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Hang Ten in Champions Territory: Surfing at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa

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Surfers from around the world are gearing up for the thrill of a lifetime as the surfing season at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa kicks off. With its renowned local breaks, expert coaches, bespoke surf cruises, and exhilarating seaplane “surfaris,” the resort is a haven for wave-riders seeking the ultimate surfing experience.

General Manager Didier Jardin expressed the resort’s enthusiasm for surfing, stating, “We’re a little bit surf-obsessed here at Kuda Huraa.” The resort offers lagoon-based lessons for surfers as young as six, catering to beginners and professionals alike. The prestigious Surfing Champions Trophy, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has attracted world-class surfers such as Kelly Slater and Tom Curren, further showcasing the exceptional surf experience available at Kuda Huraa.

The 2022 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, known as “the world’s most luxurious surfing event,” brought together legendary surfers from the “Momentum Generation” and Maldives Surfing Champion Hussain “Iboo” Areef to compete in a unique event format featuring single, twin, and thruster fin contests. Last year’s champion, Kelly Slater, praised the location, saying, “The Maldives is one of those places that I want to come back to year after year. It’s just such a great location, and the waves are beautiful; they’re playful but high level and high-performance surf.”

Excitement is building for this year’s Surfing Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from August 21 to 28, 2023. Surf enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the first competitors, anticipating an exhilarating display of talent and skill.

For those planning a visit to Kuda Huraa, the surf season runs year-round for beginners and from April to October for experienced surfers. Guests can start by learning the essentials in the calm waters of the resort’s lagoon before venturing out to the nearby breaks, where perfect waves await. The breaks around Kuda Huraa, including Honkies, Chickens, Cokes, Sultans, Ninjas, and Tombstones, offer a variety of waves catering to different skill levels and preferences.

In addition to guided Tropicsurf lessons and sessions, Kuda Huraa offers a unique experience: the opportunity to charter a private seaplane and explore untouched breaks in the Maldivian wilderness. Surfers can paddle out to remote, pristine waves surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives, all while enjoying refreshments and the freedom to chase the perfect tide.

The Surf’s Up package at Kuda Huraa includes guest accommodations with daily buffet breakfast, round-trip speedboat transfers, guided boat transfers to local surf breaks, use of surf equipment and stand-up paddle boards, a welcome gift, welcome drink, and fresh fruits in the bungalow. Guests can choose between the Beginner or Experienced Surfer program, with options for lagoon-based courses, ocean-based excursions, coaching clinics, and guided surf excursions.

To plan a surfing break at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, interested individuals can book online, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Kuda Huraa promises an unforgettable surfing experience in the lap of luxury.

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Dive for free at Kandooma, just named Maldives’ leading dive resort

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been crowned ‘Maldives Leading Dive Resort 2025’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards, marking a major milestone as the inaugural winner of this newly introduced category.

The announcement was made at a glittering gala ceremony held on 29 June in Tanzania, attended by tourism and hospitality leaders from across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The accolade honours Kandooma’s commitment to exceptional diving experiences and innovation in accessible underwater tourism.

“We’re surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring marine life in the Maldives – it’s truly like diving in a living aquarium,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “From graceful manta rays and reef sharks to turtles, moray eels, and vast schools of tropical fish, our waters are teeming with life.”

Just minutes from the resort are world-class dive sites including Kandooma Thila, a renowned cleaning station for grey reef sharks; Guraidhoo Corner, famous for its strong currents and pelagic encounters; and Medhu Faru, where divers drift alongside vibrant coral walls. The close proximity of these sites allows for up to three dives a day – ideal for enthusiasts chasing underwater thrills.

Central to Kandooma’s diving success is its bold ‘Dive Free’ initiative – a game-changer for the scuba community. Guests who stay three nights or more and are certified divers receive two complimentary boat dives per day, including equipment and professional guidance.

“Diving can be an expensive pursuit, so we decided to flip the script,” Eletr added. “Our ‘Dive Free’ program removes the barriers and makes the underwater magic of the Maldives accessible to more people than ever.”

Kandooma’s on-site 5-star PADI dive centre offers courses for beginners through to advanced, specialty certifications and refreshers, as well as private excursions for underwater photography, night dives, and wreck explorations.

With its commitment to sustainability, marine preservation, and guest experience, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has proven that world-class diving doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag – just a sense of adventure.

For more information or to book a diving escape, visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com

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Siyam World kicks off August with star-studded football camps

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No shoes, no stress, just goals! This August, Siyam World Maldives is turning up the heat with not one, not two, but three football legends taking over the island for exclusive five-day Football Residence Camps – Wayne Bridge, Kean Bryan, Andrew Johnson.

Wayne Bridge | August 1–5

A former England international and Premier League left-back with over 300 top-flight appearances, Wayne is best known for his time at Chelsea, Manchester City, and Southampton. His elite-level experience, from Champions League nights to FA Cup triumphs, makes him the ultimate coach for young players looking to level up.

Kean Bryan | August 11–15

A midfield dynamo with a Premier League pedigree, Kean’s career includes spells at Manchester City, Sheffield United, and West Brom. Known for his technical skill and tactical brain, he brings a youth-focused approach packed with energy, precision, and motivation.

Andrew Johnson (AJ) | August 17–21

A former England striker and Crystal Palace legend, AJ lit up the Premier League with his pace and goal-scoring flair. His sessions will bring fast-paced drills, goal-scoring tips, and a whole lot of fun to the pitch.

Each 5-day camp for kids between 5 and 12 years, takes place on the resort’s own World Sports Arena, as part of their exclusive Football Residences programme, designed to inspire the next generation of football stars while having the time of their lives in paradise. Spots are limited, and trust us, they’ll go fast. Give your child the chance to train with football legends, make lifelong friends, and experience the magic of the Maldives—because this is one match they won’t want to miss.

Siyam World has already hosted some of the biggest names in football, with past camps featuring stars like: Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Agger or Esteban Cambiasso. Joining this incredible lineup, those football legends in August are making Siyam World the go-to destination for football-obsessed kids and their families.

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Making waves all summer long: Manta rays, mini explorers take over The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

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At The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, July isn’t just another sunny month – it’s when the ocean comes alive. Manta season is in full swing, and Hanifaru Bay (just a splash away from the resort) becomes host to hundreds of reef manta rays performing underwater ballet. Offering a front row seat to all the action is the resort’s Manta Ray Watching Experience package available through October 31.

Suitable for confident snorkelers aged 12+, the three-hour excursion includes roundtrip speedboat rides and all the ocean wonder you can handle. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay’s shape works like a plankton magnet, drawing in marine life for one of the largest known manta feeding frenzies on the planet. As you float just meters above the action, graceful giants barrel rolling through plankton-rich waters in synchrony, with whale sharks making cameo appearances.

Beyond the waves

Kids under 12 are safe from FOMO with the return of the Summer Camp, running from July 1 to August 31. Creative energy gets channeled into arts, crafts, pottery and even directing resort-wide film shorts. Young adventurers can zen out in Lil’ Yogis, work out on the water with SUP, swing rackets with Tennis Titans or shake it off with Zumba. Mini chefs can dive into sushi, cupcake, pizza and mocktail workshops. And those craving star power can choose between karaoke showdowns and splashy pool parties. Language games and Maldivian drumming sessions sneak in a little learning with all that fun.

Family stays

Awarded the ‘Best Resort for Families’ by T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023, The Standard Huruvalhi, Maldives makes finding family-friendly accommodation a breeze. Lagoon Overwater Villas are suspended above crystal-clear waters, Ocean Overwater Villas take you from bed straight to the house reef, and Beach Villas are perfect for private poolside moments in lush tropical greenery. Finally, multigenerational families will find just the right balance of privacy and togetherness at the sprawling

The Standard Residence.

Applicable for two adults and two kids below 12 years old (an additional charge of USD 285 per night applies to older kids), the ‘Families That Stay Together’ package includes accommodation in an overwater or beachfront villa, an All-Inclusive Plus Meal Plan, free water sports, laundry and spa credit. Over at Lil’ Shark Kids Club, youngsters dive into complimentary activities ranging from high-energy fun to creative pursuits – whether ruling the roost in the playroom, splashing in the paddling pool, digging into the sandy park or winding down in the movie den. Beyond daily adventures like cooking classes, babysitting services are also available for $35 per hour.

For more information on the Manta Ray Experience, priced at $250 per person, please click here. For the full summer camp programme, visit the link. To book your accommodation, please click here.

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