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Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy opens, competition to begin Friday
Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy opened Tuesday as surfers gear up for the competition to get underway later this week when weather conditions improve.
Maldives environment minister Toriq Ibrahim graced the opening ceremony held at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. With conditions on the opening days of the event window not quite making the grade for competition to get underway, some surf champions headed out to the waves while some relaxed at The Island Spa.
The forecast, however, looks promising for a start this Friday.
“Right now we are in between swells, and last week’s waves are continuing to diminish,” Event coordinator and founder of Tropicsurf Ross Phillips, who has been surfing in the Maldives for around two decades, was quoted in a statement issued by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, as saying.
“We also have quite strong monsoonal trade winds which are making the small waves tough to surf. On Friday we have a bit of a bump in swell and winds look to drop off, so we will wait until then to get the event underway in the best conditions of the window.”
As the competition gears up for its start on Friday at the perfect right-hand reef break at Sultans Point, six invitees are settling in on the idyllic island paradise of Kuda Huraa.
Having taken out the 2016 event, former WSL Championship Tour (CT) superstar Taj Burrow has made it back to the Four Seasons to defend his title. The Australian has put in some time surfing these parts since last year and has not lost much of the competitive spark that saw him make it to world no. 2 on several occasions throughout his career — meaning he will be the one to watch when competition gets underway.
“I’ve been counting down the days for this event since I left here last year,” Burrow said.
“Everything about it is amazing; the friends, the waves, the experience here at the Four Seasons, it’s all incredible. I’ve had a few days to reacquaint myself with my twin-fin and single fin boards, but will definitely have to keep practising before the competition starts.”
Best known for her big wave exploits, Brazilian Maya Gabeira comes into the event as the lone female competitor. On her first visit to the Maldives, Gabeira is not sure if she is more excited to be surfing in paradise or coming up against some of her heroes.
“This is my first time to the Maldives and my mind has been blown,” Gabeira said.
“I’ve never surfed a single fin or twin-fin until now, so it’s been cool to have that experience. I can’t wait for the competition to get underway, so I can share the lineup with some of my heroes. It’s going to be an amazing experience.”
Maya Gabeira getting acquainted with her new single fin in the lead up to the 2017 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. PHOTO/ SEAN SCOTT
Local competitor Ismail ‘Kuda Issey’ Miglal is by far the most experienced surfer at Sultans, and is relishing the opportunity to share the lineup with some of the world’s best. With the forecast for the event window looking to dish up some tricky conditions, Kuda Issey’s local knowledge will no doubt play heavily to his advantage.
“It’s a real honour to surf in this event with some of my favourite surfers,” Kuda Issey said.
“I love surfing on different boards, so I feel like the format suits me. I can’t wait to surf against the pros. Taj is my favourite surfer of all time. It will be amazing to share the lineup with him.”
World Champion CJ Hobgood has made one previous trip to the Maldives and is thrilled to be back. The hard charging goofy footer is stoked to have the opportunity to continue his competitive career in a more relaxed environment while surfing different boards.
“This sort of feels like a dream at the moment. I felt like everything was slowing down after retiring from the tour, and then I get to come to a contest like this here in paradise with my wife. It’s almost too good to be true, Hobgood, who was crowned World Champion in 2001, said.
“I was never one for experimenting with different boards, so I’m still getting the hang of the twin and single fins. But they definitely feel nice when you find that sweet spot. I’m having such a blast here.”
Returning to the Four Seasons in 2017 is former world no. 2 Rob Machado. The ‘cruisey’ Californian has style in spades and serious ability on crafts of all shapes and sizes, making him a perfect fit for the multi-discipline format of the Surfing Champions Trophy. Machado will be surfing the event on a quiver of boards he shaped himself, a first time at the Surfing Champions Trophy.
Another competitor that will be surfing on Machado’s shapes is former CT surfer and WSL commentator Ross Williams. These days, Williams is utilising his exceptionally sharp competitive mind under the guise of coach to 2016 WSL Champion John John Florence. This week he will pull on that skill-set with the competition jersey on for the first time in a long time.
Former CT stars Rob Machado and Ross Williams talking boards before a free surf session in the lead up to the 2017 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. PHOTO/ SEAN SCOTT
The Surfing Champions Trophy determines heat times based on age and tests skill across three divisions: single-fin, twin-fin and thruster. Places are by invitation-only to six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and a USD25,000 prize pot.
Returning to the annual event is Four Seasons Explorer, the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. Following a full interior refurbishment, the 39-metre catamaran is proudly showcasing sleek new finishes and stylish soft furnishings across all three decks while hosting the contest.
Fans can get up close to all of the action with onboard VIP passes, then continue the “surf tour” experience with shoulder-rubbing events back at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa — the homeport for the event’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners.
Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Four Seasons Resort Maldives Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre, 103-villa wonderland in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — a 30-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.
Its sister property, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa lies to the south: an enchanting garden island complete with Island Spa sea sanctuary and Tropicsurf coaches and guides. It features 96 thatched beach and water accommodations constructed by local craftsmen using indigenous materials and techniques to reflect a true sense of the Maldives.
The luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer connects the two properties via three, four and seven-night cruises, plus private leisure, surf and manta ray charters.
The latest addition to the Maldives collection, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll opened in December as the group’s first exclusive-use private island: off limits to everyone else, limitless to the guests.
ananea Madivaru Maldives will welcome Cornelia Lister, international padel player and Captain of the Swedish National Junior Padel Team, from 7 to 14 November 2026. Bringing experience from both professional tennis and international padel, she will host two afternoons of padel sessions, inviting guests to refine their game and enjoy friendly competition in an intimate group setting.
With a tennis career spanning appearances at Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open, Lister brings a distinguished sporting background to the experience. A WTA doubles titleholder who reached a career-high world doubles ranking of No. 72, she combines experience at the highest levels of tennis with a passion for developing players on the padel court.
With the growing appeal of padel inspiring new ways to spend time together on holiday, ananea Madivaru offers a setting where a love of sport finds its place within the ease of island life. Its padel and pickleball courts, overwater gym and Kandu Spa allow guests to move between spirited play and quieter moments at their own pace. Lister’s visit lends a distinctive touch to this experience, bringing the insight and warmth of an accomplished player to afternoons shared on court.
Pierre Edlund, General Manager of ananea Madivaru Maldives, says: “Having worked with Cornelia before, I know firsthand the incredible energy and passion she brings, not only to the sport but also to the people around her. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and for me, it was an obvious choice to welcome her to ananea Madivaru Maldives. She brings exactly the kind of personality and spirit we love, adding a little extra sporty glamour, fun and unforgettable moments to our guests’ island experience.”
Padel sessions with Cornelia Lister are exclusively available to in-house guests on a complimentary basis, adding a fun, active and memorable moment to their Slow Glamour holiday.
Opened in July 2025, ananea Madivaru is a luxury twin-island resort set in the heart of the Maldives’ North Ari Atoll. Rooted in the philosophy of slow glamour, the resort invites guests to embrace life’s unhurried rhythms while immersed in timeless beauty and refined simplicity. With 111 elegantly designed villas, nine distinct dining destinations, a private lagoon, serene spa, immersive experiences, and a dedicated kids’ club, ananea Madivaru blends contemporary sophistication with the traditions and natural splendour of its surroundings. Every element has been carefully curated to offer meaningful, memorable escapes that resonate long after departure.
For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s official website.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort will host an Exclusive Kids’ Football Camp featuring former Liverpool FC defender Martin Kelly from 15 to 18 November 2026, offering young football enthusiasts an opportunity to train with a former Premier League player.
The four-day programme is open to children aged five to 13 of all skill levels and will combine professional football coaching with recreational activities at the resort in Baa Atoll.
The event follows three football camps previously hosted by Avani+ Fares Maldives with former England and Liverpool FC striker Michael Owen, as the resort continues to develop sporting experiences for younger guests.
The upcoming camp will feature daily afternoon training sessions led by Kelly, alongside a welcome meet-and-greet, beach games, pool parties, FIFA tournaments and other recreational activities.
Each participant will receive an official football camp kit comprising two customised jerseys, shorts and socks. The programme will conclude with a closing ceremony, during which participants will receive medals and certificates.
“A football camp is about so much more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about helping young players enjoy the game, believe in themselves and learn how much they can achieve as part of a team,” Kelly said.
“I’m looking forward to sharing some of what I’ve learnt throughout my career and, most importantly, having fun with the kids in such an incredible setting.”
Kelly, a graduate of Liverpool FC’s academy, made 62 senior appearances for the club and was part of the squad that won the League Cup in 2012. He later continued his Premier League career with Crystal Palace, where he spent several seasons.
The football camp comes in a year when Avani+ Fares Maldives was recognised as Best Family Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort offers a range of accommodation options for families, including Overwater Villas, Two-Bedroom Ocean View Pavilions and Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas.
In addition to the football camp, guests can participate in activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset fishing, watersports and beach recreation. The resort also offers activities for younger guests at AvaniKids, while wellness treatments are available at AvaniSpa.
The Exclusive Kids’ Football Camp will take place from 15 to 18 November 2026, with a participation fee of USD 399 per child.
A five-night accommodation package starts from USD 3,784 per room for two adults and one child staying in a Premium Ocean View Room.
The package includes accommodation, half-board dining, football camp participation for one child, seaplane transfers, and applicable taxes and service charges.
The Maldives is set for an electrifying sporting spectacle as CROSSROADS Maldives welcomes the country’s first FIP Silver Women’s Padel tournament, taking place from 5–8 November 2026 at SAii Lagoon Maldives. Organised in collaboration Asia Padel Events, the event brings international sporting excellence to paradise, with professional competition, exclusive masterclasses, and exciting opportunities for the public to experience the game firsthand.
The tournament will feature 26 international professional players, including eight athletes ranked among the world’s Top 100. Headlining the competition are Spanish padel stars Nuria Rodriguez (World No. 24) and Marta Talavan (World No. 36), alongside an impressive line-up featuring Finland’s No. 1 player Martina Minetti, UK’s No. 3 Rosie Pooley, an Italian national champion, European champions, Malaysia’s No. 1 player, and national team representatives from multiple countries.
Beyond the championship, CROSSROADS Maldives is opening the courts to everyone. From 5–8 November, padel enthusiasts can train alongside Nuria Rodriguez and Marta Talavan through exclusive masterclasses, available at USD 450 per day or USD 1,200 for the four-day experience. The programme includes:
- Four hours of intensive training and matches daily, divided into two sessions.
- An exclusive dinner with the professionals on 5 November.
- Access to watch all FIP Silver Women’s Padel tournament matches.
For those seeking a personalised experience, exclusive training sessions with Finland’s No. 1 Martina Minetti and UK’s No. 3 Rosie Pooley will also be available from 2–4 November, offering one-on-one private coaching at USD 200 per hour, or an exciting one-hour matchplay session with two professionals at USD 400.
The tournament is open for everyone to watch, welcoming resort guests, Maldivian residents, expatriates, and visitors to witness world-class padel against the spectacular backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Masterclasses and private coaching sessions are likewise open to the public, with limited slots available.
As a multi-island lifestyle destination, CROSSROADS Maldives, home to SO/ Maldives, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and The Marina at CROSSROADS, continues to elevate the island experience through international sporting events, entertainment, and lifestyle programming that connect travellers with the local community.
This November, the CROSSROADS Maldives isn’t just one destination. It’s centre court.
Event Details
2–4 November | Private Training & Matchplay:
- One-on-one training with international professionals: USD 200 per hour
- One-hour matchplay with two professionals: USD 400
5–8 November | Padel Masterclasses:
- Daily Pass: USD 450 per person
- Four-Day Pass: USD 1,200 per person
- Includes four hours of daily training and matches across two sessions, dinner with the professionals on 5 November, and access to watch tournament matches.
5–8 November | FIP Silver Women’s Padel Tournament (Open to spectators):
- 5 November: Round of 16
- 6 November: Quarterfinals
- 7 November: Semifinals
- 8 November: Championship Final
Venue: SAii Lagoon Maldives, CROSSROADS Maldives
Bookings & Enquiries: KoimalaandMaalimi@crossroadsmaldives.com
Masterclass packages exclude food and beverages beyond the stated dinner inclusion, accommodation, and transfers. Public access and participation are subject to event arrangements and availability.
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