surf, shoot & build a stunning portfolio in the
MENTAWAI
islands
SEPTEMBER 7 - 16, 2025
surf creative retreat
Awera Resort, Mentawai
SEPTEMBER 7 - 16, 2025
the experience
Find your ride or die WOMEN surf crew, refine your photography, and build a stunning portfolio in the Mentawai Islands, your studio, canvas, and sanctuary.
THIS ART RESIDENCY UNIQUELY BLENDS IMMERSIVE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS WITH EPIC SURF SESSIONS. SET IN A PARADISE OF CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATER, LUSH JUNGLES, AND WORLD CLASS WAVES.
An invitation for like-minded women to surf, create, and reconnect with their passion.
Led by China Carracedo : a renowned fashion and lifestyle photographer, creative director and passionate surfer.
Between surf sessions, make space for inspiration through wellness practices and immersive photography workshops.
who is this for?
*
who is this for? *
Surfers, models, photographers, creatives, entrepreneurs, women who feel the call to create with intention.
Whether you're behind the lens or in front of it, whether you’re exploring your artistic side or building your personal brand, this is your space to play, feel, and flow with nature.
Bring your camera, your surfboard, your essence, and learn how to create meaningful content in one of the most magical places on Earth.
sofia
“This course helped me trust in my voice, encouraged me to value my authenticity, and showed me that there's no single way to interpret or express art. Their guidance opened the door for me to explore this beautiful world where photography and writing meet , and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”
josefina
“The course experience with China was incredible, a completely different approach from anything I had done before. We explored themes like self-awareness, meditation, and exercises to enhance the creative process. It was an invitation to view photography as a deeper act, where inner, unconscious elements come into play. The tools we worked with allowed me to approach photography from a more genuine place. I still revisit the material today, and it continues to support me in developing my own style and identity.”
juliet
“A year ago, I signed up for a workshop led by two women — one whose photographic work and writing had captivated me, and another I didn’t know yet but whose talent with words continues to amaze me. Although I come from a different world (I study nursing), I was welcomed with open arms. Despite feeling out of place at first, I gained so much valuable insight and was reminded that what I have to say matters.”
your stay at AWERA RESORT
Whether you choose a private room, twin bed, or double bed,
you'll stay in an exclusive villa designed for comfort and tranquility.
Each of Awera Resort’s villas features a private pool, a spacious terrace, master bedrooms, and premium amenities.
Guests also have access to a shared infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Wellness & Relaxation
a sanctuary for mind, body, and soul.
Spa: Rejuvenating treatments in a peaceful, serene setting.
Thermal Pool: A unique sensory journey for revitalization and well-being.
Yoga & Breathwork: Private sessions led by Samadhi Studio’s world-class instructors to restore balance and harmony.
A perfect retreat to relax, recharge, and find inspiration in nature’s beauty.
meet “china” CREATIVE host & FOUNDER
MEET INÉS AKA “CHINA CARRACEDO” WHO has spent the last 12 years capturing the beauty of the world through her lens.
With a background in branding and publicity, she has collaborated with renowned brands across diverse creative industries.
Her passion for travel and surfing has taken her to some of the most breathtaking coastal destinations, shaping her unique artistic vision.
“china” believes in the power of creativity to transform and inspire.
She has led numerous photography workshops designed to encourage self-expression and artistic growth. As the lead mentor of this creative retreat, she will guide you through a journey of visual storytelling embracing the vibrant energy of the ocean.
what to expect
9-day* retreat experience in the breathtaking Mentawai Islands. Designed to inspire and energize, each day strikes a perfect balance between creativity, surf, and wellness.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
Morning:
Early coffee and surf session in the Mentawai waves.
Breakfast at the resort, featuring healthy and energizing cuisine.
Late Morning:
Photography Workshop: Led by CHINA CARRACEDO. The workshop will last approximately 2 hours daily over 5 days. The idea is to combine theory and practice, teaching everything from technical basics to composition, visual storytelling, and capturing emotions in such a unique environment.
Afternoon:
Photography Practice: Hands-on sessions to apply what participants have learned. This might include portraits, lifestyle shots, ocean landscapes, or nature-inspired fashion, depending on proposed activities.
If time allows: A second surf session or another group activity.
Evening:
Yoga to relax the body and mind.
Group dinner and time to share experiences and rest.
early bird price ! save up to $500 usd
*
early bird price ! save up to $500 usd *
double room
$3200
after $3500 usd
private room
$3700
after $4000 usd
*SAVE YOUR SPOT NOW FOR A $799 usd DEPOSIT
Faqs
-
The Mentawai Islands, an archipelago located in West Sumatra, Indonesia, are renowned for their stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and exclusive world-class waves. While getting there requires a bit of coordination, we’ll guide you every step of the way, so you can relax and enjoy this unforgettable experience.
How to Get There:
You’ll need to fly to Padang Airport (PDG) in Indonesia. Most international flights connect through Jakarta (CGK), so plan your journey to include Jakarta-Padang as your final flight leg. Once you arrive in Indonesia, you’ll need to pay a Visa on Arrival fee (typically handled at the airport).We recommend arriving in Padang on September 7th to ensure you’re ready for the fast ferry to Tuapejat that departs the next morning (Monday, September 8th). Your return journey should be booked for September 16th, allowing time for a seamless departure.
Once you’ve booked your spot, you’ll receive a detailed PDF with all the necessary travel information, so you won’t need to worry about a thing! Here’s an outline of what’s included to make your journey stress-free:
Included in Your Travel Package:
Pick-up and drop-off at Padang Airport: A trusted taxi driver will take you to the hotel upon arrival and back to the airport when you return.
Two nights at a hotel in Padang city (usually the ZHM Premiere Padang Hotel – https://www.zhmhotels.com/hotel/the-zhm-premiere-padang/). One night upon arrival (May 22nd) and one night on your return (May 30th).
Round-trip taxi from the hotel to the harbor: Ensuring smooth transfers to and from the ferry.
Round-trip ferry tickets (Padang-Tuapejat): Includes luggage fees for hassle-free travel.
Speedboat transfers: From Tuapejat to Awera Resort and back.
We’ve got everything covered so that all you need to do is fly into Padang, relax, and prepare for the trip of a lifetime.
-
This experience is designed for women who feel confident in the ocean and have been surfing for a while. However, if you’re still building that confidence, private surf lessons can be arranged directly with the resort at an additional cost.
Our goal is to create a space for women who share a love for surfing, creativity, and personal growth. It’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded women, express your creativity, and take steps toward growing both personally and professionally. Together, we aim to foster a supportive community that inspires and uplifts each other.
Awera Resort sits in the heart of Mentawai’s best waves:
Telescopes, Scarecrows, 7 Palms, Hookers, and more, with Awera Right and Awera Left right out front.
Within a 15-minute boat ride, you’ll find perfect barrels, rippable walls, and fun waves for all levels.
More than a surf trip, this is a space for women who share a love for surfing and creativity.
-
The Photography Workshop and Art Residency will take place over 5 days at the stunning Awera Resort. Please note that there will be no workshops on the arrival and departure days, nor during your transit time in Padang. Additionally, we’ve included a designated rest day in the middle of the program to allow you to recharge.
Our goal is to ensure you learn and enjoy as much as possible without feeling overwhelmed. Surfing in the Mentawais can be both exciting and challenging, and the tropical weather might tempt you to sneak in a nap. But with the energy of the group and the enthusiasm of our hosts, we’ll make sure this experience is inspiring, enriching, and truly unforgettable.
-
PADANG
Transport FEES COVERED round trip (PADANG - AWERA RESORT)
2 nights AT A designated HOTEL IN PADANG CITY
MENTAWAI , AWERA RESORT
7 NIGHTS AT BOUTIQUE AWERA RESORT
SURF PACK ( available boats for 2-3 SESSIONS PER DAY)
3 DELICIOUS A LA CARTE MEALS PER DAY
AVAILABLE 2 YOGA classes PER DAY
FRESH DAILY COCONUT
1 BALINESE MASSAGE
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO AWERA PRIVATE BEACH AND SWIMMING POOL AND USE OF GAMES ZONE AND CHILL OUT AREA
WI-FI ACCESS IN THE MAIN AREAS AND THE INDIVIDUAL VILLAS
USE OF SNORKELING AND SUP EQUIPMENT TO USE IN FRONT OF THE RESORT
daily* FASHION - LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP LEADED BY China carracedo. (no mandatory)
PDF WITH ALL THE workshop INFORMATION
DAILY* CAMERA PRACTICE. (no mandatory)
-
FLIGHTS: INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC FLIGHTS TO PADANG AIRPORT (PDG) ARE NOT INCLUDED. MOST TRAVELERS WILL NEED TO BOOK A CONNECTING FLIGHT THROUGH JAKARTA (CGK) TO PADANG.
VISA ON ARRIVAL FEE : TYPICALLY HANDLED AT THE AIRPORT the cost is aprox. 30 usd.
MEALS AND BEVERAGES IN PADANG: ONLY BREAKFAST WILL BE INCLUDED AT THE HOTEL AS WE DON’T KNOW ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE OF PARTICIPANTS. the hotel has it's own restaurant.
SURF TAX FEE TO ENTER THE MENTAWAI ISLANDS / SURFBOARDS FEE : APROX. 120 Usd each surfboard for a return journey.
SURF LESSONS & EQUIPMENT: IF YOU'D LIKE TO BOOK SURF LESSONS OR NEED TO RENT SURF EQUIPMENT, YOU CAN BOOK THESE DIRECTLY AT THE RESORT'S RECEPTION.
CAMERA / PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT: You might want to have your own personal gear to practice, however if you don’t have camera equipment, you can use your phone or try to share with other participants.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES: THE RESORT OFFERS INCREDIBLE ADD-ON EXPERIENCES SUCH AS MANGROVE STAND-UP PADDLE-BOARDING (SUP), CLEAR KAYAKING, SNORKELING, WATERFALL HIKES, AND ISLAND HOPPING ADVENTURES. THESE ACTIVITIES CAN ALSO BE BOOKED DIRECTLY AT RECEPTION.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: WHILE NOT INCLUDED, IS MANDATORY WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND SECURING TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR PEACE OF MIND DURING YOUR TRIP. WE’LL PROVIDE A DISCOUNT CODE TO MAKE THIS PROCESS EASIER AND MORE AFFORDABLE FOR YOU!
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: ALCOHOL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE BUT IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE RESORT.
-
To secure your spot, a $799 deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance depends on your room selection.
Early Bird Price: Book before June 30th and receive a $300 discount.
Remaining balance must be paid by July 31st, 2025.
Pay in full at the time of booking and receive an additional $200 discount (this stacks with Early Bird!).
Choose how to pay: Wise, Zelle, bank transfer.
-
The $799 USD deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances.
If you cancel before July 31, 2025, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the amount paid (excluding the deposit).
Cancellations made after July 31, 2025 are non-refundable.
If you're unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, you may transfer your spot to another participant at no extra cost. You must notify us in advance and provide their full details.
Alternatively, your payment (excluding the deposit) can be used as credit for a future retreat (subject to availability and approval).
Travel insurance is mandatory for all participants.
We understand that life happens, and travel insurance ensures you’re protected in case of emergencies, trip interruptions, or unexpected events.
