Outrigger Acquires Two Fiji Properties

Outrigger Lagoon Fiji: Sundowner Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji join the Outrigger portfolio as 'owned and managed' resorts

Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji Download image here Hawaii-based Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality companies in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions, continues to expand its global portfolio of absolute beachfront properties with the announcement today that it has purchased from its partner, Mr. Geoffrey Shaw, the complete shareholding in the ownership company of Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji, and his privately held Castaway Island, Fiji -- an iconic "private" island escape accessible only by boat, seaplane or helicopter. The two award-winning resorts combine to offer the perfect Fiji islands holiday experience. The transaction closed on January 31, 2014, for an undisclosed amount and gives Outrigger 100% ownership of Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji. "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. Since starting its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region in 2008, Outrigger has grown its global presence to include properties currently open or under development in Australia; Guam; Bali; Phuket and Phi Phi Island, Thailand; Mauritius; Hainan Island, China; and Vietnam. Mr. Shaw will continue as a consultant to Outrigger. "We have enjoyed a long working relationship with Geoff and look forward to utilizing his expertise as a consultant as Outrigger continues to work with the Fijian community to welcome visitors to the islands," Mr. Carey said. Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji The Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji is located on a 140 hectare (346 acre) piece of beachfront property in the heart of Fiji's Coral Coast, one hour's drive from Nadi International Airport. Australian businessman, Geoffrey Shaw, as company owner and developer of the hotel site, selected Outrigger Hotels and Resorts to manage the resort on opening, largely because of the success and values the Outrigger brand brings in operating hotels and resorts in island destinations. Construction of the resort commenced in late 1998, with Mr.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 October 1, 2000, and today is branded the Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji. According to Mr. Carey, Mr. Shaw has been 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 'bure' and hotel room accommodations set amongst lush tropical vegetation.The herculean 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, individual bures 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, combine with the genuine hospitality of the Fijians to deliver a unique guest experience. Castaway Island, Fiji Download image here Castaway Island, Fiji Castaway Island, Fiji is a pristine private island resort located in the heart of Fiji's Mamanuca Island group approximately 30 kilometres (18 miles) offshore from the main Fijian island of Viti Levu. The island's 70 hectares (174 acres) are covered in rich tropical rainforest and surrounded by white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and the azure waters of the South Pacific. Sixty-six spacious bungalow 'bures' featuring traditional Fijian style thatched roofs are nestled amongst lush tropical gardens or beachside at the water's edge. Stylish 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. This private island resort, which boasts an annual 44% guest return rate, offers two fresh water swimming pools, four restaurants and bars, a wide range of water sports and activities including PADI scuba diving, surfing, and a renowned kids club. Operations of both Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island 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. For more information on Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji, or to make reservations, visit www.outrigger.com or call toll free 800-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444). You can also e-mail reservations@outrigger.com or contact your preferred travel agent.