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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2013
Third successive year for the world’s most luxurious surfing event August 26 to September 2, 2013.
Maldives Promotion House – This August, Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is returning for its third successive year, pitching six ex-world champions in a USD 25,000 showdown that has fast gained a reputation as the world’s most luxurious surfing event.
This year’s competition will see the hotly anticipated return of Australian surfing legend and two-time world champion, Damien “Dooma” Hardman (Narrabeen, New South Wales, Australia), to defend his title in the unique contest that pits world legends across three divisions of surfboard: retro single-fins, twin-fins and contemporary triple-fin thrusters.
“Goofy-footer” Hardman admitted he was “thrilled” to be returning to Kuda Huraa – and not just for the surfing. “It’s great to be returning to Kuda Huraa’s luxurious surrounds that I’ll get to share with my wife Belinda, and she’s as excited as me,” he commented. “That being said, I’ll be gunning for the Champions Trophy and the USD 25,000 prize money for sure”
Organized in conjunction with luxury surf pioneers Tropicsurf of Noosa, Australia, this year’s event will once again simultaneously feature Four Seasons Maldives Domestic Champions Trophy – a thrilling showcase of local talent that last year saw Hussain Areef, the country’s reigning national champion, scoop MVR 25,000.
Both the Surfing Champions and Domestic Champions contests are hosted aboard the luxury Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives ultimate surf vessel. And with all competitors, judges and spectators staying on the 96-bungalow private island resort of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the camaraderie on the water spills onto the beach each night around cocktails and dinner.
This year, groups of surfers wishing to travel to Kuda Huraa to experience the competition can book the Resort’s new all-inclusive five- or seven-night Group Surf and Stay package. Available for a minimum booking of four rooms for five or seven nights, the package includes competition day passes aboard the luxury surf vessel Four Seasons Explorer, full board and transfers, and five or seven days of intense surfing with Tropicsurf’s expert guides. Back on land, groups will also get to rub shoulders with their surfing heroes while relaxing in one of the Maldives top resorts – voted number one in the Maldives in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2012.
Commenting on this year’s contest, Event Coordinator Mark Winson of Tropicsurf said: “Now in its third year, we are gearing up for the best competition yet. A stellar field of international competitors is being assembled from every corner of the globe as we speak. World champion surfers are lining up not just for a chance to scoop USD 25,000 in prize money, but also to revel in Kuda Huraa’s relaxed vibe and enchanting island life. This is an event like no other in the world.”
Limited day passes will be available (at a fee) for non-package guests and members of the public wishing to view the event from Four Seasons Explorer. Call + 960 66 00 888 or e-mail reservations.mal@fourseasons.com for rates and bookings.
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COMO Maalifushi highlights uncrowded surf access across southern atolls
COMO Maalifushi presents a considered approach to surfing in the Maldives—one shaped by access, expertise, and the quiet privilege of space.
Located in the remote Thaa Atoll, the resort offers entry to a network of lesser-travelled breaks across the southern atolls, where consistent Indian Ocean swells meet uncrowded line-ups. Here, surfing unfolds without urgency—guided by natural rhythm rather than routine.
At the core of the experience is COMO Maalifushi’s long-standing partnership with Tropicsurf, daily sessions are shaped by real-time ocean conditions, with coaching that adapts intuitively to each guest—whether taking to the water for the first time or refining technique across more complex reef formations.
Guests are given access to a curated selection of breaks across Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll—each offering a distinct character. From the long, forgiving rides of Farms to the more technical, fast-moving rights of ‘Machine’, the programme is designed to evolve with both conditions and capability.
“Surfing at COMO Maalifushi is defined by its sense of space and possibility,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Our location allows access to some of the Maldives’ most consistent yet uncrowded waves, and through our partnership with Tropicsurf, we’re able to offer an experience that is both highly personalised and quietly exceptional—true to COMO’s way of doing things.”
The season, which runs from April through October, brings steady swells from the southern Indian Ocean. Yet beyond seasonality, it is the absence of crowds that defines the experience—allowing guests to engage with the ocean on their own terms.
Surfing at COMO Maalifushi sits naturally within the wider rhythm of the island. Time in the water is balanced with restorative treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, unhurried dining, and the simplicity of island life—creating a sense of flow between activity and stillness.
Here, surfing is guided with care, framed by nature, and experienced without excess.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website.
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Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
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Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
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