Action
Maldivian Surfers Soar to World-Class Heights at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Maldives Promotion House – This August, eight Maldivian surfers will make waves alongside six ex-world champions in the world’s most luxurious surfing event.
Hotly anticipated to be the country’s biggest ever showcase of Maldivian surfing, the inaugural ‘Four Seasons Maldives Domestic Champions Trophy’ will be held at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa from August 27 to September 2, 2012, alongside Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, a showdown between six ex-world champions.
Organized by luxury surf pioneers Tropicsurf, Four Seasons Maldives Domestic Champions Trophy will be run from Four Seasons Explorer catamaran. The domestic competition will see local surfers competing under the same world-class standards as the adjoining world champions’ event, with equal commentary, computer scoring and ASP judging criteria.
“We’re delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase our best local talent alongside living legends such as Tom Curren, Mark Occhilupo and Martin Potter,” commented Ismail Haleem of the Maldivian Surfing Association. “The Maldives is fast gaining a reputation as one of the world’s best surfing destinations and we’re looking forward to showing the world that we’ve got surfing talent to match.”
The Maldivian surfers will be selected by the Maldivian Surfing Association prior to the event via a local competition. Each will then compete in four-man event heats to qualify for the final – a MVR 25,000 showdown for the title of Four Seasons Maldives Domestic Champions Trophy 2012.
The domestic final will place immediately prior to the Surfing Champions Trophy final on the last day of competition, in a move aimed to give equal billing to local stars. The only difference in the two competitions lies in board selection: local surfers will compete on conventional thruster boards, whereas the world champions will tackle three boards ranging from retro single-fins to contemporary triple-fins.
Despite not featuring in last year’s inaugural event, Maldivian surfers were still very much front of mind. The 2011 victor, Mark “Occy” Occhilupo (Australia), dedicated his win to the late Tony Hussein Hinde – considered to be “the father of surfing in the Maldives” – who looked after Occhilupo on his first visit to the country more than a decade ago.
Occy will be returning to this year’s Surfing Champions Trophy event to defend his crown. Joining him will be Tom Curren (USA) – three-time world champion and true soul surfer; Martin “Potz” Potter (South Africa) – world champion, aerial-pioneer and all-round Mr Cool; longboard master Phil Rajzman, the only Brazilian in history to become world champion of the elite ASP World Tour; Damien Hardman (Australia) – two-time world champion; and 2005 Women’s World Champion, Chelsea Hedges (Australia) .
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 vessel plus three half-day surfing passes with Tropicsurf. Back on land, they’ll also get to rub shoulders with their surfing heroes and experience a level of intimacy and camaraderie unique in competition surfing.
Excursions
Discover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026
Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a new collection of curated dive packages, inviting guests to explore the exceptional underwater world of the Maldives through programmes designed for beginners, aspiring divers and certified enthusiasts alike.
Located in the pristine waters of Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides access to vibrant house reefs, calm lagoon conditions and several of the region’s most celebrated dive sites, including the renowned Ifuru Thila. The newly launched dive packages are crafted to combine professional training, guided exploration and the convenience of a premium island stay.
The collection begins with an introductory diving experience tailored for first-time divers seeking to discover the underwater world in a safe and relaxed setting. Guests undergo lagoon-based training before progressing to the house reef, offering an ideal entry point into scuba diving with no prior experience required.
For guests ready to advance further, the resort offers a globally recognised scuba certification course. Designed for confident swimmers and snorkellers, the programme includes professional instruction, open water dives and an internationally valid certification, opening access to dive destinations worldwide.
Certified divers can choose a three-day dive escape that highlights the best sites in Raa Atoll. Featuring guided morning dives across renowned locations, the experience showcases the atoll’s rich marine biodiversity, striking reef structures and clear waters.
“Diving is an essential part of the Maldivian experience, and we wanted to create a collection that feels both accessible and exceptional,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Whether it marks a guest’s first dive or their next significant underwater journey, these packages are crafted to offer confidence, comfort and memorable experiences beneath the surface.”
All dive packages may be booked alongside the resort’s premium accommodation offerings, including the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive meal plan, daily resort touches, complimentary non-motorised water sports, snorkelling equipment and return domestic flight transfers for qualifying stays.
The dive packages are available for booking and travel throughout 2026 and must be confirmed ahead of arrival. Package rates apply in addition to accommodation and are subject to availability.
Action
Niyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue
Niyama Private Islands Maldives now offers what is considered the most luxurious surf experience in the Maldives, enhanced by the introduction of its new Surf Shack — a stylish beachfront hangout serving gourmet bites, drinks, sunset views and lively parties.
Known as Nature’s Playground, the resort has long attracted surf professionals from around the globe. Located in the southern Maldives, where swells are at their strongest, it is a preferred base during peak surf season. Waves break directly on shore, with additional surf spots accessible within minutes by speedboat.
Niyama’s signature waves roll in at Vodi Point, situated on the westernmost tip of its twin islands. It is here that the resort has unveiled the new Surf Shack, designed to make time off the waves equally appealing. The thatched-roof venue encourages a barefoot, relaxed atmosphere, offering an upper deck for sunset viewing and picnic-style seating below. Reflecting Niyama’s sustainability ethos, Area Chief of Engineering Michael Patrick Slevin notes that 75 per cent of construction materials were repurposed, blending beach casual with environmentally conscious design.
Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes served from service windows, with a menu inspired by iconic surf destinations worldwide: Australian fish and chips, Indonesian satay, Mexican nachos and Japanese takoyaki. The drinks list pays tribute to rum, featuring an extensive collection and signature cocktails inspired by renowned surf breaks.
While the Surf Shack maintains a laidback feel during the day, the beachfront transforms at dusk as the tides shift and the DJ elevates the atmosphere. The resort’s rum and reggae Sundays have already become a celebrated weekly event.
Surfers at Niyama can design their days as they wish — chasing waves or relaxing ashore. The Surf Centre offers equipment and guidance, while Drift by Niyama provides recovery treatments to soothe muscles, repair sun-exposed skin and restore energy. Resident professional surfers remain available to advise on technique and wave conditions.
“The new Surf Shack forms part of the renewed Niyama experience, which includes significant refurbishments across the resort, inventive culinary additions and a greater emphasis on active living and wellness,” said Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “With more developments on the way, we look forward to sharing what comes next.”
Action
Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season
Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.
Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.
-
News1 week agoFushifaru Maldives blends cultural experiences with new in-house activities
-
Featured5 days agoYear of the Horse celebrated with island-inspired festivities at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
-
News6 days agoMaldives resort holidays included in Golden Globes gift bags
-
Excursions5 days agoDiscover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026
-
Featured4 days agoSt. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort sets stage for 2026 with influential Tastemaker residencies
-
Featured5 days agoNew era in reef conservation: Six Senses Kanuhura launches data-led Coral Census
-
News4 days agoCOMO Maalifushi introduces new all-inclusive experience, Simply COMO
-
Featured5 days agoMilaidhoo Maldives introduces high-end wellness residency led by Dr Lim Xiang Jun



