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Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy announces first three competitors

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Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy has announced former Championship Tour (CT) stars Josh Kerr, Alana Blanchard and Fred Patacchia Jr as the first three invitees of “the world’s most luxurious surfing event”.

Josh Kerr

Australian born Josh Kerr was one of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour’s most exciting competitors for more than 10 years.

Known for his well-rounded approach, Kerr would devastate opponents with his technical brand of aerial surfing, consistently finding himself in the top 10 at the pointy end of the season. In more recent years, Kerr has found himself competing on the WSL Big Wave Tour at some of the planet’s biggest and most dangerous waves.

This multifaceted approach to surfing will see Kerr fair well when he hits the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy this year.

“It’s a real honour to be invited to such a cool event like this,” Kerr said.

“Riding the different boards is something I’ve always enjoyed and to do it in a paradise like the Maldives will be incredible. It’s going to be fun competing against some of my old buddies from the CT, I’ll feel like the youngster again.”

Alana Blanchard

There wouldn’t be many people in the surfing world who don’t know the name Alana Blanchard. The Kauai native has been turning heads since she dominated the junior ranks in Hawaii as a teenager and rose towards the WSL Qualifying Series (QS).

After a short but successful time on the QS, Blanchard made it to CT, rising to No. 10 in the world in 2014. After recently becoming a mother, Blanchard is looking to re-qualify for the “Dream Tour.”

“I am really excited to be surfing the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy,” Blanchard said.

“Doing events is always really fun for me, it’s a good change of pace – and what better place to compete than the Maldives. I always see Instagram posts from past competitors and Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa looks like an incredible place, the waves look perfect and the event just seems so well set-up. I can’t wait to surf in an empty lineup out there and experience such a beautiful place and event with my partner Jack and our baby boy Banks. I love experimenting with different boards so feel like the format will suit me.”

Alana Blanchard. PHOTO/ FOUR SEASONS

Fred Patacchia Jr

Former CT veteran Fred Patacchia Jr will return to the Maldives for the first time since he competed in a QS event here more than 15 years ago. The powerful goofy-foot is known for his finesse in the tube and tactician-like technique on his backhand, meaning he will be one to watch when competition hits Sultans this August.

Although he plans to enjoy a relaxing week at Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa, his competitive side will be sure to shine once he pulls the jersey on.

“My first trip to the Maldives was for a QS event,” Patacchia said.

“It was so long ago it was still the ASP and the now two time WSL Champion John John Florence was still in elementary school. It’s a vivid memory though as I instantly fell in love with the place, from landing at the airport and jumping on our own personal boat headed to our own personal island, to riding my first wave and thinking ‘this is paradise.’ I’m excited to be taking my wife along with me as this will be her first time to the Maldives and we’re both so excited to be staying at Four Seasons. My intentions are to kick back, relax and enjoy all that the Resort has to offer. If I get around to it, I’ll paddle out for a wave or two.”

Fred Patacchia Jr. PHOTO/ FOUR SEASONS

Although it is tradition for the previous year’s winner to be invited back to the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, the reigning two-time event winner Taj Burrow has had to withdraw due to a serious knee injury sustained while surfing in Western Australia.

Unique in many ways, the Surfing Champions Trophy determines a surfer’s heat time based on their age, and tests skill across three different divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and triple-fin thruster. Places are granted to surfing’s elite by invitation-only, who then battle it out for both surfing inner-circle kudos and USD 25,000 prize winnings.

As ever, the event will be onboard Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. Fans can get up close to the action with onboard VIP passes, while the surf tour experience continues with shoulder-rubbing events back at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners.

Four Seasons Explorer. PHOTO/ FOUR SEASONS

With less than two months to go for the event, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa has announced an exclusive Surf, Spa and Save offer for stays of minimum four nights from August 3 to 13. It includes:

  • 15 percent off room rate
  • One 60-minute massage in The Island Spa for two guests per stay
  • Two day passes to view the competition from Four Seasons Explorer (individual tickets to Single, Double, Triple Fin and Grand Finale)
  • VIP Tour Cocktails (nightly cocktail hour with the six Surfing Champions contestants throughout the week of the competition)

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 2016 as the group’s first exclusive-use private island: off limits to everyone else, limitless to the guests.

Cover photo: Josh Kerr. PHOTO/ FOUR SEASONS

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Discover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026

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Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a new collection of curated dive packages, inviting guests to explore the exceptional underwater world of the Maldives through programmes designed for beginners, aspiring divers and certified enthusiasts alike.

Located in the pristine waters of Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides access to vibrant house reefs, calm lagoon conditions and several of the region’s most celebrated dive sites, including the renowned Ifuru Thila. The newly launched dive packages are crafted to combine professional training, guided exploration and the convenience of a premium island stay.

The collection begins with an introductory diving experience tailored for first-time divers seeking to discover the underwater world in a safe and relaxed setting. Guests undergo lagoon-based training before progressing to the house reef, offering an ideal entry point into scuba diving with no prior experience required.

For guests ready to advance further, the resort offers a globally recognised scuba certification course. Designed for confident swimmers and snorkellers, the programme includes professional instruction, open water dives and an internationally valid certification, opening access to dive destinations worldwide.

Certified divers can choose a three-day dive escape that highlights the best sites in Raa Atoll. Featuring guided morning dives across renowned locations, the experience showcases the atoll’s rich marine biodiversity, striking reef structures and clear waters.

“Diving is an essential part of the Maldivian experience, and we wanted to create a collection that feels both accessible and exceptional,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Whether it marks a guest’s first dive or their next significant underwater journey, these packages are crafted to offer confidence, comfort and memorable experiences beneath the surface.”

All dive packages may be booked alongside the resort’s premium accommodation offerings, including the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive meal plan, daily resort touches, complimentary non-motorised water sports, snorkelling equipment and return domestic flight transfers for qualifying stays.

The dive packages are available for booking and travel throughout 2026 and must be confirmed ahead of arrival. Package rates apply in addition to accommodation and are subject to availability.

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Niyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue

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Niyama Private Islands Maldives now offers what is considered the most luxurious surf experience in the Maldives, enhanced by the introduction of its new Surf Shack — a stylish beachfront hangout serving gourmet bites, drinks, sunset views and lively parties.

Known as Nature’s Playground, the resort has long attracted surf professionals from around the globe. Located in the southern Maldives, where swells are at their strongest, it is a preferred base during peak surf season. Waves break directly on shore, with additional surf spots accessible within minutes by speedboat.

Niyama’s signature waves roll in at Vodi Point, situated on the westernmost tip of its twin islands. It is here that the resort has unveiled the new Surf Shack, designed to make time off the waves equally appealing. The thatched-roof venue encourages a barefoot, relaxed atmosphere, offering an upper deck for sunset viewing and picnic-style seating below. Reflecting Niyama’s sustainability ethos, Area Chief of Engineering Michael Patrick Slevin notes that 75 per cent of construction materials were repurposed, blending beach casual with environmentally conscious design.

Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes served from service windows, with a menu inspired by iconic surf destinations worldwide: Australian fish and chips, Indonesian satay, Mexican nachos and Japanese takoyaki. The drinks list pays tribute to rum, featuring an extensive collection and signature cocktails inspired by renowned surf breaks.

While the Surf Shack maintains a laidback feel during the day, the beachfront transforms at dusk as the tides shift and the DJ elevates the atmosphere. The resort’s rum and reggae Sundays have already become a celebrated weekly event.

Surfers at Niyama can design their days as they wish — chasing waves or relaxing ashore. The Surf Centre offers equipment and guidance, while Drift by Niyama provides recovery treatments to soothe muscles, repair sun-exposed skin and restore energy. Resident professional surfers remain available to advise on technique and wave conditions.

“The new Surf Shack forms part of the renewed Niyama experience, which includes significant refurbishments across the resort, inventive culinary additions and a greater emphasis on active living and wellness,” said Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “With more developments on the way, we look forward to sharing what comes next.”

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Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season

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Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.

Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.

Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.

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