News
Taylor Knox wins Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy

Maldives.net.mv – Iconic Californian surfer Taylor Knox (USA), 42, defeated three time world champion Tom Curren (USA), 49, to win the Grand Final of the 2013 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy and the USD10000 first-place prize.
After an amazing week of competition from the six world surfing champions, it all came down to final thirty seconds, with Knox locking in a late 9.17 score to claim victory in the pristine 1.5 metre (4-5ft) reef break waves of Sultans Point.
The hotly contested final, saw four excellent rides posted by the two Californians. Knox opened strongly for an early lead with a 9.27. Curren answered back at the half way mark with a heat high 9.43 to be looking down the barrel at victory.
But patience paid off for Knox, who required a 9-point ride and used his priority wisely to pick off a 9.17 in the final minute to claim the win. Knox finished with a heat total of 18.40 to Curren’s 18.33 (out of a possible 20).
“I got a couple at the start and was thinking I’m in a good position here, but as I’m paddling back out, there’s Tom sitting in the barrel,” said Knox.
“I had to use my priority because I knew he had taken the lead. I held myself back and waited it out for that set wave right at the end.”
Knox, who retired as the oldest and one of the most respected surfers on the ASP world tour last year, at age 41, said he achieved today what he had failed to do at the elite level.
“I could never do it on the world tour, I had to come to the Maldives and learn off these guys and as Kelly Slater said ‘I’m one of the best surfers but not a good competitor’ but that’s changing now,” he added.
A super cool Curren remained unfazed under pressure, despite his opponent’s seem ably insurmountable early lead the mythical surfer/musician found the events only barrel in the final to bounce back. However it wasn’t enough to halt Knox in his inaugural Maldivian campaign and Curren finished runner-up for the second consecutive year.
“I’m really stoked to have made the final,“ said Curren. “The waves came today and the weather was nice but I had a bad start to the heat. I was able to come back with a good score and at least the final was a close finish so I can’t complain.”
“Taylor was in-form today and yesterday as well. He has been surfing strong and with a lot of power. In these condition especially he is really hard to beat,” added Curren.
Knox qualified for the Grand Final by winning both Saturday’s twin-fin and the thruster division today. Curren secured his finals berth with a win in the single-fin and a runner-up placing in the twin-fin division.
After an unusually stormy week in the Maldives, Sultan’s Point turned on for the final day with light offshore winds, sunny skies and steady surf pumping down the reef. The day kicked off with the Thruster Division. With state-of-the-art, contemporary three-fin boards being utilized the action was fast and full-on as the distinguished field of surfers relished being back on their more conventional, up-to-date equipment.
Touted as the toughest field ever assembled for the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, competition has been extremely intense. The three-fin division set new levels with Damien Hardman (Aus), Pedro Henrique (BRZ), Layne Beachley (Aus), Tom Carroll (Aus) and Curren all surfing with winning intentions.
But nobody took more advantage of the thruster than Knox, who carved his way to victory in the Thruster Final with extremely committed power surfing to defeat former two-time world champion Hardman (Aus) 19:00 to 14.37 (out of a possible 20).
“We got lucky with the waves, I knew it was going to turn on and it did,” said Knox.
Knox locked in the tournament’s first-ever perfect 10-point ride and tallied the event’s highest heat score.
“It was a win-win for both of us, that set had two really good waves,” said Knox.
“I would have taken the first one if Damien hadn’t, but the second one was amazing and it held up into the lagoon and I was able to smash it all the way.”
Hardman acknowledged that the Knox’s performance raised the bar of the entire contest.
“It was good to make the final, but I ran out of puff in the end up against Taylor,” said Hardman. “He was surfing probably the best has been all event and its pretty hard to raise the bar when someone is getting nines and tens but I did my best but got beaten by a better man on the day.”
Hardman who is still involved at the elite level of surfing in his role as Contest Director for Rip Curl said that the competitive element is always a factor.
“It’s weird, on the surface it’s not that serious, but there is an undercurrent that it is serious,” said Hardman. “You feel like you are always looking over your shoulder and everyone has their guard up. We aren’t hassling each other like we used to do back in the ‘90s but everyone definitely wants to win.”
Hardman and Curren battled it out in a back and forth semifinal until the tenacious Australian goofy-footer locked in a 6.5 ride in the waning seconds of the heat. Curren was left needing a seven-point point ride, but as the ocean went flat he never had the opportunity to answer back.
“It was a tight one, Tom’s one of the best competitors in the in the history of the sport,” said Hardman. “I’m stoked to be able to hang on and come away with a win.”
On the other side of the draw, in the second semifinal Knox racked up a 9.07 wave score to edge out an energetic Henrique to join Hardman in the thruster final berth and secure an all-important Grand Final Champions berth.
Seven-time world champion and lone female competitor, Beachley, narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth, defeated by Hardman on the buzzer in their round one heat.
Two-time world champion Carroll (Aus) also looked set for a semifinal berth until the last 30 seconds of his opening heat when Henrique snatched second place from the celebrated storm surfer.
With the Four Seasons’ luxury catamaran, The Explorer, serving as the floating headquarters, surfers and spectators alike enjoyed the action, cold drinks and great food from the deck.
The event format showcases the evolution of the surfboard with the old school ‘70s single-fin in Round 1, Round 2 celebrates the brilliance of the twin-fin that dominated in the early ‘80s, and coming up in Round 3 we’ll see the state-of-the-art three-fin thrusters put to use. The two surfers with most accrued points at the end of the three rounds qualify for the Grand Champions Final.
Overall 2013 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Final Standings
1st Taylor Knox (USA)
2nd Tom Curren (USA)
3rd Damien Hardman (AUS)
4th Pedro Henrique (BRZ)
5th Tom Carroll (Aus)
6th Layne Beachley (Aus)
Celebration
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef to host ‘Ocean Odyssey’ festive calendar

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has announced its festive programme, Ocean Odyssey – Festive 2025, which will run from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. The celebrations will feature a series of performances and activities, including FIRE and LED dance shows, belly dance performances, festive events, and special offers designed to create a memorable island escape.
Couples will be able to enjoy exclusive spa discounts, offering an intimate retreat during the holiday period. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in a Special Spa Raffle Giveaway and a Grand New Year’s Eve Raffle, with prizes intended to mark the arrival of 2026 in style.
For those seeking adventure, the festive programme will include discounts on a selection of signature experiences. These will range from the Double Action Safari — a chance to encounter both whale sharks and manta rays — to Jet Car rides across the lagoon. Guests wishing to explore beneath the surface will also have access to discounted ‘Try Scuba’ sessions, offering beginners an introduction to diving.
Children will be able to join dedicated activities such as face painting, coconut leaf art, and cooking classes, ensuring that younger guests also enjoy a memorable holiday.
With a natural setting and a programme that combines entertainment, unique experiences, and seasonal celebrations, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is preparing to welcome guests to a distinctive holiday season in the Maldives.
Featured
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli to host exclusive wellness residency with Tricia Tee

This December, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host a wellness residency led by acclaimed Seifu practitioner and sound therapist, Tricia Tee. From 1 to 18 December 2025, Tee will conduct exclusive sessions at the resort’s Iridium Spa.
With over a decade of experience in holistic healing, Tee is recognised for her integrative approach, combining Seifu Therapy with sound healing and essential oils. Seifu Therapy, inspired by Japanese techniques, is designed to release tension, improve circulation, and restore balance through precise and flowing movements. When paired with vibrational sound therapy, the treatments aim to calm the mind, encourage emotional equilibrium, and support physical wellbeing.
During her residency, Tee will guide guests through a series of signature therapies:
- 5 Elements Balancing Therapy with Seifu, Scent, and Sound: A comprehensive treatment that restores energy flow, encourages better sleep, reduces stress, and enhances vitality. It is particularly suited for individuals experiencing fatigue or hormonal changes.
- Hormone Balancing for Menopause/Andropause: A restorative session that alleviates symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and fatigue. Enhanced with sound therapy and essential oils, it supports deep relaxation and renewed energy.
- Reawakening Body Cell/Facelift with Seifu and Tuning Forks: A non-invasive facial therapy combining Seifu techniques with tuning forks to stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, and promote skin vitality.
Set above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Iridium Spa provides a serene backdrop for these personalised sessions. Guests are invited to engage in therapies tailored to their needs, while immersing themselves in the natural tranquillity of the Maldives.
The residency underlines The St. Regis Maldives’ commitment to creating bespoke and exceptional experiences. Tee’s presence offers guests an opportunity to explore holistic wellbeing through a fusion of traditional healing methods and modern luxury.
Private sessions with Tricia Tee will be available throughout her residency, with advance reservations strongly recommended.
Celebration
Parisian glamour meets island serenity at Le Méridien Maldives this festive season

This festive season, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa will welcome guests to a holiday experience shaped by the brand’s signature celebration, La Fête by Le Méridien. Framed by the turquoise waters and white sands of Lhaviyani Atoll, the resort’s curated programme blends Parisian glamour with island serenity.
For 2025, the resort has chosen ‘Parisian Glamour’ as its festive theme, reflecting its European heritage where design, gastronomy, and entertainment converge. Guests will be offered a tapestry of immersive experiences, culinary highlights, and lively beachfront gatherings, designed for both relaxation and meaningful family moments.
Seasonal Highlights:
- Tree Lighting Ceremony – The celebrations begin on 21 December with the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests will be welcomed with festive cocktails and a Christmas choir, while a life-sized gingerbread house sets the stage for the island’s transformation into a holiday wonderland.
- Christmas Eve Dinner – Christmas Eve will be marked with a beachfront buffet reimagining traditional dishes with tropical flair. The evening, enhanced by live music and an island ambience, will be included across all dining plans.
- Santa’s Arrival with a Maldivian Touch – Santa will make a unique entrance by boat, bringing gifts and surprises for children. Festivities will continue at The Family Kids Hub with workshops, games, and creative activities.
Throughout the season, dining will take centre stage. Highlights include:
- Sushi Matsuri at Tabemasu, presenting an extensive sushi and sashimi spread.
- La Fête Teppanyaki, paired with Japanese whisky and sake.
- A Spanish-inspired daytime feast at Riviera with sangria.
- Au Soleil Beach BBQ with smoky flavours and live music.
- Shelly Belly & Bubbly, featuring Maldivian lobster and champagne.
- Turquoise with nightly themes, from Asian street food to Maldivian cultural nights.
Children will be able to take part in activities such as gingerbread cookie decorating, festive crafts, and Kids Night Camping beneath the stars. Adults can join culinary masterclasses, mixology sessions, chocolate-making workshops, and wine tastings. Celebrations will include tequila journeys and an adults-only beach party at La Vie. Beyond the festivities, the resort will offer dolphin cruises, snorkelling, paddleboarding, padel tennis, and spa treatments.
On 31 December, guests will ring in 2026 with a Parisian-inspired gala. The evening will feature a decadent feast of foie gras, French oysters, Canard à l’Orange, seafood, and premium barbecue selections. Live music, DJ sets, and performances will accompany the evening, culminating in fireworks and the Vision Tree countdown to the New Year.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is offering an early bird package for bookings made by 15 October. Valid for stays between 15 December 2025 and 15 January 2026, the offer includes a minimum five-night stay with daily breakfast for two, USD 100 daily resort credit, complimentary water sports, and access to the full festive programme.
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