Residency
Vol. 07
KOOLSCTY x LEESA FLEMING
SURF & SKATE PHOTOGRAPHY, PORTUGAL
WE ARE CONNECTED BY VISUAL POETRY.
Viana do Castelo is one of our favourite places in Northern Portugal. A hidden gem that blends golden sunrises illuminating the coastline to fiery sunsets, salty breezes, natural beauty, local heritage and pumping waves. This isn’t just another surf spot; it’s a refuge that involves you on a way of life shaped by the rhythms of the ocean and the spirit of the land.
This residency was designed as a transformative experience to find inspiration, embrace the fluidity of water photography and delving into lifestyle and editorial shoots on land, spanning from surf scenes to urban landscapes.
Beyond the technical aspects, this residency offers a safe space for self-exploration, where you will feel the energy of supportive women on a path towards unleashing your creative expression. Amidst the waves and the wild, we’ll invite you to rediscover the innate parts of yourself, building connections with fellow creatives and harnessing the elemental power of nature to fuel your artistic journey.
WHAT IS
INCLUDED.
- 4 x nights in a sustainable four star hotel
- Pickup and drop off from and to Porto airport
- Transportation from the hotel to the photoshoots and back
- All meals included *
- Daily photography sessions with special guests
- Open talks with special guests
- Mentorship throughout the residency
The following is not included: international airfares, medical and travel insurance, photography gear, access to spa or gym.
* Alcoholic beverages will be available but are paid separately
PHOTOGRAPHY
SURF/SKATE
The board riding culture has it’s
own captivating artistic and rebel composition. By putting together this juxtaposition of freedom and passion, you’ll be compelled to capture this romantic rebellion accompanied by our photo coach and special guests.
SOUL
LOCAL CULTURE
Portugal is more than the South coast. This is an opportunity to experience another vision of our Atlantic coastline. A place where tradition collides with modernity, birthing a kaleidoscope of creativity and expression, and igniting a
passion for individuality and collective soul.
MIND
OPEN TALKS
Breaking the silence is the best way
to achieve improvement and create a respectful movement in the art industry. By showing or opening up we believe that it fast paces your way into conquer your dreams.
THE CREW.
Let’s be honest. The pathway to progression has more than a few sharp turns and bumpy stretches. The good news is that throughout collaboration will have your back every step of the way. Together with It’s Only Water we’re one of a kind with backbone for days and a passionate disposition. Most of all though,
we give you a safe space to be your curious natural self.
PHOTO COACH
LEESAAn artist with roots in Ireland and Germany, living in Lisbon, Portugal. Leesa's lens captures the essence of both land and water, infusing her photography with abstract elements and hints of surrealism. With a profound desire to evoke emotion, Leesa's work serves as a conduit for individual interpretation and introspection. Her journey into water photography, largely self-taught, fuels her mission to empower women, fostering confidence both in the water and behind the camera. Leesa's coaching style transcends technical skill, guiding participants towards discovering their unique visual language and fostering a deep connection with themselves through the art of photography. 
Host
JoanaBorn and raised on a diet of surf, skate and beach life, Jo is happiest when she’s on a board. Blessed with the ability to see patterns and interpret connections, she’s designed her life around a love of all things board sports. From the ocean to the mountains and the concrete in-between, these residencies are a physical manifestation of Jo’s life passion and a way for her to share it with others. 
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THE SPACE.
We chose FeelViana to host our residency, a sports four star hotel overlooking the Cabedelo beach, one of the most famous surf spots in Northern Portugal. A space that becomes home quickly and realigns your creative rhythm as you drift to the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean and smells of pine trees.
The place itself already inspires connection and adventure. It’s the perfect nest to embrace this immersive residency that values a passion for board riding sports and embraces the local rhythm in all things that aspires an authentic lifestyle.
FeelViana and Viana do Castelo are the perfect blend that invites you to explore your curiosity, fuel your passion and score your aspirations. A truly inspirational and effortless atmosphere to transition your dreams into a visual reality.
We cannot wait to connect, inspire and laugh under the stars.
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FAQ'S.
The hotel is situated in Viana do Castelo, a 45min drive north from Porto, in the heart of the Alto Minho region. Viana do Castelo is a charming city filled with history and tradition.
The closest airport to our hotel is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto. Form here, we will pick you up and take you straight to the hotel. We use momondo.com to find the best flights & deals.
The residency starts on Wednesday ends on the following Sunday.
In order to offer our best service, we must adhere to this schedule. Unfortunately, we cannot provide concessions for any activities that you miss due to a late arrival or early departure, however, it’s possible for you to arrive or leave any day during the weekend so long as you give us an advance warning. Please let us know ASAP and we’ll arrange a transfer for that day (cost not included on the package).
Please note that we don’t allow for any arrivals at the hotel earlier than 2:00 pm on check-in day as we need to prepare everything for you to enjoy an epic residency.
To avoid missing out the transfer to our hotel, we advise you to arrive the day before and spend one night in the beautiful city of Porto – we’re happy to guide you through. The pick-up at Porto airport will be on Wednesday at 11:00 am sharp. By ensuring that you’re on time, we can drive to the hotel for check-in and begin with a mellow afternoon schedule.
First, that’s great – this’ll give you some extra time to unwind before joining our residency. Better yet, we can also recommend a few awesome breakfast spots nearby where you can relax and unwind until pick-up time.
We’ll drop you at Porto airport on Sunday at 12:00 pm, however, please consider that heavy traffic might result in a later drop-off. For this reason, we advise you to book your flight back either later in the afternoon or on Monday for a more chilled return home.
We require a deposit payment within 48 hours via our payment service to hold your spot. We’ll then send out an invoice as soon as we get your booking request (usually within 24 hours). If this invoice isn’t paid within 48 hours from receipt of the payment link, the booking will be automatically canceled and your spot forfeited.
All cancellations, on-site procedures and protocols will be sent via email once you’ve proceeded with the booking payment. For more questions regarding the cancellation of a booking, please get in touch via email.
