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Joel Parkinson opens Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy in style
The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy kicked off in fine fashion at flawless four-foot Sultans this morning, with single-fin surfboards the order of the day at the world’s most luxurious surfing event. “Look at this, it’s incredible!” said Adriano de Souza as he saw the empty lineup for the first time. “Just to be in this contest is a blessing, but with waves like this too? Wow!”
At day’s end 2015 world champion De Souza finished runner-up in the single fin division to 2012 world champ Joel Parkinson, who as a previous Surfing Champions Trophy competitor looked comfortable both at Sultans, and with the format. The Surfing Champions Trophy sees competitors battle it out in single fin, twin fin and thruster divisions. Start times are staggered from oldest to youngest and in 2023 Joel Parkinson will surf 31-minute heats while Adriano de Souza will enter the water at the 28-minute mark, Mason Ho a minute later, Coco Ho and Hood Ahmed a minute after that, while Conner Coffin joins the field at the 25-minute mark.
“Today was firing!” said Parkinson. “It’s amazing to be back here. I feel like I’ve put a lot of time into my single fin surfing these past few years. Hopefully I can be as competitive in the next rounds but once the boards get a little more high-performance I think my surfing might get left behind.”
De Souza started the day with a win over Hawaiian surfer Coco Ho and local wildcard Hood “Hoobs” Ahmed, who unlocked plenty of opportunities on his backhand. While De Souza needed the first half of his first heat to adjust to his equipment, once things clicked he engaged contest animal mode, finding barrels and aggressively attacking the lip to comfortably advance with a 15.50 two wave total.
Ho quickly found her groove atop an XOCOCO single-fin, one of many offerings from the new surfboard brand she has founded with shaper Matt Parker. “It’s about time surfboards were designed for women,”
said Ho, “and that doesn’t just mean ‘shrink it and pink it’, that means making boards that actually work.” Ho’s words rang true, the tubes she weaved through the course of the rounds the ultimate proof of concept.
In the second heat of the day Parkinson came up against Ho’s brother, renowned Hawaiian freesurfer Mason Ho, and Californian style master Conner Coffin, who only recently announced his retirement from WSL competition. “I’m new to this,” laughed Coffin, “so I thought I’d better get over here and let Joel show me how it’s done!”
Parkinson did just that, blazing through the opening rounds with a pair of eight-point rides to take the win. The Surfing Champions Trophy came alive at the 15-minute mark of the affair with a four-foot set broadsiding the Sultans reef and rousing the early morning crowd in the channel. Parkinson, already sitting on an 8.5 opener, pulled into a long, deep tube, backed up by a series of trademark carves on the first wave of the exchange. Coffin let his rails sing on the second, before Ho wrangled the foamball on the third. As the judges went to work another three waves turned inside out and spat into an empty channel. With minutes to go Mason found another gem, navigating a long tube to kick out in the channel with the 7.3 he needed to relegate Coffin to third place safely secured.
In the first semi-final Ho and De Souza went back and forth exchanging exquisitely ridden barrels and vicious carves from start to finish. While Ho threaded the best wave of the heat to lock in an eight after bowing to the Gods while kicking out, Adriano’s mixture of turns and tubes saw him advance with a pair of sevens.
The second semi saw Parkinson put on a tube riding clinic. The opener, a barrel sandwiched between trademark swoops earned him a 6.5 before Ho had entered the lineup. Once she did, Ho sat and played the waiting game while Parkinson went to work under priority, a 7.5 for a smaller yet hollower inside drainer putting plenty of pressure on the Hawaiian. Ho’s opener was a long, deep tube that she just missed the finish of, leaving a huge score behind as she got a little high and cartwheeled away.
Parkinson’s technical takeoff skills then earned him an 8.1 for a deep drainer that he threaded from the moment he found his feet. On the wave behind, with Parkinson looking straight into it, Ho again flew threw a huge tube, before again getting clamped.
The last set of the encounter saw Parkinson take off deep on a boat wake-ribbed wave, come from behind the peak and thread the pit to perfection. This resulted in the best wave score of the day, a 9.27, and a front row seat as Ho threw peace signs in the tube on the wave behind, her never-in-doubt exit earning her a 7.1 and plaudits from her opponent, and the channel. “I saw that barrel from the boat!” said de Souza, “It was insane, so good.”
In the all-world champion final, Parkinson (2012) took on De Souza (2012), though the three-minute head start for the elder statesman from Queensland amounted to nothing when the ocean went flat for the duration. After a slow start Parko got the ball rolling with a wider wave that didn’t look like much off the bat, but ended up a 6.43 as it grew down the line and let Parkinson sink his JS single fin into a series of strong turns. De Souza replied with a big set that offered no wall after an impressive drop, and he quickly aborted the mission to regain priority.
Parkinson took up residency on the wider peak while de Souza stationed himself at the top off the lineup. The contrasting tactics were on full display on the next set, de Souza taking off deep and reaping little reward, while Parkinson threaded a deep tube to perfection for a 9.07 and a handsome lead. With Adriano needing two fresh scores tube-pig Parkinson went to work burying his snout in every barrel that dared rear its head, occasionally paying a visit to the open face for a turn or two. Adriano found a late consolation 8.43, for a series of wild hacks, but to the victor go the spoils and Parkinson took out the single fin division to light up day one with his Cheshire Cat grin.
“A win is the best way to kick off the working vacation, isn’t it?” laughed Parkinson. “I’m really looking forward to enjoying the afternoon, and doing it all over again tomorrow. You beauty!”
The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy runs from August 21-28. The forecast looks good for the rest of the week so stay tuned for more updates when competition resumes with the twin fin division.
Single Fin Division Results:
- Joel Parkinson (AUS)
- Adriano de Souza (BRA)
- Coco Ho (HAW) equal with Mason Ho (HAW)
- Conner Coffin (USA) equal with Hood Ahmed (MDV)
2023 FS Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Leaderboard:
- Joel Parkinson (AUS) 1000pts
- Adriano de Souza (BRA) 900pts
- Coco Ho (HAW) 800pts
- Mason Ho (HAW) 800pts
- Hood Ahmed (MDV) 700pts
- Conner Coffin (USA) 700pts
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W Maldives sets coral restoration benchmark with Sea of Stars activation
Following the launch of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives has successfully concluded a landmark week of sustainability-driven experiences that brought guests, marine experts, and the resort team together in celebration of ocean conservation and creativity.
The event kicked off on 26 October with an exclusive screening of Peixinho (Little Fish) at FIRE, hosted by award-winning wildlife filmmaker and conservation biologist, Kaushiik Subramaniam. The film, a moving story of ocean stewardship and intergenerational change, was followed by a mix-and-mingle session where guests connected with Kaushiik to discuss the power of storytelling in inspiring environmental action, along with the MARS Sustainable Solutions team on the reef restoration project.

The momentum carried into the following days as the W Maldives team, led by the resort’s Sustainability Manager, Harald Schaller, together with MARS Sustainable Solutions, completed the installation of 400 Reef Stars and 6,000 coral fragments across the resort’s house reef on 28 and 29 October. Guests joined the marine biologists in assembling and deploying the hexagonal reef structures, turning collaboration into tangible impact. The two-day reef star creation and installation marked a key milestone in one of the Maldives’ largest coral restoration projects.
“With all Reef Stars successfully installed, we’re excited to see this restored reef become a thriving ecosystem,” says Kate Janetski, Marine Program Lead for Maldives & Caribbean and Global Training Manager at MARS Sustainable Solutions. “The partnership with W Maldives shows what can happen when science, hospitality, and community come together for a shared purpose. Seeing guests and the resort team work side by side to restore this reef is a powerful reminder that protecting our oceans can be a collective and inspiring experience.”

With the success of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives is setting its sights even higher, Under the vision of Amila Handunwala, the resort’s General Manager and Chair of the Marriott Maldives Business Council, this activation marks just the beginning of a wider movement to make W Maldives, and eventually, Marriott International properties in the Maldives, a driving force in coral restoration across the archipelago.
“Our reef has always been the heart of W Maldives,” says Amila Handunwala. “SEA OF STARS is more than a single event, it’s the spark of a long-term journey. Our goal is to strengthen W Maldives’ stance as a leader in marine restoration and to extend this initiative to other Marriott resorts in the Maldives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and set a new benchmark for sustainability in hospitality.”

The W Maldives team will continue to collaborate with MARS Sustainable Solutions to monitor coral growth and reef resilience in the coming months and years. Guests are also invited to be part of this journey by joining guided house reef snorkeling sessions with the resort’s marine biologist to learn more about the ongoing coral restoration program.
This initiative is part of W Maldives’ evolving and growing sustainability strategy, which extends beyond its reef restoration work. The resort continues to enhance its biogas plat, waste management system, and solar energy operations, building a more self-sustaining and environmentally conscious island ecosystem. Each initiative reflects the resort’s approach to modern luxury, one that connects guests to nature through innovation, community, and car.
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Sheraton Maldives partners with tennis pro Jackson Withrow, yoga expert Dawn Sim for guest experiences
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to reconnect with mind, body, and spirit from November 15-19, 2025, through two inspiring collaborations that celebrate sports and wellness in the heart of paradise. The resort will welcome Jackson Withrow, a celebrated American professional tennis player and winner of 10 ATP doubles titles, and Dawn Sim, a renowned Singapore-based yoga instructor and wellness ambassador, for a series of exclusive guest experiences designed to inspire connection, vitality, and inner balance.
Set amidst the shimmering turquoise waters and lush tropical surroundings of the resort, these curated programs offer guests the extraordinary opportunity to engage with world-class professionals through immersive sessions that blend movement, mindfulness, and Maldivian serenity. From the thrill of perfecting a serve alongside an elite athlete to the calm of a sunrise yoga flow by the ocean’s edge, each experience reflects Sheraton Maldives’ dedication to fostering connection and wellbeing in a truly idyllic setting.
From November 15-16, the spotlight turns to the tennis court, where Jackson Withrow, who achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 16 in 2024, will host a two-day Tennis Experience that brings professional sports to paradise. On November 15, guests can join Jackson for an interactive Doubles Clinic, learning advanced techniques, teamwork strategies, and court fundamentals. The session will conclude with a relaxed autograph signing and Q&A, offering a glimpse into life on the ATP Tour.
The excitement continues on November 16, as Jackson returns to the court for a Tennis Engagement Activation, where guests can watch his personal training session before joining him for friendly on-court challenges, including the opportunity to return his serve or rally alongside a world-class athlete.
Following a weekend of exhilarating sports, guests can look forward to a more tranquil rhythm as the resort shifts its focus toward mindfulness and rejuvenation. Beginning November 18, Dawn Sim will guide guests on a journey of serenity and self-awareness. A certified yoga instructor who has led sessions at Glow Fest 2024 and The Singapore Edition, Dawn brings her holistic approach to wellness to the tranquil shores of Sheraton Maldives.
Her wellness activations will take place in two of the resort’s most picturesque settings — Sunrise Yoga at Kakuni Beach on November 18 and Sunset Gentle Stretch at Anchorage Beach on November 19. Each session will offer guests a soothing, restorative experience that harmonises body and mind, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the ocean and the radiant hues of sunrise and sunset.
“At Sheraton Maldives, we take pride in curating experiences that bring people together through shared passions and authentic connections,” said Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. “From world-class tennis sessions with Jackson Withrow to mindful wellness sessions with Dawn Sim, these collaborations embody our island’s spirit of balance.”
Nestled on a private island in North Malé Atoll, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa continues to redefine meaningful travel through experiences that inspire connection, wellness, and discovery. This November’s activations perfectly capture the resort’s commitment to creating memorable moments that unite guests through sports, wellness, and the island lifestyle — celebrating the true essence of “where the world comes together.”
To learn more about Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, visit www.sheratonmaldives.com.
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New Year’s voyage of indulgence: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau’s private yacht experience with Chef Tom Aikens
Nestled within its own pristine lagoon on the serene southernmost tip of the Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is redefining high-end travel with an exclusive invitation to celebrate New Year’s Day in unparalleled luxury. For those seeking an unforgettable start to 2026, guests can indulge in an intimate private yacht escape, blending Michelin-starred dining, luxurious comfort, ocean exploration, and stargazing beneath the Maldivian sky. This first-class experience is crafted for those who wish to welcome the year ahead with indulgence, privacy, and personalised luxury on the glistening Indian Ocean.
The journey begins with a one-hour Sunset Cruise, paired with premium Champagne, setting the tone for an evening of elegance. Guests can delight in a Caviar & Oyster Tasting, savouring the freshest ocean delicacies, followed by an intimate private dining experience featuring a set menu expertly curated by Michelin-starred Chef Tom Aikens, showcasing the finest in culinary mastery. As the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars, Tom Aikens is revered for his ingredient-led, deeply personal approach to modern European cuisine. The onboard Wine Cellar at Sea, led by a dedicated sommelier, also ensures impeccable pairings throughout the evening, creating a true voyage for the senses.

For opulent entertainment, a live musician will perform onboard, setting the perfect ambiance beneath the stars, while unforgettable moments are captured with a professional minute drone video for a cinematic keepsake. As darkness falls, guests will enjoy a guided stargazing session, whilst drifting along the ocean’s gentle waves, before returning to their refined onboard suite for the night, beautifully decorated and with a homemade chocolate box to conclude a perfect evening of serenity.
The following morning, guests will awaken to a surprise gourmet breakfast accompanied by Champagne served onboard, and depart with a personalised gift from Chef Tom Aikens as a cherished memento of this enchanting escape.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort promises exceptional, personalised service for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. As part of the resort’s festive programme, a thoughtfully curated overnight yacht journey offers discerning travellers the perfect way to celebrate the New Year, creating unforgettable moments in a truly breathtaking setting.
The full festive brochure can be found here.
Rates for exclusive overnight yacht hire start from USD 16,500 ++ per night. This rate includes up to two adults. Rates for four adults and two children, or alternatively up to six adults, start from USD 20,000 ++.
This exclusive overnight yacht experience is limited and offered by reservation only. For inquiries and reservations, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
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