Best of the Maldives: Mermaid Lessons – Maamuta

Happy International Mermaid Day. From the destination where all the international mermaids migrate to. If you want to join the school of mermaids, then Pullman Maamuta is offering a mermaid school:

  • You can live your fantasea of becoming a mermaid too! At Pullman Maldives we like to think outside the box and create unique experiences, that’s why our super talented Diving Center team has created this exclusive opportunity to learn how to become a mermaid while you’re on vacation with us.”

No contracts with sea witches are required either.

   Pullman Maamuta - mermaid school

Mermaid Reboot

Mermaid group

Little Mermaid Day today celebrates the release of the eponymous Disney movie. In recent years, this now classic film is getting a reboot though sadly not with one of my favourite actors (Dwayne Johnson)  as King Triton). So time for a sequel to the Maldives Complete’s own “Mermaid” series with the latest seashell bikini-ed, finned fashionistas in this unda’ da sea paradise (who had its own Mermaid Week just recently)…

  1. Lucy Wangluxi (China)
    Lucy Wangluxi (China) 3
     
  2. Katrin Gray (Germany)
    Katrin Gray (Germany)
      
  3. Lukwa Duangkamol (Thailand) – Kudafushi
    Lukwa Duangkamol (Thailand) - Kudafushi
      
  4. First First (Thailand) – Hurawalhi
    First First (Thailand) - Hurawalhi
      
  5. Mermeow Awn (Australia)
    Mermeow Awn (Australia)
      
  6. Ai-Chan (Spain)
    Ai-Chan (Spain)
       
  7. Bibi Luna (USA) – One & Only Reethi Rah
    Bibi Luna (USA) – One & Only Reethi Rah
      
  8. LGBNC (USA)
    LGBNC (USA) 2
     
  9. Adriana Alencar (Brazil) – Anantara Kihavah Villas
    Adriana Alencar (Brazil) - Anantara Kihavah Villas
     
  10. Wonder Beamy (Thailand) – OBLU Select Sangeli
    Wonder Beamy (Thailand) - OBLU Select Sangeli
      
  11. Irina Sabetskaya (Russia)
    Irina Sabetskaya (Russia)
      
  12. Tiffany Wu (Hong Kong) – Hurawalhi
    Tiffany Wu (Hong Kong) - Hurawalhi
     
  13. Sally Kwan (China)
    Sally Kwan (China)
      
  14. Anyuta Rai (Russia) – Veligandu
    Anyuta Rai (Russia) - Veligandu
     
  15. Patcha Titty (Thailand) – Club Rannalhi
    Patcha Titty (Thailand) - Club Rannalhi
      
  16. Gabriela Farías (Maldives) – Kurumba
    Gabriela Farías (Maldives) – Kurumba 2
      
  17. Weinnie Undine (Malaysia)
    Weinnie Undine (Malaysia)
      
  18. Sky Kiki Jung (Thailand) – Centara Ras Fushi
    Sky Kiki Jung (Thailand) - Centara Ras Fushi
      
  19. Bella Foreverith, Chhet Sovanpanha, Tep Boprek (Cambodia) – Centara Grand
    Bella Foreverith Chhet Sovanpanha Tep Boprek (Cambodia) - Centara Grand
      
  20. Lydia Sarunrat Deane (Thailand) – W Maldives
    Lydia Sarunrat Deane (Thailand) - W Maldives
      
  21. Beatrice Wong (Australia) – Reethi Faru
    Beatrice Wong (Australia) - Reethi Faru
     
  22. Churee Porn (Thailand) – Fushifaru
    Churee Porn (Thailand) – Fushifaru
       
  23. Ariel (China) – Grand Park Kodhipparu
    Ariel (China) - Grand Park Kodhipparu 2
      
  24. Sherin Suetzi (Hong Kong)
    Sherin Suetzi (Hong Kong)
      
  25. Mari Kühn (United Kingdom)
    Mari Kühn (United Kingdom)
     
  26. Jenny Rei (Germany) – Soneva Jani
    Jenny Rei (Germany) - Soneva Jani
     
  27. Sonakshi Sinha (India) – Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
    Sonakshi Sinha (India) - Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
     
  28. Christine Ren (USA) – Palm Beach
    Christine Ren (USA) - Palm Beach
      
  29. Sri Saan (Thailand) – Kooddoo
    Sri Saan (Thailand) - Kooddoo
      
  30. Syrena (Singpore) – Kihaa
    Syrena (Singpore) - Kihaa
     
  31. Daria Korn (Russia) – Fihalhohi
    Daria Korn (Russia) - Fihalhohi
     
  32. Mari Martello Perez (Spain) – Velaa
    Mari Martello Perez (Spain) - Velaa
     
  33. Tammy Donaldson (USA)
    Tammy Donaldson (USA)
     
  34. Sin Tong (Philippines) – Thulhagiri
    Sin Tong (Philippines) - Thulhagiri
     
  35. Viktoriya Kabochkina (Russia) – Drift Thelu Veliga
    Viktoriya Kabochkina (Russia) - Drift Thelu Veliga
      
  36. Bow Oho (Thailand) – Centara Grand
    Bow Oho (Thailand) - Centara Grand
      
  37. Elena Vian (Bulgaria) – Meedhupparu
    Elena Vian (Bulgaria) - Meedhupparu
       
  38. Irina Britanova (Russia)
    Irina Britanova (Russia)
       
  39. Alla Shishkina (Russia) – Vilu Reef
    Alla Shishkina (Russia) - Vilu Reef 2
      
  40. Sylvia (Spain)
    Sylvia (Spain)
      
  41. Sunny (Thailand) – Thulusdhoo
    Sunny (Thailand) - Thulusdhoo
      
  42. Gabby Epstein (Australia) – Shangri-La Vilingili
    Gabby Epstein (Australia) – Shangri-La Vilingili
       

  43. Malene Lausten Sørensen (Denmark) – Fun Island
    Malene Lausten Sørensen (Denmark) - Fun Island
       

  44. Mermaid Soul (Czech) – Maafushi
    Mermaid Soul (Czech) – Maafushi
      

Best of the Maldives: Mermaid Photography – Palm Beach

Palm Beach - mermaid classes

Little Mermaid Day today celebrating the release of Disney’s “Little Mermaid” film in 1989. If you want to release your inner mermaid under da sea (sort of a reverse Ariel if you know what I mean, the Palm Beach is offering an aquatic photoshoot by one of the premier photographers of this style.

· “Imagine building a portfolio of one-of-a-kind underwater portraits in the serene, private setting of a Maldivian Atoll. A place where you’re photographing skilled underwater models against the backdrop of pristine coral reefs and large marine mammals while also funding local ocean conservation efforts…. Now you don’t have to just dream it; you can experience it. Professional underwater photographer Chiara Salomoni leads a once-in-a-lifetime 6 day, 5 night all-inclusive masterclass at the Palm Beach Island Resort in the Maldives on Lhaviyani Atoll, Nov 12th-17th, 2018. This customized workshop enables scuba-divers and photographers alike to gain technical mastery in every aspect of underwater portraiture, working in a variety of settings from pool to open-water shallows and even deep ocean scenes with marine mammals. Expert underwater models Christine Ren and Syrena, Singapore’s premier mermaid performer, will pose as the subjects and provide training on how to work safely with both non-models and models in the water. But the best part is 10% of the trip’s proceeds are reinvested locally into marine conservation projects. Travel somewhere beautiful, learn amazing new skills, and save the ocean – what’s not to love?”

That’s why is hotter, Under the water!

Ariel Photogrphy


Perhaps the most mystical of all Maldivian creatures on sea or land (or both) is the colourful and often elusive Syreni Maldivus (Maldivian Mermaid). Here’s the 2nd collection of Ariel apostles…

“Up where they stay all day in the sun / Wanderin’ free / Wish I could be / Part of that world.”

  1. Ani Lubov (Russia) – Soneva Fushi[ABOVE]
  2. Sira MaNdonna (Thailand) – Safari Island
    Sira MaNdonna (Thailand) – Safari Island
  3. Mammami A (Thailand) – Hideaway Beach
    Mammami A (Thailand) - Hideaway Beach
  4. Liliana Montoya (USA) – AaaVeee
    Liliana Montoya (USA) - AaaVeee
  5. Martynova Natalya (Russia) – Fotteyo Kandu
    Martynova Natalya (Russia) - Fotteyo Kandu
  6. Koi Chayathip (Thailand) – Vakarufalhi
    Koi Chayathip (Thailand) – Vakarufalhi
  7. Jourdan Raine (United Kingdom) – Meedhupparu
    Jourdan Raine (United Kingdom) - Meedhupparu
  8. Lucy Wangluxi (China)
    Lucy Wangluxi (China) 4
  9. Gypzy (Thailand) – Club Rannalhi
    Gypzy (Thailand) - Club Rannalhi
  10. Fiona Cooper (France)
    Fiona Cooper (France)
  11. Charlotte (Belgium) – Anantara Dhigu
    Charlotte (Belgium) - Anantara Dhigu
  12. ‘Housekeeping’ (Maldives) – JA Manafaru
    JA Manafaru - mermaid
  13. Ploypraew Nattikarn (Thailand) – Club Med Finolhu Villas
    Ploypraew Nattikarn (Thailand) - Club Med Finolhu Villas
  14. Chloe Lambertt and Madison Luxe (Australia) – Gili Lankanfushi
    Chloe Lambertt and Madison Luxe (Australia) - Gili Lankanfushi
  15. Stella Huang (China) – Outrigger Konotta
    Stella Huang (China) - Outrigger Konotta
  16. Erika Myriam (USA) – Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
    Erika Myriam (USA) – Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
  17. Nana Lee (China) – W Maldives
    Nana Lee (China) - W Retreat
  18. Janine Wiggert (Germany) – Constance Halaveli
    Janine Wiggert (Germany) – Constance Halaveli
  19. Azura Mermaid – (Maldives) – OZEN Atmosphere – [BELOW]

Mermaids of the Maldives

The Surfing Mermaids Mystical Maldivian Adventure from The Perfect Wave on Vimeo.

One of the most iconic heralds of the summer season is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade today. Of course, every day is “summer” in the Maldives..and as it turns out “mermaids” might be just as prevalent.

In fact, if you would like to join in the anthropoichthys antics, check out…

Maldives Complete has captured a few elusive shots of these mystical maritime maidens…

1. Janni Hönscheid and Sylvi Bódi (Germany) – Coke Island
Mermaid - Janni Honscheid and Sylvi Bodi
2. Mystery MermaidEmbudu
Embudu - Mystery Mermaid
3. Amanda Jayne (United Kingdom) – Finolhu
mermaid-amanda-jayne

4.
Hannah Fraser (United Kingdom)
Mermaid - Hannah Fraser
5. Lauren Arthur (United Kingdom) – Eriyadu
Amilla Fushi - Lauren Arthur mermaid
6. Punchita Kuakulpitak (Thailand) – Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi - Punchita Kuakulpitak mermaid
7. Daryl “Splash” Hannah (USA) – Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi - Daryl Hannah mermaid
8. Rose in Wonderland (United Kingdom) – Hulhumale
Hulhumale - Rose in Wonderland
9. Pippin Willow (United Kingdom) – Finolhu
Finolhu - Pippin Willow mermaid
10. Wendy Bella (USA) – Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses Laamu - Wendy Bella
11. Seow Peh (Malaysia) – Angsana Velavaru
Angsana Velavaru - Seow Peh mermaid
12. Ariel (Under da’ Sea) – Jumeirah Dhevanafushi
Jumeirah Dhevanafushi - Ariel
13. Golden Mermaid (Russia)
Mermaid - Golden
14. Sjana Elise Earp (Australia) – Amilla Fushi
Amilla Fushi - Sjana Elise Earp mermaid
15. Aimee Juliette (Indonesia) – Coco Palm Bodu Hithi
Coco Palm Bodu Hithi - Aimee Juliette mermaid
16. Claire Chanelle (United Kingdom) – Velassaru
Velassaru - Claire Chanelle mermaid
17. Katrin “Mermaid Kat” Feltin (Australia) – Vilamendoo
Vilamendoo - Katrin Feltin mermaid
18. Thomas Becks’ Mermaid (Switzerrland) – Huvadhoo
Huvadhoo - Thomas Becks mermaid
19. Jessieann Lachowski (Canada) – Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru - Jessieann Lachowski mermaid
20. Mermaid Teens (United Kingdom) – Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru - Mermaid teens

14 Mer’Maids A’swimming…

Snorkeller

Under the Maldives waters, you can spot all manner of beautiful creatures. And I’m not just talking about the fish and animals. We are now half way through the “12 Days of Christmas” (the twelve day period between Christmas and Epiphany on 6th January). The song which immortalised it gave away “6 Swans a Swimming” followed by “8 Maids a Milking”. This collection is more like “14 Mermaids Swimming”…

1. Alison Teal (USA) Eco-blogger – Dusit Thani
Dusit Thani - Alison Teal
2. Katerina Hamsikova (Ireland) Freediver – Ayada
Ayada - Katerina Hamsikova

3. Jean Carmela (Australia) Travel Blogger – Maafushivaru
Maafushivaru - Jean Carmela

4. Amy Williams (United Kingdom) Olympic Champion– Baros
Baros - Amy Williams
5. Monlada Pongpanit (Thailand) Designer – Anantara Kihavah
Anantara Kihavah Villas - Monlada Pongpanit
6. Rosie Londoner (United Kingdom) Lifestyle Blogger– One & Only Reethi Rah
One and Only Reethi Rah - Rosie Londoner
7. Emma Alexa (United Kingdom) Model – Baros
Baros - Emma Alexa
8. Gabrielle Lopes Costa (Brazil) Lifestyle Blogger – Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru - Gabrielle Lopes Costa
9. Yvonne Melby Schulze (Norway) Instagrammer – White Shell Beach Inn Maafushi
White Shell Beach Inn Maafushi - Yvonne Melby Schulze
10. Viki Maldives (Russia) Maldives VloggerAnantara Dhigu
Anantara Dhigu - Vik Voynikova - snorkel
11. Yulianna Karaulova (Russia) Singer – Kurumba
Kurumba - Yulianna Karaulova
12. Melanie Kyle Oldenburg (Australia) Model – Olhuveli
Olhuveli - Melanie Kyle Oldenburg
13. Chelsea Yamase (USA) Pro Surfer – Shangri-La Vilingili
Shanri-La Villingli - Chelsea Yamase
14. Raphaelle Chaudet (France) Instagrammer – Medhufushi
Medhufushi - Raphaelle Chaudet

Best of the Maldives: Mermaid Photo Point – Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi - mermaid photoshoot point

As Fashion Week has shown, there is nothing like just the right setting and backdrop to “make” a photo. When I was selecting shots for the photoshoot posts, I strong favoured shots by the water (only 2 of the 52 shots were not by the water). The ocean is what engulfs and defines the Maldives.

The “wading into the lagoon” is a popular pose (as is lying down an wallowing in the shallows), but then a part of yourself is submerged and hidden. If you want to set yourself apart, the Ocean Pearls of Jumeirah Dhevanafushi happens to have a random out-cropping of rock between a couple of the water villas. It is easy wading/swimming from to get to it where it provides an ideal mermaidesque posing platform jutting out of the sea.

So for those channelling your inner-Ariels (or if you are very lucky, maybe one of the Maldives’ own extremely rare indigenous mermaids – see reported snap below – might just perch there themselves).

Maldives mermaid