Since buying a partially completed private island resort in the Maldives in September last year, the Outrigger Enterprises Group has been hard at work putting its own stamp on what was, at one point, earmarked to be a Raffles property. Open August 1, the private-island Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort on Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, 340 kilometres south of Male, comprises 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and a Presidential Villa, each oriented for maximum privacy – especially important as this resort, in a prime honeymoon location, caters for both families and couples. Outrigger have gone for a simple, clean interior design with tones to match, not compete with, the stunning location.
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But the privately owned hospitality group hopes it's in the service offerings that their new baby will excel. These start – after the 55-minute flight to Kaadedhdhoo Airport – on the 30-minute luxury speedboat transfer, where check-in is completed so guests can get straight into their island experience the minute they set foot on the jetty.
Outrigger also wants to make the resort dining experience "holiday-defining", as executive chef Jed Archdeacon puts it.
"We want the Outrigger island setting, taste and service to be a highlight, maybe the highlight of the whole holiday experience."
That applies to both quality of food and beverage (the signature breakfast is salmon and truffle scrambled eggs served with shaved truffles and salmon caviar) and its presentation. Diners will be treated to such event dishes as a salt and charcoal baked chicken, marinated for 24 hours in wild mushrooms and truffle, wrapped in dough, baked till the crust is hard, then cracked open with a hammer at the table.
Of course, Indian Ocean seafood features.
"Whatever is available locally is featured on our menus – freshly caught line reef fish, yellowfin tuna and lobster," says Archdeacon, of the menus across four outlets: Blue Salt for international and regional dining; Poolside dining overlooking the ocean; the Nala Rah teppan and sushi bar; and in-villa dining with the option of a personal chef and butler.
Opening rates, applicable to October 31, start at $US516 for a Beach Pool Villa. See outrigger.com.
