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)
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, has unveiled its Festive Season 2025/2026 celebrations under the evocative theme “Tides of Transformation.” Drawing inspiration from the natural rhythms of the island—the shifting tides, the coloured skies, and the soft glow of bioluminescence—the programme invites guests to embrace renewal, reflection, and meaningful celebration.
The theme is rooted in moments when the world appears to pause just long enough for change to unfold. At Noku Maldives, transformation is not rushed; it emerges gently, in harmony with nature. Beneath star-filled skies and glowing tidal waters, renewal takes shape through quiet awakenings, moments of stillness, and the subtle power of beginning anew.
This festive season, the resort celebrates not only the joy of togetherness but also the beauty of becoming. From the bioluminescent shimmer illuminating the lagoon at night to the delicate unfurling of petals at dawn, each element reflects the island’s reminder to return to one’s essence. As the tides shift and the stars realign, guests are invited to welcome the coming year with intention and clarity.
Guests will experience a carefully curated programme centred on renewal, reconnection, and elevated island living:\
- Celestial Celebrations: Gala evenings inspired by celestial paths and cosmic rhythms, where music, artistry, and light converge beneath the open sky.
- Ocean-Led Rituals: Signature experiences influenced by the ebb and flow of the tides, including moonlit beach walks, sunset ceremonies, and coastal gatherings.
- Wellness Journeys: Mindful practices designed to restore and realign, from sunrise yoga and transformative spa treatments to meditative island rituals.
- Elevated Festive Dining: Seasonal menus crafted with fresh island ingredients, bringing together flavours of the land and sea.
- Family Moments & Island Adventures: A series of meaningful activities for families, including creative workshops, stargazing evenings, and island traditions that bring loved ones closer.
Each component has been designed to echo the central theme, encouraging guests to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and enter the new year with renewed purpose.
“Tides of Transformation” serves not only as a festive concept but also as an invitation to reflect, embrace gentle change, and step into the year ahead with renewed clarity. Whether through quiet moments by the lagoon, shared celebrations under the stars, or the simple joy of island life, guests will discover a season shaped by stillness, beauty, and the transformative rhythm of the tide.
Noku Maldives welcomes travellers from around the world to celebrate a festive season inspired by the serenity and natural wonder of its island setting.
For more information and reservations, guests may visit the resort’s website or contact noku.reservations@ihg.com.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, together with event organisers Music in Paradise, have announced the return of one of Australia’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, Missy Higgins, for a series of intimate performances at the resort’s private island from 13–20 June 2026.
Following her inaugural 2025 Maldives concerts, which drew rave reviews from fans and media alike, Missy was quick to declare she had “unfinished business” in the tropics, promising to return for more music, surfing, diving, and island relaxation.
The week-long event blends all the magic of a Maldivian getaway with three exclusive sunset concerts, performed by Missy Higgins against the backdrop of swaying palms and turquoise waters. Guests will enjoy beachfront and rooftop Sunset Bar shows, plus unique meet-and-greet opportunities with the artist.
With 26 ARIA Award nominations and five Australian No. 1 singles to her name, Missy’s return to Kandooma promises to be one of the most sought-after events of 2026. Attendance is capped at just 200 guests, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable experience.
“There’s nothing better than great live music and a beach. Add in Missy Higgins and the Maldives, and you’ve got the ultimate getaway. Bring your mates, bring your family — this is one trip you’ll be talking about for years,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“Imagine starting your day diving or snorkelling in the Maldives, then ending it with Missy Higgins singing just metres from the water’s edge. That’s what awaits at Kandooma in 2026, and after my experience at her last performance here, I can promise it’s an experience you’ll carry with you forever.”
The Gold Experience Package is selling fast at A$4,490 per person twin share including:
- Entry to three exclusive evening events
- Three intimate performances by Missy Higgins
- Meet & greet session with Missy Higgins
- Professional photo opportunity with the artist
- Music in Paradise welcome bag, commemorative poster & t-shirt
- Seven nights in a Beach View Villa (13–20 June 2026)
- Daily buffet breakfast at Kandooma Café
- Return shared speedboat transfers from Malé
- Welcome drink & cold towel on arrival
- Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, replenished daily
- Complimentary snorkel trip & snorkelling gear
- Two scuba dives per day for two (T&Cs apply, licensed divers only)
- Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee
Information about Premium packages, including the VIP Experience (Beach House) and Platinum Experience can be found here. The Ultimate Experience (Overwater Villa) and Family VIP Experience are already sold out.
Set in the South Malé Atoll, just 40-45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a tropical paradise of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush coconut palms.
Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses, and the signature Overwater Villas. Families are well catered for with spacious 2- and 3-bedroom villas and the vibrant Kandoo Kids’ Club. Six dining outlets showcase international flavours, while Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers a tranquil escape for body and mind.
Kandolhu Maldives has announced the completion of its latest refurbishment, which includes the transformation of its Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas into luxurious retreats of comfort and style. Designed to maximise privacy and relaxation, these newly upgraded villas now feature a fresh, contemporary design, complete with private pools and stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Spanning 120 square metres, the redesigned Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas offer a spacious bedroom, a bright and airy bathroom with a deep oval bathtub overlooking the ocean, and a private outdoor deck. The deck includes sun loungers, a sun umbrella, and a new 23-square-metre private pool. For added indulgence, a hammock suspended over the water invites guests to relax while soaking up the tranquil ocean views.
The villas retain the signature minimalist aesthetic of Kandolhu, originally envisioned by renowned Maldivian architect Mohamed ‘Sappe’ Shafeeq. Seamlessly blending with the island’s natural beauty, the design incorporates high ceilings, open spaces, rich textures, and a calming palette that exude understated elegance. Modern amenities, such as Bluetooth speaker, espresso machine, and in-villa wine fridge, add a touch of convenience and luxury.
The refurbishment further cements Kandolhu Maldives’ reputation for offering an exceptional combination of zen-like design, privacy, and natural beauty. These enhancements aim to provide guests with an elevated experience, ensuring their stay is as relaxing and memorable as possible.
For more information or to book, please visit www.kandolhu.com.
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