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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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COMO Maalifushi highlights uncrowded surf access across southern atolls

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COMO Maalifushi presents a considered approach to surfing in the Maldives—one shaped by access, expertise, and the quiet privilege of space.

Located in the remote Thaa Atoll, the resort offers entry to a network of lesser-travelled breaks across the southern atolls, where consistent Indian Ocean swells meet uncrowded line-ups. Here, surfing unfolds without urgency—guided by natural rhythm rather than routine.

At the core of the experience is COMO Maalifushi’s long-standing partnership with Tropicsurf, daily sessions are shaped by real-time ocean conditions, with coaching that adapts intuitively to each guest—whether taking to the water for the first time or refining technique across more complex reef formations.

Guests are given access to a curated selection of breaks across Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll—each offering a distinct character. From the long, forgiving rides of Farms to the more technical, fast-moving rights of ‘Machine’, the programme is designed to evolve with both conditions and capability.

“Surfing at COMO Maalifushi is defined by its sense of space and possibility,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Our location allows access to some of the Maldives’ most consistent yet uncrowded waves, and through our partnership with Tropicsurf, we’re able to offer an experience that is both highly personalised and quietly exceptional—true to COMO’s way of doing things.”

The season, which runs from April through October, brings steady swells from the southern Indian Ocean. Yet beyond seasonality, it is the absence of crowds that defines the experience—allowing guests to engage with the ocean on their own terms.

Surfing at COMO Maalifushi sits naturally within the wider rhythm of the island. Time in the water is balanced with restorative treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, unhurried dining, and the simplicity of island life—creating a sense of flow between activity and stillness.

Here, surfing is guided with care, framed by nature, and experienced without excess.

For more information, please visit the resort’s website

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Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground

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Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.

The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.

Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.

The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.

The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.

Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.

Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.

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Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience

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Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.

Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.

At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.

At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.

The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.

This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.

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