Willow – the experience
Working with willow is a dialogue with flexibility, patience, and gentle strength
- 04-06 Dec 2026
- max. 14
- English
Willow - The Experience
An ancient craft, deeply connected to landscape, water, and slow time. This weekend is dedicated to learning the basic techniques of willow weaving in a calm and immersive environment.
This is a gathering for those who value traditional crafts, conscious learning, and the simple pleasure of creating something with their own hands.
Willow is a fast-growing, renewable natural material traditionally used in basketry and weaving. It can be harvested annually without harming the plant and is fully biodegradable, returning naturally to the soil at the end of its life.
Requiring minimal processing and often grown locally along riverbanks, willow has a very low environmental footprint. Its use supports traditional skills and transforms a simple plant into durable, functional everyday objects.
Facilitator
Misaki Nature Crafts
Misaki Nature Crafts is a love story that travelled the world before settling in Reguengo, Portalegre, two years ago. Misaki first became interested in basketry in Japan, her home country, teaching herself through books and experimentation with traditional techniques.
After moving to Portugal with her husband, she sought out local artisans, refining her skills and learning to work with regional materials.
Misaki’s baskets are both beautiful and practical objects, carrying the stories and memories of an artist who has woven together her Japanese roots with the influences of a journey that has found a new home in Portugal.
Program
(Indicative times, subject to slight variations depending on the season and the retreat)
Friday
- 15:00
Arrival & check-in.
Welcome drink
- 20:00
Welcome dinner featuring local, seasonal ingredients.
Saturday
- 8:30 - 10:00
Breakfast.
- Morning
Free time: rest, walk the land, swim, or discover the region.
Lunch
- 14:30
An afternoon with Misaki dedicated to learning the basic techniques of wickerwork, in a tranquil and immersive environment, with each participant developing their own piece, guided closely and at their own pace. The repeated gesture, the direct contact with the material, and the natural progression of the work create a rhythm that calms and focuses.
The rest of the afternoon is devoted to continuous making, with each participant developing their own piece, guided closely and at their own pace.
More than the final object, the process matters: natural pauses, tea and moments of quiet are part of the process.
Sunday
- 8:00 - 10:00
Breakfast
- 11:00
Depart
What's Included
Three days / two nights of accommodation
Welcome drink on arrival
Friday welcome dinner (non-alcoholic beverages included)
A curated Saturday afternoon programme, with all materials included
Afternoon tea – tea, herbal infusions, and a homemade cake or light refreshment
Time and space to rest, walk, read, and simply be
Full access to all shared spaces: natural swimming pool, sauna, and rooftop
Freedom to walk peacefully around the farm and surrounding land
Sunday is left open, with no scheduled activities, as an invitation to rest, explore the region, or enjoy a gentle departure by 11:00
Check-in: from 15:00
Check-out: by 11:00
Not Included
Flight tickets
Trip insurance (please see our FAQs)
Massage treatments
Horse riding (available by appointment)
Alcoholic drinks (available to order on-site)
Practical notes
Intimate group
Materials included
No previous experience required
FAQs
How do I get there?
For guests arriving from abroad, we can organise a group transfer from Lisbon, which is included in the prior private transportation. Closer to the date, we will share the meeting point and timing.
If you live in Portugal and drive, we will send you detailed directions in advance; if you come by bus, please send an email to reservations@asociedaderural.com and we can send all the information.
Private transfers can also be arranged upon request (at an additional cost).
Please note: flights are not included in the program price.
Are the program suitable for beginners?
Yes. The program is designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Are practices indoors or outdoors?
We have beautiful indoor and outdoor practice spaces.
Whenever weather conditions allow, we enjoy practising outdoors, always adapting to the season and conditions.
How many people attend each retreat?
This is an intimate and exclusive experience, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 participants.
Is there a packing list?
In addition to your usual travel essentials, we recommend bringing:
• Comfortable clothes
• Walking or hiking shoes
• Bathing suit & flip flops
• Sunscreen, hat & sunglasses
• Layers for cooler mornings and evenings
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in: from 3:00 pm
Check-out: by 11:00 am
What should I do during free time?
Free time is an invitation to rest and reconnect.
You might choose to:
• Walk or sit quietly in nature
• Writing, drawing, play games
• Enjoy mindful conversations over tea
• Swim or use the sauna
• Book a massage or a local activity (not included)
Doing nothing is also very welcome.
What is the food like? Is alcohol included?
Expect seasonal, nourishing, local food, prepared with care.
Alcoholic drinks are not included, but are available to order on-site.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing personal travel insurance, especially if you are coming from abroad. In the rare event that the retreat needs to be cancelled or rescheduled due to force majeure, we can only refund the retreat cost itself and cannot cover additional expenses such as flights.
We recommend a policy that includes:
• “Cancel for any reason” option
• (Some credit cards also offer travel insurance benefits.)
What is your cancellation & transfer policy?
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for full details here.
Tickets may be transferred to another person up to 3 days before the retreat start date, by contacting us via email.
After this period, our standard cancellation policy applies.
Purchasing travel insurance is strongly advised.
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