Hotel Insider: Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

The welcome

When I arrive at the jetty, I feel like the only person at the resort. There is no welcome to speak of, and it feels desolate. I battle with my bags three-quarters of the way down before I’m greeted by a staff member. Despite the rocky start, the check-in process, explanation of the layout of the resort and buggy ride to my villa are prompt and informative.

The neighbourhood

The Outrigger Maldives is in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, 30 minutes from Kaadedhdhoo Airport. It sits 50 kilometres from the equator, which makes for spectacular sunsets and sunrises. The atmosphere here is much quieter than other Maldivian resorts I’ve been to, and I very rarely see anyone else, which is nice, particularly if you come from a busy city.

The room

I’m staying in a 211-square-metre open-plan beach pool villa with a king bed, which offers direct access to the beach, has a 4.8-metre private outdoor pool, a deck with sun-loungers, outdoor rain shower and a bathroom with a tub that looks out onto the beach. The sensor-driven night lights are welcome during the evening, but when I run the bath the water is tinged red and takes a while to clear. There is some confusion around light switches and I have trouble regulating the temperature.

The service

The staff I encounter are all friendly and intuitive. I have some great chats with the restaurant staff and room service attendants. I find it odd there’s no explanation about the hydrotherapy pool experience at the resort’s Navana Spa prior to being taken into the pool area, but I figure it out and enjoy the jets for the half-hour I am in there.

The scene

It is so quiet during my stay, that it is hard to pick up on a particular vibe. It is comfortable and tranquil, and the other guests are seen in passing or on the beach. When I stay, the resort pool is not operational due to a burst pipe, which is not ideal, but guests are advised of this before their stay.

The food

There are two dining options – Blue Salt, an international all-day dining spot, and a more elegant Japanese restaurant called Nala Rah (Maldivian for beautiful island). At Blue Salt, I enjoy the bakery birdcage with its freshly baked pastries and poached eggs with mushroom and spinach for breakfast, while for lunch I opt for the Maldivian tuna curry (US$35 [Dh129]), a great local choice. In the evening at Nala Rah, the food is fresh and well cooked. Our sushi master wows us with his grill skills as he prepares for us the Kaiseki Ryori chef’s creative course menu (US$146 [Dh536]), which includes a selection of options including hata (Maldivian grouper), Australian Angus beef tenderloin and yakimeshi (Japanese fried rice). For more intimate options, there are private beach or in-villa dining experiences.

Loved

The direct beach access from my villa and the force of the jets in the hydro pool, which I enjoy before my 90-minute signature massage ($245 [Dh899]) at the spa.

Hated

The resident parrot who is forever swooping guests while they’re eating at Blue Salt.

The verdict

Ideal for honeymooners and couples looking for a memorable, secluded getaway.

The bottom line

Villas at Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort (www.outriggermaldives.com) start from Dh2,402 per room per night, including breakfast, taxes and free Wi-Fi.

This review was done at the invitation of the hotel.

mhealy@thenational.ae