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Sunny Garcia and Taylor Jensen join the world class line up for Surfing Champions Trophy 2014
Maldives.net.mv – It just keeps getting better and better! The line up for the 2014 Surfing Champions Trophy is almost complete. Sunny Garcia (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA) have just been confirmed to battle the Maldives’ breaks alongside David “Rasta” Rastovich (Australia), Fabio Gouveia (Brazil) and defending champion Taylor “TK” Knox (USA) in the world’s most luxurious surf contest. And, anticipation is growing on who will claim the sixth and final spot.
Hawaii born, fiercely competitive, and coined “the world’s most elegant tube rider,” Sunny Garcia was the second pro surfer to rack up more than USD 1 million in prize money. His top surfing moments include ASP WCT World Champion 2000, the record for the most WQS wins (22) and winning six Triple Crown of Surfing titles (more than any other surfer in history).
Dubbed “Sunny” as a child for his happy disposition, his competitive public image is balanced by his private fun-loving playfulness. Having overcome more than his fair share of challenges throughout his career, Sunny today uses the spotlight to champion various causes that are important to him. En route to the Maldives, he’ll be travelling from Hawaii via California to support the Mauli Ola Foundation Surf Experience Days, which help children with cystic fibrosis.
Sunny comments, “I’m honoured to be competing against such esteemed world champions, but competition aside, my wife and I can’t wait to enjoy some Four Seasons luxury in the beautiful Maldives – I’ve been to the Maldives before and simply can’t wait to get back to paradise!”
One of the most pioneering longboarders of all time, California native Taylor Jensen has won every major pro-longboarding tournament around the world at least once. The long list includes two ASP World titles, four ASP North America titles and three Australasian regional titles. While famous for pushing the limits of a longboard, Taylor can ride just about anything, ever on the quest for creative ways to cherish the ocean. His passion for different wave crafts – traditional, single fin longboards, modern shortboards and alaias – sets him up to be the dark horse of the competition. Not to mention the fact that his future father-in-law, Nat Young, and two best friends – Josh Constable and Phil Rajzman – have had firsthand experience taking part in previous years.
“I’m really stoked to be able to take part in such a cool and unique event,” says Taylor, who will be travelling to the Maldives with his equally stylish surfer fiancé, Nava. “The opportunity to share the waves with some of my heroes, surfing head-to-head against them, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Maldives is an incredible surf destination and the accommodations look amazing so I’m sure it will be one of the best trips of my life!”
The Surfing Champions Trophy
Now in its fourth year, the boutique invitation-only competition needs little introduction as it continues to gain momentum as one of the coolest pro surfer – and spectator – tickets around. Hosted in conjunction with luxury surf pioneers Tropicsurf aboard the Maldives ultimate surf vessel, Four Seasons Explorer, the unique event sees six ex-world champions ride it out on single-fin, twin-fin and triple-fin thrusters to win teammate kudos and USD 25,000 prize money.
The event runs alongside Four Seasons Maldives Domestic Champions Trophy, where the best local talent attempt to upstage the pros with their “home wave” knowledge and next generation maverick skills – plus the chance to scoop MVR 25,000.
Surf fans can book the all-inclusive Group Surf & Stay (available from August 4 to 11 for a minimum booking of four rooms for five or seven nights). In addition to competition day passes, full board and transfers, Group Surf & Stay includes five or seven days of intense surfing with Tropicsurf’s expert guides, plus the chance to rub shoulders with all the Surfing Champions contestants in Kuda Huraa’s award-winning surrounds.
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SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ wellness activation
On Saturday, 25 April 2026, SO/ Maldives will stage its “Fight Fit” island activation as part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, bringing together fitness, wellness and local collaboration in a resort-wide programme.
Developed in partnership with Fight Soul Maldives, a local fitness collective focused on combat sports, the activation is designed to offer guests both participation and live viewing experiences while also bringing a local element into the resort’s wellness programming.
A key part of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests will have the opportunity to train with fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Open to different fitness levels, the sessions will introduce the basics of Muay Thai through drills, technique-based training and group activity.
The programme will extend across the island through a series of activities including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga accompanied by DJ music, and sunset fight showcases. According to the resort, the aim is to combine physical activity with the island setting through a range of structured wellness experiences.
The activation will also include a healthy menu developed to support fitness and balanced living, in line with the resort’s wider wellness focus.
Guests will also be invited to take part in a skincare workshop and ritual linked to the launch of products from Comfort Zone. The experience will introduce skincare practices based on science and sustainability as part of the broader wellness programme.
In the evening, the programme will continue with foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions featuring athletes from Fight Soul Maldives.
Through “Fight Fit”, SO/ Maldives is presenting a wellness-led island activation that combines fitness, lifestyle programming and collaboration with local talent.
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SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ island fitness experience
On Friday, 25 April 2026, redefining the boundaries of luxury wellness, SO/ Maldives unveils its high-energy “Fight Fit” island activation, an immersive celebration of strength, movement, and mindful living. As part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, this dynamic experience is brought to life in collaboration with Fight Soul Maldives, a leading local fitness collective dedicated to showcasing the art and discipline of combat sports.
This exclusive Maldives activation transforms the island into a vibrant stage where guests are invited not only to participate but to witness and connect with authentic local skill and passion. Through this partnership, SO/ Maldives proudly highlights homegrown talent, offering a deeper cultural dimension to the guest experience.
At the heart of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests can train alongside skilled fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Designed for all fitness levels, the sessions introduce the fundamentals of Muay Thai through interactive drills, technique building, and high-energy group engagement creating a powerful and memorable connection to the sport.
The experience extends across the island with a curated lineup of fitness and wellness activities, including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga with DJ beats, and sunset fight showcases. Each activation is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Maldives, turning the resort into a holistic wellness playground.
Complementing the physical journey, guests can enjoy a specially designed healthy menu, crafted to fuel performance and support balanced living, reinforcing SO/ Maldives’ commitment to wellbeing from within.
Further enhancing the wellness offering, guests are invited to experience an exclusive skincare workshop and immersive ritual, alongside the launch of premium products from Comfort Zone. Rooted in science and sustainability, this experience introduces guests to transformative skincare practices that elevate both body and mind.
As the sun sets, the island pulses with energy through foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions, where Fight Soul Maldives athletes take center stage showcasing their expertise and passion in a captivating display of strength and artistry.
With “Fight Fit,” SO/ Maldives creates more than just an event it delivers a bold lifestyle statement where local collaboration, global wellness trends, and immersive luxury come together in perfect harmony.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100.
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Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives introduces indoor mini golf experience
Resort experiences are increasingly shaped by the need for flexibility, with guests seeking activities that can be enjoyed beyond peak sun hours, creating a natural demand for engaging indoor spaces and particularly in tropical destinations where brief, seasonal rain showers are part of the island rhythm.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives builds on this evolving guest preference with the introduction of its new 8-hole Indoor Mini Golf Centre, adding a playful and interactive dimension to the island’s leisure offering. The space was officially unveiled at a recent opening, where a guest was invited to mark the occasion, setting the tone for an experience centred around shared enjoyment and light-hearted moments.

The indoor mini golf course offers a relaxed, air-conditioned space where guests of all ages can take part, whether as a casual game between families, a friendly challenge among couples, or a fun addition to group stays. It provides a comfortable alternative to outdoor activities while maintaining the sense of energy and connection that defines time on the island, regardless of the weather.
The addition builds on the resort’s existing indoor facilities, including billiards, table tennis, and a dedicated kids’ playroom, creating a more rounded leisure experience that caters to different moods and moments. Outdoors, guests can continue to explore a wide range of activities, from beach volleyball and futsal to badminton, diving, and both motorised and non-motorised water sports.

As one of the first resorts in the area to introduce an indoor mini golf experience, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives continues to evolve its offerings in line with how guests choose to travel today, blending activity, comfort, and shared experiences in a setting designed for both relaxation and discovery.
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