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Knox, Beachley and Carroll complete lineup for Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2013

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Maldives.net.mv – The final three challengers in this year’s Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy have now been announced. Surfing legends Taylor Knox (USA), Layne Beachley (Australai) and Tom Carroll (Australia) will complete the illustrious line-up at the prestigious event, organized by Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa in conjunction with luxury surfing pioneers Tropicsurf.

News of Taylor Knox’s imminent arrival has sent a ripple of excitement around the island. Knox, aka “TK,” is an outright celebrity whose career skyrocketed in 1998 when he won the first K2 Big-Wave Challenge – dropping into a 52-foot mega wave at Todos Santos. Along with a respectable set of battle scars, surfing’s “Mr. Nice Guy” has notched up an impressive 19 years on the ASP World Tour. The new school trailblazer is highly revered not just for his progressive fins-free demos but also for his incredibly deep and powerful turns – his trademark power-surfing style earning him a global fan base equalled only by the likes of teammate Kelly Slater.

Leaving retirement to contend for the Surfing Champions title, Knox reveals he is “honoured” to be competing with his “peers and heroes.” He adds, “No doubt this will be a Four Seasons experience of a lifetime. The Maldives is somewhere I have always wanted to visit.” He will travel to Kuda Huraa with his wife Ann-Marie.

Returning to Kuda Huraa for the second time, Layne Beachley is one of Australia’s most influential athletes. Beachley, who competed in 2011’s Surfing Champions Trophy, turned pro at the tender age of 16, rising to sixth in the world by age 20. Being the only woman in this year’s line-up will scarcely daunt this surfing icon who is well accustomed to breaking down barriers. She is the only woman to win seven ASP world champion titles, a staggering record that arguably defines her as the greatest female surfer in history. Renowned for riding the biggest waves, Beachley continues to inspire generations of sportswomen worldwide with her unparalleled strength and style.

Commenting on her impending revisit to Kuda Huraa with her partner, INXS musician Kirk Pengilly, Beachley revealed their excitement extends way beyond the quality surf breaks: “The Resort, the incredible food and the friendly staff make Kuda Huraa one of our favourite holiday destinations.”

True “surfer’s surfer” Tom Carroll concludes the line-up for this year’s event. Carroll blasted onto the amateur stage in the 70s, winning the New South Wales Pro Juniors in 1977 and 1980. Such coveted victories ensured his rapid ascendancy, with his powerful “goofy-footing” manoeuvres bagging him two historic ASP world champion titles in 1983 and 1984. He later conquered the notorious Banzai Pipeline to seize Pipe Masters’ crowns in 1987, 1990 and 1991. Signing of a mega deal with sponsors Quiksilver in 1989 meant Carroll made history again – becoming the first-ever surfing millionaire. The legendary “storm surfer” lives to chase the largest most demanding waves – a daring quest that has been captured in the epic documentary Storm Surfers 3D, in which he stars.

Carroll admits the Surfing Champions competition will provide “a chance to put my surfing to the test against my peers and, possibly, win some kudos and money.”

Running for the third successive year, Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2013 will pit six ex-world champions in a USD 25,000 showdown across three surfboard divisions: single-fin, twin-fin and triple-fin. Knox, Beachley and Carroll join defending champion Damien Hardman (Australia), Tom Curren (USA), and Pedro Henrique (Brazil) to complete an all-star roster in what’s set to be the summer’s hottest action on Maldivian waters.

Running from August 26 to September 2, 2013, the event is hosted aboard Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel – and will once more simultaneously feature Four Seasons Maldives Domestic Champions Trophy: a thrilling display of local talent that last year saw Hussain Areef, the country’s reigning national champion, scoop MVR 25,000.

Guests of Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa can catch all the action with day passes aboard Four Seasons Explorer or book the 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.

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort introduces ‘Garden of Eve’ Christmas and New Year celebrations

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to discover a season of giving and renewal from December 22, 2026, to January 7, 2027. Set amid the natural beauty of Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort’s Garden of Eve festive celebrations will bring together joyful gatherings, nourishing cuisine, family discoveries, and island adventures.

The festivities begin on December 22 with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the resort’s Wish Tree, a large Boa’shi gas (velvetleaf soldierbush) at the heart of the island. Decorated with the modest wishes of children supported by the Baa Family and Children Service Center (FCSC) on Eydafushi Island, the tree symbolizes the resort’s commitment to giving back to the community. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will fulfill the children’s wishes, and guests are warmly invited to participate in this meaningful gesture of generosity.

The celebrations continue on Christmas Eve with cocktails and music at the Pool Deck, followed by an international buffet dinner at Island Kitchen with seasonal favorites and flavors from around the world. On Christmas Day, Santa Claus makes a special appearance, bringing festive cheer, gifts, and memorable moments for families.

As the final evening of the year approaches, the island transforms into a lush Garden of Eve for a New Year’s Eve celebration under the stars. Inspired by the beauty and abundance of a tropical paradise, the theme brings together nature, wonder, and the promise of new beginnings. Guests can gather for a beachfront gala dinner featuring an abundant feast at lavishly presented culinary stations, with live entertainment and a countdown to the new year. A fireworks spectacle is planned to light up the island sky as the resort welcomes 2027.

Beyond the festivities, the resort offers time to slow down, reconnect, and recharge. Uplifting movement and mindful moments invite guests to embrace the natural rhythm of their surroundings, while younger travelers can create, explore, and make new friends through activities at the Westin Family Kids Club.

At Heavenly Spa by Westin, guests can pause amid the celebrations and unwind with restorative rituals in a tranquil setting. For those seeking adventure, AQUA offers a gateway to the waters of Baa Atoll, where water sports, excursions, and diving invite guests to explore the vibrant marine world surrounding the island.

With 69 villas, each featuring a private pool and uninterrupted ocean views, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a wellness-focused retreat where tranquility meets adventure. Three distinctive dining venues, rejuvenating spa experiences, and family-friendly activities offer guests opportunities to embrace well-being throughout their stay.

To discover more and reserve a festive escape, visit westin-maldives.com.

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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru welcomes Consuelo Saroyan for exclusive wellness residency

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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, the original Banyan Tree resort in the Maldives and a pioneer in holistic wellbeing, has announced an exclusive visiting practitioner residency with Consuelo Saroyan, Founder of Marea Wellness, arriving in January 25 until February 21 2027. Bringing 18 years of international experience in luxury wellness, Consuelo will introduce a distinctive collection of therapeutic experiences, mindful practices and ancient healing rituals, inviting travellers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner balance.

Since opening the Maldives’ first resort spa in 1995, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has embraced wellbeing as an integral part of its philosophy. This upcoming residency continues that heritage, bringing together traditional healing wisdom and contemporary therapeutic practices in an intimate island setting surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

A New Chapter in Personalised Wellbeing

With an approach that recognises the connection between body, mind and emotions, Consuelo draws on Traditional Chinese Medicine, somatic therapies, yoga, meditation and creative rituals to create meaningful wellbeing experiences.

At the heart of her residency will be the Individual Therapeutic Reset, a personalised journey combining mindful consultation, movement and Conscious Body Therapy. Drawing on traditional techniques such as Tui Na, gua sha and meridian stimulation, the experience is designed to encourage physical relaxation, emotional awareness and a renewed sense of balance.

For couples, the Couples Connection Experience will offer an opportunity to reconnect through guided movement, meditation and shared rituals, creating space for presence, understanding and deeper connection.

Discover the Art of Healing and Connection

Beyond individual therapies, Consuelo will introduce immersive experiences inspired by ancient traditions and the natural world. From the rhythmic sounds of a Shamanic Drum Journey to the mindful creativity of Mandala & Altar Art Creation, each experience invites participants to explore new dimensions of awareness and personal discovery.

A curated programme of intimate group sessions will also feature Ocean Connection Meditation & Sound Healing, Five Elements Nature Connection Meditation, and Yin Yoga & Mindful Movement, encouraging moments of reflection and connection with the surrounding island environment.

An Invitation to Begin Your Journey Within

Set within the natural beauty of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Consuelo’s residency reflects the resort’s enduring commitment to nurturing wellbeing through experiences that extend beyond the spa.

January 25 until February 21 2027, this limited-time residency invites travellers to make wellbeing a meaningful part of their Maldives journey, whether through individual therapeutic sessions, shared experiences or mindful rituals inspired by nature.

Advance enquiries and pre-bookings are now invited, allowing travellers to plan their preferred experiences ahead of their stay.

To discover more about Consuelo Saroyan’s upcoming residency and register your interest, visit here.

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The Nautilus Maldives to celebrate Valentine’s 2027 with ‘Love Freely’ experiences

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This Valentine’s, The Nautilus Maldives invites guests to embrace Love Freely, a celebration centred on freedom, presence, connection and time for one another. On this ultra-luxury bohemian private island hideaway, love finds its own rhythm through quiet mornings, shared discoveries and intimate evenings that invite you to linger.

Time to Rediscover One Another

Set sail as the sun goes down, sipping champagne as live music accompanies your journey and your private chef prepares a bespoke five-course dinner. Beneath the stars, linger over each course, with time for conversation, laughter and quiet moments together as the evening unfolds at your own pace. Beneath the Surface, Together invites beginners to discover scuba diving as a couple, followed by an unhurried dinner. With Roots of Our Story, coral or coconut-tree planting offers a living expression of a journey shared. These experiences, along with the specially curated rituals at Solasta Spa, are available from 11 to 17 February 2027.

Stillness and Connection at Solasta Spa

Solasta Spa embraces the spirit of Healing Unscripted. An Unhurried Embrace pairs a couples massage with a hibiscus milk bath, champagne and chocolate-dipped tropical fruits. Stillness, Shared brings together a body scrub, Tao’an tea bath and sound healing, while Love in Bloom combines Balinese massage and a nourishing facial. Enjoyed together or individually, each ritual invites a gentle return to yourself.

A Table for Two, A Moment to Keep

On 14 February, A Horizon for Two brings a secluded sandbank dinner with sunset cocktails, five courses and a live serenade, followed by floating breakfast the next morning. A Moment in Thyme pairs beachside dining with breakfast in bed, while Together Beneath the Stars offers a champagne dinner at Zeytoun. At Naiboli, Nautilus Rising: A Toast to Connection welcomes guests to share cocktails, canapés and easy conversation.

Love, at Your Own Pace

At The Nautilus, Love Freely is an invitation to reconnect through shared discoveries, thoughtful gestures and the pleasure of simply being together.

To discover Love Freely: Valentine’s 2027 and begin crafting your own romantic escape to The Nautilus, visit the resort’s website or contact hello@thenautilusmaldives.com.

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