News
Knox, Beachley and Carroll complete lineup for Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2013
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.
Love
dusitD2 Feydhoo hosts multi-day wedding buyout with international guests
Following an elegant wedding celebration in Mumbai, a couple chose to extend their festivities in the Maldives with an exclusive multi-day post-wedding private island buyout at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives.
Joined by close family, Bollywood celebrities, and elite business figures, the celebration transitioned from a traditional city setting to a vibrant island experience, transforming the resort into a private playground of curated moments. The presence of high-profile guests added to the exclusivity and prestige of the occasion, further highlighting the Maldives as a preferred destination for distinguished clientele.

Over the course of four days, guests enjoyed a seamless blend of relaxed daytime gatherings, beachside experiences, and lively evening celebrations. The program featured a mix of themed events, entertainment, and social experiences, creating a dynamic atmosphere that balanced intimacy with high energy. From beachfront activities and sunset moments to music-led evenings and after-parties, the celebration reflected a modern approach to destination weddings.

dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for weddings and exclusive group buyouts, offering a fresh, lifestyle-driven concept tailored for today’s luxury traveler. The resort is fully equipped with high-quality event infrastructure, including advanced audio-visual systems, premium sound setups, high-performance speakers, dynamic stage lighting, and fully customisable staging solutions.

A key highlight is the resort’s versatile indoor event hall, designed to host everything from elegant ceremonies and gala dinners to high-energy parties and late-night entertainment. With flexible layouts and integrated technical capabilities, alongside expansive outdoor venues, the resort delivers a complete and seamless event experience.

This celebration further reinforces the Maldives’ growing appeal as a preferred destination for post-wedding experiences and group celebrations. By combining creative flexibility with world-class execution, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives continues to redefine how modern weddings and events are experienced in the Maldives.
For more information or event inquiries, please visit dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives’ website or contact the events team at events.d2md@dusit.com.
Action
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru marks first Hawksbill turtle hatchling event since 2015
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has recorded the return of a Hawksbill sea turtle to its shores for the first time since 2015, with eggs laid in January hatching on the afternoon of 23 March, marking a meaningful moment for the island and its surrounding marine environment.
The eggs, laid on 24 January, have now hatched, with tiny hatchlings emerging beneath sun-warmed sands and making their way across the beach into the lagoon. The moment was quietly witnessed by guests and resort associates, offering a precious and moving glimpse into one of nature’s most delicate life cycles.
The return comes alongside Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s ongoing marine conservation efforts, led by its on-site Marine Lab – one of the first resort-based marine conservation programmes in the Maldives. For over two decades, the Marine Lab has contributed to coral restoration, reef protection, marine biodiversity monitoring and environmental education.
The Banyan Tree Marine Lab actively engages guests and associates through ongoing conservation activities, including Marine Talks on turtle and shark conservation, reef restoration and monitoring, as well as ongoing turtle identification and monitoring initiatives that support broader research efforts across the country.
Hawksbill turtles, listed as critically endangered, continue to face threats across the Maldives from habitat loss, marine pollution and climate change. Their rare return to shore serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder of the responsibility we share in protecting these fragile species and the ecosystems they depend on.
“Moments like are truly special,” said Alex Burden, Marine Lab Manager at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. “The return of a sea turtle to our shores is a powerful reflection of what long-term commitment and genuine care for the marine environment can achieve.”
Family
Sun Siyam Iru Veli curates Easter experience with dining and live entertainment
This Easter, Sun Siyam Iru Veli invites guests to enjoy a magical island programme from April 2nd to 6th, 2026, inspired by shimmering ocean blues and playful coastal elements. Part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection, the resort presents a five-day celebration where curated dining, family-friendly activities, wellness moments, and live entertainment come together to create an immersive Easter escape for couples and families alike.
At the heart of the celebration is Easter Day, when the island comes alive with experiences for all ages. Families can enjoy the Grand Easter Egg Hunt and Cocoa & Bunny moments, where little ones can meet and pet bunnies while sipping hot cocoa, while the Magical Splash Pool Party celebration brings together music, refreshments, and a lively island atmosphere. As evening falls, a Special Easter Buffet opens, followed by Wonders of the Ocean—a captivating live performance that brings a sense of magic to the lagoon setting.
The enchanting evening is brought to life through performances by magician Ahmed Shaman. Known for his engaging and interactive style, his work celebrates local talent while adding a sense of wonder to the island. From close-up illusions to playful mind-reading moments, each performance invites guests to become part of the experience, creating memories that feel both personal and unforgettable. His presence reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to showcasing Maldivian artistry while enriching the guest journey.
Throughout the week, guests can explore a diverse lineup of experiences, including themed international buffets, beachfront lobster BBQ under the stars, cocktail nights, and live music. Younger guests are engaged through creative and playful activities, such as Easter card making, egg painting, kite flying, and musical games. The Ocean Spa welcomes all to unwind with special promotions that aim to bring a soft, seasonal glow to both mind and body. From sandbank picnics to sunset entertainment and wellness-led experiences, Easter 2026 at Sun Siyam Iru Veli invites guests to create lasting memories in a setting shaped by the shimmering lagoons and the rhythm of the ocean.
For more information and to book your Easter escape, please visit Sun Siyam Iru Veli Offers page.
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