Connect with us

Action

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

Published

on

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.

Action

Go behind scenes at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives with new immersive tour

Published

on

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, the allure of turquoise waters and golden sunsets is only part of the journey. As part of its Week in Paradise initiative, they have introduced a rare and eye-opening experience that takes guests behind the scenes—offering a deeper appreciation for what it truly takes to keep island life thriving.

Titled the Explore Our Resort Tour, this guided walkthrough is designed to go beyond the beach, spotlighting the systems, spaces, and people that quietly power of its island. It’s an invitation to witness the inner workings of paradise, where sustainability, efficiency, and teamwork come together in perfect harmony.

The tour begins at their Eco Park, where guests learn about our waste management operations—specifically the incinerator and digestor systems that play a critical role in reducing the resort’s environmental impact. From there, they visit the sewage treatment plant, where water is processed responsibly to maintain a clean and eco-conscious environment.

A stop at the diesel tanks and generator systems offers insight into the island’s energy supply, revealing how carefully calibrated operations ensure uninterrupted comfort for guests and colleagues alike. The RO (reverse osmosis) plant—another key highlight—demonstrates how seawater is converted into fresh, usable water through advanced desalination technology.

Guests also visit the laundry facilities, where mountains of linen are refreshed daily, and the often unseen administrative offices and associate accommodation units, which form the backbone of daily resort life. It’s a behind-the-curtain view of the dedication and effort that go into creating the effortless luxury that defines the Cinnamon experience.

More than just an operational tour, Explore Our Resort is about storytelling. It’s about giving guests a richer understanding of the care, coordination, and innovation that support each moment of their stay—from the spotless sheets to the lights that twinkle across the lagoon at night.

By launching this initiative, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives invites travellers to connect with the island on a deeper level—not just as guests, but as curious explorers of the world that quietly exists beyond the beach.

Continue Reading

Action

Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

Published

on

Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.

This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:

  • 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
  • 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
  • 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.

These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.

Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.

This immersive day features:

  • Guided dives to the shipwreck
  • Underwater treasure hunts
  • Marine conservation talks
  • Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals

The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.

Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.

  • 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
  • 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
  • 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.

The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.

Continue Reading

Excursions

COMO Maalifushi and Cocoa Island join global tribute to women divers on 10th PADI Dive Day

Published

on

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of PADI Women’s Dive Day, COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island will host dedicated dive experiences in tribute to the passion, resilience, and adventurous spirit of women divers worldwide. Scheduled for Saturday, 19 July 2025, this global initiative brings together divers in a united effort to increase female participation in scuba diving, while also promoting marine conservation and inclusivity beneath the waves.

On this date, both COMO properties in the Maldives will organise specially guided dives exclusively for certified female guests. These experiences offer participants the chance to explore the region’s thriving marine ecosystems and connect with a broader movement that champions gender inclusivity and environmental stewardship in the diving community.

Situated in the unspoilt waters of the Maldives, COMO Maalifushi provides access to a range of renowned dive sites, including coral gardens and manta ray cleaning stations. These underwater landscapes are ideal for divers seeking meaningful interactions with marine life in a setting of natural splendour.

Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives, commented, “At COMO, we are committed to empowering women not only on land but also beneath the surface of the ocean. PADI Women’s Dive Day gives us a platform to honour values such as inclusivity, passion, and marine conservation — all of which resonate strongly with our brand ethos. We are proud to create experiences that allow our guests to forge lasting connections with the natural world in transformative and memorable ways.”

At COMO Cocoa Island, participants can expect similarly enriching experiences, with access to gentle reef slopes, crystal-clear lagoons, and a diversity of marine life. Supported by expert marine guides, the dives are designed to be both empowering and educational, fostering a deeper appreciation of the ocean’s delicate balance.

First launched in 2015, PADI Women’s Dive Day has grown into the world’s largest celebration of women in diving. This year, both COMO resorts aim to inspire a new wave of female divers while reinforcing the importance of sustainability and unity beneath the surface.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.