Underwater Modeling, Fashion Photoshoots & Personal Growth on the Beautiful Island of Elba
Italy, September 19 – September 26, 2026
Have you ever dreamed of being professionally photographed in flowing designer dresses above and below the water? Would you love to create stunning images for your portfolio, social media, business, or simply for yourself while spending a magical week in Italy with like-minded people?
Then our Underwater Model & Fashion Photography Retreat in Italy is for you.
Join us for an unforgettable 7-day retreat on the breathtaking island of Elba, Italy. Together we will create beautiful memories, breathtaking images, and a week full of connection, creativity, adventure, and personal transformation.
Whether you are an aspiring model, content creator, entrepreneur, artist, mermaid, freediver, or simply someone who wants to experience something extraordinary, this retreat welcomes participants of all experience levels, genders, body types, and backgrounds.
No modeling experience is required.
Retreat Details
Location
Elba Island, Italy
Dates
September 19 – September 26, 2026
Accommodation
Al Pozzo Apartments, Elba Island
Price
USD 2,799
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of USD 1,500 secures your spot.
Spaces are limited to ensure a highly personal experience.
What’s Included
Accommodation & Meals
- 7 nights accommodation at Al Pozzo Apartments
- Daily breakfast
- Farewell dinner
- Free Wi-Fi
Photoshoots & Modeling
- 2 professional fashion photoshoots at stunning locations on Elba
- 1 professional underwater photoshoot
- Professional makeup styling
- Access to beautiful designer dresses (or bring your own outfits)
- Posing coaching for both land and underwater photography
- Professional guidance throughout every shoot
Education & Personal Development
- Full access to Mermaid Kat’s Underwater Modeling Online Course
- Breathwork and relaxation sessions
- Confidence-building exercises
- Self-love and empowerment rituals
- Underwater modeling techniques
- Body awareness and movement coaching
- Tips for creating professional photos and content
Media Deliverables
- 4 professionally edited high-resolution images from your fashion photoshoots
- 2 professionally edited high-resolution underwater photographs
- 1 professionally edited video reel of the retreat
Additional Activities
- Excursions to beautiful locations around Elba
- Local transportation during retreat activities
- Support from our professional safety team
Our goal is not simply to create beautiful images.
Our goal is to help you feel beautiful, confident, empowered, and comfortable in front of the camera while creating memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Who Is This Retreat For?
This retreat is designed for anyone who dreams of creating breathtaking images while enjoying an unforgettable experience in Italy.
Whether you’re an aspiring model looking to build confidence in front of the camera, a professional model wanting to expand your portfolio, a content creator searching for unique content, or an entrepreneur wanting high-quality personal branding images, this retreat offers the perfect opportunity.
It is also ideal for mermaids, mermen, freedivers, ocean lovers, underwater enthusiasts, and anyone who feels inspired by creativity, adventure, and self-expression.
Most importantly, you do not need any previous modeling experience to join. We provide guidance, posing instruction, and support throughout the entire retreat, both above and below the water.
We warmly welcome participants of all genders, ages, body types, backgrounds, and experience levels. Whether you’re stepping in front of the camera for the very first time or have years of experience, you’ll feel supported, encouraged, and celebrated.
If you are comfortable in the water and have always dreamed of creating stunning professional fashion and underwater photographs, this retreat is for you.
Meet our Team
Since 2013 we have been turning ocean dreams into reality through international Mermaid Weeks and underwater adventures around the world. Over the years, we’ve received recognition and awards, but what truly fills our hearts is the laughter, friendship, and deep connection that grow within our community. Our team is passionate, kind, and full of humor, creating a safe and inspiring space where everyone is welcome and supported.
Melli
Melli joined Mermaid Week in 2022 and quickly became part of our family. She films all the behind-the-scenes and highlight footage during our trips, ensuring that every moment is beautifully preserved. Melli is also a swimming teacher and Mermaid Instructor at the Mermaid Kat Academy in Germany. With her kind, patient energy, she helps participants feel at ease both in front of the camera and in the water.
Jens
Jens has been part of Mermaid Week since 2021 and has become an irreplaceable member of our team. He is one of our underwater photographers, creating breathtaking portraits and cinematic moments beneath the surface. Jens also accompanies Mermaid Kat Academy courses in Germany as an underwater photographer, capturing the magic of mermaids in their natural element.
Jens and Melli Drygalla are the creative duo behind Visionsea. They capture the beauty of our retreat on land, underwater, and even from the air. Both are professional photographers, videographers, certified divers, and trained lifeguards, combining safety, creativity, and heart in everything they do. Together, Jens and Melli create a stunning highlight film of each retreat, which will be published on our YouTube channel. Everyone will appear in the video, capturing the shared memories of our magical week. In addition, participants can book personalized video options for a unique film featuring their own underwater journey.
About Elba Island
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Elba Island is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets and a true paradise for photographers, models, and ocean lovers alike.
Not only does Elba offer crystal-clear turquoise waters and exceptional underwater visibility, but it also boasts picturesque Italian villages, breathtaking beaches, and dramatic coastal landscapes. As a result, every corner of the island provides a stunning backdrop for photography.
In addition, the warm Mediterranean climate makes Elba an ideal destination for both underwater and fashion photoshoots throughout the season. Whether you’re floating beneath the surface in a flowing gown or posing along the rugged coastline, you’ll find endless opportunities to create unforgettable images.
From hidden coves and charming harbors to scenic viewpoints and pristine beaches, Elba combines natural beauty, Italian charm, and world-class photo locations in one extraordinary destination.
For this reason, Elba has become one of Europe’s most sought-after locations for underwater photography, fashion photography, and creative retreats.
Why Join an Underwater Modeling Retreat?
Underwater photography is unlike any other form of photography. Beneath the surface, fabric floats effortlessly, hair moves gracefully, and sunlight dances through the water to create truly magical images. As a result, the final photographs often look like scenes from a dream.
Unlike traditional photoshoots on land, underwater photography allows you to create unique and artistic images that stand out from the crowd. Whether you want to build your portfolio, create content for social media, promote your business, or simply experience something extraordinary, an underwater photoshoot is an unforgettable experience.
Throughout this retreat, you will learn the essential skills needed to feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera underwater. This includes underwater posing techniques, breath-holding methods for photoshoots, body positioning, graceful movement, underwater communication signals, and important safety procedures.
In addition, you will discover how to relax, move naturally, and create elegant images that look effortless and professional.
Most importantly, you do not need any previous underwater modeling experience. Our experienced team will guide and support you throughout the entire process, helping you feel safe, confident, and empowered every step of the way.
By the end of the retreat, you will not only leave with stunning professional photographs and videos, but also with new skills, unforgettable memories, and a deeper sense of confidence in yourself.
Reserve Your Spot
This retreat is intentionally kept small to ensure individual attention, personalized coaching, and an intimate group atmosphere.
If you are ready to experience a week filled with creativity, confidence, connection, breathtaking photography, and unforgettable memories in Italy, we would love to welcome you.
Join us on Elba Island for an extraordinary underwater modeling and fashion photography retreat in September 2026.