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Surfing Legend Occy Joins Surfing Champions Trophy

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Maldives Promotion House – Surfing legend Mark Occhilupo, famously known as Occy, will return to the Maldives next week for the first time in over a decade to contest the inaugural Four Seasons Surfing Champions Trophy which has been labelled worldwide as the world’s most luxurious surfing event.

The former ASP World Champion could prove tough to beat in the perfect reef break waves of the Maldives as he has been locking in plenty of tube time at Teahupoo while waiting for the Billabong Pro Tahiti event to recommence. Occhilupo will have a front row seat to the massive swell expected in Tahiti as one of the event commentators when competitions resumes.

The 45 year-old is in top competitive form, following his recent appearance at the World Masters in Brazil. He is not underestimating his opponents Mark Richards, Layne Beachley, Damien Hardman, Nat Young and the 2006 world Longboard Champion Josh Constable in the elite six person field.

“I’m really looking forward to it because I haven’t been back to the Maldives since the late eighties. I was one of the first few guys to go there so I’m excited, really excited,” Occhilupo said. “I just competed in the Masters in Brazil and it was a bit small over there. The Maldives is a much better spot because the waves are so good,” he added.

Occy was just 17 when he shot to the top of the ASP ratings, setting performance standards that remain unbeaten to this day. After just four years, he sensationally dropped out, only to stage one of the sport’s most inspirational comebacks with a sparkling return to competitive form some seven years later. In 1999, he seized the long-awaited world title, continuing on tour for a further seven years to amass a record-breaking 25-year pro surfing career.

Occy joins an illustrious field for the inaugural Four Seasons Maldives and Tropicsurf event that will see six iconic world champions compete across three divisions of single fin, twin fin and thrusters for USD 25,000 prize money.

“To tell you the truth I miss competing a lot and to see these familiar faces and even the legends, the guys I really looked up to when I was a kid as in MR is going to be fantastic.  It’s going to be great to compete against them and feed off them because they have got so much experience,” Occhilupo said.

“The resort looks amazing, we looked online and my wife Mae is really excited to go.  It sounds like it’s going to be a real luxurious kind of contest and I can’t wait. It’s going to be half-holiday and half a contest,” continued Occhilupo.

Boasting a total of 20 world titles between them, the legendary contestants are as excited about competing against one another as they are for the overall prize and title.

Guests booking Kuda Huraa’s all-inclusive four- or seven-night Champions Trophy package, available from August 29th to September 5th only, can get right on top of the action with competition day passes aboard the luxurious Four Seasons Explorer catamaran and three half-day surfing passes with Tropicsurf. They’ll also get to rub shoulders with their surfing heroes in Kuda Huraa’s village surround, home to competitors, judges and spectators alike for the duration of the contest.

The 2011 Surfing Champions Trophy by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives and Tropicsurf is the single most important surfing event of this year. The event is co-sponsored by HSBC, Billabong, Wataniya Telecom Maldives, Surfing World and Singapore Airlines.

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Elevate your game: Roman Safiullin’s tennis masterclass at Lily Beach Resort

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury family-friendly destination in the Maldives, has partnered with RTC to offer an exclusive tennis masterclass featuring rising ATP star Roman Safiullin. Known for his power and precision on the court, Safiullin will host two intensive masterclasses on November 18th and 20th, 2024. Set against the stunning backdrop of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, this unique event provides tennis enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to train with a world-class player. Participants will have the chance to refine their skills, gain professional-level insights, and experience an extraordinary tennis retreat.

Roman Safiullin, who began his professional career in 2015, has steadily climbed the ranks of the ATP tour. He secured his first Challenger title in 2020 and has since made a name for himself with notable wins, including a victory against Alexander Zverev at the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters and a recent win over Frances Tiafoe in October 2024. Safiullin’s triumph over Tiafoe, with a score of 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), showcased his resilience and tactical prowess in a match lasting over three hours. Currently ranked within the ATP top 50, Safiullin is recognised as a formidable competitor on the international tennis circuit.

During the masterclasses, Safiullin will focus on technique, strategy, and mental toughness, providing expert instruction to players of all levels. Whether participants are experienced competitors or passionate beginners, they will receive personalised guidance from one of tennis’s most exciting talents. As spaces for the event are limited, early booking is encouraged.

The event will culminate on November 23rd with an exclusive Q&A session, where attendees will gain insight into Safiullin’s personal journey and life as a professional tennis player. Following the session, participants can relax and unwind at a cocktail party, enjoying the serene atmosphere and connecting with fellow tennis enthusiasts.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa offers an ideal location for this unforgettable tennis experience. The resort features a well-maintained tennis court surrounded by tropical greenery, providing guests with the perfect blend of sport and luxury. In addition to tennis, the resort offers a variety of recreational activities, including table tennis, beach volleyball, football, snorkelling, diving, and a children’s park.

This tennis masterclass with Roman Safiullin presents a rare chance for participants to elevate their game while indulging in the luxurious amenities of Lily Beach Resort & Spa. Following a similar event with Taylor Fritz, this masterclass reinforces the resort’s status as a premier destination in the Maldives for tennis enthusiasts seeking a world-class experience. Those interested in attending are encouraged to book their stay early and immerse themselves in this exceptional fusion of tennis and tropical luxury.

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Ifuru Island introduces year-round tandem skydiving experience

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Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the launch of the second season for the first skydiving drop zone in the Maldives, offering an exhilarating adventure for thrill-seekers and tourists. In a groundbreaking joint venture with Skydive Wasaga Beach and Skydive Maldives, the program is set to begin in December 2024 and will be available year-round, allowing visitors to experience tandem jumps over the breathtaking Maldivian landscape.

The skydiving program is led by Leslie Farkas, a highly accomplished skydiver with over 15 years of experience and more than 6,000 jumps, of which over 5,000 have been tandem. Leslie holds multiple instructional ratings, including Coach 1 and 2, Ground Control Instructor, and Skydive School Examiner, ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism. In addition to his extensive skydiving background, Leslie has held leadership roles in marketing and aircraft maintenance at Skydive Wasaga Beach.

Joining Leslie is an elite team of skydiving professionals. Dominic Lachance, the Master Rigger, brings an impressive record of over 47,000 main pack jobs and extensive military certifications. Alec Thibeault, a Tandem Instructor with more than 19 years of experience, has completed over 9,554 tandem jumps and is known for his safety-first approach. Mathew Vinnels, with a decade of manifest experience, excels in customer service and weather expertise, ensuring a smooth experience for all guests. Darko Tupec will serve as the dedicated Elevator Pilot, overseeing safe and efficient aerial operations.

This season, Ifuru Island Maldives will exclusively offer tandem jumps, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience of freefalling from stunning altitudes. Prices for these jumps will start at $699 plus 8% GST, with the first jumps scheduled to take place on December 15, 2024, offering unparalleled views of the Maldives’ pristine waters and idyllic islands.

Since its opening in September 2023, Ifuru Island Maldives has offered 147 sunset suites and villas, six dining options, including two signature restaurants and four bars, all part of a 24-hour premium All-Inclusive experience. Additionally, it is home to the Maldives’ first permanent skydiving drop zone.

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Heritance Aarah Maldives announces partnership with Bologna FC 1909

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Heritance Aarah Maldives has announced an exciting new partnership with Bologna Football Club 1909, a prestigious professional football team from Italy’s Serie A, which also competes in the Champions League. This collaboration marks the first time a resort in the Maldives has supported a Serie A team, setting a new precedent for the intersection of luxury hospitality and the world of professional sports.

Heritance Aarah’s partnership with Bologna FC reflects the resort’s commitment to offering unique experiences to its guests and sports enthusiasts. The collaboration will create exclusive opportunities for fan engagement, blending the thrilling excitement of Serie A football with the tranquil luxury of a world-class resort.

Through this partnership, Heritance Aarah aims to engage with Bologna FC’s fanbase and the broader football community, underscoring the synergy between the club’s sporting success and the peaceful, luxurious atmosphere of the Maldives. The resort, known for its stunning villas and suites with personalised butler services, all-day dining across a range of world-class restaurants, and extensive water sports offerings, provides an ideal retreat for those seeking both relaxation and a connection to the sporting world. Located in the breathtaking Raa Atoll, Heritance Aarah is also the first property in the Maldives to achieve LEED Gold certification, highlighting its dedication to sustainability.

Bologna FC, with its rich history and prominent position in Italian football, is known for its deep connection to both national and international football culture. The club’s strong presence in Serie A and the Champions League makes this partnership a perfect match for Heritance Aarah’s global reputation for excellence in hospitality.

This collaboration opens up exciting new avenues for sports fans and luxury travellers alike, blending the best of both worlds for an unforgettable experience.

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