The Surfing Champions Trophy is returning to the Maldives, with the 14th edition set to take place at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa from 4th to 11th September 2026.

Held at the famous Sultans break, the invitation-only competition brings some of the biggest names in surfing together for a week of high-level competition, island experiences and time in the Indian Ocean.

The contest is unique in its format, with surfers competing across three board disciplines: single fin, twin fin and thruster. The different formats challenge competitors to adapt their technique and style while showcasing different eras of surfing. The 2026 line-up is already taking shape, with Kai Lenny, Mason Ho and Victor Bernardo among the first surfers confirmed to return to Sultans. More names are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Where Surfing Legends Meet

The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy began in 2011, bringing a different approach to competitive surfing. Since then, the event has attracted some of the sport's most recognised names to Kuda Huraa. The list of past champions includes Mark Occhilupo, Damien Hardman, Taylor Knox, Dave "Rasta" Rastovich, Shane Dorian, Taj Burrow, Josh Kerr, Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson. Taj Burrow also claimed his third title in 2024.

Over the years, the event has welcomed surfing stars including Carissa Moore, Maya Gabeira, Tom Curren, Rob Machado, Layne Beachley, Bethany Hamilton, Mikey February, Jeremy Flores and Jadson Andre.

A Memorable 2025 Edition

The 2025 competition delivered one of the event's most dramatic moments when Michel Bourez competed despite an injury and went on to win the thruster division and grand final. Bourez had torn his hamstring during the twin fin division but returned just 24 hours later. He also scored the event's only perfect 10 in the final minute of the grand final.

Owen Wright, Jesse Mendes, Craig Anderson and Maldivian wildcard Ismail "Smiley" Rasheed were also part of the 2025 field.

Surf Alongside the Pros

For guests who want to experience the Maldives' surf culture themselves, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa offers its Surf's Up package.

The experience includes four days of expert coaching with Tropicsurf professionals, guided boat trips to surf breaks, daily yoga, a post-surf massage at ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, round-trip speedboat transfers, daily breakfast and surf equipment. The week also features Four Seasons cocktail parties at different locations around the island, giving guests opportunities to relax, enjoy specialty cocktails and meet surfers and other guests.

The 2026 competitor line-up will be announced in stages over the coming months, adding to the anticipation around this year's Surfing Champions Trophy. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is set to once again bring together surfing, luxury hospitality and the natural beauty of the Maldives for a week dedicated to the sport.

W Macau – Studio City, located within Melco Resorts & Entertainment's integrated resort of Studio City in Cotai, Macau, has announced the appointment of Sammy King as General Manager.

In his new role, Sammy will lead the hotel with a focus on exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence and business performance. He will also support the continued development of the unique experiences that are part of the property's identity.

Sammy brings 38 years of hospitality experience across the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. He began his career in hotel operations, spending a decade in the field before moving into sales leadership and taking on roles that focused on business growth across several hotel brands.

His experience with Marriott luxury brands, including St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental, has given him experience across both hotel operations and commercial leadership. This background will support his new role as Macau's lifestyle luxury market continues to evolve.

In 2021, Sammy returned to Marriott International as Director of Sales & Marketing at W Hong Kong. During his tenure, he was promoted to Hotel Manager. His work at the property was recognised when he received the "Sales Hotelier of the Year" title from Stelliers Greater China in 2023. Under his leadership, W Hong Kong also retained its Four-Star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026.

"It's an honor to step into this role at W Macau – Studio City, a hotel that captures the bold spirit at the very heart of the W Hotels brand. This property embodies the vibrant energy and cultural crossroads that make Macau such an electric destination, and I'm thrilled to lead our dynamic talents as we continue delivering the iconic Whatever/Whenever™ experience our guests have come to expect. offering a unique brand of contemporary luxury that goes above and beyond," said Sammy King, General Manager, W Macau – Studio City.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Sammy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (Marketing Management) from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Outside his professional life, he enjoys traveling, snowboarding and fitness, interests that add to his dynamic personality.

With his experience across operations, sales and marketing, Sammy takes on the leadership of W Macau – Studio City at a time when Macau continues to develop as a lifestyle and luxury destination.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has begun its 125th anniversary celebrations, bringing a year-long programme of experiences under the theme “125 Years of a Legend.” The celebrations honour the hotel’s heritage since 1901 while looking towards the future with its signature French art de vivre, culture and hospitality.

Throughout 2026, guests can experience a mix of gastronomy, wellness, entertainment, art and curated stays that showcase the history and character of the iconic Hanoi property.

“We are thrilled to open a new chapter in the Metropole’s legendary story,” said George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. “For 125 years this hotel has been the beating heart of Hanoi,  witnessing history, welcoming the world, and setting the standard for refined hospitality. This anniversary allows us to honour that remarkable legacy while inviting guests to experience the timeless soul of the Metropole in fresh, unforgettable ways as we look confidently to the future.”

The “Live the Legend Experience” offers guests a stay inspired by the hotel’s 125-year history. The package includes daily breakfast for two, a Vietnamese lunch at Spice Garden for two and the Path of History and bomb shelter tour, led by the hotel’s resident historian. Guests also receive guaranteed early check-in from 11am, late check-out until 2pm and a complimentary upgrade to the next non-suite room category, subject to availability. The offer is available for bookings and stays until Sept. 30, with a minimum stay of two nights.

The “Sensations Orientales” wellness journey combines Eastern traditions with French refinement. The 90-minute treatment begins with a body exfoliation using enzymatic gel, followed by Sothys’ Digi-Esthétique® techniques, combining acupressure with modelling movements inspired by Eastern and Western traditions. The treatment also features warm amber and myrrh notes and flowing massage movements. It is available through the end of the year and includes a special gift for guests to continue the experience at home.

At Bamboo Bar, the “Carnet de Voyage” cocktail collection takes inspiration from the 1920s journey across Indochina and beyond envisioned for André Ducamp, the Metropole’s co-founder and first “directeur.” The collection brings together exotic flavours and the atmosphere of a bygone era, allowing guests to enjoy the cocktails beside the pool.

Operating in its current space since 1901, Le Beaulieu is believed to be the oldest continually operating restaurant in Vietnam. For the anniversary, the restaurant presents a special three-course menu featuring classics such as Lobster Bisque and Crêpe Suzette with guéridon service. The recipes are linked to the restaurant’s earlier years and have been passed down through generations of chefs.

Club Bar celebrates the hotel’s history with signature cocktails inspired by former guests and cultural icons including Charlie Chaplin, Graham Greene and André Ducamp. The menu also introduces “The Last Telegram” to the Legendary Cocktail Collection, along with the “1901” Burger, combining French refinement with premium ingredients.

At Spice Garden, the hotel’s elevated Vietnamese restaurant, guests can experience a special pho created around a broth simmered for 125 hours. The recipe draws from culinary traditions that flourished at the hotel during the 1920s. The dish features Wagyu beef, gold leaf short rib and dramatic tableside pouring, bringing together Hanoi’s culinary heritage and the Metropole’s own history.

The cocktail lounge, whisky bar and restaurant angelina has introduced “Metropole Liquid Chapters,” a menu inspired by important moments in the hotel’s history. The collection includes “1901,” marking the hotel’s beginning, “1968,” inspired by the wartime bunker beneath the property, and “2026,” representing a new chapter for Hanoi by night.

La Boutique and gourmet deli and patisserie L’Epicerie are offering a collection of Metropole-branded products and exclusive special editions. Guests can also explore e-vouchers designed to share Metropole experiences for different occasions. The first anniversary exhibition launched in June across the Heritage Wing, located within the hotel’s original 1901 structure, and the Opera Wing. The exhibition features rare photographs tracing the Metropole’s story from early 20th-century colonial Indochina through periods of conflict to the present day.

More exhibitions will be introduced throughout 2026, featuring painting, mixed media and photography while exploring the artistic legacy of the Indochine era, Hanoi’s cultural heritage and Vietnamese life. The hotel has also introduced Le Petit Journal, a bi-monthly newspaper featuring updates, special moments and experiences from Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

Guests can also explore the Metropole History Book, which brings together stories and milestones from the hotel and the city. The book is available at La Boutique or through the E-Shop. Through these experiences, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is marking 125 years by bringing its history, culture, food and hospitality together while creating new memories for guests throughout 2026.