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Taylor Knox wins Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy

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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)

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Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon opens Marine Biology Unit

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Regarded by ‘Lonely Planet’ as one of the premier destinations for diving, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a tropical haven where lush greenery meets the expansive ocean. Surrounded by vibrant coral reefs brimming with marine life, the resort offers a rare combination of tranquility and adventure, providing guests with an extraordinary connection to nature. However, with global challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution threatening marine ecosystems, the Maldives faces an urgent need to protect its delicate underwater environments.

In response to this growing responsibility, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has taken a significant step in environmental conservation by establishing a dedicated Marine Biology Unit. This initiative aims to promote marine conservation and inspire a collective sense of responsibility among guests, staff, and the local community.

The Marine Biology Unit, formerly the resort’s library, has been transformed into an educational hub promoting sustainable tourism and ecological awareness. Led by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ first and only female marine biologist, the unit brings a unique and empowering perspective to marine conservation efforts. It provides an interactive space for guests to explore the intricate world of marine life, covering topics such as coral health and the behaviour of local fish species.

Daily educational sessions offer insights into the complex ecosystems of the ocean, with topics ranging from the marvels of coral reefs to the fascinating behaviours of the region’s marine life. To spark interest, the unit displays the day’s featured topic at its entrance, encouraging guests to participate. Fish identification checklists are also made available, helping visitors enhance their knowledge as they explore Ellaidhoo’s vibrant reefs.

General Manager of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sanjeeva Perera, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “The launch of our Marine Biology Unit is the realisation of a long-awaited dream and a meaningful contribution to our ESG initiatives. Our mission is to empower guests and staff to become true stewards of the ocean, fostering a deep respect for marine life that will resonate long after their stay at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. We hope this initiative not only enriches their experience but also builds a foundation of environmental responsibility that extends to the wider community.”

A longstanding advocate for eco-friendly practices, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon recognises the critical importance of preserving the island’s extraordinary natural beauty. By involving guests as active participants in environmental protection, the resort aims to create a lasting positive impact, cultivating a shared commitment to safeguarding the pristine marine environment for future generations.

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Experience ultimate Maldivian dream with Sirru Fen Fushi’s ‘Millionaire for a Month’ giveaway

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, an all-natural haven in the crystal-clear Shaviyani Atoll and member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, is launching the probably boldest luxury giveaway the Maldives has ever witnessed: the ‘Millionaire for a Month’ competition. This extraordinary social media giveaway promises a dream come true for travel lovers, offering an unparalleled month of pure indulgence and adventure.

The competition calls on aspiring photographers and passionate travellers to share their most treasured travel memories or stunning Maldives-inspired photographs on Instagram for a chance to win a 30-night escape including seaplane transfers at Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort. The lucky winner and their chosen companion will embark on an unforgettable journey through the resort’s most exclusive villa accommodations, experiencing firsthand the breathtaking beauty and lavish lifestyle of this 5-star paradise.

To participate, entrants must simply follow @sirrufenfushi.maldives on Instagram and post their most captivating travel memory or a photo that embodies the allure of the Maldives, accompanied by the hashtag #SirruMillionaire. In the spirit of sharing this dream experience, they should also tag a friend they would bring along for the adventure and share the post on their Instagram Story while tagging the resort.

Open to all Instagram users aged 18 and over, this competition breaks boundaries with its accessibility—no minimum follower count is required. It is a celebration of creativity and passion, inviting everyone with a love for travel and storytelling to join.

The prize promises a month-long stay featuring weekly rotations through Sirru Fen Fushi’s finest accommodations. It begins with the Sunset Deluxe Beach Villa, transitions to the glamping-inspired Safari Tent Villa, moves to the Sunrise Water Villa with its spectacular overwater views, and concludes with a grand finale in the luxurious Grand Water Villa. The month-long experience encompasses gourmet dining, seaplane transfers, and an itinerary packed with unforgettable activities such as private beach dinners, dolphin-cruises, spa treatments, snorkelling, and movie nights at the jungle cinema.

Adding to the uniqueness, the winner will become an ambassador for the experiences, capturing and sharing moments throughout their stay. This role will involve daily social media coverage of their life as island Millionaire and showcase different facets of the island lifestyle.

This is more than just a vacation—it is a statement giveaway that highlights Sirru Fen Fushi’s commitment to creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With this audacious campaign, Sirru Fen Fushi cements its reputation for curating world-class luxury with unforgettable adventures.

For full competition details and terms, visit www.sirrufenfushi.com/millionaire-for-a-month and see the Instagram Hashtag #SirruMillionaire.

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An ocean odyssey festive celebration In JOALI BEING

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JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives, invites guests of all ages to celebrate the holidays while embarking on a wellbeing journey of their own. From 21 December 2024 to 10 January 2025, JOALI BEING will welcome some of the world’s top wellbeing practitioners to lead a robust Festive Season programme featuring various healing practices, movement classes, sound healing sessions, culinary workshops and more, alongside classic holiday traditions including holiday baking classes, Christmas movie nights and even a formal New Year’s Gala. Guests will head into the New Year feeling transformed with a renewed sense of “weightlessness.”

Transforming into a magical theme of “An Ocean Odyssey,” JOALI BEING’s decor and design will replicate a journey at sea, transporting guests to an underwater fantasy world. Rooted in the Four Pillars of JOALI BEING — Mind, Skin Microbiome and Energy – JOALI BEING’s festive activities. Additionally, JOALI BEING will welcome several globally recognised fitness practitioners and wellbeing experts to lead a collection of curated classes that will inspire new wellbeing practices and habits that guests can carry into the new year, including:

  • Jeremy Jauncey: A well-known name in wellness, lifestyle, and travel circles, Jeremy is an inspiration. The successful serial entrepreneur known for his role as the CEO of Beautiful Destinations, a fitness enthusiast and ambassador of Technogym, will host a one-hour Motivational Training session blending cardio and weight training designed around the Energy Pillar of JOALI BEING.
  • Chef Alexia Dellaca-Minot: Experience a gastronomical journey curated by Alexia Dellaca-Minot, Executive Chef from Gauthier Soho, the London fine-dining vegan restaurant by Michelin-Starred French Chef Alexis Gauthier. Guests can savour a five-course menu prepared with fresh produce from Her Garden and rare ingredients. Guests can discover the secrets of Gauthier Soho’s kitchen in an interactive plant-based pasta-making session at the Culinary Learning Centre. During this visit, Chef Alexia will host a culinary session for mothers and daughters from a nearby island, highlighting JOALI BEING’s commitment to uplifting and spreading joy in local communities.
  • Javier De Prado: A master of craniosacral and Watsu therapy, visceral manipulation, and Osteothai, Javier De Prado has travelled the world extensively to study with therapeutic masters from diverse cultures, bringing a deep understanding of massage techniques. Javier de Prado will guide guests toward transformative healing through a seamless merging of Eastern and Western traditions.
  • Carlos Aparicio: An expert Biocuántica practitioner, along with a strong background in the Wim Hof Method and Vipassana, Carlos Aparicio returns with the profound power of Biocuántica Original. Based on Quantum Physics, this pioneering therapy will guide guests to a deep state of relaxation, supporting longevity and allowing the transformation of stress into a new vitality.
  • Dr. Igor Roganin – A leading expert in holistic medicine for over 25 years, Dr. Igor Roganin practices a blend of Chinese Medicine and modern science to harmonise the flow of Qi in the body, restoring vitality and enhancing overall health. Dr. Igor Roganin will offer a range of holistic therapies for guests focusing on pain relief, good sleep and punctual facial rejuvenation.
  • Andrea Stuto – JOALI BEING’s master trainer in residence, Andrea Stuto is a former professional beach tennis athlete (best ranked #9 in the International Tennis Federation), head strength coach worldwide for Beach Tennis School and head coach for beach box camp (@beachboxcamp). Andrea is excited share his skills and education in wellness and sport with guests during friendly volleyball tournaments.
  • SANCTUM – A unique method founded by Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski, combining Kundalini yoga, martial arts, HIIT and more, harnessing your body to enhance mental and physical wellbeing through movement, sound, and mindfulness. SANCTUM will allow guests to embark on a joyful journey of dance, philosophy, and dynamic activities that include sound journeys, mindful hikes, and signature ceremonies.

This is the season of togetherness and joy. Guests can expect a plethora of meaningful experiences curated for multi-generational travellers around the island and in B’Kidult, a multi-generational playground.

  • Island Illumination – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Guests will connect with the energies of the archipelago, as they watch the island’s weightless Christmas tree light up the island and officially kick-off festival season.
  • Table for Togetherness – Christmas Eve Dinner: Inspired by underwater myths and marvels, this magical, family-style feast will be an opportunity for families and friends to indulge in nourishing, holiday cuisine while creating lasting core memories.
  • Christmas Movie Night: Guests of all ages will gather around for a nostalgic Christmas movie night complete with wholesome treats like healthy cookies, warm popcorn, fresh juices, fruit displays and more.
  • Fun with Flour: Baking Workshop: Young bakers will roll up their sleeves, put on their aprons and come together to create classic holiday treats for the family. JOALI BEING’s chefs will guide them in learning new cooking skills that they can take home with them.
  • New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner: A NYE culinary journey meets “An Ocean Odyssey” for this celebratory gala where guests will reflect and celebrate the year’s best memories with loved ones.

While the holidays are often associated with overindulgence and, sometimes, overwhelming emotions, JOALI BEING encourages wellbeing seekers to shift this mindset towards one that views festive season as a time to reconnect with themselves and loved ones.

A stay at JOALI BEING is a transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal with the goal to return home with a new sense of “weightlessness.” Guests can achieve the property’s ‘Joy of Weightlessness’ philosophy from 68 exclusive guest villas, consisting of 33 beach villas and 35 water villas, each with their own private infinity pools and comes with a personal Jadugar, meaning ‘skilled magician’ in Dhivehi. Families can choose from thirteen categories ranging from one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom room types to accommodate groups of all sizes.

JOALI BEING has villas from $9,200 per night based on two persons sharing a Beach Pool Villa on a B&B basis. Wellbeing Programmes start from $1,693 per person based on a five-night programme. For bookings and further information, please contact reservations.being@joali.com.

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