Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island | Sept. 19–24, 2027
Optional VIP Day in Portland, Maine | Sept. 24–25, 2027
Wake up to salt air, granite coastline, and the first hints of autumn. This retreat is set on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park. It blends adventure, rest, and soulful photography, all designed to expand your heart, fuel your body, and spark your spirit.
Unforgettable Experiences
Every moment is curated for connection and transformation, from windswept trails to slow evenings around the fire. You'll explore Acadia's rugged beauty, build real relationships with fellow powerhouse women, and leave with stunning, story-rich brand imagery.
One morning we'll set out before dawn to catch the first sunrise in the United States. Each day, the sun's first rays hit Maine before anywhere else in the country. We'll watch it from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the U.S. Atlantic coast, as the sky lights up over the ocean and the islands below.
Check out the highlight video from one of our past Travel That Transforms retreats in Zion National Park, Utah:
Meet Your Host
Kate is a Pisces, so when she first visited Maine in 2017, she felt it in her soul. The ocean, the rocky shoreline, and the misty mornings pulled her right in. Since then, she has sought out the best of the best in the area. Every stop on this itinerary is one she handpicked for you.
Kate is a brand and wedding photographer based in Green Bay, WI. She’s been traveling the world since she was five years old and loves introducing folks to new places.
Your Home Base for the Retreat
Our intimate group of just 7-8 women will stay in a luxurious new-build home near Bass Harbor, ME, known as the “Quiet Side” of Mount Desert Island. It's close enough to town to be convenient and tucked away enough to feel truly restful. Gather around the spacious fire pit under the stars, sink into the outdoor hot tub after a day on the trails, and unwind on the patio. It's the perfect launchpad for adventure and the ultimate space to relax and reconnect.
“To make the brave decision to trust Kate and KLEM + Co to lead me on an adventure retreat, where I had no prior knowledge or experience of these locations, was very exciting-ly scary. I was blown away by the thoughtful daily activities, the fresh food nourishment, and the signature cocktails/mocktails. Everything was intentional and luxe. All I could do was keep quiet because of the ‘awe’ I was in every day. I believe, that in the right environment of supportive women, a transformational adventure retreat like KLEM and Co’s is T.H.E experience you need when life is asking more of you, or maybe you find yourself in a dark cloud. This will surely change your future, if you allow it.”
This retreat is for you if…
…you're an adventurous woman ready for a reset, craving fresh air and wild beauty.
…you want epic photos that capture your soul's essence against a dramatic coastal landscape.
…you thrive in an intimate community of like-minded women and are open to connection and collaboration.
…you feel like you’re on the cusp of an uplevel and are ready to take it up a notch.
…you know you deserve to love yourself deeply and want to lean into luxurious experiences.
What’s Included in the Travel That Transforms Experience:
An all-inclusive stay – you just need to get here!
Lodging:
Five nights in a luxurious new-build home near Bass Harbor, Maine
Choose a private room or a spot in the shared bunk room; every guest has her own bed
A spacious fire pit, outdoor hot tub, and patio on-site
Food & Drink
Next-level food experiences all week, with a mix of catered meals at the house and meals out at island favorites
A closing celebration dinner for the record books. It's the coolest dining experience Kate has ever secured for a retreat, and you won't want to miss it.
Adventures & Activities (subject to change)
Hiking in Acadia National Park
E-bike rentals to explore the island on two wheels
Sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain
Leaf peeping as the island begins its turn to fall color
A water excursion to see the coast from the sea
Daily downtime to choose your own adventure, or rest if that's what feels good
Transformation
Daily transformation sessions led by Kate. Think coaching, but through a photographer's lens ;)
Photography
A signature solo one-hour brand or Goddess session in a stunning outdoor location on Mount Desert Island
Candid photos throughout the retreat
A $100 photo product credit toward any celebratory talisman (canvas print, acrylic block, and more) through KLEM + Co., to memorialize your time in Maine
Edited, unwatermarked images delivered in an online gallery two weeks after we return from Maine
A 1:1 call with Kate after the retreat for content ideas and support around your images
Airport Transfers
Complimentary transfer from Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) to the house
Giving Back
A donation to Friends of Acadia, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving Acadia National Park
Retreat Itinerary:
Sunday, September 19, 2027
Arrive anytime and settle in at the house
Evening: snacks, drinks, and a welcome ceremony
Monday, September 20 – Wednesday, September 22, 2027
Daily activities may include:
Breakfast at the house
A morning adventure outdoors
Lunch at the house or out on the island
A transformation session, candid photos, and group photos
Solo brand or Goddess photo sessions
Open time to choose your own adventure
Collaboration opportunities
Happy hour and dinner
Thursday, September 23, 2027
The closing ceremony and celebration dinner. This is the one you'll be talking about for years.
Friday, September 24
Depart the house around 9:00am, or keep the adventure going with the…
✨ BONUS VIP DAY: Portland, Maine ✨
Not ready for it to end? Add the VIP extension and head down the coast to Portland, one of the best foodie cities in the country.
A sailboat tour of Casco Bay (subject to change)
Additional solo photos and candid photos
Incredible food and drink experiences, with all meals included
Lodging included
Saturday, September 25
VIP guests depart from Portland. Travel That Transforms 2027 comes to a close.
Past retreat attendee love:
Marsha was a 2026 retreat attendee and texted me a love note about her experience:
Only six spots available! Here’s how to secure your spot:
EARLY BIRD PRICING GOOD THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2026!
Spots are secured with a payment; fill out the form below to join us (it might take a minute to load!). Spots are nonrefundable.
Private rooms - $4900/person $4400 EARLY BIRD!
Shared room with separate beds - $4500/person $4100 EARLY BIRD!
Add on the Bonus VIP day September 24-25 for $997
Common Questions:
“How do I get to Bass Harbor, ME? Will I need a rental car?”
We recommend booking flights via Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (30 min from basecamp) or Bangor International Airport (1.5 hrs from basecamp), arriving on Sunday, September 19th and departing on Friday, September 24th. If you’re attending the VIP Day, we suggest departing from Portland International Jetport (PWM) on Saturday, September 25th.
The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland, ME (not to be confused with Portland, OR’s airport), which is about three hours from basecamp.
If you’re flying into Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, we’d be more than happy to pick you up! Transportation to and from other airports would be necessary. Some options available would be an Uber (split it with a fellow retreat attendee!) or a rental car. Once you arrive at basecamp, all transportation will be provided for the duration of the retreat.
“What do I wear??”
We’ll be sending a suggested packing list to you a few weeks before the retreat! You’ll want a mix of comfortable loungewear, outdoor/activewear, and curated outfits for the photo sessions and dining excursions.
“What will the weather be like?”
The weather in coastal Maine in September is typically quite pleasant – we can expect an average high of 65° with evening temperatures sometimes dipping into the low 40s.
“How active is this retreat?”
Fairly active. Expect hiking, biking, and time on the water. You don't need to train for a marathon or extreme elevation, but you should feel comfortable spending active hours outdoors.
“Do I get edited photos from the retreat?”
Yes! You have edited, unwatermarked images included in your package. The images will be high resolution, so you can use them on social media, websites, printed materials, etc. All images will be edited in our true-to-life editing style. You’ll receive photos from your solo session, as well as the full retreat gallery that includes candids from the event.
“What happens if it rains?”
Rain showers can pop up at any time, although they usually pass quickly! If the forecast is showing rain, we may rearrange the order of our daily itinerary to try to avoid the rain. If the rain seems unavoidable, we’ll aim to spend more of our time at our indoor locations. We encourage embracing the weather (as long as it is safe to do so) and playing in the rain – this is a photo adventure, after all!
“What props should I bring?”
The sky’s the limit (although your carry-on bag might say otherwise…)! Click here to see our list of props we think are super fun to include in photo sessions.
“What’s the cancellation policy?”
Retreat payments are non-refundable. If you need to cancel and your spot is filled by another attendee, you will receive a refund.
