Catch the Wave 

On a warm, breezy morning last September, a pair of 62-foot yachts lined up at Sultans Break in North Malé Atoll for the final day of the weeklong Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. The competition—often regarded as the world’s most luxurious surfing event—takes place every September just minutes from Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, which features a collection of overwater suites and garden villas and a well-being centre, ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island. Last year, guests had front-row seats aboard the plush Four Seasons yachts as French surfer Michel Bourez barrelled down the tube of a lengthy right wave for a victory-sealing perfect score. 

What makes this invitation-only showcase particularly special is that it brings together a mix of fresh talent and legendary veterans for an intimate event in one of the most idyllic places on Earth. In addition to the all-star roster of competitors, the contest boasts a unique format that includes single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster divisions, celebrating the sport’s past and present while simultaneously challenging the pros to acclimate to all three boards. 

Guests can get their own shot at world-class waves via the resort’s partnership with Tropicsurf, which offers coaching sessions. Enthusiasts who want to up the ante can take to the skies on a seaplane surf safari in search of the Maldives’ most carvable waves. On special occasions, including during the surfing competition (scheduled to take place this year from September 4 to 11), a surfing pro may also be aboard to offer expert advice. 

Last year, it was Australian Surfing Hall of Famer Taj Burrow who, with his wife and two daughters, tagged along on the adventure. When the seaplane neared Kudahuvadhoo, an island about an hour south of Kuda Huraa, Burrow spotted what he was looking for: head-high waves peeling off at a constant rate.  

As Burrow surfed, his wife watched from a speedboat just a few dozen feet away while their daughters played on the two floaties tethered to the polka-dotted seaplane, one of two Four Seasons private aircrafts in the Maldives (which can transport guests to and from sister properties Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah). 

After a couple of hours, Burrow paddled back to his family, calling the visit “the best family holiday [we’ve] ever been on.” 

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

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