MEDIA & MODELING RETREAT
October 16th - 19th 2026
Escape to the beautiful Florida Springs for a weekend of connection, training, transformation and mermaid magic. The level 1 retreat is designed to help you step into the mermaid world through professional led courses and activities. Grow your skills and confidence in the water as a Mermaid and Freediver, learn more about the mermaid community, make new friends and connections, create professional media and step into the next part of your journey through this interactive and immersive 4 day experience.
lets get started!
ABOUT THE RETREAT
The Modeling & Media retreat is led by world famous mermaid and photographer Brandee Anthony aka the Vero Beach Mermaid and her partner freedive instructor and photographer Zeke Motta! Brandee has been leading photography and modeling workshops for over a decade! Together this dynamic team offer an immersive experience that allows you to gain more confidence as a model above and below the surface. Sharpen your skills and build your portfolio in the gorgeous Florida springs while learning breath work, safety, modeling and shooting techniques to take your work to the next level.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
-
3 nights of accommodation
-
Modeling workshops
-
Media coaching
-
One mini uw shoot
-
One mini dry shoot
-
8 fully edited images
-
All meals provided
-
Flexibility and Form
-
Ability to add on additional media
Not included: airfare, Spring admission fees, meals outside of retreat house
Location: Fort White, Florida
Date: October 16th - 19th 2026
Cost: $1850+ per person
RETREAT FLOW
Each day is uniquely different and exciting.
Here is a schedule overview of what you can expect.
DaY 1
Arrival, unpack and settle, welcome, modeling workshop, dinner, breathwork and movement.
Day 2
Wake up and breakfast, morning media sessions, lunch, afternoon workshops and activities, dinner, evening at leisure
Day 3
Wake up and breakfast, morning media sessions, lunch, afternoon workshops and activities, dinner, pack
Day 4
Wake up and breakfast, morning at leisure, nature walk, river swim
WHAT TO BRING
We offer rentals on all the required dive gear that is needed for this retreat.
Two outfits of your choosing for shoots
Waterproof makeup
Desired accessories
Reusable water bottle
Beach towel
Warm cozy clothes
Mask & Snorkel
Wetsuit if needed
Toiletries and other personal necessities
Sleep mask and headphones
Please note that goggles and full face masks are not permitted for this training.
Our client closet for photoshoot rentals can be found HERE
If you plan to rent gear, please reserve as soon as you sign up as there are limited quantities and sizes!
MEDIA SESSIONS
professional photo & video
Build the media shoot of your wildest dreams and gain access to our full fantasy client closet during your media session. All of our photo and video sessions are built custom to each client. This retreat provides two mini photo sessions as part of the experience. If you would like to upgrade to a full photo session or add on video the options are as follows.
See our full client closet here
Photo
UPGRADE 1 MINI $450
add time and 4 images
UPGRADE BOTH MINIS $750
add time and 8 images
Video
$450 MINI CINEMATIC VIDEO
individual clips, 1:1 coaching
$750 FULL CINEMATIC VIDEO
Cinematic edit, individual clips, 1:1 coaching
THE LOCATION
We will spend 4 days and 3 nights in a beautiful retreat style shared space home nestled right on the crystal clear Ichetucknee river. Enjoy walking trails, Cypress trees, river access and bonfires. This 4 bedroom, two bath home is fully equipped.
At the end of each day we will enjoy a delicious dinner together and interactive dry workshops to enhance the body and mind. All meals will be provided and cooked for you in house each day, including lunch on the go at the springs each afternoon.
Check in time Friday at 4:00 PM EST. You can arrive up to 30 minutes early, please relax outside until doors open if you do. Departure time on Monday is flexible, we will have breakfast in the morning and make our departures.
Queen bed private room $2100
Shared King bed $1950
Queen bed shared room $1950
Twin bed shared room $1900
Twin cot shared room $1850
Bed choices are first come first serve.
THE WARDROBE
You have full freedom during this retreat to wear what you want! You can choose any concept that calls to you like mermaid, fantasy, gowns, freedive, fairy, etc. Create a concept and bring your own items, or rent from our client closet! These are some of the many items we have available. Each item has a different cost so please email us to work on customizing a look for you. Check out our client closet here to build your dream look!
We will also have various items complimentary to use in addition to our rental options.
THE SIGN UP STEPS
-
Apply below
-
Submit your application and include full responses
-
Once you have submitted your application wait for a response
-
If you receive an acceptance response you will be sent an invoice and forms to sign
-
You have 24 hrs to submit both the payment and forms to save your spot
-
Upon payment completion you will receive paperwork and welcome email and info book
-
Book any necessary gear rentals for media sessions
-
If a doctor signature is needed on your medical, get that done right away
IMPORTANT INFO:
We are so excited to offer you the first ever all inclusive mermaid freedive certification retreat! This will be an amazing four days of creativity and connection in the beautiful Florida springs tailored specially to mermaids. This retreat has very limited spots so to ensure the best experience for all, there is an application process.
YOU DO NOT NEED CERTIFICATIONS, PREVIOUS DIVE OR MERMAID EXPERIENCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT BUT YOU MUST BE A PROFICIENT SWIMMER
MUST BE 18 OR OLDER TO ATTEND THIS RETREAT
If you are flying in, the best option is to rent a car as you will need transportation. Jacksonville is 1.45 hours and Tallahassee is 1.18 hours away from destination. After you have submitted your payment upon application approval, you will be emailed a welcome book outlining all of the specific details about the retreat, what you will need and how to best prepare.
Our FAQ page can be found here
REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS
Due to the limited availability and time intensity of these retreats, there are no refunds on this booking. We highly recommend purchasing dive trip insurance to cover you in case of an unforeseen need to cancel. There are no circumstances where we can offer you a refund once you book your spot on this retreat.
If you are over 45 or have any medical conditions - please see the required medical form before signing up! There are no refunds if you sign up and do not pass your medical. Medical form can be found here. Pay close attention to the questions as certain responses will require a physician's signature for you to attend.
Magic awaits you
If all of the information above aligns with you and you are feeling called to step into this magical mermaid world, hit the apply button below. Please note that due to the shared space and intimate nature of this retreat, we will only accept applications truly fit the experience. We ask that you take time and are thoughtful in your application responses so we can better get to know you and your individual needs. If selected for the retreat, you will receive an invoice to pay for your spot. Upon payment completion you will receive an email with paperwork to sign and a second email with a fully detailed welcome book outlining everything you need to know about the retreat.