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Maldivian Surfers Take Away Major Awards At International Surf Challenge
Maldives Promotion House – The Maldivian surfer Abdullah Areef took the third place in the Men’s Open Division of the 6th annual Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge at Desaru Beach in Malaysia, battling it out in a 25 minute challenge. Raditya Rondi from Indonesia went first and Mohd Nazrin “Super Yen” from Malaysia went second. The fourth place went to Gilang from Indonesia.
Moreover the entire Bodyboard Division was dominated by Maldivians. Ali Khusruwan took the first place and Ibrahim Shiman took second place. They were followed by Ali Javeed who went third and Mohamed Luhushan who went fourth. Ismail Miglal was awarded the best wipeout.
The final day started up with 3-4 foot waves closing out on the inside sandbars and rain squalls blowing in and out, but for the Men’s Open finals the conditions cleaned up and allowed thrilling finale to the three-day Monsoon Mayhem competition.
Abdullah Areef was satisfied with his third place finish, and said “I’m glad I got into the finals, so I can go back home with a trophy. The waves got much cleaner for the final, which made for a great ending. I’ve really enjoyed the event, and I want to do a lot more ASC events this year for sure, that is my plan for 2012.”
The Asian Surfing Championship tour is just starting its second season, after having sanctioned a total of 9 events held in four countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand in 2011. The Monsoon Mayhem is the first event of 2012 season.
The Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge took place on the golden sands of Desaru Beach, located an hour’s drive east of Johor Baru and approximately 1.5 hours by car from Singapore.
During the three days of the event, the surfing action included the Men’s Open Division, Women’s Division, Masters (over 35 years of age) Division, and a Bodyboard Division, with over 80 participants coming from Australia, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Singapore, and of course Malaysia.
Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge 2012 Contest Results
Men’s Open Division
1. Raditya Rondi (Indonesia)
2. Mohd Nazrin “Super Yen” (Malaysia)
3. Abdullah Areef (Maldives)
4. Gilang (Indonesia)
Women’s Open Division
1. Annissa Flynn (Thailand)
2. Nur Hawani (Malaysia)
3. Michaela Partin (USA)
4. Brenda Lee (Malaysia)
Master’s Division
1. Toshikazu Kirusji (Japan)
2. Sean Gilhooley (Australia)
3. Decha Sithidej (Thailand)
4. Hideyuki (Japan)
Bodyboard Division
1. Ali Khusruwan (Maldives)
2. Ibrahim Shiman (Maldives)
3. Ali Javeed (Maldives)
4. Mohamed Luhushan (Maldives)
Best Local Johor Surfer – Haikal (Tanjung Balu, Malaysia)
Best Malaysian Surfer – Mohd Nazrin “Super Yen” (Cherating, Malaysia)
Best Wipeout – Ismail Miglal (Maldives)
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SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ island fitness experience
On Friday, 25 April 2026, redefining the boundaries of luxury wellness, SO/ Maldives unveils its high-energy “Fight Fit” island activation, an immersive celebration of strength, movement, and mindful living. As part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, this dynamic experience is brought to life in collaboration with Fight Soul Maldives, a leading local fitness collective dedicated to showcasing the art and discipline of combat sports.
This exclusive Maldives activation transforms the island into a vibrant stage where guests are invited not only to participate but to witness and connect with authentic local skill and passion. Through this partnership, SO/ Maldives proudly highlights homegrown talent, offering a deeper cultural dimension to the guest experience.
At the heart of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests can train alongside skilled fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Designed for all fitness levels, the sessions introduce the fundamentals of Muay Thai through interactive drills, technique building, and high-energy group engagement creating a powerful and memorable connection to the sport.
The experience extends across the island with a curated lineup of fitness and wellness activities, including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga with DJ beats, and sunset fight showcases. Each activation is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Maldives, turning the resort into a holistic wellness playground.
Complementing the physical journey, guests can enjoy a specially designed healthy menu, crafted to fuel performance and support balanced living, reinforcing SO/ Maldives’ commitment to wellbeing from within.
Further enhancing the wellness offering, guests are invited to experience an exclusive skincare workshop and immersive ritual, alongside the launch of premium products from Comfort Zone. Rooted in science and sustainability, this experience introduces guests to transformative skincare practices that elevate both body and mind.
As the sun sets, the island pulses with energy through foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions, where Fight Soul Maldives athletes take center stage showcasing their expertise and passion in a captivating display of strength and artistry.
With “Fight Fit,” SO/ Maldives creates more than just an event it delivers a bold lifestyle statement where local collaboration, global wellness trends, and immersive luxury come together in perfect harmony.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100.
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Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives introduces indoor mini golf experience
Resort experiences are increasingly shaped by the need for flexibility, with guests seeking activities that can be enjoyed beyond peak sun hours, creating a natural demand for engaging indoor spaces and particularly in tropical destinations where brief, seasonal rain showers are part of the island rhythm.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives builds on this evolving guest preference with the introduction of its new 8-hole Indoor Mini Golf Centre, adding a playful and interactive dimension to the island’s leisure offering. The space was officially unveiled at a recent opening, where a guest was invited to mark the occasion, setting the tone for an experience centred around shared enjoyment and light-hearted moments.

The indoor mini golf course offers a relaxed, air-conditioned space where guests of all ages can take part, whether as a casual game between families, a friendly challenge among couples, or a fun addition to group stays. It provides a comfortable alternative to outdoor activities while maintaining the sense of energy and connection that defines time on the island, regardless of the weather.
The addition builds on the resort’s existing indoor facilities, including billiards, table tennis, and a dedicated kids’ playroom, creating a more rounded leisure experience that caters to different moods and moments. Outdoors, guests can continue to explore a wide range of activities, from beach volleyball and futsal to badminton, diving, and both motorised and non-motorised water sports.

As one of the first resorts in the area to introduce an indoor mini golf experience, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives continues to evolve its offerings in line with how guests choose to travel today, blending activity, comfort, and shared experiences in a setting designed for both relaxation and discovery.
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COMO Maalifushi highlights uncrowded surf access across southern atolls
COMO Maalifushi presents a considered approach to surfing in the Maldives—one shaped by access, expertise, and the quiet privilege of space.
Located in the remote Thaa Atoll, the resort offers entry to a network of lesser-travelled breaks across the southern atolls, where consistent Indian Ocean swells meet uncrowded line-ups. Here, surfing unfolds without urgency—guided by natural rhythm rather than routine.
At the core of the experience is COMO Maalifushi’s long-standing partnership with Tropicsurf, daily sessions are shaped by real-time ocean conditions, with coaching that adapts intuitively to each guest—whether taking to the water for the first time or refining technique across more complex reef formations.
Guests are given access to a curated selection of breaks across Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll—each offering a distinct character. From the long, forgiving rides of Farms to the more technical, fast-moving rights of ‘Machine’, the programme is designed to evolve with both conditions and capability.
“Surfing at COMO Maalifushi is defined by its sense of space and possibility,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Our location allows access to some of the Maldives’ most consistent yet uncrowded waves, and through our partnership with Tropicsurf, we’re able to offer an experience that is both highly personalised and quietly exceptional—true to COMO’s way of doing things.”
The season, which runs from April through October, brings steady swells from the southern Indian Ocean. Yet beyond seasonality, it is the absence of crowds that defines the experience—allowing guests to engage with the ocean on their own terms.
Surfing at COMO Maalifushi sits naturally within the wider rhythm of the island. Time in the water is balanced with restorative treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, unhurried dining, and the simplicity of island life—creating a sense of flow between activity and stillness.
Here, surfing is guided with care, framed by nature, and experienced without excess.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website.
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