Max Salvador captured attention as a deckhand in Below Deck Mediterranean Season 8, and fans are eager for updates on his life after the show. Max made his debut in the scenic city of Genoa, Italy, completing the Mustique crew alongside colleagues Lara Du Preez, Haleigh Gorman, and Bosun Luka Brunton. However, he soon discovered that this yachting venture differed greatly from his past experiences, primarily due to language challenges.
Although Max brought four years of yachting experience to the table, he found communicating in English to be a significant hurdle. His crewmates, especially Haleigh, played a pivotal role in helping him feel included and valued throughout the charter. Prior to his stint on Below Deck Med, he held positions as a captain and officer from 2018 to 2022, in addition to serving as a community manager and co-director at B.seen.agency, a digital communications agency focusing on real estate marketing. While a return for season 9 remains uncertain, interest in this season 8 deckhand continues to persist.
Max No Longer Works In Yachting
He Is A Hypnotherapist
Max surprised his crewmate Luka with his decision to leave the show, elaborating on his choices through an Instagram reel. Following his reality TV debut, Max transitioned from yachting to a career in hypnotherapy. Although this change may appear drastic, he shared his motivations in a video where he recounted dealing with depression in Bali after the season concluded. Max found hypnotherapy to be a beneficial resource, especially given its popularity in France, and it aided him in overcoming those difficult moments.
Hypnotherapy is a clinical technique that utilizes hypnosis to enhance focus and suggestibility, serving as a valid form of psychological treatment.
Inspired by his therapeutic journey, Max decided to train as a hypnotherapist himself, eager to assist others battling mental health challenges. He candidly explained his choice to forego a lucrative yacht salary of $6,000 a month, opting instead to pursue this career path. Although he appreciated the financial rewards, Max sought greater autonomy and a break from the demands of serving affluent guests round the clock. Currently residing in Bali, he often shares snippets of his lifestyle on Instagram, reflecting a newfound commitment to personal freedom.
Max Was Dating Someone
Are They Still Together?
As per his Instagram activity, Max was romantically linked to someone in 2023. In a November reel, he showcased exciting moments with a mystery brunette, whose identity remained undisclosed. Nevertheless, it was evident that Max was delighting in this new relationship, captioning, “Ma chérie, you don’t need me, I don’t need you.”
“But we love each other and that’s what makes our couple wonderful,”
He punctuated his post with emojis representing the Statue of Liberty, a dove, and a fiery heart, ending with, “We back.”Viewers expressed their joy in the comments, with fans sharing sentiments like, “I’m so happy for you both!”Although Max’s experience on the show lacked meaningful romance, he was briefly entangled when Jessika Asai kissed him to provoke Luka, which did not evolve into anything significant.
Max’s last notable post featuring his romantic interest appeared in June 2024. By 2025, the mystery brunette seemingly vanished from his life, leading Max to delete posts related to her. Currently, he appears to be enjoying the single life. At the conclusion of 2024, he posted a carefree selfie, with a caption that hinted at a positive shift in his outlook.
“A little bit of party. New chapter for me, where I can finally enjoy professional and fun! 🤩 No more sacrifices the seasons in on.”
Max’s Journey On Below Deck Mediterranean
There Were Rocky Moments
Max’s initiation into the crew was far from smooth. His pronounced French accent made effective communication challenging, and his work pace contrasted starkly with the fast-moving American crew. This often led to clashes, particularly with Lara, who criticized him for perceived laziness. Tensions peaked when he expressed fatigue during lunch preparations at the majestic Santa Margherita Ligure Castle.
Though facing significant hurdles, Max emerged as a charming and engaging cast member throughout Below Deck Mediterranean Season 8.
Despite rocky beginnings, Max’s circumstances improved as Luka and Lara adapted their management style, shifting to a more supportive approach instead of constant criticism. However, the crew’s ongoing tension continued to weigh heavily on his mental well-being. A particularly intense moment arose when Kyle Viljoen confronted Max regarding a misunderstanding related to the LGBTQIA+ community, escalating into a conflict involving Natalya.
Max confided in Captain Sandy Yawn about his struggles and expressed a desire to leave due to the prevailing negative atmosphere. Although Captain Sandy dissuaded his departure from the yacht, his exit from the industry post-show was not surprising. After such a challenging season, it’s understandable that Max chose to step away from the demanding world of yachting.
Will Max Ever Return To Below Deck Mediterranean?
He Left The Yachting Industry Behind
Considering his career shift, it is highly improbable that Max will rejoin Below Deck Med or the yachting sector in general. While he showcased a preference for the French approach to professional yachting, Max has clearly moved on from a lifestyle centered on catering to others. Embracing a promising career in hypnotherapy, he seems to have found fulfillment away from the yacht, relishing his newfound independence.
Max joins a number of talent from Below Deck who completed just one season in the franchise. The majority of his Season 8 castmates have not returned, and Max follows the same path. Although the yacht life is often lucrative, many crew members voice their discontent, prompting Max to seek and discover happiness in a profession he is truly passionate about.
Source: Max Salvador/Instagram, Max Salvador/Instagram