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Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy: Burrow gets twin fin win, Kuda Issey beats World Champion

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Taj Burrow took out the twin fin division of the 2017 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy on Saturday, as local talent Ismail ‘Kuda Issey’ Miglal beat former World Champion CJ Hobgood despite an eventual defeat.

On day two of the competition, Burrow was unstoppable in the pumping three-five foot clean waves on offer at Sultans as he moves closer to a spot in the overall final.

Burrow finding some shade during his super heat with Ross Wiliams. PHOTO/ TOM BENNETT

In the final, Burrow came up against form surfer Rob Machado in a thrilling match-up. After Machado knocked Burrow out in the semifinal of the single fin, Burrow had something to prove and was hungry for redemption. His early round loss in the same division last year looked like a distant memory as Burrow ripped his way to a winning two-wave combination of 16.67.

“I couldn’t believe how good the waves were today, I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be that good, we were pretty spoiled. Everyone was so fired up today, my heat with Ross was so sick, just a real see-saw then the final with Rob was just all time, I’m so worn out now,” Burrow said.

Burrow had his worst result in the twin fin division at the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy and was keen to turn it around. Opting to surf on the same board he did last year, Burrow found a rhythm and possibly a new favourite weapon.

“Surfing in a final with Rob on a ‘twinnie’ is a pretty tough task. He is so good on these different boards and is surfing so well right now, it’s like he is still a teenager. It was super intense and I’m stoked to get one back on him. I haven’t surfed this board since last year, but I knew if I got a good one on it, that it’d go well. I loved it. It’s just so sick to be back here, the level of luxury is amazing. Rebecca and I are thinking of extending our stay at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. It’s just too good,” Burrow said.

Taj claimed he felt more comfortable on his twin fin than any other board and with turns like this, it’s easy to see why. PHOTO/ SEAN SCOTT

Machado was the surfer to beat in the twin fin with a solid display of surfing all day. On a board he shaped himself, he posted a heat total of 14.80 in the final but it was not enough to overcome a rampaging Burrow. With this being his second final of the event, he still leads the charge to the overall final of the event.

“When we pulled up this morning, we were freaking out,” Machado said.

“The waves were so good today, everyone was stoked. After surfing here last year I had a good idea of the twin fin I wanted to shape and I loved how it went. This wave offers a lot of different sections, so you need a versatile board. The competition today was so exciting, the semi with Taj and Ross was crazy and it got me so pumped to surf. The waves were non-stop all day; it was amazing and a real pleasant surprise.”

Rob Machado’s smooth style had a touch of aggressiveness on day two of competition in the Maldives, perfectly displayed here. PHOTO/ TOM BENNETT

Local Maldivian wildcard Kuda Issey put on an impressive display in his opening round heat to overcome 2001 WSL Champion CJ Hobgood. Kuda Issey was electric on his twin fin, even throwing a few aerial manoeuvres to move into the semifinal. In the end, he was eliminated by Machado, but was stoked to make a heat against some of his heroes.

“Making a heat at this event is like a dream for me,” Kuda Issey said.

“I never thought it would happen, but somehow I was able to find a long one at the end. It is really surreal surfing against my heroes, and to beat a world champion is amazing. I got really lucky. We are all so stoked the waves turned on today; it was pumping out there. I’m so honoured to represent the Maldives in this special event.”

Kuda Issey punting into the semi-finals on home turf. PHOTO/ SEAN SCOTT

In what was undoubtedly the heat of the event so far, eventual division winner Burrow came up against Hawaiian Ross Williams. Williams looked tack sharp on his fresh twin fin laying it on rail and gouging huge hacks, posting a heat total of 17.36. Burrow found himself on the ropes needing an 8.70. With only minutes to go, Burrow found a perfect set wave and got to work. The 19-year CT veteran put on an incredible display of his trademark whipping turns to post an excellent score to win the heat with a total of 18.10.

“I was more nervous at the beginning of the heat than the end,” Williams said.

“The fact that I had a lead in that heat at all was cool as Taj is ripping so hard. I’ve only surfed that twin fin a couple of times, so it was nice to feel it out. You really have to surf with your rail on a twin fin. Otherwise you just slide out, so it’s a major learning curve, something that makes this event super cool. It was a really good battle that heat, and that’s what you want. I’m having such an amazing time here in the Maldives. This place is incredible and the waves are sick.”

Ross Williams pushed eventual winner Taj Burrow right to the end of the semi with his trademark combination of style and power. PHOTO/ TOM BENNETT

The 2017 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy kick started on Friday after its opening early last week. Day one saw the completion of the Single Fin division, which was taken out by Californian style guru Machado.

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.

CJ Hobgood came just short against local Kuda Issey in Round One. PHOTO/ TOM BENNETT

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.

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Simply summer at Milaidhoo: Invitation to slow living in the Baa Atoll

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In a destination often defined by excess, Milaidhoo Maldives offers a different summer narrative: one of restraint, rhythm and rare stillness. Introducing Simply Summer, a seasonal escape that celebrates the art of slowing down within the UNESCO-protected waters of the Baa Atoll.

An intimate island sanctuary, Milaidhoo is designed for travellers who value time as the ultimate luxury. Days unfold unhurriedly, beginning with relaxed oceanfront breakfasts and shaped entirely by choice, from sunrise yoga and snorkelling in pristine coral gardens to long, private hours spent within the calm of one’s villa. Evenings are defined by elegant à la carte dining, inspired by seasonal flavours and served with effortless grace.

The Simply Summer offer enhances this experience with considered privileges rather than excess. Guests are invited to explore the Maldives’ natural wonders through manta ray encounters in the legendary Hanifaru Bay, indulge in restorative rituals at the overwater Serenity Spa, or discover the atoll through curated island adventures, all with exclusive seasonal savings.

A chilled bottle of Ruinart Champagne awaiting guests in their villa sets the tone on arrival, while flexible early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability) ensures that time is never hurried. Dining remains a central pleasure, with daily breakfast and à la carte dinners at Ocean Restaurant, complemented by generous dining credits across the island’s culinary venues.

Available for stays from 1st May to 31st October 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights, Simply Summer is an understated invitation to experience the Maldives at its most refined, quietly luxurious, deeply personal and guided by the gentle pace of island life.

Simply Summer – Key Inclusions:

  • Daily breakfast at Ocean Restaurant
  • Daily à la carte dinner at Ocean Restaurant
  • USD 65 per person, per night dining credit (food-only) at other restaurants
  • 30% savings on manta ray snorkelling in Hanifaru Bay (group excursion)
  • 30% savings on selected treatments at Serenity Spa
  • 30% savings on curated group excursions and island experiences
  • Exclusive benefits when booking direct

Begin your Simply Summer at Milaidhoo.

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Excursions

Manta season experience returns as InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau announces 2026 retreat

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced the dates for its 2026 Manta Retreat, following the programme’s strong reception in recent years. The retreat will take place from 24 to 27 March 2026, coinciding with the Maamunagau manta season, when juvenile manta rays are commonly sighted in the resort’s lagoon just offshore.

The resort will once again partner with The Manta Trust, one of the world’s leading manta ray research organisations, to co-host the retreat and offer guests an immersive, educational experience centred on marine conservation. The programme is designed for travellers seeking purpose-led experiences and a deeper understanding of manta rays within their natural environment.

Located on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and adjacent to a known juvenile manta ray aggregation site, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau provides direct access to key research and observation areas. During the retreat, guests will be able to participate in guided reef snorkelling, manta excursions led by The Manta Trust, coral restoration and planting workshops, and a series of educational sessions. Participants will also have the opportunity to adopt and name a manta ray as part of the conservation initiative.

The partnership between InterContinental Maldives and The Manta Trust has been in place since 2019. The retreat will be led by The Manta Trust’s base leader, Meral Hafeez, who will guide guests through manta ray encounters while sharing insight into the organisation’s ongoing research and conservation efforts in the surrounding waters. The programme offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at the daily work of the research team, including observing and recording manta ray behaviour.

In 2023, Maamunagau Lagoon was recognised as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA), identifying it as a vital habitat for manta rays and a priority conservation site. The lagoon continues to serve as a key research area for The Manta Trust, allowing guests to observe manta rays in their natural environment within close proximity to the resort. Certified divers are also catered for, with access to dedicated dive sites where manta ray cleaning stations can be observed, highlighting the complex marine ecosystems of the Maldives.

Beyond the retreat activities, guests can enjoy the resort’s overwater villas, unwind at AVI Spa, or explore its range of dining experiences.

The participation fee for the Manta Retreat is USD 1,550++ per night, per room, based on double occupancy, with a minimum stay of four nights. The package includes one manta ray research trip, guided house reef snorkelling, manta ray adoption, educational workshops, and accommodation in a luxury villa or residence on a half-board basis.

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Ten years of turtle conservation: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Olive Ridley Project milestone

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Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, part of the boutique island resort collective Coco Collection, is marking ten years of partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), celebrating a decade-long commitment to marine conservation in the Maldives.

The partnership reached a significant milestone in 2017 with the opening of the Maldives’ first veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, pioneering specialised sea turtle care in the country. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, achieving a rehabilitation success rate of nearly 60 per cent. The facility plays a critical role in caring for turtles impacted by human activities, including entanglement in marine debris and ghost nets.

Beyond rescue and rehabilitation, the Olive Ridley Project leads long-term sea turtle research across the Maldives, collecting data on nesting activity, population trends and threats to marine life. This work contributed to the country’s first National Red List Assessment of Threatened Species, published in 2022. Supported by a network of citizen scientists, ORP’s Maldives research team has documented more than 45,000 sea turtle encounters nationwide. Over the past decade, Coco Collection has been a major contributor to this effort, recording nearly 3,500 encounters and reinforcing its position as one of ORP’s most significant research partners.

Guests at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu are invited to engage directly with these conservation initiatives through weekly marine talks, educational sessions led by the resort’s resident Marine Educator, and opportunities to witness rehabilitated sea turtles being released back into the ocean.

Commenting on the milestone, Siraj Waseem, General Manager of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, said that celebrating ten years of partnership with the Olive Ridley Project was a source of pride for Coco Collection. He noted that what began as a shared commitment to protecting marine life has evolved into a long-term collaboration rooted in education, conservation and meaningful guest engagement, adding that the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre continues to grow in strength with ORP’s support.

Dr Martin Stelfox, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Olive Ridley Project, said the decade-long partnership reflects a pioneering collaboration and significant progress in sea turtle conservation in the Maldives. He highlighted advances in conservation medicine and research achieved together, as well as the impact of inspiring guests and Maldivian interns to care for and protect the country’s marine environment.

Over the past ten years, the ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has hosted ten veterinary surgeons, each contributing to the development of sea turtle conservation medicine in the Maldives. Through the Sea Turtle Veterinary Trainee Programme, the resort and ORP have trained 29 veterinary professionals from 12 countries, helping to strengthen a global network of sea turtle clinical care across the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Alongside its conservation work, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu continues to offer a wide range of experiences for guests, from water sports such as water skiing, surfing and parasailing to sailing, paddle-boarding and kayaking in the surrounding lagoon. Visitors can also explore Maldivian culture through curated Coco Experiences that highlight local island life and heritage. As the resort marks ten years of collaboration with the Olive Ridley Project, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu continues to demonstrate how meaningful conservation efforts can coexist with memorable guest experiences.

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