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
Fun amplified: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives unveils Summer Camp-Cation 4.0
This summer, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is turning up the volume with the launch of its highly anticipated Summer Camp-Cation 4.0. Combining the exhilaration of a family vacation with an electrifying kids’ camp program, this annual event promises to be the ultimate holiday experience for families seeking adventure and relaxation in one of the world’s most stunning destinations. Play Hard, Pause Hard and embrace the Hard Rock lifestyle from the 1st of July to 31st of August this year .
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, as a brand believes in living life to the fullest – whether it is grooving out to your favorite tunes or soaking up the sun on pristine beaches. This Summer Camp-Cation embodies the spirit of “Play Hard, Pause Hard,” offering families the opportunity to connect, recharge, and make unforgettable memories together.
It is also all about unleashing the inner Rock Stars of all the curious young guests head to the Maldives on a holiday. From sports to arts and crafts, the Summer Camp-Cation features a diverse range of activities designed to ignite the imagination and unleash the creativity of young rock stars. Led by experienced instructors, kids can choose from three distinctive pillars of SPORTS, ARTS and CRAFTS based on the diverse interests of each junior rock star.
Sports Pillar is all about letting the little ones soar high with the Aerial Arts program, or mastering the art of self-defense with Street Safe martial arts classes.
Arts Pillar is for the art lovers to discover hidden talents with painting, music, and dance classes, where budding artists can explore their passions and express themselves.
Crafts Pillar is all about getting the hands dirty. From cooking to gardening to marine discovery, the crafts program offers endless opportunities for kids to learn, create, and explore the wonders of the Maldives.
From aerial arts to marine biology, each day is packed with exciting activities for kids of all ages. Plus, don’t miss out on the weekly events, including glow parties, bonfires, and talent shows where junior rock stars can showcase their skills.
While the kids are busy having the time of their lives, parents can unwind hard and recharge hard with a range of relaxing activities, from spa days to beach lounging. With spacious guestrooms and luxurious amenities, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives offers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation for the whole family.
While the entire program is complimentary for all inhouse guests from the 1st of July till the 31st of August, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has also launched a brand new offer to complement the Summer Camp-cation. Guests can now book the ultimate all inclusive family holiday in the Maldives with:
• Free all-inclusive stay for junior rock stars
• 50% off roundtrip airport transfer
• Free upgrade to all-inclusive when booking full board meal plan
• Extra 15% off for Hard Rock Unity Memebers
• Valid for stays from 1st of May till 31st of August 2024
For more information and bookings, visit www.hardrockhotels.com/maldives/
Awards
Villa Park wins prestigious TUI Global Hotel Award 2024
Villa Park, a tropical island resort nestled in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives has announced its recognition as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2024. The distinguished award places Villa Park amongst the top hotels worldwide within the TUI program, acknowledging its unwavering commitment to exceptional service and guest experiences.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards, hosted by the TUI Group, acknowledges outstanding achievements in the hospitality industry, celebrating hotels that consistently deliver superior experiences and demonstrate a commitment to excellence.
Surrounded by breathtaking azure lagoons and lush jungles, Villa Park offers guests a quintessential Maldivian escape. Positioned within a marine protected area, the resort boasts world-class diving opportunities, including the chance to encounter majestic whale sharks.
Catering to both the adventurous and the relaxation-seeker, Villa Park provides guests with an unforgettable blend of exhilarating activities and innovative experiences alongside pampering spa treatments. Explore secluded sandbanks, dive into crystal-clear waters, indulge in world-class dining featuring authentic Maldivian flavors and global culinary delights, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
To learn more about Villa Park, please visit villaresorts.com/villa-park.
News
Renowned Integrative Movement Therapist Mins Teo to lead exclusive wellness residency at Patina Maldives
Patina Maldives is inviting guests to immerse themselves in a realm of holistic rejuvenation with Mins Teo, an acclaimed Integrative Movement Therapist, and Certified Pilates & Gyrotonic Instructor. From April 15 to May 15, 2024, Mins will guide guests through a profound exploration of mind-body harmony, offering a variety of bespoke sessions tailored to elevate holistic well-being.
Mins Teo brings a wealth of expertise garnered over a decade, seamlessly blending her background as a trained dancer and wellness provider into a transformative fusion of disciplines. Through her integrative approach, she intertwines Clinical Pilates, somatics, Fascial Release, Hatha Yoga, and Vagal Toning techniques to recalibrate both the physical and mental spheres. With Mins, each session is a personalised journey, carefully designed to meet individual needs and goals, ensuring a renewing and unique experience for every guest at Patina Maldives.
During her residency, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in private Pilates sessions, programmed to enhance core stability, strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular response. Additionally, guests can partake in private Tension-Releasing Exercises, a groundbreaking method designed to unravel deep-seated muscular tensions, stress, and trauma. As a qualified TRE® facilitator, Mins draws upon her expertise gained from working directly with Dr. David Berceli to guide guests through a journey of profound relaxation and equilibrium. Mins Teo’s residency follows the successful tenure of Junko Fujita, a certified Watsu specialist from the Okinawa WATSU Center, who delivered revitalising aquatic therapy exclusively at Patina Maldives from March 15 to April 15, 2024. Embracing diversity in holistic healing, Patina will continue its tradition by welcoming Yuki Nisjikubo, a Shiatsu & Acupuncture specialist, after Mins Teo’s residency from May 15 to June 15, 2024.
Boasting unparalleled luxury and bespoke experiences, Patina Maldives offers guests a sanctuary to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
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