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Occy to Defend Title at World’s Most Luxurious Surfing Event
Maldives Promotion House – Intense, unpredictable and unique in the world of surfing, Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy pitches six ex-world champions in a USD 25,000 showdown on boards that range from retro single-fins to contemporary triple-fin thrusters. As powerhouse Australian Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo prepares to defend his clean-sweep in last year’s inaugural competition, ex-champions around the world are already queuing up to take him down.
“I’m not surprised about the buzz surrounding this year’s competition,” Occy admits. “There’s nowhere else that pits surfing icons against each other on the boards that shaped the sport. Plus it should be compulsory to make competition surfing five-star!”
The contest is hosted aboard the luxury Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. And with all competitors, judges and spectators staying on Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa’s 96-bungalow private island resort, the camaraderie on the water spills onto the beach each night around cocktails and campfires, dinner and dancing.
“It’s an intimacy that you don’t usually experience – as a competitor or a spectator,” explains Event Coordinator and General Manager Mark Winson of Tropicsurf, the luxury surf pioneers behind the event. “It’s one of the things everyone is most looking forward to this year.”
Guests booking Kuda Huraa’s all-inclusive four- or seven-night Champions Trophy package – available from August 27 to September 2 only – can get right on top of the action with competition day passes aboard the luxury surf vessel Four Seasons Explorer, and three half-day surfing passes with Tropicsurf. Back on land, they’ll also get to rub shoulders with their surfing heroes during the nightly Sundowners at Sunset Beach while relaxing in one of the Maldives’ top resorts – voted “The Best of the Best” in the Condé Nast Traveller (UK) annual Readers Travel Awards 2011. The package also includes a 60-minute Surfer’s massage and round-trip airport transfers by speedboat.
So what else is the event offering this year? “Six ex-world champions, thrilling competition surfing on perfect reef-break waves and, new for 2012, a local division showcasing some of the Maldives’ most up and coming surfers on their home breaks,” says Winson.
Bring it on!
Celebration
SAiiLand unveils a wonderland of festivities at SAii Lagoon Maldives
SAiiLand welcomes visitors of all ages to explore a secret fantasy garden, swim in a sea of holiday cheer, and create their own fairy-tale moments. From festive family pool parties to culinary feasts bursting with flavour, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a celebration full of warmth, fun, and SAiiSational spirit. With live music, treasure hunts, and immersive experiences, this festive season promises to bring joy at every turn.
This year, SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, invites guests to wander through a Secret Fantasy Garden, reach for the horizon, discover the unexpected, and dive into the island’s festive atmosphere. Whether crafting gingerbread houses, dancing under a sky full of stars, or enjoying a secret garden-inspired gala, every aspect of the SAiiLand adventure has been curated to blend joy, elegance, and island spirit.
Alexander Traeger, General Manager at SAii Lagoon Maldives, expressed excitement about sharing the season’s magic with guests. “Whether seeking exceptional dining experiences with family or winter sun adventures in the Maldives, there is something special for everyone.”
Visitors can enjoy festive cocktails at sundown, race through the SAii Amazing Race, or indulge in a feast beneath the stars. The festivities begin with a charming Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony and culminate in a stunning New Year’s Eve countdown, complete with fireworks and endless celebrations. Guests can look forward to live music, culinary delights, and a few magical surprises to make the end of the year truly unforgettable.
Featured
Fuvahmulah: Home to the world’s largest tiger shark aggregation
Fuvahmulah Island in the Maldives has been recognised as the location of the largest documented aggregation of tiger sharks globally, according to a recent study published on Nature.com.
Over six years, researchers led by Lennart Vossgaetter from the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany identified 239 individual tiger sharks through non-invasive photo identification methods. This represents the highest number of individual tiger sharks recorded in a single, geographically confined area.
The research revealed that tiger sharks around Fuvahmulah exhibit strong site fidelity, especially adult females, which remain in the area for extended periods during gestation. The waters surrounding the island provide critical habitat for these sharks, offering warm temperatures and a consistent food supply from discarded fish waste, making it ideal for reproduction.
Positive Outlook for Tiger Shark Conservation
The study highlighted Fuvahmulah as a vital site for tiger shark conservation in the Indian Ocean, housing the world’s largest known aggregation. The protected status of sharks in Maldivian waters contributes to the island being a “bright spot” for conservation efforts. Researchers emphasise that the island’s waters are essential for supporting female tiger sharks during gestation, serving as a crucial refuge that helps sustain their population.
However, the researchers also pointed out the necessity for further studies on the geographic connectivity of Fuvahmulah’s tiger sharks. Telemetry research could determine whether these sharks primarily inhabit the protected waters of the Maldives shark sanctuary or venture beyond its limits. Such insights are essential for understanding their movements and enhancing conservation strategies.
Balancing Tourism and Conservation
The study also raised concerns about the absence of formal regulations governing shark tourism in the Maldives, which has become a significant economic driver for local communities. The researchers noted that shark diving at sites like Fuvahmulah’s “Tiger Harbour” is currently unregulated, lacking official guidelines for shark provisioning for tourism purposes. Existing codes of conduct at diving sites are voluntary and vary by dive center.
Drawing inspiration from successful management strategies employed in other shark diving destinations, such as locally managed marine protected areas (MPAs) in Fiji, the researchers recommended establishing formal regulations to oversee shark provisioning and diving practices in Fuvahmulah. They argued that adopting sustainable practices is crucial to ensure the long-term conservation of tiger sharks and the economic benefits derived from shark tourism.
To prevent future conflicts between tourism and conservation, the study advocates for incorporating stakeholder interests into local management plans, promoting sustainable ecotourism practices in one of the world’s largest shark sanctuaries.
About Fuvahmulah Island
Fuvahmulah is the second southern-most atoll in the Maldives, situated 500 km from the capital, Male. The island, home to a population of 9000, is accessible via daily scheduled flights operated by the national carrier, Maldivian. Several dive centres are located near the harbour, accommodating the growing number of tourists who visit for tiger shark diving.
In addition to its fame as the “Tiger Shark Island”, Fuvahmulah is also known for its long, white sandy pebble beach, locally called “Thoondu”, on the northeast coast. The beach, with its natural beach breaks, is a popular destination for surfing.
News
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef named top Luxury Hotel at SATA 2024
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has proudly been awarded the title of Leading Luxury Hotel (Silver category) in the Maldives at the 2024 South Asian Travel Awards (SATA). This prestigious recognition was presented at a sophisticated ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal, highlighting the resort’s steadfast commitment to luxury, exceptional guest experiences, and significant contributions to Maldives tourism.
Resort Manager Thoha Yoosuf received the award on behalf of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, expressing sincere gratitude for the honour. “We are incredibly proud to be recognised among the top luxury hotels in the Maldives. This award reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team, who strive to ensure that every guest experience at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is remarkable. We look forward to continuing to elevate luxury travel in the Maldives,” Thoha stated.
Part of the esteemed Sun Siyam Resorts collection, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef consistently provides world-class service, emphasising an authentic and indulgent Maldivian experience. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the resort combines natural beauty with modern luxury, offering guests a tranquil sanctuary with outstanding amenities, including overwater villas, gourmet dining, rejuvenating spa treatments, and exciting water sports.
The South Asian Travel Awards honour excellence in hospitality throughout the region, recognising hotels, resorts, and tourism companies that excel in customer service, innovation, and sustainability. This prestigious accolade further cements Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s reputation as a leader in luxury travel, making it a top destination for discerning travellers seeking the ultimate Maldivian experience.
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