the photography expedition with emily abay to sri lanka

the photography expedition with emily abay to sri lanka

$0.00

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.

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PURCHASE
 

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.

Will there be downtime?

Whilst our days are designed with plenty of activities to give you the best Sri Lanka experience, there will be time for downtime in the evenings or days when you are free to explore on your own.

Will I need a visa?

Obtaining a visa is the individual responsibility of the traveller. Please note that entry requirements can change at any time. Be sure to check with your government’s foreign travel advisories and consular websites to ensure you have the correct information.

What does the Aweventurer team do?

We provide the most thorough support for you to have an epic travel experience with us. From an on-the-ground local host to our team at HQ, there is always someone available to help solve any issues you may encounter. Throughout your expedition, a local host will accompany you and your fellow travellers to make sure you have everything you need for an inspiring and safe journey. You are also able to reach out with any concerns or questions – before, during and even after your trip. We pride ourselves on prompt responses and are happy to hear from you, whether by email, phone or via a Zoom call, on how we could improve your stay or anything we need to prepare before your arrival.