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Sunny Garcia and Taylor Jensen join the world class line up for Surfing Champions Trophy 2014

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Surfing

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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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils surf-focused luxury escape for 2026

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites travellers to embrace the rhythm of island life with the launch of its new Surf & Relax Offer — a thoughtfully curated experience blending world-class surf, elevated dining, restorative wellness, and unforgettable adventures in the heart of the Maldives.

Located just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in the North Malé Atoll, Kuda Villingili is home to the Maldives’ longest left-hand barrel wave, Chicken’s Break, making it one of the region’s most sought-after surf destinations. Framed by the resort’s philosophy of Time & Space Redefined, the new offer presents a seamless balance between thrill and tranquillity, designed for both experienced surfers and those discovering the sport for the very first time.

Applicable for direct bookings made through the Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives website, the Surf & Relax Offer is available for stays in Beach Villas with Private Pool and Water Villas with Private Pool (Sunrise and Sunset) for a minimum of four nights, with bookings open until 31 October 2026 using offer code KVSURF. The offer combines immersive surf experiences with moments of indulgence and relaxation. Guests staying in Beach Villas with Private Pool or Water Villas with Private Pool (Sunrise and Sunset) will enjoy USD 100 resort credit per villa, while guests staying seven nights or longer will receive a total of USD 300 resort credit during their stay. Resort credit can be redeemed towards dining experiences, spa treatments, and excursions.

The offer includes complimentary return shared speedboat transfers, daily breakfast at The Restaurant, and daily three-course dinner experiences across five of the resort’s signature dining venues — SPICE, EAST, EARTH, FIRE, and OCEAN. Guests will also enjoy a one-time three-course dinner at the award-winning Mar-Umi, celebrated for its Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and theatrical dining experience. Additional dining at Mar-Umi is complemented with a 15% discount under the Half Board meal plan.

Beyond the waves, the experience extends into wellness and island discovery. Guests can unwind with a 60-minute Deep Tissue Massage per adult at the resort’s private island spa, explore the vibrant marine life surrounding the island through the KV Faru Snorkelling Excursion, enjoy a traditional Sunset Fishing Excursion, and take part in a Cocktail Class at Raalhu Bar overlooking the surf.

For surf enthusiasts, the offer includes 15% savings on surfboard rentals and surf trips to nearby breaks including Cokes, Lohis, Sultans, Jails, and Ninjas. Beginner surfers can enjoy 25% savings on surf beach lessons and water lessons, while guests looking to capture their surf journey can also enjoy 15% savings on surf photography packages. Complimentary early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability, further enhance the ease of the island escape.

Whether chasing perfect swells at sunrise, slowing down through restorative wellness rituals, or simply embracing the laid-back rhythm of island life, Kuda Villingili’s Surf Offer presents a fresh perspective on the Maldives — one where adventure, connection, and serenity exist effortlessly side by side.

Discover Kuda Villingili’s latest special offers here, including the Surf Offer, here.

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort combines marine adventure with wellness-focused island stays

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, a five-star holistic wellness sanctuary nestled in the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, invites travellers to experience one of the Maldives’ most spectacular seasonal phenomena. From May through October, guests can witness the extraordinary feeding gatherings of manta rays that turn the waters of Hanifaru Bay into a world-renowned stage for marine life.

Just 45 minutes from the resort, Hanifaru Bay is among the planet’s most remarkable manta aggregation sites, famed for its “cyclone feeding” behaviour as mantas glide, spiral, and swoop through nutrient-rich waters in an awe-inspiring underwater ballet. With more than a thousand manta rays recorded in the bay, and the Maldives home to the world’s largest studied manta ray population, this protected sanctuary offers an unforgettable bucket-list opportunity to snorkel alongside these gentle giants.

“During peak season, it’s possible to witness dozens, sometimes over 100 manta rays, feeding in the bay, with occasional whale shark sightings, especially around the full moon,” shared José Daniel González, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort’s resident marine biologist.

Beyond Hanifaru Bay, the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is celebrated for thriving reefs and abundant marine biodiversity. Divers and snorkelers can explore coral gardens filled with colourful reef fish, including batfish, fusiliers, and eagle rays, while dolphins are frequently spotted from the island. The resort also offers traditional line fishing and a wide range of watersports, from jet ski adventures to guided snorkelling experiences with turtles.

For guests who would like to learn more about the underwater world, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort hosts engaging marine education, including weekly marine biology presentations. Led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, these sessions highlight local ecosystems, marine conservation, and responsible tourism, helping guests connect more deeply with the island’s natural beauty.

After a day of exploration, guests can unwind with Westin’s signature wellness programs, from rejuvenating rituals at the overwater Heavenly Spa to energising movement at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. Guests can also enhance post-adventure restoration with the WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending Program, which includes the Recover and Recharge Kit by Hyperice, designed to ease muscle fatigue and help the body reset. Evenings promise restful comfort in one of the resort’s 69 spacious villas, complete with the award-winning Heavenly® Bed and curated Sleep Well amenities.

Those looking to visit the Maldives for this extraordinary season, or throughout the year, can benefit from the Escape to More package, which includes a complimentary upgrade to an All-Inclusive meal plan featuring three meals daily, unlimited beverages, and a restocked minibar, plus kids under 12 dine free.

For more information,  please visit westin-maldives.com.

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Angsana Velavaru invites guests to explore quieter side of Maldives

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There is a quieter side to the Maldives, one found beyond the familiar rhythm of overwater escapes and sunset rituals. In Angsana Velavaru, the ocean becomes more than a backdrop. It becomes part of the journey itself.

With Sun, Sea & Fishing in Velavaru, guests are invited to discover an island experience shaped by adventure, wellbeing and a meaningful connection to the nature. Thoughtfully curated for travellers who wish to balance exploration with relaxation, the experience combines the exhilaration of deep-sea fishing with the restorative calm of island living in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

As dawn unfolds across unique turquoise lagoons, mornings begin with gentle cruises over calm waters, where the sea reflects the changing colours of the sky. Later, the rhythm shifts as guests venture further offshore for a guided big game fishing experience, embracing the anticipation and excitement of the open ocean. Between each adventure, moments of stillness await, from unwinding beside the water to reconnecting with slower pace of island life.

Available with a minimum stay of 4 nights, the offer includes:

  • 1 Big Game Fishing trip per stay for 2 people
  • 25% savings on stays with a Half Board meal plan
  • 20% savings on return seaplane transfers for 2 people
  • 1 Morning Cruise per stay

Designed for couples, ocean lovers and modern explorers alike, the experience reflects the spirit of Velavaru, serene, grounding and deeply connected to its natural surroundings. Every detail encourages guests to rediscover balance through immersive experiences that awaken the senses while nurturing rest and renewal.

Whether you are casting a line into the open sea, gathering with loved ones after a day on the water or simply listening to the gentle movement of the waves, each moment invites you to embrace the essence of island life in a more meaningful way.

To discover more or reserve your island retreat, please visit the resort’s website.

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