OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort recently marked the official Grand Opening of its signature beachfront restaurant, Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - led by culinary pioneer Peter Merriman.  Located directly on the sands of Waikiki Beach, the contemporary design of OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is rooted in Hawaiian music and culture. It is adorned with carefully curated art exhibits, with upscale residential-style rooms and suites, and chic poolside experiences It has a fully refreshed Kani Ka Pila Grille and Cyril Pahinui Stage. The expansive resort grounds include three distinct wings: the Ocean Tower, the Pacific Tower and the reimagined Diamond Head Tower. It also features the Waiola Wellness Wing, the enhanced Voyager 47 Club Lounge, and a new Coral Kids Club and state-of-the art fitness centre. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman is a brand-new restaurant at the base of the Diamond Head Tower, perched on the sands of Waikiki with ocean views. "This is the perfect complement for this iconic beachfront retreat, enabling our guests to connect deeply to the islands through craft food, drink and live music.,” said Jeff Wagoner, OUTRIGGER president and CEO. Approximately 500 VIP guests, including celebrities, executives, and community members, gathered for the official Grand Opening of Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman. The evening’s beneficiary was OUTRIGGERCares Foundation, which has been focused on providing grants and support to impacted OUTRIGGER hosts since the Maui fires last August. Nick Lacheym lead singer of the multi-platinum-selling band 98 Degrees helped to present a $5,000 cheque to the OUTRIGGERCares Foundation. 

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Barefoot luxury reaches new heights at Lonubo – an idyllic private island adjacent to OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort where guests can indulge in the epitome of serenity

  OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is pleased to unveil an unparalleled experience in barefoot luxury travel, allowing its esteemed guests to bask in the epitome of relaxation on their own secluded haven – the exquisite Lonubo private island.   Situated just 200 metres from OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, Lonubo boasts lush palm-covered landscapes and promises an exclusive retreat with unparalleled tranquility and privacy for an unforgettable experience.   "With a private island at their disposal, OUTRIGGER guests can elevate the castaway beach experience to unprecedented heights," affirms the resort’s General Manager, John Allanson. "Our commitment to privacy and exclusivity, coupled with luxurious touches, ensures an experience beyond compare."   Upon arrival at Lonubo via a private boat transfer, couples are welcomed to their own private paradise equipped with sun loungers, plush beanbags, sunshades, towels and light refreshments for a four-hour escape into unparalleled bliss.   For those seeking to elevate their experience, an optional gourmet picnic awaits, complete with a curated setup and a selection of delectable food and beverages tailored to their preferences. Romantic evenings can be further enhanced with a starlit barbecue beach dinner, featuring a private chef and waiter ensuring an indulgent barefoot wining and dining experience.   As the sun sets, guests can choose optional enhancements such as an open log fire, tantalising canapés paired with Taittinger Brut Reserve champagne and a private movie screening featuring the film of their choice.   For culinary connoisseurs, the resort's chef recommends the ultimate surf and turf dinner – a lavish feast featuring a one-kilo Maldivian lobster and 500g of black Angus tenderloin steak, expertly grilled to perfection by the dedicated chef on Lonubo.   A detailed brochure outlining the exquisite Lonubo Island private experience is available for interested guests.   To make this dream-like experience a reality, OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is pleased to offer exclusive savings and value-added promotions until 4 December, 2023, as part of the resort's CYBER Sale promotions. Visit OUTRIGGER.com to seize this exceptional opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime escape.

 

Experience Exquisite Culinary Delights as Eyck Zimmer Takes Centre Stage at OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru in January 2024

  Multiple award-winning international chef Eyck Zimmer will bring his culinary expertise to the luxury OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort 17-31 January 2024.   Zimmer will curate two extraordinary five-course dining experiences at the resort's Art-i-san restaurant, as well as host two captivating cooking demonstrations.   Hailing from Germany, Eyck Zimmer stands as one of the foremost luminaries in the world of contemporary haute cuisine. His illustrious career has been adorned with accolades, including the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de Grande Bretagne in 2000, British Chef of the Year in 2006 and Portuguese Chef of the Year in 2008. His remarkable contributions to French culture and culinary excellence were acknowledged by the French Government, bestowing upon him the esteemed title of Chevalier du Mérite Agricole in 2014. Furthermore, he earned the distinguished title of Master of Culinary Arts from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts of Great Britain.   Zimmer's culinary journey has been punctuated by stints in some of the United Kingdom's most renowned kitchens, including Claridge's, The Dorchester, The Ritz and The Savoy. His culinary prowess has also left an indelible mark on five-star establishments in Switzerland, Portugal, Serbia, and Germany.   Presently, Eyck Zimmer serves as the Director of Culinary at the illustrious Jockey Club in Hong Kong, where he continues to channel his passion for the culinary arts. His unwavering dedication to his craft is epitomised by his motto, "Born to cook. No plan B!"   Growing up in East Germany during the era of the Cold War, Zimmer's affinity for food was cultivated at a young age. Inspired by the renowned French chef Paul Bocuse, he embarked on his culinary journey at the age of 16. Over the span of 36 years, Zimmer has enriched the culinary landscape in six different countries, earning him high acclaim.   It is worth noting that Eyck Zimmer shares a special history with OUTRIGGER Maldives, as he previously collaborated with the resort's General Manager, John Allanson, during their time at Rocco Forte’s The Lowry Hotel in Manchester from 2005 to 2007.   Zimmer's previous collaborations with OUTRIGGER in the Maldives, in 2017 and 2019, were marked by his exceptional commitment to both guests and hosts, leaving an indelible impression on those fortunate enough to experience his artistry.   Christopher Long, Executive Chef at OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru, speaks highly of Eyck Zimmer, noting, "Eyck gave a tremendous amount of time to both guests and hosts on his previous visits. Despite his many achievements, Eyck remains extremely humble. I am particularly looking forward to his return to OUTRIGGER Maldives."   This January, guests at the OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort will once again have the privilege of savouring the exquisite culinary creations of Eyck Zimmer, an icon of modern European haute cuisine.   For more information and bookings, visit OUTRIGGER.com or contact your preferred travel advisor. Join OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort for an unforgettable culinary journey, where the art of gastronomy meets the essence of barefoot luxury.

 

Edwin Torres to take the helm of the company’s newest beach resort on the island of Maui

  Effective immediately, Edwin Torres will lead the beachfront OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort, in Maui, Hawaii. As General Manager he will help OUTRIGGER hosts, their families and the community in the aftermath of the Lahaina wildfires. OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group, finalised its acquisition of the 11-acre (4.4 ha), 432-room Kaanapali Beach Hotel on 26 July, 2023. It was renamed the OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort. The property is located on the golden sands of world-famous Kaanapali Beach, Maui – recently ranked as the number one beach in the US and the number 10 beach in the world by TripAdvisor. Torres will lead the beachfront resort with an eye to delivering exceptional service and authentic guest experiences while ensuring operational profitability and host engagement and development. Torres has been complex General Manager, overseeing both the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel and OHANA Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER since February. Before that, he was General Manager of OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel since 2021 – Hawaii’s first craft hotel which he elevated to number one on TripAdvisor out of 94 hotels on O‘ahu. Torres’ OUTRIGGER career began as food and beverage director at the OUTRIGGER Guam Beach Resort. His industry experience includes Director of Event Operations for the Grand Hotel Marriott in Point Clear, Alabama; Food & Beverage Director at both W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island, Puerto Rico and Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, British Virgin Islands. “Edwin possesses the remarkable skill to cultivate a success-driven atmosphere, uniting his colleagues in a tight-knit ohana (family),” said Mike Shaff, OUTRIGGER Senior Vice President-Hotel Operations for the Americas. "I have full confidence in Edwin's capacity to lead this renowned resort impeccably, particularly in the aftermath of the destructive fires in Lahaina.”

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  OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has finalised its acquisition of the iconic Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel, situated on the sands of world-famous Kā‘anapali Beach – recently ranked as the No. 1 beach in the U.S. and No. 10 Beach in the World by TripAdvisor. The 11-acre (4.5ha), 432-room property will now sail under the banner of OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort, allowing travellers to experience the soulful essence of authentic Hawaiian culture fused with OUTRIGGER Signature Experiences.   The completed purchase on 26 July further anchors OUTRIGGER in its mission to be "The Premier Beach Resort Company in the World" and heralds a new chapter in its global voyage of delivering barefoot luxury with unparalleled hospitality across Hawaii, Fiji, Mauritius, Thailand and the Maldives.   “As a Hawaii-based company for 75 years, we have cultivated a profound appreciation for this enchanting place and its people,” said Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group. “We understand the responsibility of being exceptional stewards of this treasured land and embrace the opportunity to continue the tradition of excellence at this extraordinary property. The Kā‘anapali Resort area is undeniably a sought-after destination, captivating travellers from across the globe with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. We are committed to elevating this experience to new heights while being a collaborative community partner.”   One of the cornerstones of every OUTRIGGER resort is a must-visit beach bar. Maui Brewing Co., a beloved local brand with a deep island heritage, will be the primary restaurant at OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort. Set to open later this summer, the beachfront space will further enhance the allure of the resort, offering a family-friendly dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as live music.   In addition to premium culinary offerings, OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort will also remain true to The OUTRIGGER Way by continuing to provide enriching cultural activities for all guests, as well as sustainability measures to protect and preserve the shores of Kā‘anapali Beach through the company’s global OUTRIGGER Zone initiative. This includes offering complimentary reef-safe sunscreen from its partner Raw Elements, as well as metal water bottles and reusable bags at check-in for guests to practice sustainability.   OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort will be added to the award-winning OUTRIGGER DISCOVERY loyalty programme, which rewards guests with exclusive member rates and DISCOVERY Dollars for staying at OUTRIGGER, as well as more than 800 hotels in the GHA DISCOVERY portfolio.   Say aloha to unforgettable happenings and unparalleled hospitality at OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort by booking a room today at: www.outrigger.com or through your preferred travel advisor.

  OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels today announced that it will be investing further in its home market of Hawaii with a planned acquisition at Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa. Located in the town of Līhu‘e on the ‘Garden Island’ of Kaua‘i, the resort spans 25 lush acres of beachfront property and features 350 guestrooms with unparalleled ocean views. The transaction is expected to be completed and close on 22 August, 2023.   Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa, once acquired, will represent an important milestone in OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels' ongoing expansion efforts – offering guests a full-service resort on all four of the major Hawaiian Islands.   “OUTRIGGER’s legacy in Hawaii spans 75 years; we remain committed to being exceptional stewards of this special place and its rich cultural heritage, while contributing to the prosperity of the local community,” said Jeff Wagoner (pictured), President and CEO of OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels. “Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa was managed by OUTRIGGER in the ‘90s, so this transition feels like a welcome home – we look forward to further enhancing the property for both our guests and hosts,” added Wagoner.   This news comes on the heels of last month’s announcement that OUTRIGGER will be the new steward of Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel on Maui. It will be the seventh acquisition that the company has made in the last two years here in Hawaii, Thailand and the Maldives.   The OUTRIGGER brand is renowned for its premier beach locations, must-see beach bars, authentic live music, signature experiences and a commitment to conservation.

Outrigger Resorts & Hotels  announced a further expansion in its home market of Hawaii. It will acquire the Kauai Beach Resort & Spa in Līhue. Spanning 25 acres of beachfront property, it houses 350 guestrooms with ocean views. The transaction is expected to close on 22 August, 2023. With Kauai Beach Resort & Spa in the portfolio, Outrigger will have a full-service Hawaii resort on all four of the major Hawaiian Islands. "Outrigger's legacy in Hawaii resorts spans 75 years; and we remain committed to being exceptional stewards of this special place,” said CEO Jeff Wagoner. "Kauai Beach Resort & Spa was managed by Outrigger in the 1990s, so this transition feels like a welcome home.” It comes on the heels of the recent announcement that Outrigger will take over Hawaii resort Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui. It will be the seventh acquisition in the last two years in Hawaii, Thailand and the Maldives.

 

From clean-ups to coral planting, OUTRIGGER focuses on ocean health, this World Ocean Month

  This June for World Ocean Month, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has pledged to continue making a difference at its premier beach resorts worldwide. Activities connected to ocean health and conservation will take place at each OUTRIGGER resort throughout the month. Each event will empower, educate and inspire guests and hosts to care for our oceans. A sample of OUTRIGGER'S World Ocean Month activities includes: THAILAND  

• OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort, in association with Mangrove Resources Conservation Centre and the local community, will plant 2,000 mangrove trees and collect trash on the shore where the mangrove trees are being planted. Mangrove trees reduce shoreline erosion, protect coastal communities against flooding and are a spawning habitat for a wide variety of marine life.
• OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort will join Trash Heroes in a community beach cleanup and also join Baan Tai Crab Bank in releasing baby crabs into the ocean. Those participating will be educated on the lifespan of crabs, the importance of habitat and responsible fishing practices.
• OUTRIGGER Surin Beach Resort will join Phuket Mangrove Resources Conservation Centre and the local community in planting 2,000 mangrove trees in addition to releasing fish and prawns to the sea for the conservation of a sustainable mangrove forest.

  MALDIVES  

• OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort will have coral planting, a whale shark and manta excursion, arts and crafts using plastic from the ocean, a school visit to bring awareness to ocean conservation, an evening documentary introduced by the resort’s marine biologist, plus activities and a data identification session on whale sharks and manta rays.

  FIJI  

• Castaway Island, Fiji Resort will hold an environmentally themed race in addition to planting coral, making fish houses (a natural habitat for marine life), cleaning up underwater and planting coastal fruiting trees that provide fruit, shade and protection.
• OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort will have a beach and roadside cleanup, realign and clean coral tables, remove Crown of Thorns starfish, which damage coral reefs and are one of the major causes of coral decline, plant coral and make and sink fish houses.

  MAUI  

• Aina Nalu Lahaina by Outrigger and Kaanapali Maui at the Eldorado by Outrigger will participate in beach cleanups and OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa will care for its adopted highway.

  KAUAI  

• Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger will engage host children in a colouring contest voted on by hosts, guests and others for fun prizes.

  HAWAII ISLAND  

• OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, Fairway Villas Waikoloa by Outrigger and Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger will partner with Kahalu‘u Beach for a clean-up and to support the “Reef Teach” team who will educate on cauliflower coral spawning at Kahalu‘u Bay.

  “As a global toes-in-the-sand brand, OUTRIGGER has a front-row seat to our ocean and we have a responsibility for its care now and for future generations,” said Monica Salter, VP of Global Communications and Social Responsibility. “We aim to inspire action for the good of our planet this World Ocean Month and beyond.” OUTRIGGER’s Hawaii resorts are now Green Seal certified and are founding members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Responsible Stay initiative. They are also part of Global Hotel Alliance’s new Green Collection. Since the founding of its global OUTRIGGER Zone conservation initiative in 2014, the company has preserved, protected and planted approximately 100 football fields of coral reef and was the first Hawaii hospitality brand to champion reef-safe sunscreen and provide it for guests.

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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.