Taj Burrow has announced that he will return to Four Seasons Maldives this August to attempt a third consecutive title in Surfing Champions Trophy (SCT) 2018. 

Dubbed the "world's most luxurious surfing event" on account of its Four Seasons resort location, Burrow is one of 32 champion surfers who has participated in Surfing Champions Trophy annual week-long showdown between six surf champs across three divisions of surfboard design.

"This is such an amazing event, I would have retired earlier if I knew this is what life would be like, it's too good," commented Burrow after securing his second SCT title in 2017.

"We get so spoiled at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and then to come just around the corner and have waves that are this good is such a treat. Its an incredible place."

Hosted onboard Four Seasons Explorer, the Maldives ultimate surf vessel, the Surfing Champions Trophy offers a unique opportunity for surf fans to get up-close to all the action, with the "surf tour" experience continuing back on land at Kuda Huraas 12-acre (5 hectares) garden island, the base for the events competitors, judges and Tropicsurf organisers.

"Its great to have Taj confirmed to defend his title for a landmark the third year– he surfs Sultans surf break like its his backyard, but as always its the different divisions that make this event so unpredictable and exciting." Comments Event coordinator Mark Winson of Tropicsurf.

En route to last years Grand Final, Burrow won two divisions and posted the events only perfect 10-point ride, but he had to see off fierce competition from an in-form Rob Machado (first in the Single Fin division and second in the Twin Fin) as well as Thruster Division runner-up CJ Hobgood, the 2001 WSL Champion.

Brazilian big wave inspiration Maya Gabeira shone during the 2017 Thruster Division, only narrowly missing out on a semi-final position, with local wildcard and three-time Maldivian National Champion, Ismail Miglal, also faring best in the same division and enjoying every moment of the chance to surf his home breaks alongside his surf heroes.

The sixth spot in last years invitational was taken by Championship Tour star Ross Williams (HAW), whose style and power shone through all disciplines, despite just being edged out of a final berth.

Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Landaa Giraavaru is a 44 acre, 103 villa wonderland in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve a 30-minute seaplane flight from Malé.

Its sister property, Kuda Huraa, lies to the South: an enchanting garden island complete with Island Spa sea sanctuary and Tropicsurf coaches and guides and waves that host the annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. 

The luxury catamaran, Four Seasons Explorer, connects the two resorts via 3, 4 and 7-night cruises, plus private leisure, surf and manta ray charters.

The latest addition to the Four Seasons Maldives collection is the Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll. The resort opened in December 2016 as the groups first exclusive-use private island with 2-hectare (5-acre) playground and party hideout, 19-metre (62-foot) luxury yacht, and UNESCO ocean territory which is off limits to everyone else but limitless to the guests.