LA GOMERA WINTER RETREAT FEATURING
MUSIC FROM RICHARD THOMPSON, SALLY BARKER, TRACK DOGS AND WATERCOLOUR ART CLASSES FROM PAUL CLARK
21 JANUARY - 4 FEBRUARY 2024
Join us on La Gomera for our winter sunshine retreat. This relaxing holiday, based at the hotel Jardin Tecina, offers 7 or 14 night stays with dinner bed and breakfast included and features music workshops, watercolour art classes and evening concerts.
Where better than the Canary Islands in late January / early February to indulge in some much-needed sunshine therapy? Sun-drenched La Gomera offers the perfect escape with dramatic beaches, trails through tropical mountain scenery and misty rainforest.
During this winter retreat Richard Thompson, world-renowned singer, songwriter and guitarist best known for his work in the folk rock group Fairport Convention, will be performing two "up close and personal" concerts for guests.
Irish American roots quartet Track Dogs will bring their incredible voices along with cajon, banjo, guitar, trumpet and mandolin creating a unique and dynamic fusion of folk, Latin, Americana and bluegrass which will definitely get you up dancing.
Singer and songwriter, Sally Barker, known for her solo work and as a founding member of the Poozies and finalist in the BBC One talent contest The Voice will be returning to La Gomera.
Paul Clark and Margot Lofts will provide a programme of watercolour art classes for beginners & more experienced painters. Paul is a published author, professional artist, and a world-renowned YouTuber, has been teaching watercolour painting and drawing techniques to adult learners of all levels for over 40 years. Margot, a watercolourist in her own right, works alongside Paul to take extra classes to provide a varied programme.
Join in our series of ukulele stroll & strum walks to explore this beautiful island. Each walk around the stunning landscape of La Gomera lasts around 4 hours, after which you can take part in informal ukelele sessions over drinks, following a Songbook created by Andy Webster which you will be able to download before you travel.
What's Included
- 7 or 14 nights Dinner B&B
- Return transfers from Reina Sofia (Tenerife South) airport to Hotel Jardin Tecina on 21, 28 January and 4 February 2024
- Evening concerts performed by Richard Thompson, Track Dogs & Sally Barker
- Stargazing walks and tours of Eco Finca” Tecina, a 100% ecological farm.
- Full time services from the on-site Harmony Voyages Team
- ABTA financial protection for your peace of mind
La Gomera
Where is La Gomera?
La Gomera is part of the Canary Archipelago, located south of Tenerife. It is the second smallest island of the seven Canary Islands, reached by ferry from Tenerife, and considered as one of the largest natural paradises in Europe, with black sand beaches, crystalline waters and huge ravines that descend from the centre of the island towards the shore.
Thanks to preservation efforts on La Gomera, Garajonay remains one of the best-preserved subtropical rainforests in Europe. Home to around 400 species of flora and fauna, many endemic to the island, the park sits at the heart of La Gomera’s 600km network of walking trails.
With paths weaving across the island, you can DIY your walk with short circular trails, half-day hikes and full-day treks over mountains and along the coast.
This tiny island should not be underestimated. With some unbelievable wildlife, captivating culture and breath-taking scenery, visitors are wowed with diverse environmental pockets and stunning ocean vistas.
Accommodation
Hotel Jardín Tecina is located on the island of La Gomera, declared an outstanding World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2012, with the Garajonay National Park previously declared a World Heritage site in 1987.
Choose to join in with some of the optional activities, or simply disconnect from the world and relax in the sunshine by day, delighting in the local gastronomy by night.
Hotel Jardin Tecina, a Canarian village surrounded by luxuriant gardens that welcome visitors from all over the World.
Here the word “garden” is not only part of the Hotel name but also, an essential part of the entire complex. With an area of more than 70.000 sqm, its rooms resemble white bungalows built according to the traditional Canarian architecture.
A cheerful mixture between the white buildings and the colours created by the incredible floral displays. This Botanical Kingdom creates the perfect balance between healthy, restorative rest and activities in nature.
All rooms and suites feature air conditioning, balcony or terrace, minibar (on request), safe (additional fee), satellite TV & music channels, 22V power supply and a hairdryer.
STANDARD ROOMS
Welcoming, light-filled rooms with views over the swimming pool or gardens. Each with balcony or terrace. 30m2 welcoming and light-filled rooms with views of the gardens the main pool Maximum capacity 3 people* *Double or twin beds + single bed
COMFORT ROOMS
30m2 welcoming and light-filled rooms with views of the gardens or side views of the Atlantic Ocean Maximum capacity 3 people* *Double or twin beds + single bed
SUPERIOR ROOMS
30m2 rooms with unspoiled views of the Atlantic Ocean. Maximum capacity 3 people* *Double or twin beds + single bed
JUNIOR SUITE
Each Junior Suite is characterised by the additional space of 52m2 and comprises a lounge separated from the bedroom by doors. Each with a balcony or terrace with unspoilt ocean views or lush garden views. Maximum capacity 3 people* *Double or twin beds + single bed. Free use of a Balinese bed at club laurel and use of Eco boutique amenities are provided
Programme
Entertainment
RICHARD THOMPSON
Richard Thompson has been described as “the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix”. We don’t disagree, except to say that his work on acoustic guitar is also sensational.
Richard holds a coveted spot in Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and counts Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the Americana Music Association and the BBC among his many accolades. In 2011, he was awarded an OBE for services to music. We could not be happier.
SALLY BARKER
Sally Barker has been around for decades but her voice just gets better with age. Whether she is singing to seven million on the final of TV's 'The Voice' or to 7 people in a local folk club Sally is the consummate professional. She has the ability to lift the words off the page as if you were hearing them for the first time.
TRACK DOGS
Since their blistering Costa del Folk debut in 2018, Track Dogs have been barnstorming the UK. This includes some major festival appearances and collaborations as well as surprising music lovers with “sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms”.
Activities
The choices of activities on offer at La Gomera are plentiful and you can join in as much or as little as you wish. These include waltercolour art classes for beginners and more experienced painerts with Paul Clark and Margot Lofts, dolphin and whale watching, bird-watching, tennis, Golf & Yoga, visits to the “Eco Finca” Tecina, a 100% ecological farm and guided walks in Garajonay National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), with its unique ecosystem
*Some optional activities will attract an additional cost.
Watercolour Art Classes
We are delighted to welcome Paul Clark and Margot Lofts back to La Gomera to take the watercolour art classes.
Paul Clark is a published author, professional artist, and a world renowned YouTuber with a following of 200,000+ subscribers, who has been teaching watercolour painting and drawing techniques to adult learners of all levels for over 40 years.
Margot Lofts, a watercolourist in her own right, works alongside Paul to take extra classes to provide a varied programme.
A list of equipment required is available and can be downloaded as a pdf by clicking here.
Single Class £30 €35 / x6 £168 €196 / x12 £312 €364 / x16 £400 €466 - payable in resort by Card (sterling), BACS, cash Sterling or Euros.
| Date | Morning Session 10:00 - 12:30 | Afternoon Session 14:00 - 16:30 | Date | Morning Session 10:00 - 12:30 | Afternoon Session 14:00 - 16:30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Jan | ARRIVAL DAY | ARRIVAL DAY | 28 Jan | Watercolour Class "Tips & Tricks" All abilities Paul | |
| 22 Jan | Art class payment by card (sterling), cash (sterling/euros) or BACS | Introduction & Welcome and Paint Along for all Margot | 29 Jan | Sketching En Plein Air on site Paul & Margot | |
| 23 Jan | "The Sun's Warmth" Beginners & Beyond Margot | 30 Jan | Watercolour Paint Along Intermediate Paul |
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| 24 Jan | Watercolour Soiree "*** & Paint" Beginners & Beyond Margot | 31 Jan | 10:00 - 16:00 En Plein Air Day Playa Santiago All abilities Paul & Margot (2 sessions) | 10:00 - 16:00 En Plein Air Day Playa Santiago All abilities Paul & Margot (2 sessions) |
|
| 25 Jan | 10:00 - 16:00 En Plein Air Day (coach trip / bring lunch) All abilities Margot (2 sessions) | 10:00 - 16:00 En Plein Air Day (coach trip / bring lunch) All abilities Margot (2 sessions) | 1 Feb | Watercolour Paint Along Beginners & Beyond Paul | |
| 26 Jan | "Let's Get Abstract" All abilities Margot | 2 Feb | "Drawing from Scratch" A Few Basics Beginners & Beyond Paul | Watercolour Soiree Beginners & Beyond Margot |
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| 27 Jan | 14:00 - 16:00 Watercolours in Monotone Beginners & Beyond Paul | 3 Feb | Watercolour Paint Along Intermediate Paul |
Ukulele Stroll & Strum with Andy Webster
Andy Webster is an avid walker and is at his happiest when in the fells taking in the views or playing one of his ukuleles with his band "Warehouse of Thieves! He has guided successful ukulele walking holidays including walks over the Hadrian’s Wall path in its entirety twice and walked sections of the walk countless times. He has also completed the Pennine Way, St Cuthbert’s Way, climbed most of the fells and mountains of the Lake District and much of the 630 miles of the South West coast path. In La Gomera Andy has put together a similar ‘Stroll & Strum’ programme for guests who are interested in exploring the area and developing their ukulele skills and confidence.
Stroll with Andy
Routes for the walks will be decided nearer the time as they will vary according to the prevailing weather conditions. Walk can also be tailored to a certain degree to the abilities of the group. An example walk is below:
Tajaque-Alto de Garajonay Iqualero-Chipude
The walk starts at Mirador de Tajaque which overlooks the Integral Nature Reserve of Benchijigua. We continue through the national park to the highest point of La Gomera, Alto de Garajonay where, on a clear day, you can see almost the entire island. We make our way down to Igualero (the highe3st village in La Gomera), pass La Fortaleza (Table Mountain) and finish our walk in the little village of Chipude.
Walk is 10.8km, lasting 4 hours with a 415m ascent.
Strum with Andy
You will be able to participate in informal sessions over drinks after your walks, following a Songbook created by Andy which you will be able to download before you travel. These sessions will be open to everyone at La Gomera.
In addition you can access workshops on the non walking days which will be more learning based and in depth, featuring themes like "Moving from strumming to picking" , "Finger picking, the next steps” and "12 bar blues including turnarounds and walk downs”. You will receive all workshop worksheets in the resort. Andy will also be available throughout your holiday for any questions you may have relating to your ukulele skill development.
Booking is essential as each walk can take a maximum of 14 people. €45 / £40 per walk. This includes your guide and transport to the walk sites. Payable in resort by card (sterling) or cash (sterling/euros).
What is included:
Monday morning group welcome meeting
‘Stroll with Andy’ walking tours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 09:30 to 15:30 followed by ‘Strum with Andy’ between 17:00 and 18:00
Ukulele Workshops on Thursday (17:00 to 18:00) and Saturday (10:00 to 11:30)
What will you need:
Walking boots are recommended or at the least, trainers or walking sandals with a good grip
Walking poles (these can be provided at no additional cost)
A rainproof jacket, a fleece (it is always cooler up in the mountains) and a hat
A packed lunch - you can bring your own or order one of these from hotel reception the night before the walk
Water (1-1.5lt)
A Ukulele
Please let us know in advance of any medical conditions
We reserve the right to cancel or change a walk or tour in the event of adverse weather or path conditions
Prices
Please call for latest availability
| 14-night stay 21 Jan - 4 Feb | 7-night stay Wk 1 - 21 - 28 Jan Wk 2 - 28 Jan - 4 Feb |
|
|---|---|---|
| Room Type | Price per person dinner b&b | Price per person dinner b&b |
| Standard Room (2 sharing) | £1,649 - SOLD OUT | £1,089 - SOLD OUT |
| Standard Room (Solo Occupancy) | £2,035 - SOLD OUT | £1,269 - SOLD OUT |
| Comfort Room (2 sharing) | £1,799 - SOLD OUT | £1,159 - SOLD OUT |
| Comfort Room (Solo Occupancy) | £2,169 - SOLD OUT | £1,329 - SOLD OUT |
| Superior Room (2 sharing) | £1,949 - SOLD OUT | £1,229 - SOLD OUT |
| Superior Room (Solo Occupancy) | £2,319 - SOLD OUT | £1,399 - SOLD OUT |
| Junior Suite (2 sharing) | SOLD OUT | SOLD OUT |
| Duplex Suite (2 sharing) | SOLD OUT | SOLD OUT |
Prices are for Dinner, B&B per person
Getting There
The holiday does not include flights, this gives you the flexibility to choose flights that suit your own personal preferences.
Return transfers from Reina Sofia (Tenerife South) airport to Hotel Jardin Tecina on 21, 28 January and 4 February 2024.
Flights arriving/departing at other times may require an additional overnight in Tenerife due to ferry times:
From Los Cristianos - 21 & 28 January - 09:30; 13:00; 16:00; 20:30
From La Gomera – 28 January & 4 February – 08:00; 14:30; 17:30
On arrival at Tenerife South airport, a transfer will be provided to the port at Los Cristianos for the 50-minute ferry crossing to La Gomera.
The transfer from Tenerife South airport to Los Cristianos port is approx 20mins.
On arrival in La Gomera a transfer will be provided to the Hotel, approx 50mins.
Please contact us if you require additional hotel accommodation in Tenerife, or assistance with booking flights.
FAQ
Is my booking financially protected?
Yes, your booking protected under our ABTA bond No: P7419 which means should Harmony Voyages fail prior to your holiday you will be fully reimbursed or during your holiday, you will be flown home as per your original booking.
Are flights included?
No, you are responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from Tenerife. Transfers are provided to/from La Gomera on 21 & 28 January and 4 February.
What happens if the artist that I booked to see is unable to perform at the festival / holiday?
As you have booked a holiday, then the holiday will still take place. In the event of a festival where there are multiple artists, the full programme will still be performed and any artists unable to travel will be replaced. In the event of a river cruise or other holiday where only one artist is performing, the artist will be replaced with an alternative artist of a similar genre. The cost of the holiday is not refundable.
What are the current COVID-19 restrictions for entering the Canary Islands?
The most up to date information can be found on the Canary Islands website.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes absolutely. Please talk to us about your requirements.
Can I book airport hotels & parking with you?
Yes, we are happy to assist with booking airport Hotels, plus parking if required prior to your flight departure or you can book directly via our referral link here.
Which airport do I need to fly into / home from?
You will fly into Tenerife South (TFS)
Are airport transfers included?
Transfers to La Gomera are included on 21 and 28 January from Tenerife South airport. Or from Los Cristianos Ferry Terminal, should you opt to arrive into Tenerife earlier. Return transfers included on 28 January and 4 February. Transfers on alternative days may incur an additional charge.
How long is the transfer?
Transfer to the hotel takes about two hours, including the 50 min ferry crossing.
From Los Cristianos - 21 & 28 January - 09:30; 13:00; 16:00; 20:30
From La Gomera – 28 January & 4 February – 08:00; 14:30, 17:30
Room facilities
Kettles are not provided in every room type. You are welcome to bring your own travel kettle or you can hire a 'kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, milk tray' from the hotel reception for a small daily charge.
Can I book an independent package and just buy the art classes separately?
No, all classes need to be pre-booked and only available to those booking the official package.
We look after you every step of the way
We are a small experienced team who look after you from first enquiry, right through to the end of your holiday. The same people who help you with your booking, will be in the resort or on the cruise to look after you. We are extremely proud of the personal service that we provide and when you need to get in touch, there are no call centres or chatbots, just the same people you've always being dealing with. Need help with flights, care hire or extra nights? ...we are just a phone call away.
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