the photography expedition with emily abay to sri lanka
the photography expedition with emily abay to sri lanka
24 - 30 april, 2026
escape to ahangama, sri lanka with photographer emily abay for a seven-day photography retreat designed to awaken your creativity and deepen your craft.
chase golden light across untouched beaches, wander through lush jungles and timeless temples, and capture the island’s magic through your lens. in a series of intimate workshops, emily will guide you through scouting breathtaking locations, mastering sunrise and sunset shoots, working with a resident model, and refining your images in post-production.
set against sri lanka’s vibrant energy and breathtaking landscapes, this retreat is an invitation to create, explore, and grow. share this experience with a small group of like-minded women in a supportive, inspiring space, and return home with new skills, stunning images, and memories you’ll treasure forever.
location
sri lanka, often referred to as the "pearl of the indian ocean," is a land of lush rainforests, golden beaches, and timeless spiritual heritage. this tropical island blends ancient traditions with vibrant modern culture, offering a rich tapestry of experiences—from serene buddhist temples and verdant tea plantations to bustling markets and breathtaking coastal scenery.
nestled along sri lanka’s southern coastline, ahangama is a hidden gem known for its laid-back charm, stunning beaches, and thriving surf culture. with its palm-fringed shores and turquoise waters, this idyllic town is a sanctuary for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. by day, watch traditional stilt fishermen at work or explore nearby jungle-clad landscapes. by night, unwind to the sound of waves under the starlit sky.
ahangama’s energy is both grounding and invigorating, making it the perfect place to slow down, reconnect, and immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty and soulful rhythm.
itinerary
day one
welcome day
YOU HAVE ARRIVED in sri lanka, the pearl of the indian ocean. a land of lush jungles, golden beaches, and rich culture, with ahangama’s palm-fringed shores offering the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility
SETTLE into your island jungle villa and freshen up
MEET emily and your fellow travellers in a brief welcome meeting
WELCOME dinner in the quite calm of the jungle villa by your local chefs
INTRODUCTORY talk from emily
day two
JOURNAL and morning pages
YOGA, breathwork and meditation in the calm serenity of the jungle villa
BRUNCH to nourish you for the day
LOCATION scouting workshop with emily, learn how to track the sun and how to anticipate light. learn how to problem solve with location ideas
FREE TIME to explore, relax or work on your photography
DINNER in the villa
SUNSET WORKSHOP with emily, watch a live photoshoot. you will also have an opportunity to shoot the model in the location you discovered earlier in the scouting program
day three
BREAKFAST at the villa
WORKSHOP with elly "I am" & reflection time
MASSAGE a full hour to unwind, restore, and nourish your body
FREE TIME to read by the pool, nap or wander to a nearby beach for some snorkelling and check out the local markets
DINNER in the villa with fresh, local ingredients
EVENING meditation with elly focused on self belief group hypnotherapy
day four
JOURNAL and morning pages together
YOGA, breathwork and meditation to begin the day
BRUNCH at the villa
WORKSHOP with elly on energetics
TUK TUK tour through galle fort and the surrounding areas, discovering sri lanka’s colonial history, vibrant markets, and stunning coastal views
FREE TIME to explore galle’s boutique shops, sip fresh coconut water, or watch the sunset over the fort walls
DINNER as you reminisce
BREATHWORK journey
day five
EARLY BREAKFAST at the villa
NATIONAL park safari. spend the day venturing into the wild to see elephants, leopards, and sri lanka’s incredible wildlife in their natural habitat
RETURN to the villa after a day of exploration and wildlife
DINNER under the stars at the villa
EVENING meditation and a soothing forest hypnotherapy walk
day six
JOURNAL and morning pages together
YOGA, breathwork and meditation in the calm of the villa
BRUNCH at the villa
FREE TIME for a final dip in the ocean, shopping, or soaking up the last golden hours of sri lanka
SRI LANKAN cooking class learn the secrets of sri lankan flavors with local chefs
FAREWELL dinner & closing circle a special evening to reflect, connect, and celebrate the journey together
day seven
FINAL journal session and morning reflections
BREAKFAST in the villa
FAREWELLS and airport transfer as you say goodbye to sri lanka, feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected
acommodation
nestled on sri lanka’s southern coast, this modern oasis is seamlessly woven into the wild beauty of the jungle. this private retreat offers a unique blend of luxury and nature, featuring an infinity pool, fire pit, and open-air yoga shala. with eight stylish, air-conditioned bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, providing an intimate escape surrounded by protected wildlife and lush greenery
a letter of invitation from emily
Dearest Photography community,
These days its easy to take a photo right? Just pick up your phone, point and shoot.. Maybe even import the image into an Ai app that will give you a pre-existing grade that will enhance your image. Even your grandma knows how to take a photo. But does this make you a photographer? Nope..
Being a photographer is so much more than just pointing, shooting and applying a filter.. This is what spending a week with me in the Philippines is all about. Photography is about patience and understanding about how to anticipate what's going to happen when light hits your camera. Its about getting up early and waiting for that perfect sunrise, but being ready for the perfect storm and thinking on your toes when things don't go to plan.. Its about problem solving and having the confidence to produce a really beautiful photograph in any kind of condition.
I've been a photographer for over 20 years, and now I'm finally at a point where I want to share my experience and knowledge.
I've shot many beaches in my day, but the Philippines will be a whole new experience for me and I'm so utterly excited to be sharing this with you and making new connections with people who, like myself, all have a story and all have found a love for photography and travel.
Join me for a an amazing experience.. And go home with the most ultimate souvenir, professional photographs taken by you in a tropical paradise!
Love, Emily x
exclusions
flights to and from colombo
meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
tips and gratuities
travel insurance
visas
inclusions
6 nights accommodation in ahangama
workshops by emily as listed on the itinerary
breakfast everyday (except for day 1) provided by in house chefs sourcing local ingredients
dinner everyday (except for day 7) provided by in house chefs sourcing local ingredients
national park safari
sri lankan cooking class
1 hour massage
yoga classes
tuktuk tour of galle and surrounding areas
surfing lesson
aweventurer transformative travel journal
all ground transportation in country for activities
1 group airport transfer from colombo
FAQs
How can I join?
Please secure your place by paying a deposit, the full trip price or opting onto a payment plan. Confirmation will take place via email. There is a maximum number of places available on this trip so act fast.
How many people will be on the trip?
Our trips run from 10 - 16 people.
How do I get there?
Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, with direct and connecting flights available from major cities worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Travelers from the US and Canada can connect via Dubai, Doha, or Singapore.
What is the rooming configuration?
Rooms are a mix of privates or sharing, triples, twins and private double rooms.
How can I pay?
Either pay in full or pay the deposit now, and book onto a payment plan, using the book now button.
What should I pack?
Essentials
Workout clothing
Flip-Flops/Sandals: For beach and casual wear.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: Protect skin and avoid bugs.
Snorkeling Gear & Dry Bag: For water activities.
Extras
Reusable Water Bottle: Many islands have refill stations.
Cash (USD): For payments and tips.
Power Bank & Underwater Camera: For excursions and memories.