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Rastovich wins Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy

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Rasta Surfing

Maldives.net.mv – Professional free-surfer Dave ‘Rasta’ Rastovich defeated seasoned campaigner Taylor Knox (USA) in the Grand Final of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy on Sunday on Kuda Huraa, Maldives – to be crowned the 2014 champion.

Rasta found his rhythm early in the final, taking off on a set wave for an 8.60 score in his opening minute.

Then the free-flowing, natural-footer quickly backed up, with a heat-high 9.10 ride to consolidate his lead and leave defending champion Knox on the back foot for the remainder of the final.

‘If I knew contests could be this much fun, I probably would have been a contest guy, but I don’t think there is any other event that is like this one,’ said Rastovich.

Renowned free-surfer Rasta travels the world, searching for perfect surf and dedicating his time to environmental causes surrounding the issues of marine mammal conservation and preservation. But this week he had no trouble finding his competitive edge in the rolling point break waves and relished the clean 1.5-metre (3–5ft) waves on offer today.

‘Just to compete against these amazing surfers all week and for all of us to be hooting each other in the lineup has been an incredible experience,’ said Rastovich.

‘But at the same time everyone is wanting to surf at their highest level; it’s a really cool experience, because normally it’s one or the other but this event is not like that – it’s a great format in a perfect location.’

Knox, who locked in an 8.50 ride early, was forced to wait it out in the inconsistent conditions for a wave with scoring potential, but the ocean failed to cooperate and the defending champion relinquished his title with his second placing.

‘We were both just starting to warm up and I was thinking another couple of sets were going to come and that we both get two more waves, but it didn’t happen,’ said Knox. ‘Rasta has been in such good wave rhythm all week; it seems like every time he jumps off the boat he gets a nine. We were just both chatting out there and saying how lucky we are to be here, so it’s all good.’

The invitational event saw six former world champions, including Knox, Rastovich, Sunny Garcia (Haw), Taylor Jensen (USA), Fabio Gouveia (BRZ) and Rochelle Ballard (Haw) battling it out in epic conditions all week at Sultans Point.

Featuring a unique, one-of-a-kind format, the competitors surfed in three separate divisions in their quest to qualify for the Grand Champions Trophy.

The event started with everyone competing on classic early 70s-style single-fins. Round two saw them take to the stylish twin-fins. And the third round brought things modern as everyone jumped back on their contemporary thrusters.

En route to the final, Rastovich put on an exhibition of classic surfing to win the Single-Fin round, locked in a second place finish in the Twin-Fin round and a third in the Thruster to secure his finals berth.

Knox won both the Thruster and the Twin-Fin rounds, as well as finished fifth in the Single-Fin division.

The results were enough for him to accrue the points to qualify for the Grand Final.

For the third consecutive year, Hussein ‘Iboo’ Areef won the highly contested Domestic Champions Trophy that showcased the island nation’s depth of talent.

The goofy-footer blazed on his back with big critical snaps to defeat Ismail ‘Kuda Issay’ Miglal, Amid ‘Ammaday’ Agil and Mohamed ‘Billu’ Irushad.

All six former world champions watched the local final and were as impressed as contest director Ross Phillips, who stated, ‘The standard of surfing today in the Domestic Champions Trophy was world class. It was a tough final and Iboo was a deserving winner.’

‘The Maldivian Surfing Association is forging ahead in leaps and bounds. It’s fantastic to watch surfing progress at both a performance and organisational level in the Maldives,’ he said.

The Grand Final was honored by the presence of the minister of tourism, Mr Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor, and the minister of youth and sports, Mr Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, who attended the finals onboard the Four Seasons Explorer and presented the surfers with their awards.

Following the success of the fourth consecutive annual event Four Seasons and Tropicsurf are pleased to announce that the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy will return again in 2015. We look forward to more great surf.

RESULTS: Surfing Champions Grand Final

Surfing Champions Trophy
1st            Dave Rastovich (AUS) (8.60 + 9.10) 17.70pts
2nd            Taylor Knox (USA) (8.17 + 4.00) 12.17pts

Domestic Champions Trophy
1st            Hussain ‘Iboo’ Areef  16.00pts
2nd            Ismail ‘Kuda Issay’ Miglal 15.83pts
3rd            Amid ‘Ammaday’ Agil 13.84pts
4th            Mohamed ‘Billu’ Irushad 11.93pts

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Siyam World expands activity line-up with 3K run and race

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Part of the Lifestyle Collection of Sun Siyam, Siyam World has never really done “ordinary.” And with two of its most high-energy island experiences now firmly on the weekly roster, families, groups and anyone with a competitive streak have even more reason to book that trip.

Lace Up: The Siyam World 3K Wellness Run

Every week, guests gather at the start line for the Siyam World 3K Wellness Run, where good vibes meet great views. Clearly marked pathways guide the way to a marathon-style route around the island but the rules are simple: go at your own pace, take in the views, and enjoy the moment. Run it, jog it, or power-walk it with a smoothie in hand. No judgment here. Cross the finish line and you’ll earn an exclusive Siyam World 3K Run badge, the most stylish souvenir you’ll take home, and the ultimate bragging rights for completing a 3K on the most epic island in the Maldives. It’s all about moving, smiling, and enjoying the moment.

Game Faces On: The Amazing Race

For families and groups ready to turn up the heat, The Amazing Race is exactly what it sounds like, chaotic, competitive, and seriously good fun. Teams of up to five kick off at the starting point before racing across the island, completing challenges and hunting down clues at every turn. Five challenges. Multiple locations. Zero time to waste. It’s a test of speed, teamwork and quick thinking with a generous helping of chaos thrown in for good measure. And the rewards? Very worth running for. The winning team takes home a complimentary excursion, second place hits the waves on a banana boat, and third place gets behind the wheel at the Maldives’ first-ever resort based electric go-kart circuit. Not a bad consolation prize.

Whether you’re chasing that runner’s high, racing your kids across the island, or just looking for something a little different from the usual sun-lounger routine, Siyam World delivers. Every experience is designed to bring people together, keep the energy high, and create the kind of memories that don’t fade with the tan.

A World Beyond Your Wildest

Siyam World’s summer offer makes it easier than ever to say yes. Save up to 45% off, enjoy USD 150 resort credit, and settle in to Premium 24hrs WOW! All-inclusive from the moment you arrive. Stay 4 nights and a seaplane transfer is on the house — stay 7 and that extends to two guests, plus a floating breakfast for two. And for families, children under 12 stay completely free when sharing with adults. The only question is how long you can stay. Book your stay now

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SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ wellness activation

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On Saturday, 25 April 2026, SO/ Maldives will stage its “Fight Fit” island activation as part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, bringing together fitness, wellness and local collaboration in a resort-wide programme.

Developed in partnership with Fight Soul Maldives, a local fitness collective focused on combat sports, the activation is designed to offer guests both participation and live viewing experiences while also bringing a local element into the resort’s wellness programming.

A key part of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests will have the opportunity to train with fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Open to different fitness levels, the sessions will introduce the basics of Muay Thai through drills, technique-based training and group activity.

The programme will extend across the island through a series of activities including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga accompanied by DJ music, and sunset fight showcases. According to the resort, the aim is to combine physical activity with the island setting through a range of structured wellness experiences.

The activation will also include a healthy menu developed to support fitness and balanced living, in line with the resort’s wider wellness focus.

Guests will also be invited to take part in a skincare workshop and ritual linked to the launch of products from Comfort Zone. The experience will introduce skincare practices based on science and sustainability as part of the broader wellness programme.

In the evening, the programme will continue with foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions featuring athletes from Fight Soul Maldives.

Through “Fight Fit”, SO/ Maldives is presenting a wellness-led island activation that combines fitness, lifestyle programming and collaboration with local talent.

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Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives introduces indoor mini golf experience

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Resort experiences are increasingly shaped by the need for flexibility, with guests seeking activities that can be enjoyed beyond peak sun hours, creating a natural demand for engaging indoor spaces and particularly in tropical destinations where brief, seasonal rain showers are part of the island rhythm.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives builds on this evolving guest preference with the introduction of its new 8-hole Indoor Mini Golf Centre, adding a playful and interactive dimension to the island’s leisure offering. The space was officially unveiled at a recent opening, where a guest was invited to mark the occasion, setting the tone for an experience centred around shared enjoyment and light-hearted moments.

The indoor mini golf course offers a relaxed, air-conditioned space where guests of all ages can take part, whether as a casual game between families, a friendly challenge among couples, or a fun addition to group stays. It provides a comfortable alternative to outdoor activities while maintaining the sense of energy and connection that defines time on the island, regardless of the weather.

The addition builds on the resort’s existing indoor facilities, including billiards, table tennis, and a dedicated kids’ playroom, creating a more rounded leisure experience that caters to different moods and moments. Outdoors, guests can continue to explore a wide range of activities, from beach volleyball and futsal to badminton, diving, and both motorised and non-motorised water sports.

As one of the first resorts in the area to introduce an indoor mini golf experience, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives continues to evolve its offerings in line with how guests choose to travel today, blending activity, comfort, and shared experiences in a setting designed for both relaxation and discovery.

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