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 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 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.

Coral Regeneration Initiative Underway at Outrigger Resort in Maldives

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GAAFU DHAALU ATOLL, THE MALDIVES – Guests of the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort recently joined the Best Dives Konotta marine biologist and staff to relaunch a coral regeneration project. The previous initiative, launched in December 2015, was doing well until the El Nino effect in April raised water temperatures and negatively impacted the new growths.

Marine biologist Caterina Fattori gave a presentation on global warming and its impact on coral in the Maldives on 19 August to European and Chinese guests (with live translations) from Chinese speaking dive instructor ‘Vincent’ Gao Yang.

The next day guests joined Ms Fattori to connect living coral fragments that had been displaced by waves to coconut ropes. They were attached on laces then to metal frames in two areas at about 7 metres and 13 metres depth, while the round concrete bases were placed in the sandy sea floor at about 7 metres depth.

 Additional follow up restoration work will take place on 26 and 27 August, also with guest participation.

 The coral restoration project initiated by Best Dives Konotta is part of the Outrigger OZONE (Outrigger’s Zone) global marine conservation program.

 Some images from the marine ecology presentation and coral restoration events of 19 and 20 August at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort follow:

Best Dives Maldives operational manager in Konotta, Marta Giannini, attaches the coral necklaces to secured frames to encourage new coral growth
Best Dives Maldives operational manager in Konotta, Marta Giannini, attaches the coral necklaces to secured frames to encourage new coral growth
Guests preparing the coral necklaces supervised by Ms Fattori
Guests preparing the coral necklaces supervised by Ms Fattori
Guests preparing the ‘coral necklaces’ to attach to the frames
Guests preparing the ‘coral necklaces’ to attach to the frames
Training the guests before lacing the corals to coconut strings
Training the guests before lacing the corals to coconut strings
Marine biologist Caterina Fattori (right) explains coral reef ecology to Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort guests on 19 August
Marine biologist Caterina Fattori (right) explains coral reef ecology to Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort guests on 19 August
Marine biologist Ms Fattori sinks some concrete bases with encrusting fragments.
Marine biologist Ms Fattori sinks some concrete bases with encrusting fragments.

Outrigger Appoints John Allanson as General Manager in Maldives

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PHUKET, THAILAND – Outrigger Enterprises Group has appointed John Allanson as the General Manager of the award-winning Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, an exclusive sanctuary of over-water bungalows and exquisite villas located within the crystal waters of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. He will commence his position immediately and will report to Paul Richardson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in Outrigger’s corporate office in Hawaii.

John AllansonAllanson, a UK national, brings to Outrigger 30 years’ experience in hotel and resort management in the Maldives, Vietnam and the UK. Before joining Outrigger, he was the General Manager of the Six Senses Con Dao Resort and Spa, a five-star property on Con Dao Island, Vietnam.

Allanson also spent two years as Resort Manager in the Maldives at the Six Senses Laamu Resort and Spa, a property with 97 villas. For much of his career, Allanson has been a general manager, or in senior management positions, including food and beverage, and in various high-end UK country hotels, many of them with a spa facility.

The new Outrigger general manager has a Diploma in Management Studies and earned a scholarship to the General Managers’ Program at Cornell University. He is also a graduate of the International Management Association and a member of the Hotel and Catering International Management Association.

“John’s leadership in hotel and resort operations in Asia and UK will help Outrigger take our acclaimed hotel operations in the Maldives from good to great,” said Mr Richardson.

The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort opened in August 2015 and offers guests a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury. Boasting the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives, the resort features 53 spacious villas, each with a private swimming pool. The inspirational three-bedroom Grand Konotta Villa offers an enchanting oasis with floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive sun deck and breath-taking infinity pool overlooking the pristine turquoise ocean.

The property is renowned for its innovative Maldivian cuisine, the rejuvenating Navasana Spa, ocean adventures and uncompromising Outrigger hospitality – including Outrigger Signature Experiences throughout.

In between hoteling and family duties – Allanson has two daughters and a son – Outrigger’s new general manager tries to find time for golf, diving and photography and watching his favorite soccer club, Liverpool FC on TV. He is also a cricket fan and one day hopes one day to watch England on an entire tour of Australia.

Outrigger in the Maldives Celebrates 1st Anniversary with Travel Industry and Guests

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KONOTTA, MALDIVES – The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort celebrated its 1st anniversary July 30-August 1 by inviting travel industry professionals to the resort for the weekend.

As part of the celebrations, travel agents spent time on a site inspection, dolphin spotting, relaxing in the Navasana Spa hydro pool, enjoying complimentary non-motorised water sports and dining.

Hotel guests then joined the travel industry guests for a management cocktail by the main pool followed by a Maldivian night with barbecue dinner on the beach and Bodu Beru dances and music.

Resort Manager Elza Artiaga shared a thank you message that was posted live on Facebook during the reception.

To celebrate its 1st anniversary, the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has launched a special half board package that guarantees up to 40% discount as part of its limited-period celebrations. Special anniversary prices start from *USD619++ and can be booked until 30 September 2016 and are valid for stays up to 30 April 2017.

The deluxe 53-key resort has the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives.

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

ABOUT THE OUTRIGGER KONOTTA MALDIVES RESORT

The award winning Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers guests the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives. Comprising 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and a Presidential Villa, the resort offers a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury. Captivate your senses with innovative dining concepts, the Navasana Spa, and high-end facilities. In between your diving lesson and massage, indulge in sumptuous Maldivian cuisine or a glass of white Burgundy in one of our restaurants or the comfort of your villa. As the sun sets, sample Japanese single malts at our Teppan bar while drinking in endless ocean views. Visit outriggermaldives.com

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