Chef Eyck Zimmer to prepare special dining experience at Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

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Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort is privileged to announce that Eyck Zimmer will be guest chef at the resort 21 October to 2 November 2017.

One of the truly great talents in modern haute cuisine, Zimmer has won accolades such as Portuguese Chef of the Year 2008, British Chef of the Year 2006, Meilleur Ouvrier de Grande Bretagne 2000, and Ordre Du Merite Agricole, to name a few.

Zimmer, 48, a German national, has wowed diners and culinary judges across Germany, Switzerland, UK, Hong Kong and Portugal in a 30-year career that has seen him cook in some of the best restaurants in the world: Claridges, The Dorchester, and The Ritz in London; The Palasthotel, Berlin; The Grand Hotel Regina, Grindelwald, Switzerland; and The Choupana Hills in Madeira, Portugal.

Chef Eyck Zimmer, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

While at the Outrigger, Zimmer will create a special five-course menu on 24 & 25 October at the intimate 16-seat Driftwood Restaurant by the beach. The wine pairing will be presented by guest sommelier LuAndre Volschenk. Zimmer will also prepare a special Halloween dish on 31 October.

At the Outrigger, the multi-award winning chef will also conduct a cooking class on the beach, again with paired wines. Participants will receive an Outrigger chef’s apron, a signed menu and a photograph with Zimmer. The private cooking class costs US$150 per person.

“Eyck’s visit is a wonderful opportunity for guests to make the ultimate pairing of world class beach setting and sumptuous cuisine,” said John Allanson, General Manager of the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort. “It will be a marvellous occasion for our guests. Eyck looks forward to meeting everyone before, during and after the dinners.”

Zimmer was born in Erfurt, Germany in 1969. “In those days of the Cold War, Erfurt was part of East Germany. But I was lucky to grow up in a family where good food was always appreciated. Both my grandmother and my father were keen amateur chefs. Their passion for cooking encouraged me at quite an early age to take it up and experiment with their recipes.”

When the Berlin Wall came down, Zimmer was liberated and quickly moved to learn and then perfect his trade in some of the best restaurants in Europe.

Chef Eyck ZimmerOn arrival in Madeira in 2003, after earning many accolades at the best restaurants in London, Zimmer found inspiration in the Portuguese sun. “I discovered fusion cuisine. A marriage of Portuguese, Asian, French and North African influences allowed me to experiment with all manner of innovative and intriguing dishes.”

“I discovered fusion cuisine. A marriage of Portuguese, Asian, French and North African influences allowed me to experiment with all manner of innovative and intriguing dishes.”

This October, at the culinary crossroads of the Maldives, guests will be able to discover the latest mouth watering inspirations of itinerant chef Eyck Zimmer.

For information and bookings contact Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort directly. Email: [email protected]. Tel: +960 684 7770.

Unwind in the Maldives with a Solo Traveller Rejuvenation Package

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A 7-night single traveller stay at the Outrigger in Maldives with flights, now only £2785, a 30% saving 

The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has teamed up with Barefoot Traveller to offer a 7-night “Solo Traveller Luxury Rejuvenation Package.” The offer has been created for individuals seeking to rejuvenate body and soul in a luxurious, safe and serene setting with crystal clear blue water and soft sandy beaches.

The package includes accommodation in a 211 sqm beach villa with private pool, breakfast and dinner (half board), a range of watersports, free use of hydro pool and steam room, sunrise and sunset daily yoga sessions, free non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, pedal boat and snorkelling, and a 20% reduction on pre-booked luxury spa sessions.

The 7-night stay at the Outrigger starts from £2785 (down from £3895 – a 30% saving).

The price includes flights from London Heathrow and is valid for travel up to 31 March 2018 (except peak periods), with bookings open until 30 September 2017.

Guests can upgrade their meal plan to full board (three meals a day) for 7 nights for £295, or go all-inclusive (including beverages) for 7 nights from £495 (down from £850).

“Single holidays is one of the fastest growing segments in UK,” says Mark Delpachitra, General Manager of Barefoot Traveller. “Many single holidaymakers are working, widowed or single females. That’s why we have chosen destinations such as the Maldives where you can indulge in well-earned rejuvenation to undo the stresses from your busy work life or challenges at home.”

Full details of The Solo Traveller Luxury Rejuvenation Package are available here. Or call 020 8741 4319. Email: [email protected].

Hosts and guests at Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort join World Oceans Day activities

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Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort today held “Our Ocean, Our Future,” marine awareness events to honour World Oceans Day 8 June. The events were an extension of Outrigger’s global OZONE (Outrigger’s Zone) marine conservation program, with all nine Outrigger Resorts participating around the world.

In the Maldives, Outrigger staff and guests conducted a beach and lagoon reef clean up to remove marine debris from the reef. Later in the afternoon there was a coral restoration program. After a briefing, guests helped the Best Dives Konotta staff attach fragments of coral to a metal frame which will be placed underwater to encourage new coral growth.

In the evening, guests and staff gathered around the pool and watched a documentary called “Planet Ocean” by Yann Arthus-Bertrand.

In the Outrigger Kids Club, youngsters participated in World Oceans Day by painting pictures with the theme, “My Ocean”. There were ocean face painting sessions, creating sand sculptures and a viewing of the Walt Disney movie “Moana”.

The lagoon clean up and the key activities of World Oceans Day were led by Best Dives Maldives.

This June, throughout World Oceans Month, Outrigger Resorts properties worldwide are offering a diverse range of immersive activities and conservation opportunities for Outrigger guests to get in the OZONE mind-set and make a difference, even while on vacation.     

Some 60% of the world’s coral reefs are being denuded by climate change, land-based pollution and unsustainable fishing. Outrigger’s OZONE conservation program encourages guests to become part of the solution by participating in marine conservation activities while on vacation.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort reveals scintillating new dining options

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New menus and a full range of dining experiences at Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has unveiled three scintillating new Asian dining initiatives full of flavour, variety and fun. The sizzling new sensations include an Asian Street Food Market, the Konotta Hot Pot Experience, and the Indian Ocean Thali Taster Meal.

“Variety, informality and authentic flavours are at the heart of our new creations at the Outrigger in Konotta,” says Executive Chef, Chris Long. “Guests can now enjoy a full Asian culinary journey from our island paradise in the Maldives.”

Chris Long, Executive Chef, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
Chris Long, Executive Chef, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

Outrigger’s Asian Street Food Market has a mostly outdoor set up with Chinese lanterns and live music. The best of Asian street food is present, including Japanese favourites such as Sushi, Nigiri Sushi, Makimono and Maguro Tataki (seared Maldivian tuna with ponzu sauce). There is Teppanyaki (including tenderloin beef) Laksa spicy noodle soup and Pho noodles. And look out for other classics from around Asia such as Stir Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts (Thailand), Spring Rolls (Vietnam), Nasi Goreng Kambing from Malaysia, and tasty Batagor from Indonesia. The Asian Street Food Market will take place every week from August and throughout the high season. See full menu here.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives ResortThe Konotta Hot Pot Experience takes inspiration from over 1000 years of culinary history and was probably created by the Mongolians. Embraced across Asia and known variously as Huoguo, Shabu-Shabu or Steamboat, the concept is basically a communal hot plate for cooking the meat surrounded by a pot of simmering soup.

“At Konotta, we have taken the best of hot pot culture and designed a hot pot that, we think, suits the palettes of all our guests,” says chef Long.

The Hot Pot Experience is available each day (with 24 hours notice for preparation) and served in the Rotunda.

The Indian Ocean Thali Taster Meal is based on the concept of presenting the six flavours of sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent and spicy in a single Thali (tray) of Indian dishes. The flavours come from all corners of the Indian sub-continent and are available each evening in the Blue Salt restaurant.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives ResortThe three culinary innovations at the Outrigger are augmented by a new lunch and dinner menu with the emphasis on organic ingredients and health, a Teppanyaki Dinner Experience prepared by Teppan Chef Endar, and a variety of unique island dining options such as romantic beach tables, sand bank lunches, wedding and vow renewal celebrations.

The chef is particularly proud of the weekly Maldivian Lobster and Angus Beef Sunset Beach BBQ, which is ideal for couples that want a private dining table set up on the beach.

Lobster, Seafood, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

Beach dining, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
Beach dining, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

Further information on dining at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort is available here.

Outrigger Maldives’ Earth Day 2017 celebration

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Earth Day is a set on a date on which events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the earth’s natural environment. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and is celebrated in more than 192 countries every year.

More than 1 billion people worldwide participated in green acts around the globe during the Earth every year, sending a powerful message for action on climate change.

Best Dives Maldives and Outrigger Ozone has decided to carry out acts of green thought on 22nd of April:

  • 15:00: Lagoon/reef and beach cleaning will be carried out in our house reef with the collaboration of any volunteer Guests and Outrigger staff to clear the area of floating debris or other trash from the sea bottom. All hard work paid off with fresh coconut. Best Dives Team will provide snorkelling equipment.
  • 16:00: Kids club activity: “Sand sculptures on the beach”.
  • 21:00: Movie “Home” by Yann Arthus-Bertrand at Ozone Lounge.

The key of the “Earth from Above” and of “Home” is to show the beauty of the planet, and thereby to promote love for it (Yann Arthus-Bertrand).

“What do we know about life on Earth? How many species are we aware of? A tenth of them? A hundredth perhaps? What do we know about the bonds that link them?

The Earth is a miracle. Life remains a mystery. Every species has a role to play, every species has its place. None is futile or harmful. They all balance out.

We will switch off for 1-hour non-essential lights, air conditioning units and other equipment. Our guests will be requested to support this act on a voluntary basis from 19:30 till 20:30 on 22 April 2017.

During this hour in the Host area’ playground write with candles: “CARING OF OUR HOME-EARTH”.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Announces a Diverse Programme of Easter Family Fun

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The resort’s new semi-submarine for underwater viewing and a marine education zone made from recycled materials show the best of the Maldives’ marine environment in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

A big choice of activities or relaxation this Easter at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
A big choice of activities or relaxation this Easter at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has announced a thoughtful and varied programme of activities for families looking for a fantastic beach holiday in the tropics this Easter.

The Outrigger in the Maldives has also introduced a new semi-submarine for underwater viewing.

The staff have also created an ‘OZONE’ (Outrigger’s zone) marine education space from recycled materials under supervision of the resort’s full-time marine biologist.

“This Easter the Outrigger is a one-stop retreat for tropical holiday beach relaxation with an optional marine education twist,” says the resort’s General Manager John Allanson.

Here are the details:

An ‘Egg-selent’ Easter Programme

The Outrigger has hatched an egg-selent Easter programme of activities 14-17 April. The activities have been designed to satisfy adults, teens and kids alike.

The resort’s Coral Kids Club will invite youngsters to partake in Easter face painting, egg hunts, egg and spoon races, banana boat rides, Easter egg decoration, and kids’ movies on the beach.

Adults can chill and do sweet nothing or get in the Easter spirit with body and soul activities such as morning meditation or yoga, couples massage workshop, dolphin quest, sunrise or sunset fishing, Asian food festival on the beach, sunset cruises, and marine education talks at the pool bar with the resort’s marine biologist.

Teens may also like activities such as discover scuba diving, beat the management at foosball, try the stand-up board balance challenge, or join water polo with guests and staff.

And there is great food from executive chef Christopher Long and his kitchen, including an Asian food festival on the beach, a surf and turf BBQ and an introduction to Japanese food at Nala Rah with chef Endar.

There’s also a full list of  ‘out of the ordinary stuff’ such as local island excursions, equator cruises, surfing, renewal of vows, a castaway island experience and more.

For a full list of activities click here. For more information or to book contact your tour operator or the resort. Tel: +960 684 7770. Email: [email protected].

See the Underwater World of the Maldives – While Staying Dry

The semi-submersible submarine gets guests up close to the underwater world of the Maldives
The semi-submersible submarine gets guests up close to the underwater world of the Maldives

The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has introduced a 14-seat semi-submarine for viewing coral reefs and spotting local marine life such as manta rays, Hawksbill turtles, large shoals of fusiliers and the occasional friendly shark.

The daylight tour explores the beautiful house reef of Konotta. During the night tour fishes camouflage themselves reducing the brightness of their colour, assuming the hues of the barrier reef. With the semi-submarine’s fluo-light guests have the possibility to observe sea creatures usually invisible to the naked eye. Once back to the reef, schools of fish attracted by the night lights will surround the vessel: fusiliers, sometimes sharks or even some squid can be seen.

The semi-submersible submarine interior
The semi-submersible submarine interior

The semi-submarine makes its local excursions at the Outrigger at Konotta every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and costs USD95++ for the day time trip &  USD110++ for the night trip.

Further information: Tel: +960 684 7770. Email: [email protected]

For Guests: A Special Place for Marine Knowledge Created by Staff

The sustainable OZONE Hut – made for presentations and talks on marine life at the OutriggerOutrigger Resorts has a global marine conservation programme called OZONE (Outrigger’s zone). Inspired by the initiative, staff at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort have created The OZONE Hut, an educational workspace to organise environmental campaigns and give presentations about the importance of preserving the underwater habitat of the Indian Ocean.

The OZONE Hut was built by the resort’s hosts in their spare time using recycled items such as used plywood, dried thatch from palm trees and old glass bottles. There are displays on the wall of different kinds of marine life.

“It’s a home-grown initiative to boost understanding and spread appreciation for the beauty of the underwater world of the Maldives,” says Caterina Fattori, the marine biologist of Best Dives Maldives who is based full-time on the island.

The sustainable OZONE Hut – made for presentations and talks on marine life at the OutriggerThe new OZONE Hut will be used for talks and presentations to guests interested in the marine ecology of the Maldives.  

For further information about the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort tel: +960 684 7770. Email: [email protected]. Or click here.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Creates Valentine Romance for Guests

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KONOTTA, MALDIVES – The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has created a special Valentine’s Day evening dinner event for Romeo and Juliets.

couple2For couples who love ultimate beach romance and the feel of sand between their toes, the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort will arrange a candlelit sunset barbecue for two on the beach.

Culinary highlights include, a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, lemon marinated grilled shrimp, tuna steak, calamari, reef fish in banana leaf, beef sirloin, lamb skewers, a cold salad buffet, and selection of mini desserts and surprise sweet treats from the pastry chef. There will be an accompaniment of rhythmic Boduberu drum music. The special dinner takes place 14 February for US$159 nett (€149/£128) per couple.

There is also one special private beach table BBQ with private chef and waiter, featuring Champagne, canapés, local lobster, beef fillet, desserts and chocolates at US$366 nett (€342/£296) per guest.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Celebrates Coral Regeneration Day

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OZONE and Best Dives Maldives invites you to join renowned marine biologists and our own Ms. Caterina Fattori for a learning afternoon on coral ecology, where you’ll have the opportunity to plant new corals.

Date: 27th October 2016
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Watersport

Dr. Nicole Kube and Dr. Mirko Becker from The German Oceanographic Museum (Deutsches Meeresmuseeum), are here to train guests and hosts on coral ecology, the importance of biodiversity, threats to coral reefs, techniques to transplant corals and strategies for restoration.

OZONE (Outrigger’s ZONE) is a global conservation initiative centered on protecting the health of coral reefs and the oceans surrounding the iconic beach destinations of Outrigger Resorts. Over 60% of the world’s coral reefs are under immediate threat from climate change, overfishing and land-based pollution. OZONE is an action plan to make a positive impact on reef conservation.

Coral Regeneration Day, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

OZONE generates awareness and enhances the guest experience through interaction and learning. Guests of Outrigger Resorts may view in-room videos, attend on-property lectures, and participate in community activities like coral planting.

OZONE was launched in 2015 in celebration of World Oceans Month and in partnership with government, private industry, and conservation organizations worldwide.  We encourage you to browse these websites and visit the local aquariums we support on your next trip to an Outrigger Resort.

Help us plant new corals and learn their critical role in our world’s ecosystem. outrigger.com/ozone

IUCN World Conservation Congress
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Polynesian Voyaging Society
Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System
Waikiki Aquarium (Hawaii)
Underwater World (Guam)
Mamanuca Environment Society (Fiji)
Reef Conservation Mauritius
Maui Divers Jewelry (Malama Honua Voyaging Canoe Pendant)
Tori Richard
Best Dives Maldives

What are 10 things you can do to protect coral reefs?  Find out

Special OZONE Offer!  We’re celebrating OZONE with a new Eco-Adventure Package at our beachfront resorts in Waikiki. Learn more

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Announces Wondrous Beach Activities for Christmas and New Year

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Under the warm Maldivian sun, there’s plenty out of the ordinary for families and couples this festive season

The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has announced an inspirational festive programme of beach activities for Christmas and New Year. The idyllic beach resort in the south of the Maldives has created wonderful activities from 19 December to 2 January, most of which are free. The activities fall under three festive themes:

For Little VIPs – Kids can enjoy activities such as sand sculptures on the beach, island treasure hunt, aqua gym, open-air movies, banana boat rides, secret garden picnics, making superhero capes, dance lessons, meeting Santa in his grotto, and more.

Kids Club, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
Kids Club, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

For Adults – While the kids are playing (supervised), adults can enjoy complimentary yoga, guided snorkelling trips, morning meditation, fishing trips, beach barbecues, water polo, sushi making, a Southeast Asia culinary night, romantic sunset dinners, chilling by the pool (with in-house DJ), discovering nearby castaway islands, a Moroccan evening, Japanese night, Tai Chi on the beach, kayak racing, dolphin trips, snorkelling with a marine biologist, open air movies, and more.

Paddleboading and Seabob underwater scooter, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
Paddleboading and Seabob underwater scooter, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

Out of the Ordinary Stuff – Guests can celebrate Christmas and New Year in style by renewing their vows on the beach, crossing the equator to the ‘other side of the world’, surfing (yes, surfing – there are six reef breaks nearby), being castaway on your own island for the day (with nice food and drinks), visiting local islands, dining on the beach at a sunken table, and learning to cook Maldivian, Indian, Sri Lankan or Japanese cuisine.

Nala Rah Teppan Grill and Raw Bar, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
Nala Rah Teppan Grill and Raw Bar, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
International and Regional dining at Blue Salt, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
International and Regional dining at Blue Salt, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

This Christmas and New Year, prices start from US$760/£621/€698 (plus 22% GST & service charge) per night for a luxurious 211 square metre Beach Villa with private pool, accommodation for two adults and two children, daily gourmet breakfast, and daily three-course dinner.

Beach Dining, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
Beach Dining, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

For full information on the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort festive programme, click here. For the festive accommodation offer click here (1st-anniversary offer). Or call +9607902786. E: [email protected].

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Wins ‘Best Resort’ Award

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The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has won “Best Resort” in the Travel Weekly Asia 2016 Readers Choice Awards.

The stunning 53 all-pool villa resort in the south of the Maldives has wowed visitors since it opened in August 2015.

The award “honours the ‘best of the best’ in the travel industry,” said Travel Weekly Asia Group Publisher, Irene Chua.

Outrigger Resort Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mark Simmons, received the award on behalf of the property at the Readers Choice Awards ceremony in Singapore, 17 October.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

The General Manager of the resort, Mr John Allanson, said: “Outrigger is very proud of the latest accolade for the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort. We dedicate it to our hard working hosts who treat all guests as part of the Outrigger family.”

Comprising 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and the masterful three-bedroom Grand Konotta Villa, the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury. The Outrigger has the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives.

Each winner in the awards was voted for by Travel Weekly Asia readers, a group comprising professionals from different specialties and expertise within the travel industry.

In December 2015, the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort also won the “Luxury Contemporary Resort of the Year,” in the Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards.

Outrigger was also hailed for the way it went about acquiring the resort. In October 2015 the property won first place for Single Asset Transaction of the Year in the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific Deal of the Year Awards.

The private island of Konotta is located 211 miles (340 kilometers) to the south of Malé and is accessible via a 55-minute flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a scenic 30-minute journey on a luxurious private speedboat.