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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2013
Third successive year for the world’s most luxurious surfing event August 26 to September 2, 2013.
Maldives Promotion House – This August, Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is returning for its third successive year, pitching six ex-world champions in a USD 25,000 showdown that has fast gained a reputation as the world’s most luxurious surfing event.
This year’s competition will see the hotly anticipated return of Australian surfing legend and two-time world champion, Damien “Dooma” Hardman (Narrabeen, New South Wales, Australia), to defend his title in the unique contest that pits world legends across three divisions of surfboard: retro single-fins, twin-fins and contemporary triple-fin thrusters.
“Goofy-footer” Hardman admitted he was “thrilled” to be returning to Kuda Huraa – and not just for the surfing. “It’s great to be returning to Kuda Huraa’s luxurious surrounds that I’ll get to share with my wife Belinda, and she’s as excited as me,” he commented. “That being said, I’ll be gunning for the Champions Trophy and the USD 25,000 prize money for sure”
Organized in conjunction with luxury surf pioneers Tropicsurf of Noosa, Australia, this year’s event will once again simultaneously feature Four Seasons Maldives Domestic Champions Trophy – a thrilling showcase of local talent that last year saw Hussain Areef, the country’s reigning national champion, scoop MVR 25,000.
Both the Surfing Champions and Domestic Champions contests are hosted aboard the luxury Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives ultimate surf vessel. And with all competitors, judges and spectators staying on the 96-bungalow private island resort of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the camaraderie on the water spills onto the beach each night around cocktails and dinner.
This year, groups of surfers wishing to travel to Kuda Huraa to experience the competition can book the Resort’s new all-inclusive five- or seven-night Group Surf and Stay package. Available for a minimum booking of four rooms for five or seven nights, the package includes competition day passes aboard the luxury surf vessel Four Seasons Explorer, full board and transfers, and five or seven days of intense surfing with Tropicsurf’s expert guides. Back on land, groups will also get to rub shoulders with their surfing heroes while relaxing in one of the Maldives top resorts – voted number one in the Maldives in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2012.
Commenting on this year’s contest, Event Coordinator Mark Winson of Tropicsurf said: “Now in its third year, we are gearing up for the best competition yet. A stellar field of international competitors is being assembled from every corner of the globe as we speak. World champion surfers are lining up not just for a chance to scoop USD 25,000 in prize money, but also to revel in Kuda Huraa’s relaxed vibe and enchanting island life. This is an event like no other in the world.”
Limited day passes will be available (at a fee) for non-package guests and members of the public wishing to view the event from Four Seasons Explorer. Call + 960 66 00 888 or e-mail reservations.mal@fourseasons.com for rates and bookings.
Aurelio De Laurentiis, owner and chairman of SSC Napoli and one of Italy’s leading film producers, is celebrating his club’s return to the top of Serie A while holidaying in the Maldives.
Napoli secured a crucial 2–0 victory over Torino in the 34th round of the league, taking full advantage of Inter Milan’s 1–0 loss to Roma. With the win, Napoli now lead the table with 74 points, three points clear of Inter, with four matches remaining in the season.
Many had expected De Laurentiis to be present at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for such a pivotal match. However, according to Italian media reports, he remained in the Maldives. After the match, the Napoli president posted a message from afar, encouraging his team to stay composed during the decisive final stretch of the season: “Cool heads. Calm and steady. Forza Napoli Sempre!”
The radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli suggested that De Laurentiis’ decision to stay in the Maldives, distant from Italy, reflects his strategy of giving space to the team and coaching staff while firmly maintaining control over the club’s direction.
Following Napoli’s historic league triumph in 2023, their first in over three decades, the club endured a turbulent season marked by coaching changes and management instability. Many attributed last season’s struggles to the lack of continuity.
Determined to rebuild, De Laurentiis appointed Antonio Conte, a proven winner, as head coach ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, a move that is already delivering results.
As the race for the Scudetto intensifies, Napoli’s dream of winning a second title in three years remains very much alive, with De Laurentiis steering the course even from thousands of miles away.
With their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign at a critical juncture, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opted for a much-needed escape — a team retreat to the Maldives. The squad and support staff landed in the Maldives over the weekend, taking advantage of a break between matches to reset mentally and recharge for the crucial weeks ahead.
The retreat was swiftly organised following SRH’s five-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, a win that lifted spirits within the team. Shortly after, the franchise shared glimpses of their Maldivian getaway on social media, posting a video captioned: “Sun, sea, and a team retreat for our Risers in the Maldives!”
The Maldives, renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts, provided the perfect backdrop for the players to unwind away from the pressures of the IPL. The serene surroundings offered a chance for the team to bond, reflect, and refocus ahead of a pivotal stretch of games.
Currently eighth on the points table with just three wins from nine matches, SRH’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. The time in the Maldives comes at a crucial moment, as the team looks to build momentum and stage a late-season resurgence. Pat Cummins and his men are expected to return to India early next week and travel directly to Ahmedabad for their next match against Gujarat Titans on May 2.
This season has been a challenging one for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite high expectations around their explosive batting line-up — touted by many as capable of breaching the 300-run mark — the team struggled on slower pitches, including losses at home in Uppal and away against Mumbai Indians. However, their recent win in Chennai sparked renewed optimism within the squad.
The players now return from the Maldives refreshed and ready to fight for a playoff berth, needing victories in all their remaining matches to keep their campaign alive. It is worth noting that SRH were the runners-up in IPL 2024, and they will be hoping that a few days in paradise can help reignite that form.
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has welcomed former World No. 4 and Grand Slam champion Iva Majoli for an exclusive tennis experience set amidst the stunning natural island.
From Saturday, 26 April to Monday, 5 May, guests are invited to sharpen their skills, enjoy unforgettable moments, and train with a true icon of the sport. Known for her powerful game and fierce determination, Iva Majoli carved her name into tennis history by winning the 1997 Roland-Garros title, famously defeating World No. 1 Martina Hingis in a breathtaking final. With career highlights including titles at the Zurich Open and Tokyo Open, her presence on the island promises an inspiring and elegant sporting experience.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, 26 April:
- 5pm- 6pm: Adult Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
- 6pm-7pm: Meet & Greet: A Sunset Cheers with Iva Majoli
Sunday, 27 April:
- 5pm – 6pm: Kids Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
- 6pm -7pm: Private session
Tuesday, 29 April:
- 5pm- 6pm: Adult Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
- 6pm -7pm: Private session
Thursday, 1 May:
- 5pm – 6pm: Kids Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
- 6pm – 7pm: Private Coaching
Saturday, 3 May:
- 5pm- 6pm: Adult Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
- 6pm – 7pm: Private Session
Monday, 5 May:
- 5pm – 6pm: Kids Group Clinic (2-6 players max)
- 6pm – 7pm: Private Coaching
Whether you’re seeking to refine your backhand or introduce your child to the game under expert guidance, this is a rare chance to learn from a tennis champion in one of the world’s most exclusive island settings.
Spaces are limited. For bookings and further information, please visit www.sirrufenfushi.com or email reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
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