HONOLULU, Hawaii—Hawaii-based Outrigger Hotels and Resorts continues to expand its global portfolio with the announcement that it has purchased from its partner, Geoffrey Shaw, the complete shareholding in the ownership company of Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji, and his privately held Castaway Island, Fiji—a private-island escape accessible only by boat, seaplane, or helicopter. The transaction closed on Jan. 31 for an undisclosed amount. Shaw will continue as a consultant to Outrigger.
“This acquisition is consistent with the strategic growth of Outrigger in the Asia-Pacific region,” said David Carey, president and chief executive officer of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “With over 66 years of experience in tropical resort destinations, our full acquisition of these two beautiful, absolute beachfront properties fits perfectly with our expansion strategies. We plan to have Outrigger resorts in the best beachfront locations in the best resort destinations in the Asia-Pacific region,” he added.
The Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji is located on a 346-acre piece of beachfront property in the heart of Fiji’s Coral Coast, a one hour’s drive from Nadi International Airport. Construction of the resort commenced in late 1998, with Shaw’s company overseeing the hotel’s development. Outrigger purchased a minority interest during the construction stage and provided extensive technical support throughout the development period. The resort opened on Oct. 1, 2000, and today is branded the Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji.
Shaw was instrumental in the property’s success over the past thirteen years. He obtained the necessary government approvals and community consent to redevelop the site into his vision of a unique Fijian waterfront village, combining individual bungalow and hotel room accommodations set amongst tropical vegetation. The task included moving a portion of the Queen’s Highway, the main road between Nadi and the capital city of Suva, and transplanting 250,000 tropical plants and trees. Today, the resort offers individual bungalows set amongst the gardens and beachside along the water’s edge, together with modern low-rise hotel rooms and suites, swimming pools, multiple restaurants, and a wide range of recreational facilities.
Castaway Island, Fiji is a private-island resort located in the heart of Fiji’s Mamanuca Island group approximately 18 miles offshore from the main Fijian island of Viti Levu. The island’s 174 acres are covered in rich tropical rainforest and surrounded by white sand beaches, coral reefs, and the azure waters of the South Pacific.
The resort offers sixty-six bungalows featuring traditional Fijian style thatched roofs. Air conditioned interiors feature natural rattan and local timber furnishings and high vaulted ceilings lined with hand painted ‘tapa’ cloth—each one a unique and individual design. Amenities include two fresh water swimming pools, four restaurants and bars, a wide range of water sports, and activities including PADI scuba diving, surfing, and a kids club.
Operations of both resorts will be overseen by the Outrigger Asia-Pacific team from its regional offices in Phuket, Thailand. “We are excited to have both of these outstanding resorts in our portfolio. The unique and natural service culture of Fiji is a perfect fit for the Outrigger Brand,” said Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger managing director, Asia-Pacific.
