OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort’s newly appointed resident marine biologist has outlined plans for World Ocean Month. Running through June, guests can learn about conservation activities beyond World Reef Day on 1 June, World Environment Day on 5 June and World Ocean Day on 8 June. Danielle Stanley, a British-South African national, took over her new post with OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort in March. She and her colleagues will implement a wide-ranging variety of conservation initiatives that guests can join. They include coral planting, whale shark and manta excursions, marine-themed documentaries, arts and crafts sessions and a school educational visit There is also marine wildlife database and research activities. OUTRIGGER guests help compile encounter sheets on the resort's excursions to see manta rays and assorted sharks in the waters. Sightings of whale, reef, nurse and silver tip sharks are quite common. There will be kids art activities, while Friday nights have marine documentary screenings. Danielle is also an acclaimed underwater photographer and was shortlisted in the Environmental Photographer of the Year Awards 2022. Regarding World Ocean Month, she said: "I am looking forward to raising awareness of healthy marine wildlife and ecosystems for our guests, hosts and local communities.” The 81-villa OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is a 25-minute seaplane journey from Male. It features four restaurants, bars and cafes, a spa, library lounge, boutique and a fully equipped PADI and SSI accredited dive centre.

  Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, rated “5.0 - Excellent” on TripAdvisor, has a great family offer valid until end of October   The award-winning luxury OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has launched a Kids Stay and Eat Free promotion for new bookings from now until 31 October 2023.   It means that two children, under the age of 12, can stay and eat free as part of their parents’ meal plan. Kids can either dine from the buffet or from the kids’ menu in the resort’s five restaurants.   With this offer, all little VIPs have a chance to experience the beauty of Maldives’ sun and fun, whilst the parents enjoy a stress-free vacation, spending less.   Kids can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and attending the marine biologist’s educational presentations on whale sharks, manta rays, coral life and much more. The resort’s astronomer also enjoys showing the night sky to families with the aid of a powerful telescope.   If holidaying with one child, the villa options include the chic Over Water Villas or the mesmerising Beach Villas, both of which can be booked with or without private pools.   A very comfortable option could be accommodation for two adults and two children in the spacious 184 sqm Two-Bedroom Beach Villa with private pool. Its outdoor decks feature a daybed, dining area and private pool with sun loungers.   Sumptuous and varied dining options for all the family include Cuisine Gallery for international breakfast and dinner, Art-I-San for fine dining, Koto for Japanese, Moodhu Grill for the finest meats and seafood, or Koffee n Chill for teas, coffees, ice creams and pastries.   OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort was selected by Luxury Lifestyle Awards as one of the Top 100 Hotels and Resorts of the World 2022.   Based on 657 reviews as of mid May, the resort boasts a 5.0 “Excellent” rating on TripAdvisor, with guest comments showering the property with praise.   Edoardo B wrote: “Everything was absolutely perfect, above expectations.” On 19 April, Alex S wrote: “I must say, having experienced multiple resorts and hotels across the world, the level of service and attention to detail was near perfection.”   And in December 2022 rand513 wrote: “OUTRIGGER Maafushivaru is paradise on earth. If you’re trying to decide on a luxury resort in Maldives, the countless positive reviews about the location, property and landscaping, food, spa, and customer service are accurate.”   The resort is a convenient 25 minute seaplane ride from Male international airport.   To book the Kids Stay & Eat Free offer and for full T&Cs, call Kuoni on 01306 230 467.

 

The premier beach resort brand is the first in Fiji and Hawaii to earn Green Seal accreditation

  Premier beach resort brand OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has successfully achieved Green Seal certification for key properties in Fiji and Hawaii.   OUTRIGGER is first in the State of Hawaii to earn the prestigious Green Seal designation as well as the first hospitality brand to achieve certification outside of the United States.   Green Seal is a global non-profit whose certification mark is a universal symbol that a product, cleaning service or facility meets the highest benchmark of health and environmental leadership. OUTRIGGER’s owned/managed properties that are now Green Seal certified include:  

• OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
• OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort
• OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
• OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
• OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa
• OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort
• Castaway Island, Fiji Resort

  The certified OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels demonstrated that they:  

• Conserve energy with 100% energy-efficient lighting in all guestrooms and public areas and energy-efficient appliances and windows.
• Conserve water through water-efficient landscaping, grounds-keeping measures and water-saving fixtures in guestrooms and public areas.
• Reduce waste by minimising use of disposable food service items and seeking out reusable packaging and shipping pallets.
• Protect human health and the environment by using housekeeping products that are free of toxic chemicals and low VOC (volatile organic compounds).
• Are committed to stewardship by having an environmental mission and purchasing policy.

  Green Seal certification is unique in its focus, not just on environmental protection, but also on health and indoor air quality. Achieving certification validated that OUTRIGGER properties create a wellness environment where guests and hosts can stay safe from allergy and asthma triggers and reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals.   Also this Earth Day, 22 April, Green Seal released its 2023 Impact Report, which included a spotlight on OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels’ commitment to culture and conservation.   “It’s clear that Green Seal offers a powerful model for collective impact, and even more clear that we have an obligation to apply it in bold new ways,” said Doug Gatlin, CEO of Green Seal. “Green Seal is meeting the moment with ambitious initiatives to address some of the most intractable health and environmental problems of our time.”   “OUTRIGGER is proud to be the first in the State of Hawaii to earn the prestigious Green Seal sustainability certification for its properties, and the first hospitality brand to pursue the certification outside of the United States in Fiji and Mauritius,” said Monica Salter VP, Global Communications & Social Responsibility at OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels. “The Green Seal designation is part of OUTRIGGER’s larger ESG plan and further solidifies our allegiance to meeting the highest standards of protecting the health and environment for its guests and hosts.”   OUTRIGGER is a pioneer for the environment. In 2014; it was the first Hawaii hospitality company to champion reef-safe sunscreen for its guests as a hands-on way to help our oceans thrive and to date, has preserved, protected and planted more than 100 football fields of coral reef fronting its global resorts through its conservation initiative OUTRIGGER Zone (OZONE).   In the last six months, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels was a founding member for the launch of American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Responsible Stay and Global Hotel Alliance’s new Green Collection. The company introduced the OUTRIGGERCARES Volunteer Programme to foster meaningful and purposeful community engagement opportunities for its hosts.   Celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, OUTRIGGER is implementing science-based criteria that raise the bar on sustainability; it is committed to growing the barefoot-luxury brand and investing in its people and the planet along the way.

  Get Away in May to the Beach at Khao Lak, Thailand: Up To 20% Off Kenwood Travel is offering seven nights in the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort in Thailand for two adults and one child in a Deluxe Garden Balcony Room. The package, which works out at nearly 20% off, includes daily breakfast. Prices, inclusive of taxes, are from £1005 per adult, £765 per child, based on 15 May 2023 departure from Manchester on Etihad. Alternative airports, departure dates and room types are available. The new Outrigger resort is on a quiet long sandy beach, surrounded by nature, and has its own kids club. Prices subject to availability. Call Kenwood on 020 7749 9278. [Images here]   Get Away This Autumn to the Beach in Khao Lak, Thailand at 20% Off Kenwood Travel is offering seven nights in the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort in Thailand for two adults and one child in a Deluxe Garden Balcony Room. The 20%-off package includes daily breakfast. Prices, inclusive of taxes, are from £1065 per adult, £809 per child, based on 1 October 2023 departure from Heathrow on Etihad. Alternative airports, departure dates and room types are available. The new Outrigger resort is on a quiet long sandy beach, surrounded by nature, and has its own kids club. Prices subject to availability. Call Kenwood on 020 7749 9278. [Images here]   Save 10% with Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Package in June The luxurious Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has partnered with Kuoni which is offering seven nights in a Beach Villa inclusive of breakfast and dinner (half board) for £2999 per person for selected departures in June 2023 on SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow. The offer saves up to 10% on normal prices and must be booked by 1 May. Call Kuoni on 01306 230 467. [Images here]   New World-Class Magic Theatre Show Unveiled in Koh Samui A new world-class magic show has been unveiled in Koh Samui. The Illusions Theatre magic show will take place six nights a week in a new 71-seat air conditioned show theatre within the newly opened Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort in Lamai beach. From Monday to Saturday, starting 17 April, there will be two shows nightly: a 7pm show for the whole family, and a 9pm show with magic effects of a slightly darker nature and mild adult humour. Each show lasts an hour. Details here. Images here.

 

Service by the resort’s hosts, a successful recent refurbishment and a stunningly beautiful setting have wowed guests and judges alike

  Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has been selected by Luxury Lifestyle Awards as one of the Top 100 Hotels and Resorts of the World 2022. The judges also named the property’s General Manager, Mr John Allanson, as one of the world’s “Top 100 General Managers for 2022.”   Since acquiring and opening the resort in April 2022, Mr Allanson has led the luxurious 81-key all-villa property to a 5.0 “Excellent” rating on TripAdvisor based on more than 600 reviews.   The awards recognise an elite group of companies and leaders that represent the ‘best of the best’ as selected and assessed by industry sources, based on reputation, credibility, brand awareness, luxury experience and service excellence.   The organising committee said of the awards: “Your impeccable reputation and professional performance have been recognised and acknowledged.”   A TripAdvisor review of the resort in December 2022 is indicative: “Everyone – the wait staff, management, concierges, hosts, chefs, kitchen geniuses, grounds keepers, gardeners, water activity experts, spa therapists, security, and the excellent housekeeping team – blew us away. No business is a perfectly well-oiled machine and there are always issues that can be improved, but this one definitely does their absolute best to make guests believe that there are no imperfections.”   Outrigger Maldives General Manager, Mr John Allanson, said: “We are grateful to the judges at Luxury Lifestyle Awards and to all guests who went out of their way to leave a positive review. On behalf of all the dedicated and hard-working hosts at the resort, we appreciate it very much.”   Offering small-island charm with contemporary architecture and bespoke finishing touches, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort offers guests an idyllic island experience, epitomising all that one thinks of when dreaming of the Maldives. The property is a convenient 25-minute seaplane journey from Male.   Travellers looking for one of the world’s definitive tropical beach escapes can take advantage of the latest best offers to stay at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort at www.Outrigger.com.

South Pacific resorts Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, Fiji were recognised for their environmental credentials. They became the first South Pacific resorts to be awarded Green Seal certification. Issued by NGO Green Seal, the certification ensures a product or service meets a set of rigorous environmental criteria. Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort was the first South Pacific resort to gain it. It has implemented practices that reduce waste, harmful chemicals, and pollution. It also hired an environmental officer. Castaway Island, Fiji was also awarded. The resort adopted Outrigger's OZONE initiatives and raises awareness of the island's reef and marine ecosystem. The resort sources local products and ensures all employees receive environmentally focused education and training.

  UK MasterChef 2022 champion Mr Eddie Scott will create special dishes on two evenings at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort in in the second half of April 2023.   The UK MasterChef winner will also hold a special cooking demonstration at the resort for guests who want to learn culinary skills.   Specific dates will be confirmed shortly.   Eddie, 31, from Yorkshire in northeast England, won the coveted TV accolade in May with MasterChef judge John Torode calling him a “culinary powerhouse”.   Fellow judge Gregg Wallace said: “I think we’ve just seen the birth of a future great chef.”   Eddie is currently working in the 3-star Michelin restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London.   Eddie spent eight years as a navigation officer in the Merchant Navy travelling the world before becoming a marine pilot in the River Humber in northeast England in 2017.   Only since storming his way to the top of MasterChef UK in May has he switched to cooking full time.   Chef Eddie draws on his love of classic French food and often surprises diners by adding Indian culinary flavours, a skill he learned from his Punjabi grandparents. His father also made exciting dishes such as Mexican chimichangas and original Indian curries. His mother shared her love of baking with him. Eddie is passionate about Royal Mughlai culinary dishes from northern India.   He learned his French culinary skills from travelling around France with his family, eating in local workers’ canteens, exploring fresh markets, then emulating the dishes back home in England.   “The way food was ingrained in French culture was a total revelation. I wanted to recreate the food I’d tasted and that’s how I really got into cooking,” he said.   He was making classic French dishes like Tarte Tatin, Ile Flottante, Crème Brulée and Gratin Dauphinois by the age of 12.   Eddie will create special menus on two occasions in the latter half of April at Outrigger Maldives. He will also give a culinary demonstration and hands-on cooking class for guests.   It will be Eddie’s first trip to the Maldives. “I can’t wait to go and cook there. I’ve heard so much about the place,” he said. “The water there will be a bit different from the Humber. I look forward to trying the island’s fresh seafood.”   The resort’s executive chef, Christopher Long, also from Yorkshire, met Eddie while he was visiting the Michelin-starred Pipe and Glass near Beverley, Yorkshire, run by James Mackenzie, who was also a guest chef at Outrigger Maldives in 2019.   “The three of us got talking,” said Chris, “and the idea was hatched for Eddie to do a guest chef stint in the Maldives with Outrigger.”   Details of the menu and the cooking class that Eddie will organise at Outrigger Maldives will be revealed in January.   Further information will be announced on Outrigger.com.   Offering small island charm with contemporary architecture and bespoke finishing touches, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort – winner of Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ "Best Luxury Hideaway Resort” in the Maldives 2022 – is a 25-minute seaplane journey from Male. The resort offers guests an idyllic island experience, epitomising all that one thinks of when dreaming of the Maldives.   Take advantage of the latest best offers to stay at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort at www.Outrigger.com.

  Celebrating 75 years of warm island hospitality, Outrigger Resorts & Hotels has announced a comprehensive brand revitalisation in alignment with its bold mission to be The Premier Beach Resort Company in the World. Sun-kissed and sandy, the elevated yet playful aesthetic permeates all aspects of Outrigger’s barefoot luxury brand as it further modernises its current assets and expands its portfolio with additional destinations. The new strategic direction incorporates a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art technology stack – most notably, the all-new Outrigger.com website, which brings to life Outrigger’s premier beach resort product in a digital format. Developed in partnership with Rightpoint, the data-driven and dynamic website uses the Optimizely platform to deliver a personalised, best-in-class user experience with rich, compelling content updated daily. The launch of Outrigger.com comes on the heels of a very successful Cyber Sale, connecting guests to exceptional rates and re-introducing the Outrigger DISCOVERY loyalty programme. Outrigger’s brand evolution was a project two years in the making, said Sean Dee, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer for Outrigger Hospitality Group. “Using qualitative and quantitative data, we leaned into our beach positioning and are now focused on delivering a cohesive brand experience across all platforms,” he said. “We’re now proud to share with our guests five iconic elements at every Outrigger resort: a renowned beach location, the must-see beach bar, authentic live music, signature experiences, and our commitment to conservation,” said Dee. In the last 18 months, five premier beach resorts have been added to the Outrigger portfolio: three in Thailand, one in the Maldives and one in Hawaii. The company has earmarked US$250 million to reinvest in its Hawaii assets, including the flagship Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, Waikiki Malia by Outrigger and Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel – which has more exciting enhancements on the horizon. As part of the brand revitalisation, the name of Hawaii’s first and only craft hotel – Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger – has been changed to Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. “Moving the Outrigger brand to the front of our hotel’s name epitomises the confidence of our ownership and the maturing of our product – fulfilling the Outrigger standards of unforgettable happenings and unparalleled hospitality on the world’s most iconic beaches,” said Edwin Torres, General Manager at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. With its central location, steps to Waikiki Beach, Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel draws inspiration from local artisans who are integral to the interior design and modern Waikiki vibe of the craft property. The alliance of extraordinary collaborators named “The Beachcomber Originals,” contribute to the hotel’s look, sound and taste to create a one-of-a-kind journey of the senses for its visitors. Guests will also start to see the new Outrigger icon throughout its properties, collateral and logo wear. Because watching the sunrise and sunset over the sea is an integral part of a beach vacation – the Outrigger “O” is akin to the warm island sun, resting on an ocean wave. Drawing hues from the sea, sand and sky, the brand’s new colour palette is fresh, bright and natural. Elevated, authentic, iconic, lively, caring and playful, Outrigger invites guests to ‘Come Be Here’ at Outrigger Resorts & Hotels.

Outrigger Resorts & Hotels has announced a comprehensive hotel rebrand. The new strategic direction incorporates a multi-million dollar technology stack, an all-new Outrigger.com website. Developed in partnership with Rightpoint, the data-driven website uses the Optimizely platform to deliver a personalised user experience. Outrigger's brand evolution was two years in the making, said Sean Dee, EVP for Outrigger Hospitality Group.  Hotel rebrand "We leaned into our beach positioning and are now focused on delivering a cohesive brand experience across all platforms.” In the last 18 months, five beach resorts have been added to the Outrigger portfolio: three in Thailand, one in the Maldives and one in Hawaii. As well as the hotel rebrand, Outrigger earmarked US$250 million to reinvest in its Hawaii portfolio. It includes the flagship Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, Waikiki Malia by Outrigger and Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. As part of the brand revitalisation, Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger has been changed to Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The rebrand invites guests to 'Come Be Here' at Outrigger Resorts & Hotels.

  Outrigger CCO, Sean Dee, provides a background and an update on their Hawaii, Thailand, Maldives, Mauritius and Fiji properties to TravelMole Publisher, Charlie Kao.  

Thailand resort Outrigger Koh Samui recently completed its full opening. It unveiled the final complement of 102 rooms. The finishing phase comprised colonial-style rooms with balconies, including 32 inter-connecting pairs of rooms. With the full opening Outrigger Thailand now has three resorts open in Koh Samui, Khao Lak and Phuket. Outrigger Koh Samui's ali-day dining restaurant, Mala Kitchen, and an additional courtyard swimming pool were also unveiled in the final phase. The Thailand resort now has two restaurants, a Kids club, a Club lounge, fitness centre, and four swimming pools. "We have created a superlative beach holiday setting for families and couples to experience," said Leah Matters, General Manager. "Our resort's leisure facilities, and activities programmes are ideal for families with children of all ages." Guests so far come primarily from the UK, Germany, Australia and Israel. Outrigger has opened four properties in Asia in the last 11 months.

  On 26 November, Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort completed its opening by unveiling its final complement of 102 rooms. The finishing phase comprised elegant colonial-style rooms with balconies, including 32 inter-connecting pairs of rooms designed for families and small groups of friends.   With the full opening of the resort in Koh Samui, Outrigger Thailand now has a total of three resorts operational in the region: at Koh Samui, Khao Lak and Phuket.   Outrigger Koh Samui’s ali-day dining restaurant, Mala Kitchen, and an additional courtyard swimming pool were also unveiled in the final phase. The 146 room and suite property now has two restaurants, a Coral Kids club, a games room, the Voyager 47 Club lounge, a fitness centre, three massage salas and four swimming pools, one with a children’s waterslide adjacent to the beach.   “We have created a superlative beach holiday setting for families and couples to experience,” said Leah Matters, the resort’s General Manager. “Our resort’s leisure facilities, extensive adult and children activities programmes and dining options are ideal for families with children of all ages. Our Edgewater beach club, which is already proving popular in the destination, will soon welcome an international DJ five nights a week along with Koh Samui’s famous beach fire show.”   Based on its first seven reviews on TripAdvisor, Outrigger Koh Samui already has a 5.0 “excellent” rating.   The 146-key property on Lamai beach in the southeast of the island, 30 minutes from Samui International Airport, has an elegant colonial feel.   Like all Outrigger properties, live music – from either a DJ or a band – will be a key feature at the resort, as well as private romantic dining and vow renewal options for couples.   Guests so far have hailed primarily from the UK, Germany, Australia and Israel.   Apart from day trips to the spectacular Angthong marine national park and assorted waterfalls around the island, visits to Haven Elephant sanctuary for rescued elephants are also proving popular.   Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort is putting its new facilities to good use this Christmas and New Year. The resort has arranged festive dining, drinks, entertainment and fun for families and couples on 24, 25 and 31 December. The full festive programme details are here.   Outrigger has opened four properties in Asia in the last 11 months: the Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort, the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort, the Outrigger Surin Beach Resort in Phuket and the Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.   Outrigger Resorts & Hotels continues its journey to becoming “The Premier Beach Resort Company in the World”.   Further information and bookings, including very special cyber sale offers, are available at outrigger.com.