Surf Photography Retreat

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Only available at Xanadu Boutique Retreat

Knowledge-packed water photography & surf week with Ana Catarina Teles & Tommy Pierucki

Have you been wanting to get into the water photography but don’t know where to start? Join our feedback-loaded Surf Photography Retreat with a carefully curated programme that will help you build solid foundations to kickstart your water photography journey. In addition to the photography activities (theory and practice), we’ve also planned plenty of surf time, delicious food and time for relaxation in our stunning tropical resort. It’s a full package where everything will be taken care of for you – you just grab your camera, absorb the knowledge, surf and enjoy the surroundings.

Find Out More

Dates & programme

When?

24 February – 2 March 2024
2-9 March 2024 (FULLY BOOKED)

Topics covered in the programme

Intro to photography
Storytelling
Equipment Intro & taking care of your gear
Swimming skills for water photography
Creativity, Lifestyle Shoots & Social Media
Post-production & working with clients
Also, you’ll have the opportunity to shoot two professional longboarders invited by Ana & Tommy to this super special retreat!

Language: English

*Please note the order of some activities may change depending on the surf and weather conditions.

Day 1

check-ins

welcome dinner

surf & photo briefing / intro

Day 2

breakfast

surf

lunch

theory : basic photography

yoga

Day 3

breakfast

surf

lunch

Equipment Introduction - Beginning of the Practice - Water Photography

yoga

Day 4

breakfast

drone surf - you surf, we film

lunch

video analysis - improve your surf technique

Photography Exercises

Ice bath

Day 5

Early Photo Session - Lifestyle Shooting

breakfast

surf

lunch

photo analysis by Ana & Tommy

yoga

Day 6

breakfast

surf photography

lunch

photo analysis by Ana & Tommy

Sasak culture workshop

Day 7

surf photography

breakfast

surf

lunch

sunset trip

farewell dinner

Day 8

breakfast

check-outs

Surf Photography Retreat

Knowledge and fun-packed week (8 days / 7 nights) a tropical island of Lombok, Indonesia – Xanadu Retreat.

SHARING IS CARING

Superior Twin

Travelling solo and don’t mind sharing a room? This option has you sharing a twin room with another guest (or should we say “future friend”?)

IDR 29,264,933 pp

(〜EUR 1735 | AUD 2870 | USD 1960*)

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LOVE MY PRIVACY

Superior King

Love your privacy and prefer your own space? Get a room all to yourself and strut around in your underwear. It’s your room!

IDR 35,089,533 pp

(〜EUR 2080 | AUD 3440 | USD 2335*)

Book Now

DELUXE TREATMENT

Deluxe Extra King

The best, most super-duper deluxe room we have. An extra large bed, extra space and an outdoor bathtub. It’s a guest favourite (for obvious reasons).

IDR 38,056,833 pp

(〜EUR 2257 | AUD 3735 | USD 2549*)

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*The price in EUR/AUD/USD is only an estimate and may vary based on the currency exchange rate on your card issuer.

Ana Catarina Teles

HOST PHOTOGRAPHER @anacatarinaphoto

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, she discovered what really gave her shivers in 2013. She gave up stability and a peaceful life to discover new possibilities, new cultures, landscapes, and stories that would take her breath away! Water photography became a passport to her freedom and a way to create images that combine her feelings and thoughts. “When I’m out in the ocean I just feel this deep connection. I feel I’m a part of it, adapting myself to the waves, feeling each wipeout and the water just running across my body. It’s the perfect way to feel I’m alive.”

She sees photography as the head of personal development as well as a personal way of telling stories that she experiences along the way. Seeking new horizons, photography is her main dedication currently, full time. She’s committed to the purpose of bringing a positive message through photography and living photography as an opportunity for self-knowledge and to meet people, especially connecting with women. She usually leads workshops in Rio de Janeiro, and starting to host international groups in Nazare, Portugal. She also has a project called La Mer Collective, which guides other women to shoot in the water and dedicate themselves to it. It’s her life purpose, for sure.

Read our interview with Ana

Tommy Pierucki

HOST PHOTOGRAPHER @tommypierucki

Originally from the Chicago area, Tommy Pierucki has been a resident of Hawaii since 2013.

Tommy developed a strong interest in photography in January 2018. Since then, he has achieved notable accomplishments in his field. He was featured on the cover of Pacific Longboarder Magazine’s 100th issue and his work has been published in The Surfer’s Journal and Hana Hou! Magazine.

Tommy has also exhibited his art at the Gallery Waikiki, Green Room, and currently at Koko Marina. He has been commissioned to photograph celebrities such as Tom Holland (Spider-man), Halsey, and Lily Chee while they surf.

Additionally, Tommy is an ambassador for Toes on the Nose and Banan, and his photography has been featured by various brands including Roxy, RVCA, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii Magazine, Honolulu Magazine, Japan Airlines, Billabong, and many more.

Declan Wyton

PRO- LONGBOARDER GUEST @declan_wyton

Meet Declan Wyton, the awesome pro longboarder from Manly, Australia. With his amazing talent and unwavering passion for the sport, Declan has captured the hearts of surf enthusiasts worldwide, earning him the prestigious title of the 2022 Australian Longboard Champion.

Born and raised in the coastal paradise of Manly, Declan’s love for surfing began at a young age. With each graceful maneuver and effortless glide across the water, Declan’s unique style captivates everyone who witnesses his incredible talent.

In 2022, Declan claimed the coveted title of Australian Longboard Champion, solidifying his position, and allowing him to compete among the best in the WSL Longboard tour. His impact extends beyond the surfing world as he actively participates in various community initiatives, showcasing his passion for protecting the ocean and its surroundings.

Whether you’re an avid surfer or seeking inspiration from a remarkable athlete, Declan’s infectious energy and down-to-earth personality make him an inspiration for all.

Chloé Calmon

PRO- LONGBOARDER GUEST @chloecalmon

Born and raised in Brazil, Chloé Calmon has quickly became one of the world’s top longboarders. Introduced to surfing at a young age by her father, Chloé’s passion for the sport has shaped her life in profound ways.

For Chloé, surfing transcends being just a sport; it’s a lifestyle, a connection with nature, and a commitment to ocean conservation. Growing up as a longboarder in Rio, she defied stereotypes and fully embraced the grace and style that longboarding offers.

Chloé’s journey with the World Surf League (WSL) has been a transformative adventure, inspiring young girls to chase their dreams. Drawing inspiration from legends like Joel Tudor and Kassia Meador, she thrives on the challenges of competition and continually strives to improve with every wave.

As a valued member of the Roxy family, Chloé’s passion for the sport runs deep. With her fluid and graceful strides, her goofy-footed style, and her positive and infectious personality, she truly lives and breathes surfing.

Her contagious love for life and the ocean makes her an inspiring woman for everyone attending this retreat. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity!

More about Chloé

Surfing in Lombok

This retreat is about water photography, but it would be a sin not to plan some time during your stay for epic surf sessions. Lombok is a truly special place, with plenty of surf spots perfect for different surf levels (some of them are our best kept secrets) and we can’t wait to show you around. All surfing will be done under the watchful eye of Xanadu surf team, so you’ll be well looked after. And with a crew of surf-photographers-to be plus the photo pros Ana and Tommy, you’ll surely have some beautiful surf shots to keep the Lombok memories alive after you get back home.

Retreat location

Perched on a hill with spectacular vistas over swaying treetops and across Kuta Bay, our Xanadu Boutique Resort is for discerning surfers who enjoy the finer things in life. It’s special, to be sure. But it’s more than just a place to snap droolworthy Instagram pics. It’s a peaceful and serene home away from home that’s equal parts luxurious and intimate. And it’s perfect for surfers seeking epic waves and pampering in paradise.

Check out where you'll stay

What to expect from this retreat?

If you want to dive deeper into water photography this retreat is for you!

Carefully curated photography course

We’ll start with basic photography and the theory, which you can use in every situation you’d like to shoot! From exercises to tips and photo analysis, you’ll learn this endless world that is photography and learn alongside passionate professionals that have the pleasure to teach and share what they’ve learnt along their journey.

Discover the secrets of water photography from the pros. Now’s your unique chance. Join Ana and Tommy in a relaxed and conversational environment, and pay close attention as they share their most valuable photography tips. You’ll gain the confidence and skills to become a more proficient water photographer in less time.

Surf alongside two renowned longboarders while learning to capture epic shots

Share the lineup with the 2022 Australian Longboard Champion, Declan Wyton, and another special guest. *surprise to be revealed soon!*

These amazing surfers will join Ana and Tommy’s retreat for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to surf and model for your lens. Spend time with them, gain insights, and enjoy riding waves with these two masters of style. Who knows? You might even learn a thing or two while sharing this fantastic experience with them.

The gear

The idea of having different equipments and lenses is to experience the infinite possibilities that photography and water photography can offer. It’s how each person can adapt to the equipment weight, distance and also how fast you can set them up. That’s the main idea of the workshop: try a lot and practice with the best equipment we have in surf photography background and the one’s Ana and Tommy use in the routine. We have a few Aquatech Water Housings, the best in the business also available to be used and explored by our participants!

Check FAQ section below for a list of gear available to try during the retreat.

Surfing

During this retreat we also want to give you the opportunity to discover and surf some of the most fun longboard waves Lombok has to offer. The sessions will be run under the supervision of the Xanadu surf team so that you can make the most of your surf time here with us. The boards are already included in the package.

Thoughtfully prepared menu

We’re foodies at heart, which means we take the time to prepare thoughtful meals that both fuel and invigorate you for the day ahead. Seasonal produce, freshly picked fruit and sourdough loafs baked in-house. Everything is beautifully presented, healthy and clean. And we can easily cater to a variety of different diets (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan etc.). Big yum vibes.

Restorative Yoga

Yoga and surfing go together like peanut butter and our sourdough bread. And our resident yogi Alvin will carefully tailor his yoga practices to suit your needs. Bringing awareness both on and off the mat is his main goal. But the soothing of any post-surf sore spots and a heightened sense of wellbeing can also be expected.

All-inclusive package

You don’t need to worry about anything other than rolling out of bed during this week. All the activities in the schedule are included in the package (workshops, surf lessons, transport, airport transfer, breakfasts, lunches, welcome and farewell dinners. Plus luxury accommodation and great vibes!

What do I need to bring?

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3

A pair of fins (mandatory - it's safety!)
Swimmers
Sun block (or you can buy one at Xanadu)
External hard drive to get your photos

Other than that, the idea of this retreat is to enable you to try different equipments and lenses is to experience the infinite possibilities that photography and water photography can offer. Ana and Tommy will bring with them the best equipment but you're also welcome to come with your own gear.

Ana's and Tommy's gear:

Camera:

3x Canon R5

Lenses:
RF 50mm f/1.2
RF 85mm f/1.2 DFS
RF 15-35mm f/2.8
RF 24-105mm f/4
RF 70-200mm f/2.8

Water Housing: 4x Aquatech for Canon R5 and Canon 5d Mark IV

AxisGo: for iPhone 14 Pro Max
GoPro: 9, 10, 11
Drone: Mavic 3 Pro

What surf level is required to join this experience?

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Any surf level! The surf sessions will be run by experienced surf instructors who will look after you wherever you are on your surf journey.

What's included?

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3

We've loaded the package with some amazing inclusions for a hassle-free holidays. Just roll-out of bed and all will be ready for you.

So what's included?

All the activities mentioned in the schedule above (photography workshops led by Ana & Tommy, surf sessions under the eye of Xanadu instructors, yoga, sunset meditation, ice bath workshop)
7-night stay in a stunning hilltop location with ocean views
Free shuttle to town (5-min drive)
Meals: daily breakfasts, daily lunches, welcome & farewell dinners
Car and boat transport to surf breaks
Board rental

What's not included?

Flights/boats to Lombok
Travel insurance
Airport/harbour transfer - if you wish, we can help you with the necessary arrangements. The cost of airport transfer is IDR 200,000 and fast boat harbour IDR 550,000.
5 dinners - only welcome and farewell dinners are included in the package. We've left some room for you to explore the town food scene:) We also have a restaurant at Xanadu Retreat should you wish to have stay in for dinner. See the menu here.
Spa treatments
Extra activities

How can I book?

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You can book online - select your room and the week you wish to join and we'll see you in Lombok! Click here to reserve your spot.

To secure your booking 20% deposit is required.

What meals are included?

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3

The retreat package includes:

Hearty breakfast
Thoughtfully created lunches
Welcome dinner
Farewell dinner

We also have a restaurant at Xanadu open throughout the day. See the menu here.

And if you'd like to explore the food scene in town, Xanadu Retreat is located a 5-min drive from all the restaurants and cafes in Kuta and we offer a free shuttle.

Can I bring a partner who will not be participating in the retreat?

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Yes, you can! For partners who want to join we have two options available - a surf only package or a non-surfer option in a Superior King or Deluxe Extra King room only.

Superior King Room

1 Surf Photo Retreat Participant + 1 Non-participant (no photography retreat, no surfing)

Price for 2 people - IDR 41,089,533 (~USD 2664)

Non-participant package includes:

Daily breakfast
Lunches
Welcome dinner
Farewell dinner
Sasak culture workshop
3 yoga sessions
Sunset meditation
Free shuttle to town
If there are free spots available in the car, you may join the retreat group to the surf beach.

1 Surf Photo Retreat Participant + 1 Surf-Only Participant (no photography retreat, surf & yoga activities included)