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Hardman, Curren and Henrique line-up for Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2013

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Four Seasons Maldives Surfing

Maldives Promotion House – The first three contenders in this year’s Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy have now been announced. Defending champion Damien Hardman of Australia, second-timer Tom Curren of the United States, and new invitee Pedro Henrique of Brazil will all compete in the world-class boutique surfing contest at Four SeasonsResort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, now in its third successive year.

Running from August 26 to September 2, 2013, the elite annual event features six ex-world champions battling it out in a USD 25,000 showdown across three surfboard divisions: retro single-fins, twin-fins and modern thrusters.

News of Damien “Dooma” Hardman’s return to Maldivian shores has been hotly anticipated by all. Returning to the event for the third time – as the defending 2012 champion – Dooma is also dubbed “Iceman” due to his fierce concentration and fearless approach. A true surf master who has been riding the ocean waves since the 70s, his wave precision, tactical wizardry and prior knowledge of the Kuda Huraa waves give him a distinct advantage over his opponents.

Dooma admitted he was “thrilled” to be revisiting the island – and not just for the surf. “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.”

Back for his second consecutive year in the championship, living surf icon and retro aficionado Tom Curren needs little introduction. The three-time world champion and true soul surfer has been revered worldwide since the mid-80s, and it’s his unequaled surfing style and unassuming nature that has secured him as one of the sport’s finest athletes. Ever the competitor, Curren is delighted to be returning to this year’s line-up following his very narrow defeat by Hardman in the thrilling 2012 contest.

Curren describes his 2012 experience, which he shared with his son Patrick, as “amazing and really fun.” This year, his travelling partner to Kuda Huraa will be his other son Francis, who is also a remarkable surfer.

This year’s contest also sees the arrival of first-timer Pedro Henrique from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who honed his impressive high-paced skills riding Rio’s beach breaks as a boy. Trained by his father, Pedro’s prominence came in 2000 after winning the World Junior Championship in Hawaii, aged only 18. He became a competitor of the prestigious surfing World Tour in 2006, and a string of surfing accolades followed. Affectionately nicknamed “Pedrinho,” his natural fun-loving charm gives way to superhuman agility and seriously advanced manoeuvers that will be no joke for his more seasoned challengers. Recently, he achieved international acclaim in pro-kitesurfing, becoming triple world champion and Brazilian champion in 2012. Now based in Portugal, his attention has turned once again to his love of “pure” surfing.

Henrique is ecstatic to be competing in Kuda Huraa’s illustrious contest, revealing it was “great news” to be invited to the Surfing Championship Trophy. “I feel it’s a great honour to be competing with my idols – true surf legends.”

Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is hosted aboard Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. Organized in conjunction with luxury surf pioneers Tropicsurf, 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.

Guests of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa can catch all the action with day passes aboard Four Seasons Explorer or book an all-inclusive Group Surf & Stay (available from August 26 to September 2 for a minimum booking of five rooms or more for seven nights). In addition to competition day passes, full board and transfers, Group Surf & Stay includes seven days of intense surfing with Tropicsurf’s expert guides, plus the chance to rub shoulders with all the Surfing Champions contestants in Kuda Huraa’s award-winning surrounds.

Limited day passes will be available (at a fee) for non-package guests and members of the public wishing to view the event fromFour Seasons Explorer – call + 960 66 00 888 for rates.

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From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’

Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.

The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.

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Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.

With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).

“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”

As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.

By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.

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