Action
Taylor Knox, Hussain ‘Iboo’ Areef join lineup for Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2022

In just a few short weeks, the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy will return for its 10th year of competition. In 2022, the most luxurious surfing event in the world is graced with a stacked field of surfers, including previously announced Rob Machado (USA), Shane Dorian (HAW) and Ross Williams (USA). The resort has now added another two names to the list.
Surfing alongside his contemporaries from the early 1990s, Taylor Knox (USA) rounds out an incredible lineup of “Momentum Generation” surfers competing at the Surfing Champions Trophy (SCT). Known as one of the most iconic power surfers of all time, not to mention winner of the SCT in 2013 against Tom Curren (USA) and runner-up to Dave “Rasta” Rastovich (USA) in 2014, Taylor will be one to watch on the world-class waves close to Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa.
This year will also see the addition of Hussain “Iboo” Areef (MDV) to the roster, as the 2022 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy event wildcard. Born on the Maldivian island of Rasmaadhoo, Raa Atoll, 45-year-old Iboo is often said to be “the forefather of surfing in the Maldives.” As a former competitor in the Surfing Champions Trophy and a multiple Maldives Surfing Champion, he will be ready to put on a show and represent his country against some of his surfing heroes.
“It means a lot to be competing in the Surfing Champions Trophy again this year,” Iboo says. “It’s like a dream come true, surfing my home breaks with these legends. I am very excited to surf against Rob Machado in particular; he has always been my favourite surfer and I learned so much from watching him, Shane Dorian, Taylor Knox and others in the Momentum movies and Loose Change. It’s pretty incredible to go from seeing them on the screen and in magazines to lining up alongside them; I feel very lucky and thankful to have this opportunity.”

The 2022 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is an invitation-only event like no other, with surfers competing in heats across three different surfing disciplines – single-fin, twin-fin and a triple-fin thruster. Held in some of the most consistent waves on the planet, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa offers up the perfect backdrop for the lineup of legendary surfers to get as creative as possible. With a USD 25,000 prize purse up for grabs, this is one of surfing’s most coveted events.
The 2022 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy will take place from August 22-29, 2022. Stay tuned for more news, here soon.
Guest accommodations are available at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, where all competitors stay for the duration of the event. For anyone wishing to be a part of the boutique surf tour experience and rub shoulders with surfing royalty on site, contact the Central Reservations Department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at tel: (960) 66 00 888 or email: reservations.mal@fourseasons.com
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
Action
Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’
Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.
The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.
Featured
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.
With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).
“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”
As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.
By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.
-
Featured1 week ago
Shangri-La Villingili Resort reopening announced for December 2025
-
Featured1 week ago
Minor Hotels to reopen NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort in December 2025
-
Featured7 days ago
Karan Veer Mehra celebrates Bigg Boss success at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
-
Action7 days ago
Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
-
News1 week ago
Amilla Maldives announces special experiences for Autumn, year-end holidays
-
Featured1 week ago
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer
-
Featured1 week ago
Ifuru Island Maldives brings New Orleans vibes to festive season
-
Featured1 week ago
Crafting memories: Sirru Fen Fushi and The Clay Studio Maldives collaborate