Stunning Le Méridien Maldives Chosen for New SSI Skill Videos

Le-Meridien-Maldives

August 2025 marks an exciting milestone for SSI as the world’s leading business-based dive training agency launches a multi-week video shoot at the breathtaking Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, in partnership with Sub Oceanic Maldives. The project will produce a fresh collection of high-quality scuba training videos, brand visuals, and lifestyle content to be shared across SSI’s global platforms.

But this is more than just a shoot. It is a powerful collaboration that brings together luxury travel, elite dive training, and world-class production to promote diversity in the diving community and reimagine the future of underwater education.

Le Méridien Maldives: A Natural Fit for SSI’s Vision

Located in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives is a chic, eco-conscious island sanctuary surrounded by 50 world-class dive sites. Its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life made it the natural choice for SSI’s latest production.

But it is not just about the beauty. The decision to partner with Le Méridien Maldives reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, education, and high-end travel experiences.

The resort’s General Manager, Thomas Schult, shared:

“We are honoured to be selected by SSI as the location for their new training videos. Le Méridien Maldives offers a truly inspiring backdrop, where crystal-clear waters surround a vibrant house reef teeming with marine life.

Our naturally formed island is home to a flourishing marine ecosystem, making it an ideal setting for professional dive content and for guests looking to discover the beauty of the underwater world.”

SSI selected Le Méridien Maldives as the backdrop for this large-scale production not only for its stunning natural beauty but also because of its shared commitment to marine education, ocean conservation, and exceptional dive experiences.

The resort’s operating philosophy aligns seamlessly with SSI’s mission, making it the ideal partner for this project. Guests at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa can immerse themselves in the underwater world through curated diving and snorkeling experiences offered by Sub Oceanic Maldives - the on-site dive center and proud SSI Training Center.

Discover more about Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa →

SSI + Sub Oceanic Maldives = A Collaboration Rooted in Excellence

At the heart of this exciting collaboration is Sub Oceanic Maldives, a premier SSI Training Center renowned for its expertise, professionalism, and immersive guest experiences. Their team is assisting with logistics, underwater shooting coordination, location selection, and safety management throughout the entire production.

Florian Gansl, Sub Oceanic Maldives’ Head of Operations, shared:

“Sub Oceanic Maldives is incredibly grateful for the trust of SSI to execute such a huge Video Project. Our biggest concern from the beginning was that the vast number of turtles at Le Méridien Maldives House Reef might swim too often through the scenes. We very much appreciate that the SSI Production Team is willing to take that risk!”

This partnership goes beyond surface-level support. Two Sub Oceanic instructors - Alejandro Embid Ruiz de Conejo and Chun-Ping “Pyng” Lin - are also starring in the video shoot, further proving the depth of talent within the Sub Oceanic team.

Their local insight and technical skills ensure that every moment captured on film reflects the real-world quality of SSI's educational programs - delivered with clarity, elegance, and authenticity.

Learn more about Sub Oceanic Maldives →

Meet the Models: SSI Professionals Chosen from Around the Globe

Earlier this year, SSI issued a global casting call open to SSI Instructors worldwide. The response was overwhelming. The goal was to find models who are passionate about diving, skilled at demonstrating techniques, and eager to inspire others by reflecting diverse backgrounds, ages, and genders.

After reviewing applications from dozens of countries, six outstanding SSI Professionals were selected to participate in the shoot. These individuals represent the diversity, passion, and skill of the global dive professional community SSI was looking for - and now, they are about to become the new faces of SSI training.

Meet the Cast:

• Alejandro Embid (Alex), 29 – Spain, SSI Open Water Instructor
• Kornel Toth, 47 – Hungary, SSI Divemaster Instructor
• Gordos Mateo Gojunco, 42 – Philippines, SSI Instructor Trainer & Certifier
• Sita Angela Jaekel, 35 – Indonesia, SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer, XR Instructor
• Chun-Ping “Pyng” Lin,  37 – Taiwan, SSI Master Instructor
• Jacinta Kimani, 29 – Kenya, SSI Open Water Instructor

Each model brings a unique perspective and cultural background to the project. Whether it is Gordos’ years of teaching across Asia, Jacinta’s fresh perspective from East Africa, or Sita’s deep passion for inclusive dive education in Indonesia, each brings something unique to the table.

Together, they reflect what SSI stands for: a truly global community of passionate, professional educators.

What the Shoot Includes

The shoot is focused on capturing three primary categories of content:

1. Skill Demonstration Videos

From mask clearing to buoyancy control, all the essential scuba skills will be recorded in high-resolution detail - designed to replace and enhance all existing SSI training materials. These videos will be used across SSI's global platforms to support beginner, advanced, and specialty courses.

2. Real Diving Footage

SSI aims to capture inspiring lifestyle photos that feature stunning reef dives, thrilling wreck dives, and exciting encounters with marine life. The natural beauty of the Maldives will provide a visually exciting backdrop for new lifestyle images that capture the essence of being an SSI diver.

3. Lifestyle & Surface Content

Beyond the dive, the shoot will also capture the whole dive travel experience - from boat preparation and pre-dive briefings to post-dive relaxation, resort moments, and group camaraderie. This content will be useful in enhancing SSI's message through their marketing, website, and promotional channels.

Ready to explore more? Discover the idyllic northern atolls - including Lhaviyani - where crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and unforgettable dives await.

Follow Along for A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

While the final videos will reflect SSI’s polished, professional brand image, the shoot itself is an all-hands-on-deck production. SSI’s media and training teams, alongside Sub Oceanic’s staff, are working together daily to choreograph dives, capture ideal conditions, and coordinate schedules across multiple sites.

The team is also documenting behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, and stories that will be shared after the shoot concludes - offering the SSI community a chance to see the people, passion, and planning that go into every frame.

Expect to see teaser clips, Instagram Reels, and exclusive sneak peeks that will share the joy and camaraderie of what being an SSI professional is all about. Until then, SSI invites its community to follow along online, meet the models, and share in the excitement.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Dive Education

This project is more than just a visual update for SSI. It is part of a long-term strategy to modernize dive education and support SSI’s global network of professionals with engaging, up-to-date content.

The collaboration with Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and Sub Oceanic Maldives showcases what is possible when world-class training meets world-class hospitality and dive operations. It is a shared vision: one that blends luxury travel, marine education, and immersive storytelling to attract and inspire the next generation of divers.

Stay Tuned for Updates and Behind-the-Scenes Content

Want to be the first to see the new videos and behind-the-scenes moments? Follow @divessi on Instagram and visit divessi.com to stay connected as the Le Méridien Maldives project unfolds.

About SSI:

Scuba Schools International (SSI) is one of the world’s largest professional dive training organizations. With a presence in over 150 countries and more than 4,000 international training centers, SSI offers comprehensive programs from beginner to professional level - all built around the highest standards of quality, safety, and flexibility.

About Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa:

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is an idyllic escape situated on Thilamaafushi Island in Lhaviyani Atoll. The resort is a Five Star eco-conscious sanctuary boasting 134 villas with breathtaking views, abundant with lush flora and fauna, all surrounded by a glistening lagoon with a 1 km long coral reef teeming with marine life. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a playful sanctuary for the curious and creative traveler to discover the European spirit of savoring the good life. Cultural and lifestyle programs celebrate the art of travel and the essence of the destination, while four restaurants and two bars provide a variety of culinary experiences to awaken your senses and encourage you to linger longer. Connect with Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa on Facebook (@lemeridienmaldives) and Instagram (@lemeridienmaldives) and visit lemeridien-maldives.com.

About Sub Oceanic Maldives:

A trusted name in Maldivian diving, Sub Oceanic offers personalized dive experiences, SSI training courses, and expert local guidance to divers of all levels. Their team of multilingual instructors is dedicated to safety, sustainability, and unforgettable underwater experiences.