Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced Australian teenage surf sensations Will and Luca Martin as the resort’s 2025 Surfing Ambassadors. The brothers will visit Kandooma from 9–17 October 2025, bringing a distinctly Australian energy to one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations, which was named Maldives’ Best Surf Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives 2025 Awards for the second consecutive year.

Australia has consistently been at the forefront of global surfing, and the Martin brothers are carrying that torch. Luca Martin, 14, is currently ranked No. 2 in Australia for U/16s and has amassed an impressive list of junior titles, including the 2025 Queensland State Titles and the prestigious Billabong Occy Grom Comp at Snapper Rocks. Renowned for his speed, power, and flow, Luca is already sponsored by Quiksilver and is poised to become one of Australia’s next great surf exports.

Will Martin, 17, is ranked No. 6 in Australia for U/18s and is recognized as a natural all-around waterman. A Mad Huey team rider, he began surfing at age three and has built an impressive résumé, including a victory at the 2025 Open Men’s Barney Miller Surf Comp. His training at the legendary Billabong Pipe House in Hawaii has further honed his barrel-riding prowess. Originally from Coffs Harbour and now based on Australia’s Gold Coast, the brothers share the aspiration of competing together on the World Tour.

Just steps from the resort’s sandy shores, Kandooma Right is a perfectly peeling right-hander and one of the Maldives’ most sought-after breaks. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, in partnership with Perfect Wave, provides surfers with exclusive access to this wave, creating a bucket-list experience for Australian surf travelers. During their October visit, the Martin brothers will experience the thrill of surfing in the Maldives, including Kandooma Right, under the guidance of Perfect Wave. They plan to document the experience on social media, inspiring the next generation of Australian surfing talent to visit the Maldives.

Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said, “Together with our partners Perfect Wave, we are thrilled to welcome Will and Luca Martin as Surfing Ambassadors, taking the Kandooma Maldives brand to surfing circles in Australia. It is exciting to see the resort represented on their boards alongside other sponsors, including Quiksilver. Australians have always had a deep connection with the Maldives surf scene, and the Martin brothers perfectly embody the energy and joy that define surfing in both countries. We can’t wait for them to visit and inspire our guests and the wider Australian surf community.”

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives maintains a unique partnership with surfing experts Perfect Wave, who manage the resort’s surfing holidays, the island’s signature wave Kandooma Right, and the overall surfing program. Eletr added, “Ensuring a crowd-free, sustainable, and high-quality surfing environment is essential. Working with Perfect Wave allows us to balance wave access with reef protection while delivering exceptional experiences for surfers.”

Will Martin, speaking on behalf of himself and his younger brother Luca, said, “We are very excited to be heading to Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. It’s a surfer’s dream to access a perfect right-hander straight out front of where you are staying! We are thrilled to have this opportunity and to enjoy all that the resort has to offer.”

The surfing adventure extends beyond Kandooma Right. Just a short boat ride away, surfers will find a variety of reef breaks suitable for different skill levels. Tucky Joes/Boatyards is a legendary but unpredictable left-hander, known for its long, perfect, and intense ride. Riptides is a right-hand reef break running up to 150 meters in a channel; it is ideal for longboarders, shortboarders, and confident low-intermediate surfers, though strong currents may occur. Quarters is a versatile wave with something for everyone. The outside section is mellow and suitable for beginners or longboarders, while the inside delivers a fast, fun right-hander and, on a good day, perfect little barrels. Guests staying at Kandooma during this special week will have the rare opportunity to watch two of Australia’s brightest young surfers from Surf Corner, and those booked on a Perfect Wave Surfing Holiday may even have the chance to paddle out alongside them.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is the perfect escape for Australian surfers seeking warm water, flawless waves, and four-star resort comforts. All surfing experiences must be booked as part of a Perfect Wave Surfing Holiday at https://www.perfectwavetravel.com/surf-trips/maldives/kandooma/. Located in the South Male Atoll, 40–45 minutes from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful, natural island paradise. White sand beaches, swaying coconut palms, and turquoise waters form the backdrop for leisure pursuits and some of the best scuba diving in the Maldives. Accommodation options include Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses, and popular Overwater Villas. Families are well catered for with 2- and 3-bedroom villas, as well as the Kandoo Kids’ Club with its fun activities program. Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied while exploring the flavours of the Maldives. Guests seeking relaxation can enjoy sun loungers and hammocks dotted around the island, and Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers a tranquil escape for body and mind. https://maldives.holidayinnresorts.com/