A PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT CURATED BY AVERY SWAIL AND MICHELLE VAN DIJK

LAMU KENYA

LAMU KENYA

We welcome you, sister to embark on a transformative week together in the historical and sacred land of Lamu, Kenya, delving deep into both our inner landscapes and the beauty of the world around us, enriching our communities and expanding our portfolios. 

INVESTMENT: €3999

THE RETREAT

Join us for a transformative journey in Lamu, Kenya from March 26–31, where creativity, sisterhood, and self-discovery merge in one of the most breathtaking destinations on earth.

Your journey begins the moment you arrive—greeted at the airport and transported by boat to our stunning home for the week, The Shela Fort. Here, we will immerse ourselves in a sacred blend of artistry and inner exploration, beginning with a grounding breathwork and opening ceremony to set powerful intentions for the days ahead.

As we settle into the magic of Lamu, we will activate our creative portals through immersive workshops on personal development, branding, and building sustainable careers in the industry. Our time together will be deeply collaborative—capturing one another, refining our craft, and shooting for reputable brands, all while nurturing our unique artistic voices.

A Full Editorial Production for a Leading Magazine

A pinnacle moment of this retreat will be our Editorial Day—a high-level production featuring an international model, with images to be published in a renowned fashion magazine. This is an extraordinary opportunity to elevate your portfolio, gain firsthand experience in professional editorial production, and have your work in print publication—one of the most prestigious milestones in this industry.

Beyond the Lens: A Deeply Transformative Experience

Beyond photography, this retreat is a journey into presence and connection. We will sail the waters of Lamu on traditional Dhow boats, explore the charming streets of Shela, and engage in powerful healing practices. Through breathwork, yoga, and sound healing with Marcella, we will reconnect with ourselves, our art, and each other in profound ways.

This is more than a retreat—it’s a catalyst for transformation, a space to refine your artistry, and an experience that will stay with you long after our time together.

Are you ready to step into your next creative evolution?

    • Fly to Nairobi airport, either spend the night there on the 25th or arrive early the 26th where you will take another flight to Lamu, Kenya!

    • Arrive March 26 to Lamu airport where we will have a boat driver pick you up at the airport and bring you to Shela Fort.

    • Michelle and I will be helping you with flights to ensure your smooth travels.

    • Dhow boat excursions and many more exciting things included!

    • 5 nights accommodation at the incredible Shela Fort

    • Three nourishing daily organic meals throughout the journey

    • Time to integrate and unwind in the ocean, on our private beach or at our pool

    • Staying at The Shela Fort a hand built oasis built in the sand.

    • Spending our evenings under starlight and candlelit spaces, allowing room for creativity to flow in as we unplug in this simple but luxurious oasis.

    • Earth buildings blend naturally into the landscape, furniture and crafts play tribute to nature and the talented local artisanship, with no electricity, We go back to basic to create from our most authentic self, through daily rituals to open our hearts and to create from our life-force.

    **please note that Lamu Kenya is a muslim place and we must pay respect to the land. Beachwear is okay at the beach and in the hotel but please cover up in town

    • Opening Breathwork ceremony

    • Grounding through yoga practices and breathwork classes guided by our local instructor and Michelle

    • Sisterhood rituals, sitting in temple space to connect from heart to heart, womb to womb.

    • Community dinners lit under candlelight in the dune

    • Soundhealing with Marcella

    • Building your portfolio with in-demand agency models and brands

    • A day for the editorial world: a chance to have your images published and be a part of the highest end of the industry

    • Private productions happening throughout our stay in Kenya with help from our local production team

    • Workshops by Avery and Michelle throughout the journey on building community and global productions

    • Alongside shooting we will be taking time for ourselves to explore Shela and its surroundings, taking part in the culture of Kenya and specifically Lamu. Fire ceremonies, dances, and interacting with local community of Lamu

    • Surprise excursions