American luxury hotel chain Outrigger has acquired the newly renovated five-star Maafushivaru Resort in South Ari Atoll.
About 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé, the resort is comprised of a collection of 81 luxury villa styles including beach, pool and duplex accommodations as well as overwater bungalows. Its seven restaurants, bars and cafés offer cuisine ranging from Asian to Mediterranean. After extensive modernisation, the property was renamed Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.
“There are few destinations that evoke higher levels of relaxation, elegance and seclusion than the Maldives. This resort is the perfect addition to our array of global beachfront properties,” said Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group. “With travel on the rise, we look forward to welcoming our global guests to the Maldives and curating unforgettable Outrigger Signature Experiences that allow visitors to appreciate Maldivian culture in an iconic beachfront setting.”
Wagoner added: “Respecting local host culture and fostering a deep appreciation for the communities in which we operate is key to the Outrigger experience. As Outrigger nears its 75th anniversary this year, we look forward to celebrating this new luxury property in the Maldives as part of the next chapter for our premier beach resort brand.”
Signature Experiences include taking part in coral reef restoration under the brand’s environmental stewardship platform, Outrigger’s ZONE (OZONE), and joining underwater dive adventures with a resident marine biologist to spot manta rays at nearby coral reefs.
General Manager John Allanson, an industry veteran who has previously served the brand, will take the helm at the Maafushivaru Resort, according to Outrigger. The Honolulu-based company operates hotels, condominiums, and vacation resort properties in Hawaii, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Indian Ocean.
