The Mer-people’s Songs: Mermaid Beach Resort

There I was, my head lying on the most comfortable pillow, my eyes closed and my mind being serenaded by a cool breeze energised by the sea, bringing in the fragrance of an unending ocean. A slightly opened eye revealed a vista where a sky dressed itself in its finest stars for a date with the sea decked out in its partner's reflection. Where the moon shone like a gem on a crown, the many traditional 'sampan' boats dotted the sea. 

By Osama Rahman

Where their kiss began and where it ended could not be told. 

They were in perfect harmony; made for each other. I was but a silent mystified observer to their encounter, an encounter best witnessed in the lap of luxury known as Mermaid Beach Resort. 

Mermaid Beach Resort is perhaps one of the only of its kind to offer an international resort experience right here in Bangladesh. A garlanded welcome is followed by a flurry of unending activities. Have your welcome drink and walk right into Mermaid's private beach, one far away from the maddening crowd, unblemished by the rubbish that marks every tourist spot.

For yards, there are only a few people to be seen. We got the chance to sit with the brains behind it all, Mr Anisul Haque Chowdhury, Managing Director, Mermaid Eco-Tourism Ltd. We first wanted to know the security measures. "The secluded beach is constantly manned by a 40 member security team. There are lifeguards who blend into the background, waiting to be emerge whenever required," he said.  

Before you can go into your luxurious choice of room, you cannot help but spy the activity around you. The restaurant is the first place you see and the tantalising smells draw you right in. 

Mr Anisul also spoke about the freshness of the food. "The food is prepared using ingredients fresh off the sea or from Mermaid's very own organic garden, which provides 60 percent of all the vegetables prepared," he informed, guaranteeing the health aspect of everything served.  

Here, everything tastes different; fresher, purer and with a much more powerful taste. The food here can be described as having a soul. Even the fruit cocktails pack a punch. There is a hint of sugar but the sweetness seems natural. 

The fish are bigger, the shrimps larger and at a one point you actually begin to judge your own gluttony; but who does not want to celebrate just a little? After all, what happens in Cox's Bazaar stays in Cox's Bazaar, right? 

The restaurant proper is located right in front of a lagoon, which is the water body right before the main beach. A lone kayak bumps in the flowing water, moving up and down, slowly, lulling you into a trance which is partly seduction. How can you say no? So you walk up to it and sit down, eyeing the blue before you. Are you ready? Have you ever done this? Do you want to? Those questions do not need answering. 

Out of nowhere, a friendly face pops up and tells you exactly what to do and how to row. You cannot swim or cannot swim well enough, but here you are, on a Kayak, channelling your inner Bear Grylls, although you never knew one existed. This of course is only one of the activities Mr. Anisul told us of. 

Paddle down, one push in the water and off you go, kayaking like this is what you were born to do. The breeze just adds to the confidence. The skies tell you that you can do it. The water carries you and you float away, suspended between the sky and ground which lies underneath all that water. 

While it is easy to get lost here, there's a room and unfelt comfort awaiting. You can take a bicycle from the cycle stand and make your way to your choice of room. The choices, too, are seemingly endless. 

If you want proximity to the beach, then opt for the Beach Bungalows or Beach Villas which boast one large bedroom and are located almost a minute away from the beach. The price for these ranges between Tk 11,000-15,000++ per night. 

The spacious 2 bedroom beach villas will cost around Tk 12,000++ per night. To pamper yourself further, why not opt for the one bedroom Beach villa with a hot tub and a living room? For Tk 35,000++ a night, it's all yours. 

But what if you like the beach but would like a closer and less salty source of water to while away in? That's where the Pool Suites come into play. 

The Pool Suites line a 120 ft long infinity pool which is 12 ft wide and 4 ft deep. This is accessible only for those who live in the Pool Suites so its privacy is pretty unmatched. 

Each of the accommodation comes with all the modern amenities but more importantly, you can take your pick depending on whether you are coming alone, as a couple or with family or friends. There's something for everybody. 

The helpful staff will also aid you in making plans outside the resort. From telling you where to go to arranging the transport, the Mermaid team, comprised of 70 percent locals, are there to make your trip the best one possible. 

If you want, they can plan a hiking trip for you which ends with a picnic right on the hills at such a point which offers a 360 view of Cox's Bazaar in all its glory. Or you can go moonboarding, taking a boat out to picnic right in the heart of the ocean. Or how about a flowery, romantic candlelight dinner right on the beach? Yes, that is possible too. All you need to do is ask. 

On full moons there are light and sound shows to celebrate the magnificence. To sum up, there's more to do than you possible can!

What will strike you the most though is how the resort is made. How the concrete structures negotiate the paths of greenery without affecting them. The pristine naturalness has been preserved to the best of the ability of the visionaries behind the project. 

Finally, we wanted to know where it all began. "Mermaid started operations in 2004, solely with a beach shack. Even then, the idea was to work with nature and for nature," Mr. Anisul explained. He spoke of his time travelling around the world and how he noticed what the tourism industry in Bangladesh was missing. "I wanted to bring those elements here," he said.  The Mermaid brand has done just that, forging an affinity between the beach and the beach lovers. Mermaid strives to not only preserve the beauty of Cox's Bazaar but also to showcase it, along with the hospitality that people of Bangladesh are famous for. 

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Special thanks to Mahfuzur Rahman, GM, Mermaid Eco Tourism Ltd