News
American surfing legend Tom Curren wins single fin division of the Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy
Maldives.net.mv – Former three-time, ASP world surfing champion Tom Curren (USA), 49, defeated Pedro Henrique (BRZ), 31, to win the Single Fin Division of the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy at the third annual event at Sultan’s Point today.
Boasting an incredible 15 world titles amongst the six competitors, the performance level was top flight from the opening round through to the final with defending event champion Damien Hardman (Aus), Layne Beachley (Aus), Tom Carrroll (Aus) and Taylor Knox (USA) all included in the invitational line-up.
In a day harkening back the ’70s era when single-fins ruled, flow and traditional full-rail power surfing proved key in the challenging 1.5 metre waves. Curren, the world’s most respected surfer for over two decades in the ’80’s and 90’s, used superior wave selection and strategic control of the priority to dominate the final against Henrique.
The style master out-surfed and out-smarted his opponents to claim the first of the events three divisions and claim USD4000 of the total USD25000 prize pool.
“I’m very happy with that result”, said an understated Curren.
“Priority was absolutely vital out there because about one tenth of the waves that came through were actually scoring ones, so I was really concentrating on strategic surfing against those guys today.
“I realized I had to get the best waves and it worked,” added Curren.
Former world junior champion Henrique, the youngest and least known of the elite field proved lethal all day, eliminating defending event champion Hardman (Aus) from the semi-finals.
“Conditions were hard out there, the wind was strong and you needed to find the right waves,” said former Rio de Janeiro local Henrique, who is now based in Portugal with his family.
“I was just happy to be in the final against Tom, it was amazing. He is such a legend,” added Henrique.
Semifinal one saw California’s Taylor Knox (USA) fall to his boyhood hero Curren in what was remarkably a rare matchup between the two longstanding friends and competitors.
Forty-two year-old Knox, who’s enjoying his first year of retirement after a 22-year career on the ASP World Tour, put in a solid effort, but came up just short in the end.
“We were a bit wave starved there in the beginning,” said Knox. “We got a few in the end, but it’s all good. Anytime you get to surf against your hero it’s something special.”
“I’m thrilled to have surfed against Tom. I base all my surfing off his surfing,” added Knox.
Lone female competitor and seven time world champion Beachley (Aus) and two-time world champion Carroll (Aus) both suffered poor starts to the event, losing in their opening heats.
A disappointed Beachley promised to rebound in the remaining two divisions of twin fin and the three-fin thruster.
“I’m fired up to perform better,” said Beachley. “I had poor strategy heading into here having only surfed twice in a month but I am definitely refocusing for the remaining two divisions.”
Carroll suffered from inconsistent conditions in a day that saw all four seasons on show at the famed right hand point break with heavy scud showers, sunshine, off-shore and on-shore conditions forcing organizers to stop and start the event several times throughout the afternoon.
The tournament has a waiting period until September 2nd with conditions to be accessed for the twin fin division tomorrow morning at 8am.
SINGLE FIN DIVISION
FINAL: TOM CURREN (USA) 14:00 Def. PEDRO HENRIQUE (BRZ) 7.50
SEMI-FINAL1: TOM CURREN (USA) 15.70 Def. TAYLOR KNOX (USA) 12.23
SEMI-FINAL2: PEDRO HENRIQUE (BRZ) 15.10 Def. DAMIEN HARDMAN (AUS)12.84
News
Amilla Maldives unveils first dedicated pottery and ceramics studio on the island
Amilla Maldives has announced a groundbreaking partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives, introducing the island’s very first dedicated pottery and ceramic production space. This innovative studio will invite guests to embark on a grounding, tactile journey, deeply rooted in local artistry and mindfulness.
Set to provide an unhurried sensory experience, the upcoming studio aligns seamlessly with Amilla’s signature gentle rhythms and commitment to holistic well-being. Designed as a meditative retreat, this space will encourage guests to slow down, connect with the earth, and tap into the creative flow of working with clay.

Through this collaboration, the resort will further enrich its vibrant tapestry of cultural and artistic programming. The studio will offer a welcoming haven for all generations, featuring thoughtfully crafted workshops in wheel throwing, hand building, and pottery painting. Guided by skilled artisans, adults, couples, and inquisitive young minds from the Sultan’s Village kids club will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the quiet satisfaction of creation.
Each session will empower guests to transform raw clay into personal narratives, crafting authentic, locally fired keepsakes. These unique creations will serve as meaningful mementos of their time on the island, tangible souvenirs that are truly “Made in Maldives.”
This partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives beautifully reflects our commitment to celebrating local creativity. By bringing this contemporary ceramic tradition to our shores, we look forward to honoring homegrown talent and offering our guests an intimate, immersive way to engage with Maldivian creative culture.
The forthcoming clay studio will add a tactile dimension to Amilla’s carefully curated blend of wellness, nature-led experiences, and the serene ease of island life.
For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.
News
InterContinental Maldives invites guests to reconnect through yoga and mindfulness
With International Yoga Day fast approaching, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to reconnect the mind, body and spirit through a curated programme of new wellness focused experiences at its award-winning AVI Spa. Celebrating the global day of mindfulness and movement, the resort will introduce a series of restorative spa activities designed to inspire balance and relaxation, and allowing guests to find their inner calm amidst the serenity of the Indian Ocean.
Guests can begin their days with Aqua Yoga at The Retreat, available from 6am–11am. This gentle, water-based yoga practice combines mindful movement with the soothing support of water, helping to improve flexibility and enhance balance. Guests are encouraged to welcome deep relaxation in the tranquil overwater setting. As evening falls, the 60-minute Floating Sound Therapy session begins at AVI Spa, running from 6pm–8pm. Floating effortlessly on water, participants are immersed in a deeply calming sensory journey as the soothing vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls and delicate chimes create a calming atmosphere of relaxation and renewal.

Wellness and mindfulness are at the heart of the InterContinental Maldives experience. Inspired by the turquoise waters that surround the island, the overwater AVI Spa serves as a sanctuary for restoration and rejuvenation. The award-winning spa features six tranquil overwater treatment villas, each designed to harness natural light, ocean sounds and the calming rhythm of the sea. From holistic therapies to immersive wellness rituals, expert therapists guide guests through transformative experiences that nurture both physical wellbeing and emotional balance, making InterContinental Maldives an idyllic destination for wellness-focused escapes.
AVI Spa is hosting a full-day wellness experience dedicated to mindful movement and wellness. The day will begin at sunrise with an energising yoga session designed to awaken the body and mind. Guests will then enjoy a nourishing breakfast to support their wellness journey. Throughout the day, guests can firstly immerse themselves in Floating Yoga, balancing across calm waters. Guests will have the opportunity to explore their strength, balance, and flexibility through Aerial Yoga, using suspension techniques to deepen movement and core engagement. As the day unfolds, guests will reconnect through guided breathwork, and meditation practices focused on clarity and mindfulness. The day will conclude with a restorative Yoga Flow and Sound Healing session, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind and end the day in a state of balance and renewal.

Aqua Yoga (45 minutes) from $85++ per person, Floating Yoga (45 minutes) from $85++ per person, Floating Sound Therapy (60 minutes) from $170++ per person and Aerial Yoga (60 minutes) from $50 ++ per person. Breathwork & Meditation (60 minutes) from $45++ per person.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives unveils exclusive dining collaboration with Chef Benjamin Peifer
This December, Kandolhu Maldives is set to host an extraordinary gastronomic event in collaboration with celebrated German Chef Benjamin Peifer. Recently named Chef of the Year 2025 by Gault & Millau, Peifer brings his highly distinctive culinary vision to the Maldives. His signature approach masterfully blends traditional Japanese techniques with carefully selected regional ingredients, with all dishes prepared over an open fire to create intense aromas and complex flavour profiles.
Benjamin Peifer’s journey from a baker’s apprentice to a two-star Michelin chef has forged a unique path in the world of high-end gastronomy. At his restaurant, Intense in Wachenheim, he creates an original fusion where traditional Palatinate pub fare meets Japanese haute cuisine. His goal is to deconstruct regional tastes into their core components and reimagine them, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and excitingly new.

Peifer’s culinary style is deeply connected to his personal history. After an unfulfilling start as a baker, he found his calling in the restaurant industry, drawn to its creativity and immediate feedback. He honed his skills at establishments like Zum Schwanen and Ketschauer Hof before opening Intense in 2017 with his wife, Bettina, who serves as the restaurant’s maître d’ and sommelier. He is known for reinterpreting everyday ingredients with exceptional technique and imagination, aiming to showcase the potential of what is readily available.

The collaboration features two distinct evenings of epicurean excellence, both beginning with a personal Meet & Greet. The first event on Saturday, 26 December, presents a bespoke four-course dinner, while the second evening on Tuesday, 29 December, offers an elevated five-course Wine & Dine experience. In keeping with Chef Peifer’s “no menu, trust the chef” philosophy, guests are invited to embrace a spontaneous and immersive culinary journey.

Discerning travellers and epicureans are encouraged to secure their reservations early to partake in this perfect blend of Maldives luxury and Michelin-starred artistry.
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