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Trend Watch: Calling All Aspiring Mermaids!

By Harlisha Homer January 12, 2016
Trend watch in hotels: Mermaid lessons. That's right... mermaids!

As you are aware, many hotels are now destinations in themselves, with a slew of family activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained. At some properties, families never even have to leave the grounds, with activity options that are so plentiful and varied. And now, in a growing trend, some hotels are offering mermaid lessons as an entertainment option for their guests.

What’s in a mermaid lesson? Well, most providers offer a mermaid tail to rent (and, in some cases, a shark’s fin), as well as trained professional instructors. Guests should be great swimmers who are ready for a fun experience! And, as you can imagine, advance booking is highly recommended.

We found a few hotels that are offering full-fledged mermaid lessons. 

Guests at Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key, FL, can join the mer-world at Hawks Cay with undersea lessons offered at various points throughout the year. Lessons are offered to kids and magically-minded adults, and the one-hour session should be booked in advance. Mermaid tails or shark fins can be rented for a nominal fee, and are available for purchase. And finally, a photographer is present at sessions to offer a photographic memento of your child’s undersea excursion!

A similar experience is offered at Sheraton Vistana Villages, Orlando, FL. Mermaid and shark swim classes are currently offered to hotel guests weekly throughout the year. Fin rental, expert lesson and photo are all included in the class fee.

The Oceana Resorts in Myrtle Beach, SC, offers the Ripley’s Mermaid Training during their summer activities program. During the program, led by Ripley’s Mermaids, (from Ripley’s Aquarium) young guests have an opportunity to swim in a mermaid tail, learn tricks, and play mermaid games underwater and above water. Another fun part of this program is that young guests can create their own mermaid name and make their own mermaid-themed gift. And finally, every participant receives a certificate of recognition – making them a true mermaid! The members of the Oceana Resorts that provide mermaid training are Anderson Ocean Club, Camelot by the Sea, The Patricia Grand, and Bay Watch Resort.

Boca Raton Resort and Club, Boca Raton, FL, offers holiday camps for aspiring mermaids (or mer-men). The week-long, part-day camps provide one hour of mermaid lessons per day, as well as two hours of crafts and games. The camps are offered seasonally to hotel guests for an additional fee, which includes fin rental. Check with the hotel for the next camp opportunity offered around spring break.

The trend is also growing internationally. The Viceroy Anguilla, for instance, invites guests to escape into the mythical world of mermaids with multi-level classes that are geared toward helping kids improve their swimming skills and gaining confidence in the water. Classes are open to kids ages six and up, and adult classes are also available. Guests can choose from a one-time mermaid experience, a four or seven swim course or a pool/beach photo or video shoot. Shark fins are available also, and the classes are $50 per child/hour or $30 for 30 min.

Also of note, the above mentioned Hawks Cay Resort, Boca Raton Resort, and Sheraton Vistana Villages all partner with a Florida-based company called The Mermaid Academy to provide the lessons to their guests. This company offers lessons at multiple Florida-area hotels, with varying activities and schedules. Click here to see an extended list of hotels providing mermaid lessons in partnership with The Mermaid Academy.

Have you noticed that most of the US locations for hotel mermaid lessons are on the east coast, particularly in Florida? As noted earlier, this is a growing trend in the United States. So, while not offered at many vacation spots in the U.S. just yet, a simple internet search of "mermaid lessons" will yield results listing private providers from across the country - many of which are being incorporated at swim schools. 

Mermaid lessons.... what's your vote? Yea or nay? We'd love to hear what you think!