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Reigning champion Josh Kerr to return to Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2019
It’s that time of year again when Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa surf crowd commences the countdown to the world’s most luxurious surfing event, which will take place from August 5-12, 2019.
And with 2018’s champion – and surf celeb – Josh Kerr from Australia confirmed to defend his title, the ninth annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy looks on track to set the Maldivian waves alight once again this summer.
Last year’s exclusive invitational event was a tightly fought affair with epic displays from each of the riders before Kerr took the victory in a grand finale matchup against Alejo Muniz from Brazil.
A surf competition like no other, 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, challenging its elite line-up of six former world champions to perfect a variety of disciplines to take the top spot.
Speaking after last year’s triumph, Kerr said, “Last year was such an incredible event to be involved with. I never thought I’d get so barrelled here in the Maldives! The concept of this event is really cool; to test surfer’s depth of talent across craft from different eras in surfing is awesome. I can’t wait to return to the Maldives and share this experience with a new group of contestants. Oh and my family are super excited to come back to Kuda Huraa, they absolutely love it there.”
Hailing from Tweed Heads, NSW, Australia, Kerr first took to the waves on a bodyboard, aged seven, graduating to his first surfboard three years later. He was winning airshows by 16, quickly building a reputation for his trademark aerial flips, charging barrels and superior tail wafts – even inventing a surfing manoeuvre he called the Kerr-upt Flip.
He retired from the CT tour in 2017, following an illustrious career with highlights including 2015 Big Wave Tour winner and multi-winning Airshow World Champion with his best ASP Tour finishes being 2nd in 2014 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro and 3rd in 2014 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.

At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, he will be battling it out for serious inner-circle surfing kudos and USD 25,000 prize winnings, whilst enjoying all the spoils of one of the Maldives’ best loved resorts, which plays host to the event, competitors, judges and TropicSurf partners, plus a packed house of lucky Kuda Huraa guests.
“This is an awesome experience for anyone passionate about competitive surfing, with a chance to see a unique world-class competition while enjoying the modern luxury of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. A true test of surfing skill and adaptability, you can definitely expect some surprises as our diverse line-up of contestants take to the waves,” Event Co-ordinator Mark Winson of Tropicsurf said, commenting on this year’s competition.

Those quick to get in on the action can take advantage of the resort’s tournament-specific surf package, Surfing Champions Trophy 2019, which includes: 10 per cent off bed & breakfast rates; daily breakfast; VIP event passes (held on board the Maldives’ ultimate surf cruiser, Four Seasons Explorer); a nightly cocktail hour with the Championship pro competitors; Surf Lagoon Lessons for two (option for advanced surfers to upgrade to Ocean Transition classes); complimentary daily surf reports with the latest conditions and event updates; daily yoga sessions; use of stand-up paddleboards and a 60-minute massage at the Island Spa.
To secure a spot at the world’s most luxurious surfing event book online, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call + 960 66 00 888.
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Coco Bodu Hithi celebrates Women’s Dive Day with marine conservation experience
In celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day on 18 July 2026, Coco Bodu Hithi invites certified women divers to come together for a meaningful morning beneath the surface, combining marine conservation with the joy of exploring the ocean in one of the Maldives’ most vibrant natural environments.
Inspired by this year’s global theme, “Celebrate Community. Create Change.”, the resort’s Women of the Ocean Reef Clean-Up Dive encourages to connect through shared passion for the underwater world while making a positive impact on the environment. Designed exclusively for certified women divers, the guided reef clean-up dive offers the opportunity to explore Coco Bodu Hithi’s biodiverse house reef while helping remove debris and protect its delicate ecosystem.
At the heart of it all is Coco Dive, the resort’s PADI-certified dive centre, where guests can discover the beauty and wonders of the Maldives through safe, personalised and memorable underwater adventures. Whether taking their very first breath below the surface or exploring advanced dive sites, guests are guided by an experienced, multilingual team of instructors dedicated to creating unforgettable diving experiences.
Just minutes from the resort, divers can access almost 30 renowned dive sites, home to vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, including hawksbill turtles, white-tip and grey reef sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, Napoleon fish, schools of blue-striped snappers, batfish and fusiliers. Guests looking to begin their marine adventures can also start their certification before arrival through PADI eLearning, allowing them to spend more time exploring the ocean once they reach the Maldives.
“At Coco Bodu Hithi, we believe every dive is an opportunity to build a deeper connection with the ocean,” said Jinn Hui, Dive Base Leader for Coco Bodu Hithi. “PADI Women’s Dive Day celebrates the growing community of women in diving while reminding us that small actions, such as removing debris, can make a meaningful difference to the health of our reefs.”
The activity is available at the resort’s standard single-dive rate and includes a personalised certificate of participation and a complimentary dive video, allowing guests to take home lasting memories of a meaningful day beneath the surface.
Rooted in Coco Collection’s truly Maldivian heritage, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to bring guests closer to nature through experiences that inspire a deeper appreciation for the Maldives and its fragile marine habitat.
Located in North Malé Atoll, just 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to unwind in spacious villas with up to 30% savings through the Discover Coco offer or enjoy exclusive benefits with the Local & Expat Exclusives package. Visit cococollection.com or contact reservations@cococollection.com for further enquiries.
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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru launch month-long marine conservation programme
This July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru reaffirm their long-standing commitment to protecting the Maldives through a month of conservation initiatives that inspire guests to become active stewards of the ocean.
Plastic Free July: Protecting the Maldives’ Blue Heart
As per UNDP, each year, the Maldives generates more than 43,000 tonnes of plastic waste – equivalent to the weight of approximately 215 blue whales and nearly 120 tons per day. For a country whose future depends on healthy oceans, reducing plastic pollution is essential to protecting marine biodiversity, and preserving the natural beauty that defines the Maldives.
Throughout July, guests are invited to take part in weekly Sunset Island Beach Cleans and Reef Cleans with our Marine Lab, helping remove marine plastic trash while learning about the importance of protecting the fragile coastal and reef ecosystems. The programme also includes a collaboration with a local sustainable NGO, showcasing how discarded plastic can be transformed into artwork, jewellery, and other meaningful products through creativity and circular design.

Shark Awareness Day: Why Sharks Matter
On 14 July, the resorts will mark Shark Awareness Day in collaboration with Miyaru, the Maldives’ leading shark research and conservation NGO. While sharks are often portrayed as dangerous, they are in fact among the ocean’s most important guardians.
By naturally regulating fish populations, sharks help keep coral reef ecosystems healthy and balanced. Without them, the delicate food chain can be disrupted, affecting everything from reef fish and coral health to the countless marine species that depend on these habitats. Healthy shark populations are also a sign of a thriving ocean—one that supports local fisheries, protects biodiversity, and sustains the world-renowned diving and snorkelling experiences that make the Maldives so unique.
Through engaging talks with Miyaru’s marine experts, guests will discover fascinating facts about Maldivian sharks, understand the challenges they face, and learn how conservation efforts are helping protect these often misunderstood guardians of healthy oceans.

Mangrove Conservation Day: 26 July
As part of Plastic Free July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru will also celebrate the International Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 26 July through a community mangrove planting and cleanup initiative with Huraa Council.
Mangroves are among the Maldives’ most valuable natural ecosystems, serving as nurseries for marine life, protecting coastlines from erosion, filtering pollutants, and strengthening resilience against climate change. Together with reef conservation and plastic reduction, the initiative reinforces the importance of protecting every part of the marine ecosystem—from the shoreline to the reef.

More than a month of activities, Plastic Free July reflects Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru’s enduring commitment to preserving the Maldives’ rich marine heritage – bringing together guests, local communities, and conservation partners to protect the ocean through collective action.
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InterContinental Maldives elevates active luxury with new padel court
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled its new padel court, adding a fresh dimension to island wellness and offering guests a dynamic new way to stay active in paradise.
Now with over 30 million players worldwide, padel is one of the fastest growing sports, offering a fun and inclusive activity for beginners and experts alike. The brand new court is framed by Maldivian palm trees and white sand, creating a striking backdrop for both leisurely matches and spirited competition.
Complimentary for all guests, the court includes the use of premium rackets and balls, allowing guests to discover a new skill in a tropical island setting. Families are invited to enjoy dedicated on-court sessions designed for all ages to create memorable, shared experiences. Benches line the court, creating a comfortable space for spectators to watch and support friends and family.
Located beside InterContinental Maldives’ fitness centre with its state-of-the-art gym, personal training programmes, and aerobic workout sessions, the new padel court aims to enhance the resort’s distinctive approach to luxury, wellbeing and curated guest experiences.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions. The padel court is complimentary
for guests.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
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