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.

  Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group have teamed up to bring Honolulu residents and visitors a new multi-year resident show, exclusive to Hawaii. Executives from both organisations were joined by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi to make the announcement on 10 April.   Anticipated to open in late 2024, the show will fuse the world-renowned acrobatics and innovation that Cirque du Soleil is known for with the natural beauty and unique culture of the Hawaiian islands. Native Hawaiian, Aaron J. Salā, PhD, has been retained as the creative cultural producer to assist in creating this show’s storyline along with other prominent Hawaiian artists, musicians and dancers.   A joint venture is being made by both parties to create this opportunity and transform the 20,000 sq. ft. (1858 sqm) showroom venue at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, previously used by Magic of Polynesia. The necessary permits for renovation work to commence and create the nearly 800-seat theatre with state-of-the-art audio-visual system are being submitted. The venue architect is Hawaii-based G70, with project estimating done by RLB in Honolulu.   “Cirque du Soleil is an iconic company at the apex of entertainment,” said Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group. "We are confident that the show created for Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel will delight and astound our guests and residents.”   Mr Wagoner added: "This collaboration with Cirque was years in the making and perfectly aligns with Outrigger’s brand elevation strategy, which includes a promise to provide authentic live music and signature experiences in renowned beach locations.”   Mayor Rick Blanglardi, said: “In addition to bringing new vibrancy to Waikiki, this project will produce significant economic impact through job creations in redeveloping the theatre space and ongoing show operations. I’m honoured and excited to welcome Cirque du Soleil as the newest Honolulu resident.”   More details will be shared in the coming months regarding the partnership, the show’s name and creative concept, as well as on-sale dates, with a target of December 2024 for the show’s debut.

Outrigger and Cirque du Soleil have teamed up to bring a new multi-year resident show, exclusive to Hawaii. Anticipated to open in late 2024, the new Hawaii themed show will take place at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The show will fuse the acrobatics and innovation of Cirque du Soleil with the unique culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Native Hawaiian, Aaron J. Sala is the creative cultural producer. A joint venture by both parties will transform the 20,000 sq. ft. showroom venue at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber which was previously used by Magic of Polynesia. "Cirque du Soleil is an iconic company at the apex of entertainment," said Jeff Wagoner, CEO of Outrigger. "We are confident this show will delight our guests and residents." "This collaboration with Cirque was years in the making." More details will be shared in the coming months regarding the show's name and creative concept.

  Triple reward points   Guests staying in Voyager 47 Club rooms and suites enjoy daily breakfast and evening appetizers with complimentary drinks.   Earn triple (300) reward points for every room night sold at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Upgrade your clients to Voyager 47 Club for bonus inclusions such as daily breakfast, evening pupus and exclusive access to our oceanfront Voyager 47 Club Lounge.   Not only will you earn points towards your next dream vacation, your clients will also receive a complimentary welcome gift from you. Make sure to log your booking through the OEA portal to collect your points!   Book Dates: Now - March 31, 2023 | Travel Dates: Now - March 31, 2024   Following Terms and Conditions apply: *Travel Advisor must be a certified and active Outrigger Expert Advisor. Valid for new bookings only from now - March 31, 2023 and registered through the portal. Valid for client stays through March 31, 2024. Reward Points awarded after actual stay dates. Reward Points apply to GDS bookings, Wholesale packages, direct brand.com retail commissionable bookings. Not applicable to group bookings or 10 or more rooms. Other restrictions may apply. Subject to change.

  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.

  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.

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

Celebrating 75 years, Outrigger CCO Sean Dee, provides a background and an update on their Hawaii properties to TravelMole Publisher, Charlie Kao.   [yotuwp type="videos" id="y0ZiwehtV-w" ]

  Ahead of World Manta Day on 17 September, Lynn Jula Kessler, the marine biologist at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort offers the following advice on viewing the gentle giants.   1. When to go?   The manta rays’ migration pattern is dominated by the two monsoon seasons in the Maldives. From roughly December to May we find the mantas more frequently on the Western atolls. From June to November we mainly focus our search on the eastern sites. In South Ari Atoll around Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort we are extremely lucky to record year-round sightings of manta rays, as the animals don’t leave the atoll when the monsoon is changing (due to the geographical size of the atoll). Most manta sightings have been recorded between October and March.   2. Videos and books to enjoy in preparation   The Manta Trust has published a fantastic Guide to Manta and Devil Rays, which gives a great overview of all the manta species known to science, with helpful identification keys. For a more aesthetic book, I recommend the Secret Life of Manta Rays, co-authored by Dr. Guy Stevens, the founder of Manta Trust. This book has stunning photographs and interesting insights to the conservation efforts, plus it’s a beautiful coffee table book. As one of the biggest threats to manta ray populations around the world is overfishing, I can recommend Seaspiracy on Netlfix to familiarise yourself with overexploitation of the seas.   3. Choose a resort with a dedicated marine biologist or conservationist   Many resorts in the Maldives have a resident marine biologist or conservationist on site. With a bit of research, or by contacting the resort directly, you can find out how well the marine biologist is included in the resort’s ocean activities — and what other types of sustainability efforts are being pursued by the resort. At Outrigger we have our global nature conservation programme called OZONE — Outrigger ZONE.   4. Do a trial snorkel or scuba dive first   This is important, especially if you are not a strong swimmer or have little experience snorkelling in the ocean. Try snorkelling in a safe environment first. This way you can familiarise yourself with the equipment, practice being in open water, and increase the chance of a more enjoyable manta dive or snorkel excursion.   5. Be ready!   If you join a group trip make sure you listen to your guide’s instructions and are ready to get into the water at any moment!   6. Don’t get too close   Manta rays are very curious by nature. We try to stay at about a three to four metre radius. But due to mantas’ inquisitive nature they almost always break this distance themselves. The best advice I can give when it comes to manta ray encounters is to stay as calm as possible. The chances of the manta ray turning around and checking you out from up close are much higher when you remain calm at the surface rather than splashing around and chasing after it. However, don’t try to touch a manta ray. This will most likely end the encounter as mantas are not tactile animals and get scared when being touched.   7. Photography tip   Many times I have seen guests more focused on their camera settings than on the mantas themselves. If you are not familiar with your camera settings or you don’t want the extra pressure of having to take pictures as well as keeping up with mantas, leave the camera behind. However, action cameras such as GoPros are usually a very easy solution and make great footage and can be rented at the dive centre. If you join a trip with me you can be certain that I always carry a camera. I am more than happy to share my pictures.   8. Instagram channels to keep an eye on   If you are interested in manta rays, I recommend the channels from Manta Trust (@mantatrust) and the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (@maldianmantaproject). On the OZONE Maafushivaru (@ozone_maafushivaru) channel, I share information and insights on manta rays as well as other marine projects at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.   9. What is Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort doing on Manta Ray Day?   For World Manta Day we have a scheduled manta ray excursion for our guests. I will be joining as well, providing the participants with insights into the manta rays’ life and briefing everyone on proper in-water behaviour. All data collected during this trip will be submitted to the Maldivian Manta Ray Project and the Manta Trust, which is the world’s leading organisation on manta ray research and conservation.   10. Learn more about mantas and the responsible resort approach   Find out more about World Manta Day at WorldMantaDay.com. It’s a great resource with information links, a list of challenges facing mantas, upcoming events, and how to get inolved. The Outrigger OZONE page also gives useful insights on coral protection and propagation initiatives, reducing waste, guest education, and the best eco-activities for responsible travellers.