Underwater Photography & Modeling Retreat With Hannah Mermaid & Brett Stanley Siren Sanctuary ~ Costa Rica OCTOBER 2026- DATES TBD FOR EXPERIENCED AND ASPIRING MODELS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Join Brett Stanley & Hannah Mermaid for 7...
MERMAID MASTERCLASS
Master the Art of Underwater Modelling
Hannah Fraser ~ Professional Mermaid & Ocean Activist ~
Offering invaluable coaching, workshops & retreats teaching the essential techniques of underwater modeling.
Hannah will guide you through:
Breathwork, Stretching & Movement: Designed to improve underwater performance for modeling, diving & swimming.
Flowing mermaid movement to open lungs, ribcage and heart.
Body isolations
Breath hold
How to swim with Mermaid Tails & Dresses for underwater modeling.
Tips and tricks.
Buoyancy regulation with air release
Hair management and flow
Eyes, ears, nose underwater care tips
Face expressions & mouth relaxation
Body posture & posing underwater
Makeup tips
Managing fabric and dresses underwater
Water/free diving uw safety (shallow water blackout, dangers)
Learn how to work with underwater photographers to produce high-quality images and video.
Note:No experience is necessary, but you must be able to swim and be comfortable in 9ft/3m of water. Mermaid Tails are optional, but any other dress or outfit is totally fine. Minimum age is 10.
About The Instructor
Hannah Mermaid has been featured worldwide for her underwater ocean conservation and performance art, creating her own spectacular tails, performing for film, music videos, campaigns, photo shoots, public speaking events, festivals & environmental actions. She swims with sharks, whales dolphins, seals, turtles, rays and more in the open ocean. Hannah can hold her breath for minutes at a time and freedive to depths of over 50 feet. She broke records as the first person to dance with Tiger Sharks on the ocean floor with no scuba or snorkel gear, and was part of an activist group who paddled out to protect dolphins from slaughter in the academy award winning film ’The Cove’. She released a short film called Mantas Last Dance that propelled Manta rays into the public eye and helped pass a law to protect mantas worldwide. She is an advocate for ocean protection, female empowerment, animal conservation and universal love!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
UW PHOTOGRAPHY & MODELING RETREAT 2027
Underwater Photography & Modeling Retreat
With Hannah Mermaid & Brett Stanley
Siren Sanctuary~ Costa Rica
OCTOBER 2026- DATES TBD
FOR EXPERIENCED AND ASPIRING MODELS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Join Brett Stanley & Hannah Mermaid for 7 daysof training in U/W Photography & Modeling.
Shoot underwater like a pro. Model with grace beneath the waves. Create iconic underwater images.
Learn from the legends. Underwater skills, unlocked. Dive into your dream portfolio!
You’ve felt the pull of the ocean. You crave beauty, creative expression, and deep connection – not just pretty pictures, but images that tell your story, elevate your craft, and bring your soul to life.Welcome to the Mermaid Masterclass at the Siren Sanctuary Retreat. An unforgettable, immersive week with Hannah Mermaid and Brett Stanley ~ world-class artists ready to guide you through the depths – both creative and personal.
But maybe you’re stuck… 🔹 Struggling to create a standout modeling or photography portfolio 🔹 Feeling uninspired by the same old shoots or studio sessions 🔹 Wanting to break into underwater work, but unsure how to begin 🔹 Longing for a supportive, aligned community of creatives who get it 🔹 Ready to be seen, celebrated, and guided by mentors at the top of their field
🎯 What You’ll Experience:
Daily Underwater Photo Sessions in warm, crystal-clear Caribbean waters with expert direction
Specialized Coaching in Breathwork, Movement, and Underwater Posing
Professional, High-Quality Images to elevate your portfolio or brand presence
Ocean Adventures to secret beaches, reefs, and tropical jungle backdrops
Deep Creative Community of like-minded photographers, models, and mermaids
Plant-Based Wellness Cuisine, luxurious accommodations, and nature immersion
This isn’t just a retreat. It’s a transformation.
By the end of the week, you’ll leave with: ✅ A next-level portfolio ✅ New creative tools for underwater and coastal photography ✅ Deeper embodiment, presence, and confidence in front of the camera ✅ Real, soulful friendships and a support network of fellow creatives ✅ A renewed connection to nature, beauty, and your inner magic
🌊 If you’re ready to move from stuck to shining, from uncertain to unforgettable – this is your invitation.
✨ Only a few spots available for this intimate, curated experience.
📍 Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica 📅 OCTOBER 2026 – Dates TBD 📥 EMail Hannahmermaid@gmail.com to join the waitlist
What’s Included:
7 days, 6 nights accommodation
All tuition, classes, and activities
Yoga, Breathwork, Vitality Practices
UW Photography tutorials
Underwater Movement & Modeling Class
Ocean boat snorkel outing
Underwater shoot
Sunset Beach portrait photoshoot
Visit to the famous Animal Rescue Center
Complementary push bikes
Breakfasts provided + 1 welcome + 1 farewell dinner. For other meals you are free to visit your choice of many local, affordable healthy restaurants for meals, or purchase food from the nearby supermarket to cook in your own self-contained kitchen at the retreat center
Why Models Love This Retreat:
👑 Train with Hannah Mermaid – With over 22 years of experience modeling underwater in oceans, rivers, waterfalls, shipwrecks, cenotes, and pools around the globe, Hannah Mermaid brings a rare depth of wisdom to every session. She’s worked on major films, conservation campaigns, and epic fine art shoots – and now she’s here to teach you.
💫 Master the Art of Breath & Movement – Learn Hannah’s signature techniques for long breath holds, effortless floating, body awareness, and emotional expression beneath the surface.
📸 Look Confident, Even Underwater – From managing buoyancy to relaxing your face and eyes in water, she’ll teach you the pro secrets that help you look natural, powerful, and radiant in every shot.
🧜♀️ Become a Merperson, Not Just a Model – This is not just about posing – it’s about embodying a story. Hannah shows you how to connect with the camera, the ocean, and your own creative magic to make images that move people.
🧠 Learn What Works (and What Doesn’t) – With hard-won tips from hundreds of underwater shoots, Hannah shares exactly what it takes to stay calm, conserve energy, and adapt to any water conditions – so you can shine in front of the lens every time.
🌴 Shoot Daily in Paradise – With expert support, stunning costumes, and vibrant natural settings, you’ll build a professional underwater portfolio that opens doors and ignites your confidence.
🧜🏽♀️ Hannah Mermaid
Why Photographers Love This Retreat:
🔧 Hands-On Technical Training – You’ll get daily in-water coaching from Brett Stanley, who has spent over a decade perfecting the art of underwater portrait photography. Learn camera settings, housings, lighting techniques, and lens choices that work reliably underwater.
⚙️ Troubleshooting Made Simple – Brett breaks down the tricky stuff – foggy domes, focus issues, motion blur, strobe placement, working with natural light, and model direction – so you can confidently shoot underwater in any conditions.
💡 Creative Concept Development – Go beyond the gear and into artistic storytelling. Brett guides you through crafting dreamy, dynamic underwater sets that bring your vision to life.
🌊 Model Training Included – Work with Hannah Mermaid and other trained underwater models who know how to pose, stay relaxed, and make your images sing – no more awkward shoots with inexperienced talent.
🏝 Epic Locations = Limitless Shots – Between our rainforest-lined beaches, clear Caribbean water, and custom shoots at the Siren Sanctuary’s tropical oasis, you’ll leave with an incredible portfolio and new creative direction.
🎥 You’ll Learn:
Camera housing & maintenance
Underwater focus & exposure settings
Working with natural light & strobes
Safety protocols for models & photographers
Direction & flow during underwater shoots
Shooting in pools vs ocean environments
Post-processing & color correction for underwater images
This isn’t just a retreat – it’s a masterclass. You’ll gain the practical knowledge and artistic confidence to start booking underwater sessions and stand out in a saturated photography market.
🎯 Only a small group of photographers and models will be accepted to ensure personalized instruction. Let’s get your gear in the water and your work to the next level.
📸 Brett Stanley
Retreat Costs:
Double occupancy (Shared room) : $2500 per person
Single occupancy VIP : $4200 per room
All rooms include a private bathroom and kitchen access.
$1000 deposit to confirm booking. Final payment due by Oct 1st.
* Special Discount Deal *
Triple friend occupancy (Shared room) : $1900 per person
(This room can only be booked by 3 people together as a group booking to gain the triple discount)
Siren Sanctuary Payment Policy
All retreat purchases are 100% non-refundable upon purchase. If for any reason you are unable to attend, we do not issue refunds. You are highly encouraged to purchase CFAR (cancel for any reason insurance) in case anything should prevent you from attending.
💰 PAYMENT OPTIONS:
PLEASE NOTE: Any additional charges by the payments systems must be added by you to the retreat cost upon purchasing. Most merchants charge 3.5%
FULL PAYMENT – Double Shared Room: $2500 + $70 transfer fee
FULL PAYMENT – VIP Single Room: $4900 + $120 transfer fee
SIREN SANCTUARY VENUE
Nestled in the lush tropical landscape of Playa Chiquita, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, the Siren Sanctuary Retreat Center offers a serene escape where modern comfort blends seamlessly with the beauty of the Caribbean coast. At the heart of the sanctuary is the Mermaid yoga and dance center, an architecturally stunning space featuring a two-story vaulted ceiling and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. This light-filled haven inspires peace, creativity, and connection to nature, serving as the perfect venue for yoga, dance, and group workshops.
The sanctuary’s location, just five minutes from pristine beaches, provides easy access to crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the sand. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in transformative experiences of vocal activations, group singing, cacao offerings, mermaid swimming, underwater image creation, yoga, and dance, all designed to foster a deeper connection to the ocean, wildlife, and themselves. By integrating these enriching activities, the Siren Sanctuary cultivates a community of like-minded individuals inspired by mindfulness and nature.
Accommodations:
At the center of the sanctuary is a shared pool, ideal for cooling off or unwinding with a tropical smoothie while soaking in the jungle’s serene ambiance. The Caribbean-style architecture, vibrant gardens, and tranquil atmosphere create a luxurious yet welcoming environment for rest and rejuvenation.
Designed to host up to 16 guests, the Siren Sanctuary features three tropical bungalows, the Mermaid Temple + Mezzanine, and two stylish Studio apartments, offering a total of eight private, newly renovated rooms. Each room includes air-conditioning, private access, a kitchenette, and an elegant bathroom. Surrounded by lush gardens, these accommodations are thoughtfully designed to provide privacy, comfort, and tranquility, making them the perfect retreat after a day of activities.
Spacious wooden decks connect the property’s indoor and outdoor living areas, offering inviting spaces for yoga, meditation, or simply lounging. With filtered chilled and hot water on tap and fully equipped amenities, this property is luxury in a relaxed setting.
The Siren Sanctuary Retreat Center is a purpose-built haven in the lush Caribbean of Costa Rica, dedicated to hosting intimate, heart-centered retreats & holidays that awaken connection to self, community, and nature. Nestled where the rainforest meets the sea, we offer a sanctuary for healing, creativity, embodiment, and spiritual growth. Through movement, breath, nature immersion, and soul-nourishing experiences, our mission is to support lasting transformation, inspire conscious living, and deepen our love for the natural world.
7 days of ocean swims, nature excursions, art & mermaid training, healing rituals, and heart-centered practices designed to reconnect you to joy, purpose, and community.
7 days of ocean swims, nature excursions, music and movement sessions, healing rituals,and heart-centered practices designed to reconnect you to joy, purpose, and community with Heartshine event leader Dakota Fox and Hannah Mermaid.
7 days of vocal activation, underwater expression, nature excursions, music and movement sessions, healing rituals,and heart-centered practices designed to reconnect you to joy, purpose, and community with Meg Kelley and Hannah Mermaid.
Sound of the Siren is an immersive retreat experience designed to reconnect you with that original frequency. The one that lives beneath conditioning, beneath performance, beneath the social conditioning of palatability.Set in the lush, ocean-charged energy of Puerto Viejo, this experience weaves together expressing your true resonance through vocal frequency activation, underwater embodiment, and fluid movement in one powerful, integrated journey. This is a practice in remembering our sovereign expression through somatic and harmonic frequencies.
Join Brett Stanley & Hannah Mermaid for 7 daysof training in U/W Photography & Modeling. ~ Shoot underwater like a pro. Model with grace beneath the waves. Create iconic underwater images. Learn from the legends. Underwater skills, unlocked. Dive into your dream portfolio!
In the lush tropical landscape of Playa Chiquita, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, the Siren Sanctuary Retreat Center offers a serene escape where modern comfort blends seamlessly with the beauty of the Caribbean coast. At the heart of the sanctuary is the Mermaid yoga and dance center, an architecturally stunning space featuring a two-story vaulted ceiling and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. This light-filled haven inspires peace, creativity, and connection to nature, serving as the perfect venue for yoga, dance, and group workshops.
The sanctuary’s location, just five minutes from pristine beaches, provides easy access to crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the sand. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in transformative experiences of vocal activations, group singing, cacao offerings, mermaid swimming, underwater image creation, yoga, and dance, all designed to foster a deeper connection to the ocean, wildlife, and themselves. By integrating these enriching activities, the Siren Sanctuary cultivates a community of like-minded individuals inspired by mindfulness and nature.
Accommodations:
At the center of the sanctuary is a shared pool, ideal for cooling off or unwinding with a tropical smoothie while soaking in the jungle’s serene ambiance. The Caribbean-style architecture, vibrant gardens, and tranquil atmosphere create a luxurious yet welcoming environment for rest and rejuvenation.
Designed to host up to 16 guests, the Siren Sanctuary features three tropical bungalows, the Mermaid Temple + Mezzanine, and two stylish Studio apartments, offering a total of eight private, newly renovated rooms. Each room includes air-conditioning, private access, a kitchenette, and an elegant bathroom. Surrounded by lush gardens, these accommodations are thoughtfully designed to provide privacy, comfort, and tranquility, making them the perfect retreat after a day of activities.
Spacious wooden decks connect the property’s indoor and outdoor living areas, offering inviting spaces for yoga, meditation, or simply lounging. With filtered chilled and hot water on tap and fully equipped amenities, this property is luxury in a relaxed setting.
