Underwater Photography & Modeling Retreat With Hannah Mermaid & Brett Stanley Siren Sanctuary ~ Costa Rica OCTOBER 2027- 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 16.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
About The Instructor
Hannah Fraser pioneered the career of the freelance professional mermaid in 2003, transforming a childhood dream into a globally recognized vocation that has captivated audiences through ocean conservation, underwater performance, and breathtaking visual storytelling.
For more than two decades, she has fused art, adventure, conservation, and immersive experiences into an inspiring platform for environmental awareness and human connection.
Known worldwide as Hannah Mermaid, she has appeared in Netflix’s MerPeople, the Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Animal Planet, and numerous films, documentaries, advertising campaigns, and television productions.
From graceful encounters with whales and manta rays to intimate moments with dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles, Hannah’s mesmerizing underwater performances have inspired millions to see the ocean not as a distant resource, but as a living world worthy of our wonder and protection.
Her work has supported conservation campaigns for manta rays, sharks, dolphins, and whales, using beauty, awe, and emotional storytelling to inspire lasting care for the natural world.
A lifelong artist, ocean explorer, and freediver, Hannah is internationally renowned for creating extraordinary underwater imagery that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. She has performed at international festivals, luxury resorts, aquariums, environmental initiatives, and high-profile events, collaborating with filmmakers, photographers, conservation organizations, tourism boards, and global brands.
Hannah is also the founder of Siren Sanctuary Retreat Center in Costa Rica, where she leads transformational retreats and workshops that help people reconnect with their creativity, confidence, and the magic of the natural world. Guided by the belief that people protect what they love, she creates unforgettable experiences that awaken awe, deepen connection, and inspire meaningful action for our living planet.
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 2027 – 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 (7). Welcome & Farewell dinners (2). 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) : $2700 per person
Single occupancy VIP : $4900 per room
All rooms include a private bathroom and kitchen access.
$1000 deposit to confirm booking. Final payment due 2 weeks prior to retreat.
* Special Discount Deal *
Triple friend occupancy (Shared room) : $1900 per person
(This room can only be booked by 3 friends together at the same time 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: $2700 + $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.
MAKE SURE TO BOOK TO THE CORRECT AIRPORT! USE THE ‘SJO’ AIRPORT CODE TO AVOID CONFUSION.
TRAVEL AGENT: If you need travel booking assistance please contact our friendly travel agent Sherene at www.ShelloTravels.com
EMAIL: Hannahmermaid@gmail.comto dive in, and confirm your personal VIP getaway to The Siren Sanctuary!
SIREN SANCTUARY RETREAT
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 leaders Dakota Fox and Hannah Mermaid.
Sound of the Siren is a 7 day immersive retreat experience designed to reconnect you with that original frequency, beneath conditioning, performance, and the social conditioning of palatability.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 frequencieswith Meg Kelley and Hannah Mermaid.
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!
SIREN SANCTUARY VENUE
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.
