was solar powered.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5 stars! I recommend this experience to anyone looking for a community-oriented adventure and a chance to really practice and learn art techniques in a supportive environment. When in doubt, Tim was able to answer all my questions via WhatsApp, which helped me feel confident leading up to my stay.Asha Chandola Chandola review 13 Sep 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The warmth and inclusivity of Tim/Erica, Francess and the village people. The bespoke nature of the trip. Painting the flora and fauna of beautiful Cyprus. Farm to kitchen meals and wines2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The village walks involve up and down hills. Bring good shoes3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes very much so4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentKathryn O review 6 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sketching and painting outdoors around the village visiting the ancient city of Famagusta, waking up to birdsong and roosters and eating meals with the gang.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You might want to do a longer hill hike that I did. Four k was fine by me but there are other hikes and mountain biking options. Early on in season so didn’t go to the beach.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Indeed. Our hosts work on a number of projects dealing with sustainability in agriculture, arts, old and new cultures. Nothing is wasted. Low impact, amiable interactions in village and surroundings.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Simply great. I wasn’t sure what to expect although Tim was very good in answering all my initial queries on WhatsApp. He and Frances and Chloe were most welcoming and made sure my 6 day visit was memorable and manageable for a solo traveller.Caroline Nugent review 22 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting Cyprus for the first time.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
May not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues as the village is set high in the hills.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The retreat benefits the economy of the village.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a very authentic experience. I would recommend this retreat to anyone who wants to be creative and get away from it all.Louisa Littler review 6 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Beautiful scenery and a warm welcome.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for the simple life, a tiny remote village with few amenities, off the beaten track, walking can be on uneven ground and very steep! For your independence you may wish to hire a car at the airport - bus service very limited, although the host will happily transport you about. No swimming pool. Great if you love solitude and 1;1 input supporting your art work, but little opportunity to meet like-minded travellers as it can be solo travellers or very small groups3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local community benefited to some extent, but definitely not tourist area4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
GoodRonayne Munday review 30 Sep 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Thank you both for a really great holiday you could not have done any more for us. We loved meeting your community and visiting all the off the tourist routes wonderful views. We hope to return again.Will keep in touch. Best wishes Ronayne & Sonia.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would not give tips each person has their own requirements it suited us very well indeed.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Reciprical benefits.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic great experience.Marzena Pieciak review 23 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of my trip was painting in the garden. I loved it. I had a good time.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Plan their trip well.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it was a charming time and as environmentally friendly as possible. I had the opportunity to know better and understand local people and history as well as the problems they face.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good.Holiday Reviews
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